Wearing @Neftali_Blanco available at @Marketvintagelaindustria - photos @rutdomene mua @arquimedesllorens_maquillador

In an era of growing environmental consciousness, the fashion industry is increasingly embracing sustainable practices. Two buzzworthy terms that have gained prominence in recent years are "refashioned" and "upcycled." Does one sound better than the other ? I recently asked my followers on instagram for their opinion. Because I believe herein lies a mean to combat fast fashion, breathing new life into garments by reimagining their purpose and design. Alongside them, "restyled" and "redesigned" play a crucial role in transforming tired fashion into unique, eco-friendly pieces. So here I go to try and make sense of meaning behind the words refashioned and upcycled fashion, exploring the artistry behind restyling and redesigning, and how they contribute to a more sustainable wardrobe.

Refashioning involves taking existing garments and altering them to create something entirely new. It's a creative process that requires vision and skill. Skilled artisans and designers meticulously deconstruct and repurpose fabrics, giving them a fresh lease on life. By refashioning, fashion enthusiasts can transform outdated pieces into trendy, one-of-a-kind garments that reflect their personal style. From turning a vintage dress into a contemporary jumpsuit to converting an old shirt into a chic handbag, the possibilities are endless.

Upcycling takes sustainability a step further by utilizing waste materials to create fashion-forward pieces. It involves repurposing discarded fabrics, trims, and accessories, breathing new life into what would have otherwise ended up in landfills. Designers and artisans showcase their ingenuity by transforming old jeans into trendy patchwork skirts or creating stunning handbags from repurposed seatbelts. The beauty of upcycled fashion lies in its ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, making a fashion statement while reducing waste.

Restyling and redesigning are words that came up in the conversation and are essential elements in the refashioning and upcycling process. They involve reimagining existing garments, altering their silhouettes, or adding embellishments to create a fresh aesthetic. With restyling, a vintage blazer can receive a modern twist through altered sleeves or a revamped collar. Redesigning, on the other hand, may involve combining different garments to create a brand-new piece, like a dress made from a repurposed shirt and skirt. These techniques allow for endless possibilities, ensuring that each creation is unique and sustainable. As words basically they all intergrate.

In the end whether it be refashioned, upcycled with restyling and redesigning it means reducing reliance on virgin materials and minimizing waste, and these approaches contribute to a circular economy. They also promote individuality and creativity which I believe is so fundamental to the survival of the human race. So what about the words as they all mean essentially the same!!! As a conclusion it looks like it is up to the individual and the experience they have been exposed to. Although interesting to note that it also depended on the country as to how it was perceived. Within the english speaking world there seemed to be no difference in terms of meaning in Australia and New Zealand, where as in Europe definitely Refashion was preferred to denote something more covetable. Spain there didnt seem to be an equivalent term.

IF youre reading this what would be your take on the matter .. Do let me know it is definitely a work in progress !