Denim Among Easiest Materials for Fashion Upcycling

Denim is considered one of the easiest materials to use in fashion upcycling processes. its characteristics of being stronger and more stable make it easier to reconstruct into new wearable products. Guillaume Oger, Deputy Director of Academic programmes at Esmod Jakarta, explained that the main challenge in upcycling is the non-uniform condition of donated clothing. Each garment has different fabric types, colours, wear levels, and conditions. ‘The design created will be heavily influenced by the clothing received,’ said Guillaume, citing Antara, Thursday (28 May). He added that Esmod students must analyse each garment to determine which parts can be preserved, reused, or combined with other materials. The process is challenging in itself as upcycling demands not only design creativity but also understanding of fabric characteristics and garment construction techniques. compared to denim, materials like jersey or shirts are considered more complex to process as they are prone to shape change during reconstruction. ‘In collaboration with Uniqlo for recycling and upcycling, students are challenged to transform used materials into new products that are not only design-wise appealing but also practical and wearable. Uniqlo is strengthening its sustainability campaign through an upcycling project with Esmod Jakarta at its new store, Uniqlo Plaza Indonesia.Through the Remake Project with Esmod Jakarta collaboration, customer donated clothes from the Re.Uniqlo programme are transformed into contemporary fashion collections. One Esmod student, Jose, and his group presented a collection titled ’Not Your Basics’. He repurpose four pairs of old trousers into a jacket using an elevated basic approach with hidden details.‘This jacket is made from four pairs of trousers that were taken apart and reassembled with a new pattern,’ said Jose. Sixty-five first and second-year Esmod Jakarta students created 16 looks, displayed in a mannequin installation at the store. The entire collection was made from pre-collected used Uniqlo clothing. Director of Corporate Affairs at PT Fast Retailing Indonesia, Maria Irma Yunita, stated that this project is part of Uniqlo’s effort to give new value to unused clothing. ‘It comes from something good, and we also want to contribute to something greater and better,’ said Irma.