Making upcycling goods using waste uniforms
Background
More than 60% of clothes are made of synthetic fibers made of plastic, and throwing them
away is the same as throwing away plastic. The EU is also aware of the seriousness of textile
wastes and is strengthening regulations to create sustainable and cyclical textile ecological
crabs. Then, I thought about whether there was a way to reuse uniforms, a representative
clothing waste generated by companies, and I started researching the production of upcycling
goods using discarded uniforms after finishing the use.
Concept
We collected the discarded uniforms from Hera Department Store, which were no longer in use due to a redesign, and proceeded with the production of the merchandise.
We designed the merchandise to preserve the original material and characteristics of the uniforms, and during the upcycling process, we aimed to use as much of the uniforms as possible to minimize additional environmental pollution.
Additionally, we planned the products to be reusable rather than single-use.
Process
The production of Hera’s upcycled goods made from discarded uniforms was a collaborative effort with OYK Studio, which also worked on the design of Hera’s new uniforms.
First, we separated the fabric, buttons, stoppers, strings, and other accessories from the discarded Hera uniforms and considered potential goods items that could be produced.
We then confirmed their feasibility.
Although there were many limitations in terms of shape due to the uniforms already being used, we aimed to create goods with both design and functional completeness while maintaining the goal of using only the discarded uniforms.
Pouch (S /M size)
The S-size pouch is made using the sleeves from a winter uniform coat.
The sleeve lining is exposed on the inside, and a string closure is added.
The rubber string and stopper for the closure are sourced from the waist accessories of the uniform vest.
The M-size pouch was made by preserving the pocket elements from the spring/fall uniform vest, and the buttons, strings, and stoppers were used as-is.
Additionally, a rough upcycling vibe was achieved through partially frayed edges.
Cushion Pouch
We created a cushion pouch that allows users to easily carry Hera’s signature black cushion.
We utilized the fabric from discarded uniform pants, keeping the pockets intact, to create a cushion pouch that can also hold small items like lip balm or accessories.
Hair accessories (scrunchie / hairband)
We used the stand-up collar neckline, belt, and rubber strings from the uniform shirts and vests to create two types of scrunchies in S and M sizes.
The size tags and buttonholes from the original shirts were retained to preserve the upcycled aesthetic.
This project, which upcycles used uniforms into unique goods,
is one of the ways the brand can practice environmental and social responsibility.
We hope that such values for nature continue to spread in various ways.
is one of the ways the brand can practice environmental and social responsibility.
We hope that such values for nature continue to spread in various ways.
- Amorepacific Creatives
- Designer
- 김경진, 손강혁
- Design Studio
- OYK Studio
- Photography
- 이윤진
- Model
- 박소연
