San Francisco’s fashion scene is witnessing a new wave of designers committed to sustainability, transforming scrap materials into innovative fashion collections.
Emerging designers in San Francisco are challenging the traditional fashion industry with a growing commitment to sustainability by utilizing scrap materials and discarded fabric to create their collections. One such designer, Joey Ehrenberg, is gaining attention for his emerging brand J.Ehren, which features garments crafted from materials scavenged from the city streets. Ehrenberg, who is just 22 years old, described his designs as a protest against consumerism, stating, “It’s a direct commentary on consumption and the flaws in our modern existence. It’s a protest against our own destruction, and it’s about taking action to shift our course, one piece of trash at a time.”
Ehrenberg’s showcase occurred on a chilly Saturday in the Castro, where models donned unique creations such as leather bibs and velvety shorts, stepping onto an improvised runway outside MAG Galleries. This event was part of “Garbage Age Fashion and Art,” a broader exhibition organized by the artist collective Piles of San Francisco, which creatively engages with the concept of waste and textile re-use.
In addition to Ehrenberg’s efforts, numerous designers in the local scene are adopting similar approaches that emphasize ‘trash fashion.’ For instance, By Vicious, a label spearheaded by community organizer Vile Honey, is known for hosting runway shows that spotlight emerging designers committed to sustainability. Tori Ewald has also joined the movement, launching Delicate Cycle, a brand focusing on upcycled T-shirts.
Reflecting on his journey into fashion, Ehrenberg explained that his upbringing influenced his resourcefulness. He grew up in South Carolina in a family that faced financial constraints, which instilled in him the practice of upcycling. For his clothing line, he utilized discarded upholstery, “ice-dyed” tapestry materials, and scrap leather, provided by fellow Piles Collective member Liz Cahill.
The mission towards sustainable fashion is also evident in the work of Hailey Slocum, who launched her own brand Neverend last November. Previously a senior designer at Levi’s, Slocum created the brand with a focus on avant-garde aesthetics she felt were lacking within standard sustainability narratives. She expressed a desire for her designs to be “high fashion and avant-garde, cool as hell — no crunchy, boxy, unflattering, raw flax crap.” After departing from Levi’s, she began exploring second-hand sources like The Legacy thrift store and local estate sales to gather materials for her distinctive pieces, which include mesh dresses and intricate cargo skirts.
Slocum noted the practical challenges associated with sustainability, sharing that her experiences at Levi’s revealed a troubling trend in fabric prices. “Even when I was working at Levi’s, we constantly saw fabric price increases,” she said, reinforcing her decision to source everything second-hand for her new venture.
The emergence of these local designers underscores a significant shift in the fashion industry, particularly in a city known for its progressive values and innovation. While the challenge of fast fashion looms large, these creatives demonstrate a strong inclination toward sustainability by turning what some might consider waste into fashion statements.
Source: Noah Wire Services
