Fashion enthusiast Gracie Opulanza is creating exquisite jewelry from forgotten 1980s designer buttons, blending vintage craftsmanship with modern sustainability.
In a celebration of vintage craftsmanship and the art of upcycling, fashion enthusiast and vintage advocate Gracie Opulanza is transforming forgotten buttons from iconic 1980s designer garments into exquisite jewelry. This unique venture is rooted in Opulanza’s appreciation for detailed design, particularly the intricate buttons once crafted by renowned fashion houses like Versace and Yves Saint Laurent.
Opulanza’s journey began in Hoi An, Vietnam, a location celebrated for its master silversmiths and goldsmiths. Known for its rich artisan community, Hoi An provided Opulanza the ideal setting to collaborate with local jewelry designers to breathe new life into vintage buttons. She expressed her motivation, stating, “This journey wasn’t just about preserving history—it was about creating new legacies.”
The process of upcycling involves meticulous attention to detail. Opulanza sources authentic buttons from garments such as jackets, coats, and suits, designed with the striking aesthetics characteristic of the 1980s. These high-quality vintage buttons, adorned with embossed logos and baroque elements, undergo a transformation to become wearable art. This includes techniques such as silver-dipping and gold-plating, while others are fashioned into statement rings or cuff bracelets, effectively merging past opulence with contemporary fashion.
For those curious about this transformation, Opulanza documents the intricate process on her YouTube channel, providing a visual walkthrough of turning these historic buttons into modern jewelry pieces. In her videos, she showcases how the Medusa-head buttons from Versace blazers evolve into striking rings, while Yves Saint Laurent buttons are repurposed as cufflinks and charm bracelets. This venture illustrates how sustainability can coexist with luxury.
Opulanza emphasizes that her collection caters to women who set trends rather than follow them, reflecting a unique fashion sensibility that values individual craftsmanship and sustainability. “When wearing one of these pieces, you’re not just wearing a bracelet or a ring; you’re carrying a story,” she noted, highlighting the personal connection that each piece bears.
This movement transcends mere fashion; it advocates for reconceptualizing how society perceives vintage elements in clothing. Rather than disposing of these historical pieces, Opulanza encourages a reimagining of their potential, suggesting endless opportunities for transformation—from belt buckles repurposed into pendants to brooches crafted into hairpins.
With each creation, Opulanza aims to honor the craftsmanship of the past while simultaneously promoting a sustainable fashion future. The transformation of vintage buttons symbolizes a larger narrative about valuing history in the modern era and the innovation that can stem from it. As she continues this journey, Opulanza hopes others will see the potential within their vintage collections, inspiring a movement toward sustainability and individuality in fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
