Crafting Change: From Waste to Wardrobe

Climate Weeks Spotlight on Upcycled Designs and Textile Waste Solutions

I’m back! Going to LA Climate Week and Climate Week NYC in an almost back-to-back fashion was a new experience for me. Showcasing my upcycled fashion creations and speaking in climate-focused panel discussions were both a privilege and an honor, yet another milestone unlocked for this budding artist. I apologize for this late entry, however I hope you will enjoy this recap. Also, read through the end for my first micro batch collection plan!

My fashion showcase during Green Filmmaking & Fashion presentation in New York. From left to right: Nina, Bridget, me, and Ishita. Photo by Nick Pflederer.

During LA Climate Week, I was one of the three designers showcasing seven upcycled fashion looks during “Threads of Earth: A Slow Fashion Journey through Nature and Culture” event on Friday, September 13th. With Clementina Martinez-Masarweh of DNA Threds (also producer and host for the event) and Manny Jackson of Thread Haus. In line with the theme, I presented looks that feature my Indonesian heritage, rich in its textile art and cultural symbolisms.
 

Recognizing and thanking Clementina for inviting me to the first ever LA Climate Week through “Threads of Earth” event. Kristy Drutman sat on my right. Photo courtesy of LA Climate Week.

Long-time Fafafoom Studio followers and newsletter readers might recognize garments from previous Bay Area showcases, making their repeat appearances in different ways. The “Modern Ethnic” ensemble, made in summer 2022 using antique Indonesian ikat textile, had its runway debut in two looks on the runway. 

Isabella wore the top part of the Modern Ethnic ensemble during the Threads of Earth event in LA.

The “Hopeful Tomorrow” diaphanous embroidered tulle ensemble, first seen during Hem & Jaleo exhibition (2023), as well as SF Climate Week 2024 and Fashion Fantasia 2024 never fails to elicit happy squeals and smiles from the models. 

Likewise with the red apron-style Batik dress and the peach-colored, satin tuxedo-striped palazzo pants. Last but not least, the teal green Godet Dress, previously worn by renowned flamenco artist Clara Rodriguez made its triumphant return, fresh out of its hem repair job. 

Group picture with my models after the Threads of Earth fashion show. From left to right: Grace, Maya, Izzie, Shaelyn, me, Isabelle, Zoe, and Andrea.

I incorporated my cultural identities in styling this special collection. Scarfs from my mother, mother-in-law, and my aunt completed the looks in an undeniably Javanese Indonesian flavor. I also added a few scarfs from my Javanese wayang wong dance costume to a couple of outfits. For the general public, they are aesthetically pleasing. For those who recognize the patterns and motifs, they would know that I’m of Javanese origin, and would be able to pinpoint where each textile piece comes from, based on the colors and motifs. 

This is the kind of connection we have mostly lost in today’s modern dressing, aside from very few rare occasions. Creating a symbiotic relationship between ourselves and the garments we choose to wear can be really powerful, as it encourages us to act or behave in certain regenerative ways, helping us to be present and grounded in this ever-changing world. 

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Because I had the opportunity to showcase my cultural heritage alongside my upcycled fashion garments, I chose to create three “new” upcycled garments for both LA and New York Climate Week fashion presentations. The garments are an extension of my square-based garment study, as well as an exploration of a typical Javanese Batik motif kawung. Each square has 17” sides, not including the seam allowance.

Creating the three kawung garments in my studio.

Kawung motif is commonly found in Javanese Batik, most likely as an all-over filler background motif. As mentioned during one of my Batik Storytelling Conclusion May 2024 paid issue, it’s a stylized form of palm seeds. They symbolize perfection and purity from when one was born. When one is given a textile with this motif, the giver wants the recipient to develop their potential, cultivate wisdom, and become a contributing member of the community. 

Given their grounding and encouraging attributes, I felt creating kawung garments was the perfect choice to explore the new frontiers of LA and New York Climate Weeks. During the Green Filmmaking & Slow Fashion presentation in New York on Saturday, September 21st, I brought all three kawung garment studies, alongside a peach/pink/brownish look that featured my gardening jacket. The theme for the event was Fall-ing into Your Values, a more romantic fall garden vibes of slow fashion. 

Wearing my kawung top with Bridget, Ishita, and Nina during the Green Filmmaking & Fashion event, New York. Photo by Nick Pflederer.

All of the presenters, designers, and models of Green Filmmaking & Fashion event at The High Line Hotel, New York.

Now, let’s talk about each of the three kawung garments, and which ones I plan to create a micro batch for sale :) 

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