Dedicated followers of sustainable fashion

CC: Rights Slava Zaitsev Moscow Fashion House

While the fight against single-use plastic continues to gain mainstream momentum, another wasteful industry that experiences a popular backlash is fashion. More and more, we’re becoming aware of the hideous environmental damage caused by our addiction to cheap clothes.

London Fashion Week saw activist Rose McGowan and the executive director of Greenpeace, John Sauven, speak out on the runway at Vivienne Westwood’s Homo Loquax show – an anti-consumerist and climate change protest. Simultaneously, environmental action group Extinction Rebellion organised mass demonstrations demanding the fashion industry transform itself into "a force of cultural change.”

Meanwhile, the UK’s House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee recently shared its findings following investigations into the social and environmental impact of ‘fast’ fashion. One recommendation the 'Fixing Fashion' report makes is that the government should use the tax system to shift the balance of incentives in favour of reuse, repair and recycling to support responsible companies.

And after the extraordinary global report by the Ellen McArthur Foundation calling for New Textiles Economy, and its campaign, Make Fashion Circular, backed by some of fashion’s biggest brands, you could say the times they are a-changin'.


"IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN" – Kermit the Frog

Unsurprisingly, our community has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability. Here we revel in some of the creative ways Sugru-ers apply their fixer-maker spirit to fashion and its accessories.

kermit the frog on a branch


BUCKLE DOWN AND SPARKLE UP

The Hot Fox Jewelry Co., established in 2010 by Aurora Robinson, designs and creates contemporary handmade jewellery. Its eclectic everyday and statement pieces incorporate semi-precious stones, reclaimed leather, suede, vintage beads and other findings. This beautiful belt buckle, which was missing a piece of inlay, was rescued using some Sugru Mouldable Glue and vintage rhinestones. “Nothing like breathing life into something again.❤”

belt buckle jewellery fixed with Sugru


SILICONE MAGIC

Alison Counsell is an award-winning artist, designer, jeweller, maker, mapper, metalsmith and Sugru super-fan. Born in Zambia, she studied Silversmithing and Metalwork at London’s Camberwell School of Art and Crafts, then went on to the Royal College of Art to further develop her Metalwork and Jewellery expertise. Cast your eyes over some of her beautifully playful creations that amalgamate silicone and enamelled metal mesh with such breathtaking results.

Alison Counsell rings made of metal mesh and Sugru


Alison Counsell bracelets made of metal mesh and Sugru


Alison Counsell necklace made of metal mesh and Sugru


Alison Counsell necklace made of metal mesh and Sugru


JEWELLERY IS ALWAYS THE ANSWER 

Helga Stentzel is a Russian-born visual artist based in London. She trained at St. Martins and has worked as an Art Director in the advertising industry. A mum and committed DIY addict, her much-loved designs fill the social landscape with engaging creativity. As a long-time Sugru advocate, Helga’s latest jewellery designs and glasses hacks continue to dazzle.


Helga Stentzel drop earrings made with Sugru


But you don’t have to be a professional to excel in jewellery making. Unlike ordinary glues, Sugru is soft to touch and gives a 30-minute working time to get your design just right before it starts to cure. This makes it much easier to control and deliver a neater finish. Learn how to create homemade jewellery with Sugru and see how easy it is to use embossing and mould-making techniques.


Helga Stentzel ring made with Sugru


The truth is, Sugru and jewellery are meant for each other. It can bond all sorts of odd materials and shapes together. Search out interesting objects and knick-knacks from flea markets or thrift stores and make something truly personal, special and memorable. The creative possibilities are endless. Discover 15 unique Sugru jewellery projects


Helga Stentzel glasses with little dog made of Sugru


Helga Stentzel glasses with animal made of Sugru


ONE PERSON’S JUNK IS ANOTHER’S TREASURE.

That’s exactly the motivation behind these reclaimed little beauties. Read the story How To Transform Junk Into Gold and see the whole collection in all its wonderful glory.

jewellery made from bike parts and Sugru


HEY! GOOD LOOKING!

Mirror upcycled into jewellery holder with Sugru

And if you want somewhere to organise your jewellery creations and arrange any beauty-enhancing essentials, check out the page: How to organise your jewellery by upcycling a mirror.

  

PIMP YOUR PUMPS

There’s nothing like a favourite pair of shoes or boots. But what about the heartache when they’re on the way out? Fear not. Sugru is brilliant for repairing and modifying and generally prolonging the life of footwear – even laces. Mould it to fit any shape or colour, and once cured, it turns into a flexible, durable, waterproof rubber. Use it to seal leaky wellies, pimp your pumps, boss your boots or customise Converses. See How To Repair Your Shoes With Sugru and How To Customise & Hack Your Shoes With Sugru.

Shoes customised with Sugru


Shoe soles customised with Sugru


Rain boots customised with Sugru


Marilyn Monroe once said: “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” With this DIY fashion kitten heel makeover by MISSENOCHA, she could take on the universe.


Missenocha customised heels with Sugru


FIXERS ARE COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET

Before the mass market ushered in our throwaway culture, it was traditional that many of us would mend and alter our clothes – without expletives. Such skills were passed down through the generations. Thankfully, a massive revival in fixing and customising second-hand or pre-owned, pre-loved garments is taking shape as we all radically rethink our relationship with ‘fast’ fashion. Read this brilliant article about some of the enlightened figures at the forefront of the backlash, and see our post on The Art Of Repair. A fixed thing is a beautiful thing.

Jacket with zipper fixed with Sugru

MAKING IS GOOD

If you’re interested in progressive fashion brands and designers that have really taken the upcycling message to heart, see our post on Making Fantastic Trashion. Inspiring stuff.

“I'M JUST TRYING TO CHANGE THE WORLD, ONE SEQUIN AT A TIME.” – Lady Gaga

Fashion Revolution is a global movement that strives to shine a light on fashion industry practices and encourage change through positive action. As pro-fashion protesters, rather than shaming and guilt-tripping, they advocate learning and uniting to ensure that our clothing is made in a safe, clean and fair way. Find out where your local events are happening on their website and get involved. 

Whether you’re a fixer, a maker, eco fashionista or mould-breaker, we’d love to hear from you. For your chance to win some Sugru, share a photo with us using #mysugrufix on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Someone always wins.