An activist upcycled fashion show, protesting the environmental and humanitarian issues of the fashion industry, climate change and more. Highlighting some of these problems through 'upcycling' (re-working/creating clothing and textiles to give them new life/purpose/style) and celebrating local Upcyclists and their work through The Upcycle Collective Aotearoa.
The show is about empowerment, inventiveness, and grassroots community rebelling against harmful norms that are destroying our environment and people. Honouring our inventive natures and individual identities, through collective strength and support are very important to upcyclist/activist/artist Lucy-Mae (England/Canada/Jamaica) who founded Fashion Rebellion Aotearoa and The Upcycle Collective Aotearoa.
Lucy’s work (pictured), will be part of the show, along with a group of other Upcyclists from around NZ along with special guest designer Jeanine Clarkin. There will be many themes addressed and presented during the show - &nbsp;including political, environmental, cultural and personal.
Army jackets have been upcycled using a range of techniques, screenprinting, and sewing different types of fabric scraps, from different cultures, African wax prints, Indian sari edges, Asian material and some vintage floral English. The face depicted is hand-designed, hand-cut stencil work and represents those victims of the systems of oppression that have been enabled by capitalism and consumerism, colonization and the patriarchy. It says ‘Love Revolution is here’, and speaks to how badly women are treated around the world, particularly the garment factory workers, and that despite colonial capitalism, we are here, using our power, with love and hope, fighting to protect and recognise the land, water, and people’s rights.
This event will be in collaboration with <a href="https://www.holdingspaceaotearoa.org/">Holding Space Aotearoa</a>, during their <a href="https://aucklandclimatefestival.vercel.app/events/holding-space-creative-showcase-2023">Creative Showcase</a> event, presenting new music releases by Songwriters 4 Climate Action. With support from local activist groups and independent candidate Brooke Pao Stanley and Green party members. This show aims to promote and inspire system change, climate action, industry regulation, a new kind of upcycled, circular, sustainable future that empowers culture and our connection to our ancestors and whenua.

Fashion Rebellion Show