REFORM

After all the hoopla from the recent New York, London, Paris, and Milan fashion shows, it is nice to get back to basics and think about what might be essential for tweaking the-olde-green closet. Granted there is some impressive sustainable technology currently being used in eco-fashion and greener garment production, but it is also nice to see a movement towards the tailoring of old-made-new materials via thrift store sifting and creative construction. A range of designers are recycling luxury fabrics into eco-chic creations, while others are transforming caste-off materials into totally edgy designs. We are not advocating dumpster diving per se, but in the spirit of Cradle to Cradle authors McDonough and Braungart, why not remake the way that we make things as well as wear them from start to finish?

Modati would like to announce another little project that is in the works: REFORM, a line of clothing and accessories born from unwanted and reused materials.

We are currently working with several local designers to launch a new line just in time for summer.

The other part of this project involves teaching the local community how to accomplish these idea themselves. We are working to create a website that showcases local designers works, as well instructions on how to create these garments yourself. In essence this project belongs withing the DIY network. We believe in supporting the local art/craft/design scene and would like to give props to those considering our needs and wants, with regards to the environment.

We are also starting to teach classes at the Neutral Zone in Ann Arbor to foster the next generation of creatives.

MONDAY MARCH 31st marks the opening of this class. Come by the Neutral Zone at 6 to check it out. All are welcome.

This class is intended to introduce the basics of sewing and garment construction, while encouraging students original style.

“You are a generation of hip, creative, resourceful DIY warriors: Bored by traditional clothing, you want something a bit more suited to your unique personality. You like fashion, but don't want to become retail clones or slaves to commercial logos or fashion magazines. Come, be inspired, become an alternative, learn, share, grow. This is a class that will encompass all the basic techniques you will need to become your own fashion designer. We will deconstruct, design, cut and sew our way through several projects that will rework some of your existing wardrobe and refresh your outlook on what fashion really can be.”