Gloria Jane Royer - Putting sustainability at the heart of fashion

Kent-based designer is working closely with sustainable design solutions to project a waste-free mindset in fashion

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Kent-based fashion designer Gloria Jane Royer is setting about raising awareness of the need to think more sustainably in the fashion world.

Royer curated a hugely successful event on Sunday 1 December at Turner Contemporary, to highlight the the current fast fashion environmental crisis to consumers.

Bringing together a group of eight different fashion designers, local to Kent, Royer curated two collaborative fashion shows showing everyone's unique collections made from waste material.

“I used a selection of designers I have met over my years in the industry, who work with a similar mindset, as well as a local backstage team of photographers, videographers, make-up artists and hair dressers! The show looked amazing yielding a big audience,” says Royer.

The event was a part of the Waste Free Winter Market run by Future Foundry, an organisation bringing a platform for young creatives to showcase and sell their sustainable creative works.

One of those included Lorna Doyle, who was featured in the AUT19 Edition of ‘cene Magazine HERE, who creates bags and artworks from recycled wetsuits.

Designers Showcased Included:

Erin Laurel Hayhow: Her brand says NO to FAST FASHION. It is her intention to help solve our global waste crisis by creating imaginative solutions to unwanted materials.

Gloria Jane Royer: Using unusual waste materials by identifying environmentally damaging waste streams, Gloria reimagines old materials into unique one-off garments. She has previously collaborated with Herne Bay Sailing Club and Demelza Hospice Charity Shop in Canterbury to reimagine old worn sails and deadstock wedding dresses. Her aesthetic plays on avenues of femininity, distorting and celebrating the female form.

Jimmy Howe: Using unwanted fabrics donated by brands and mills. Thinking consciously about how fabrics are made without the use of machines. Gathering old garments and reusing the zips, trimmings and materials

Jonny Teasdale: Inspired by the ethos of brutalism, garments are evolved utilising zero-waste pattern cutting techniques, using sustainable fabrics to achieve innovative and functional clothing with a low environmental impact.

Emma Brimson: Looking at how childish things scare us as adults and a mirror on the current political situation we all find ourselves in. Emma creates her collection from old garments reimagining them into conceptual pieces.

Lorna Doyle: Rescuing wetsuits from her local community, she recycles the waste material into bags with innovative textile designs.

Shannen Maria Samuel: "Throwbacks and Throwaways", Shannen combines waste material and disregarded clothing into playful one-off garments with an eerie twist.

Iona Heywood: Aiming to reuse as much as possible while using materials which are naturally produced, Iona aims to push the excitement of a new world of sustainability whilst still designing clothes which can be unique and comfortable Womenswear.

Images of the event were taken by Margate-based photographer Felicia Buena.