American brand Guess & Homeboy Industries announce Upcycled collection

In partnering with Guess, Homeboy Recycling has expanded from exclusively electronics recycling into the world of textiles and apparel. The two entities have created not only a new line of goods and apparel, but a new way to support environmental sustainability, facilitate creativity, create new jobs, and uplift the community, they said in a joint media release.

No two pieces in the Upcycled collection are alike as transforming recycled clothing yields distinctly unique pieces. The collection features tote bags, patchwork denim, bustiers, and throw pillows among other things.

“Homeboy Industries is grateful for the partnership with Guess for the Upcycled collection. We thank Guess for supporting our mission to provide hope, training, and support to this marginalised population, allowing them to change the arc of their lives and become contributing members of the community,” said Chris Zwicke, CEO of Homeboy Industries. “Through this partnership, our employees at our fastest growing social enterprise, Homeboy Recycling, will gain more job skills and training, which we are very excited about.”

“The Upcycled collection in collaboration with Homeboy Industries is designed with the hope that each piece can give purpose to a member of the community who can learn the skills needed to turn discarded merchandise into desirable, commodified items with an eye to the fashion set. The designs are determined by the resources at hand, which are carefully organised and sorted. The product range is fashion to non-fashion pieces, so there is something for everyone. And the true joy is the wonderment around the former life of each piece and how it came to be,” said Amy Enuke, Young Contemporary Design director.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)