Just Atelier announces pop-up project Unstitched 2017

Unstitched will take place in the entire month of April and include a diverse programme for all ages to engage in repairing, restyling or upcycling garments. Organisers are looking for any local textile artists or craftspeople who are interested in leading a workshop to get in touch.

“Unstitched will be a positive space for everyone in the community to engage with the ideas that fashion can be made in safe, clean and beautiful ways. It is about ‘unpicking’ the misconceptions about fashion, such as: fashion is inherently exploitative and that sweatshops are necessary; that ethical fashion is boring and inaccessible; and that there is nothing consumers can do to have any impact on the world's second largest polluting industry,” said Fiona Jenkin, co-founder, Just Atelier.

“Unstitched will give everyone the opportunity to not only learn about the issues in the fashion industry, but to get involved in activities that make every stitch count,” added Jenkin.

“UDB provides space for new ideas in our cities, assisting in urban revitalisation. This year, Just Atelier created a colourful and unique experience in the heart of the city to engage the community in socially and environmentally positive fashion initiatives. UDB is delighted to hear that they wish to return and extend their project in 2017. This will allow more community the opportunity to participate in their fantastic project,” said Tamsin Cooper, Dunedin Broker.

Initial funding for this project has been granted through Creative NZ’s Creative Communities grants scheme, and through the DCC Community Grants scheme. Early next year the public will have a chance to be part of bringing the project to life through crowd-funding with Boosted.

“We are particularly pleased to hear that Just Atelier are planning to have the space open for a month, as there is a great opportunity to share the message more widely this time around and have extra workshop times available for participants. We thank Just Atelier for their hard work in promoting sustainable fashion, buying local and minimising waste, and look forward to another successful Unstitched event,” said Ashlea Muston, Keep Dunedin Beautiful coordinator. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India