The concept of reusing, recycling and reclaiming materials is no new phenomenon, as anyone who has lived through wartime will tell you. In World War 2, women were encouraged to ‘make do and mend’, and even new garments were subject to scrutiny – new fabric was scarce, so fashions were as minimalist as possible. In fact, guidelines were even written on the subject:
Interestingly, the make-do-and-mend ethic was maintained even in the 1970s and early 80s, with innovative seamstresses such as Ann Ladbury demonstrating on TV and in books how to work magic on tired old outfits. Even girls’ magazines such as Jackie promoted the idea. The recession-hit 1970s may have been a glum times for some, but many a young lady (and even the odd young man) were inspired to create their own looks.
Even literary heroines have been known to knock up something spectacular out of household objects, the most famous of which has to be Scarlett O’ Hara from Gone With the Wind:
The moss green velvet curtains felt prickly and soft beneath her cheek and she rubbed her face against them gratefully, like a cat. And then suddenly she looked at them.
“Scoot up to the attic and get my box of dress patterns, Mammy”, she cried, giving her a slight shove. “I’m going to have a new dress.”
So you see, it is possible to make beauty out of leftovers, and that’s what we do at Freaky Styley. Not only do we have ready-made garments, lovingly crafted from recycled and reclaimed items, but you can also request an item if there’s something specific you’ve got your eye on.
Visit us here and if you can’t find something to suit, just drop us a line!
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