Recycled rubber on the catwalk
Designer hits ground running with latest RevWear entry
Gord Bowes, News Staff
Published on
Mar 04, 2010
Like a wedding dress, Aimee Archer’s latest design is probably going to be worn once and tucked away in a closet.
Unlike a taffeta or silk gown, however, the dress Archer is unveiling at RevWear this Saturday was well worn before it was sewn together.
Made from used tires and tubes donated by Mountain Tire, their circular structure made turning the rubber into a dress fairly easy, she says, but it still took about a week to prepare. Washing the tires took much of the time.
“It’s not very functional,” Archer laughs. “You probably couldn’t wear it every day.”
This year’s RevWear eco-fashion show is called “Starting From Scratch.” The show is set in a “post-apocalypse world where civilization has brought upon its dark fate as a result of climate change, mass extinction, scarcity and war,” says Sapphire Singh, organizer and co-founder.
The designs and performances in the show will demonstrate how humanity will need to rebuild itself to be self-sustainable, she says, and how healthy priorities and values might be reflected in future choices and actions.
Singh promises “shocking and provocative” pieces that are meant to provoke critical thought as well as through ready-to-wear pieces that demonstrate that reusing any material is easier than one would think.
“It's a fun way to get the message out,” says Archer. “Most people think of recycling or reusing things as recycling in your house, or maybe not littering.
“This brings a different aspect into it. Instead of throwing out old clothing, you can revamp it into something different.”
The RevWear show runs Saturday 8-10 p. m. at the former BMO Space at Jackson Square Mall. Tickets are $10 or pay what you can at the door, or in advance at Deja Vu Used & New Clothing Accessories, 262 King St. West.
Archer’s creations will also be part of the Starting from Scratch art exhibit at the Loose Canon Gallery, 150 James St. North. An opening reception will be held March 12 7-10 p. m.