I was recently contacted by a student studying English at Bournemouth University, shes doing a news feature on the rise of handmade fashion. I took some time out to answer her questions, and now her work has been submittted, I thought it would be good to share with you guys too. Thanks Emily
What inspired you to start your own handmade clothing business?
I started out making clothes as a hobby as I couldn’t find clothes I really loved in the shops, nothing wowed me. So, I set about making clothes to suit my family needs – easy care clothes with bright colours and funky patterns, some of which were breast-feeding and baby-wearing friendly. People started asking me where I got my clothes from, once they found out I was making them, they started asking me to make them some too, that’s when I started Loved Garms as a business.
What about handmade fashion appeals to you?
I love that I can make and wear whatever I like, playing with colour, bold prints, and making things which are fit for purpose, like nursing bras that aren’t boring, leggings and dresses that fit properly… I also love the uniqueness of handmade clothing, not many people have the same Loved Garms, because I only have short runs on the fabrics I choose.
Do you think that handmade fashion improves diversity in the fashion industry?
Yes I think so, because I sew for all shapes and sizes, I don’t make for one kind of style or one kind of person, I make one of a kind clothing for one of a kind people. Also I think by choosing handmade fashion , it means that you are supporting those independant people making and designing your clothes, and being a work from home mum making handmade clothing, I really care about that. And the rise of handmade fashion.
Why do you think that handmade clothing has become so popular, particularly in the last few years?
I think handmade clothing has become so popular because people are choosing to buy clothing that is an extension of themselves, their personality, flare and style. Bright colours and bold prints that reflect how that person is feeling, and what they stand for as an individual. People are also starting to think about who made their clothes, where did they come from? Is it sustainable, ethical, living wage etc.
What makes handmade fashion different to Highstreet fashion, in your opinion?
Handmade fashion is more sustainable, it’s a slower fashion, you get to choose things that look and feel good on you, regardless of what’s being worn on the catwalk. You wear clothes that you don’t want to get rid of when the next style trend comes along, they are often made to measure, or have customisation that makes them special to you, a style that lasts, your style. Also because they are well made, children’s clothing is often handed down to siblings and younger children because it’s made to last, although you could be waiting some time, handmade clothing tends to take longer to grow out of, so it can often end up more worthwhile than high street fashion. High street fashion has a tendency to shrink, fade, bobble and dye everything else gray, whereas handmade fashion, the fabrics are pre washed before clothes are made, this stops colour run and shrinking for the end user. Basically handmade fashion lasts longer.
Fancy seeing what I am doing with my remnants? Take a peek a the zero waste section. You can follow my handmade fashion journey on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up to my newsletter to hear more about my designs.
Hannah x