In Singapore’s local fashion landscape, sustainability and conscious fashion practices are clearly indispensable to brands and consumers alike. With curated vintage stores, thrift stores, and establishments that produce organically sourced textiles, our local labels open up new opportunities for customers to shop circularly without the hefty price tag that conscious shopping is so infamously associated with.
Now, a new leg of conscious labels are coming in hot to shake the world of sustainable fashion. Introducing the art of reworked pieces. While capsule closets remain invaluable, sometimes we need a few statement pieces to spice up our closet. But where can we get these head-turning pieces without compromising the practice of sustainable shopping? Enter: Superwasted and Fuwari.
Superwasted, the grungy alter-ego of renowned local brand Vintagewknd, is an experimental concept store that sells unconventional reworked pieces heavily inspired by street style. On the other end of the spectrum, Fuwari is a brand that taps into childhood nostalgia by designing pieces that are vibrant and playful. In an interview with Vogue Singapore, founders of the respective brands, Eileen Tan and Valerie Wong, reveal the journey behind the creation of their brainchild and their respective design processes.
Superwasted
What inspired your entrance into the sustainable sector of the fashion industry?
Our interests and passion in fashion, in general, inspired us. I’ve always been someone who enjoys vintage shopping. What really stood out to me was the uniqueness and the one-of-a-kind quality of each piece when you shop vintage. So that was my first inspiration when it came to starting the brand Vintagewknd.
Tell us more about your reworking and design process.
For me, the process always starts with the material. We work with textile waste factories, and that’s where we source our materials and also work on some parts of the production. I look into what I can access and also what is available or suited for reworking because not everything c. For example, a lot of mesh and lace materials are a little more difficult to work with, so they can only be made into certain types of items.
How does Superwasted hope to make an impact on the local fashion scene?
I hope that we can start a long conversation about sustainability through our unconventional content and attitude towards it. Just creating a space that surrounds the topic about sustainability subliminally without shouting it out loud is the kind of idea we are trying to bring across.
What are some of your bestsellers?
It’s definitely our reworked jeans. People really like that as we have a lot of variations of it and because it’s unisex.
How does Superwasted stand out from competitor brands?
We stand out from other brands in terms of our design. I try to be a little bit experimental with how I use materials for sure. I think Superwasted takes a lot of inspiration from street style. It’s definitely a little grungy but I come up with pieces that are suitable for everyday wear. I think most other brands tend to stick to a single aesthetic, but for us, both Vintagewknd and Superwasted explore different directions.
Fuwari
What prompted your entrance into the sustainable sector of the fashion industry?
I noticed my siblings getting rid of perfectly good clothing, and it struck a chord with me. I couldn’t bear to see these items go to waste, so I embarked on a mission to give them a new lease on life. That’s when I discovered the world of upcycling. I began transforming these forgotten pieces into unique fashion statements. It was such a rewarding experience, and I knew I had found my calling.
What was the inspiration behind the creation of Fuwari?
Fuwarishop started out as a little Instagram side hustle, where I was selling my old clothes on Carousell. Then, I got into upcycling and started crafting my own one-of-a-kind pieces to sell. And now, I also conduct upcycling workshops. I want to be able to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry while expressing my creativity at the same time has given me a sense of purpose.
What is your mission as a brand?
We are on a mission to spice up adulting by bringing back the playful vibes from our childhood. We’re all about rocking vibrant and fun clothes because, hey, who said colourful styles are just for the kids? Adults can dress in playful and sustainable fashion too. Being a responsible adult doesn’t mean you can’t have a blast with your wardrobe. Our goal is to ensure that every outfit not only brings back those nostalgic feels but also goes easy on our planet.
What are the steps Fuwari takes to practise sustainability?
We prioritise the use of reclaimed fabrics and materials, minimising waste in our production process. Additionally, our commitment extends to packaging and shipping such as using wrappers to ship our parcels.
Tell us more about your reworking and design process.
The process usually begins with treasure hunting at thrift stores to snag second-hand pieces. Then, it’s all about colour-matching, playing with textures and patterns, and piecing different pieces together—kind of like piecing a puzzle. Once we have a vibe, I draft sketches on Procreate to cook up potential designs. And when I’m deconstructing the old clothes, I’m super careful because I want to salvage materials such as zippers or buttons, for future creations.
What are some of your best sellers?
Our Material Girl collection, which is Barbie inspired. It’s basically a throwback to the Y2K era. I curated some epic 2000s Barbie pieces, and it dropped right before the whole Barbie fever hit.
How does Fuwari hope to make an impact in the local fashion scene?
Fuwari aims to be a catalyst for change in the local fashion scene by promoting a more conscious and ethical approach to clothing. We strive to inspire both customers and fellow designers to embrace sustainability, fostering a community that values the environmental impact of fashion choices.
