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[fashion-input]

First Bag!

I designed my first bag! How much could I sell it for, though? Calculating costs is so interesting to me. You can play with so many variables. Specifically, I think I am interested in playing with a broader variable that is almost uncontrollable-- thrifted materials. Ive been passionate about zero waste and want to challenge myself by only using materials that are thrifted or dead stocked. I'm literally going to make my bag out of a pair of pants haha. Aside from sustainability, I want my products to be affordable. Fashion should be as accessible as it is sustainable.

If I were to sell my bag, it would be in the best interest of the consumer, and myself, to make multiple bags from the same pair of pants. Simply, utilizing as much of the material as possible would help maximize profit. This makes for a pretty unique product, considering once the pants are used..that's kind of it! I can't make anymore bags with that fabric once it's all used up. I could replicate the design, but never the exact same product.

Playing around with numbers really puts into perspective future inspirations. The quantity of materials I come across will determine what the product is or how much I can make of it. The design process is sort of ever changing in this aspect; I may have to improvise or reimagine my design with what I've found...almost as if the materials are telling me what they want to be.

I've added a chart below detailing different cost outcomes.

[fashion-input]

Organic Matter

I made a necklace out of organic matter. I have been inspired to create fashion that is sustainable and as close to zero waste as possible. When it came to designing an accessory, I decided to think outside the box. So, I used my favorite plant and some thrifted beads to made a statement piece! The cost of the two necklaces (used to source the beads and chains), plant, and box of safety pins cost more than is reasonable to make just one necklace; however, it turns out that I have enough material to create multiple necklaces, so the costs weigh out a bit more evenly.

Using thrifted materials is a bit unique. Majority of the time, the materials available are the only ones that exist. Considering this restriction, there are a limited quantity of necklaces I am able to produce with the materials I posses; I estimate I will be able to make at least five necklaces. I will have some leftover materials to use on other projects, though, which is great for upholding my mission for zero waste.

Through this project I learned something interesting about using thrifted materials. Every product produced becomes rare. Almost impossible to replicate once the materials are 100% utilized. Moving forward, I will bring this newfound inspiration into my future designs. I am excited to see how I can manipulate materials that are, in a sense, scarce.

I have added a table for all materials, prices, and totals below. The outcomes shown represent the cost and price of using the materials to make one necklace vs. five necklaces. Each outcome is in respect to making a profit, as well as an estimated retail price.