Upcycling in fashion is not groundbreaking news. A craft as old as garment making itself, upcycling has always played an intrinsic role in sustainability efforts. Whether it’s altering your clothes or reassembling pieces from your local thrift shop, upcycling has become a staple in the counterculture efforts of contemporary capitalism.
But, If I were to tell you that you had a chance to attend a workshop and customize luxury clothing for free (that you can keep), you’d probably call BS, and rightfully so. Insert ‘LABORATORIO’ — C.P. Company’s platform dedicated to repair and upcycling.
First debuted during Milan Design Week, C.P. Company ‘LABORATORIO’ functions to bring consumers closer to the product. “This is our way of contributing to educating consumers towards more conscious consumption: buy less, buy better,” says Lorenzo Osti, President of C.P. Company.
This is something C.P. Company is working towards with efforts that go beyond LABORATORIO: it recently enlisted London-based designer Robin Lynch for a collection featuring a range of deconstructed technical jackets that blend the C.P. Company’s technical expertise with her own artistic vision.
“The size and relevance of the vintage C.P. Company market testify that our garments can last for decades, and upcycling is another way to extend the life of the products, keeping them relevant in an evolving society” says Osti.
During Berlin Fashion Week, C.P. Company hosted its inaugural ‘LABORATORIO’ outside of Italy as part of Reference Studios’ INTERVENTION, collaborating with GORE-TEX and local fabric specialists.
Participants selected items from a collection of vintage clothes, characterized by minor manufacturing flaws such as slight discoloration or off-centered stitching. The pieces were then enhanced by adding the brand’s distinctive goggle lenses, unique prints, and reshaped into new silhouettes.
“In recent years, we have been living in a bubble of compulsive consumption fueled by hype and the reselling market. Now, this bubble has burst and, like all bubbles, it won’t come back” says Osti.
Though the world is currently under a great deal of duress, with folks contributing to waste at all-time highs, the intent is key for moving with purpose. By adapting to the times and creating quality memories while also offering educational resources, ‘LABORATORIO’ promotes creativity and individuality while doing its part to subvert the impact on the environment.
When asked about the current changes in the fashion landscape Lorenzo says: “It’s hard to predict what the future holds. My hope is that the market will move towards more conscious consumption, where consumers are informed and buy products with the intention of keeping and making them last.”