Checked Out is a textile collection that investigates innovative solutions for disassembly, material separation, and recycling within contemporary fashion systems. With the aim of developing a fully sustainable practice, I researched textile waste-processing methods and collaborated with local charity shops, repurposing garments deemed unsellable.
I wanted to create a system for my practice where sustainability was the starting point. I talked to the local charity shop staff about what gets donated and what they can’t sell and started experimenting with printing on stained knitwear and embroidering on shredded old t-shirts.
Fibre separation is a major problem in textile recycling, my solution was to create a modular clothing system where sleeves could be detached and elements buttoned in.
I’m fascinated with our emotional connection to objects and how we decide what’s treasure or trash. My artwork often explores nostalgia and the value we place on objects and I realised that this project is an extension of that - it adds value back into discarded items.
