One of the most creative ways of reusing clothes and accessories that are no longer used is to make them into something useful and stylish. Catherine Aitken's work caught my eye on Instagram. She works with heritage cloths and tweeds from her Edinburgh base and also upcycles old tweed clothes to make bags - handbags, messenger bags, back packs, whatever you need.
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| Messenger bags made by Catherine Aitken from old Harris tweed clothes |
I asked Catherine to tell me more:
"I've been doing the Renaissance Collection for about ten years, creating messenger bags, handbags and backpacks and sometimes other accessories (toiletry bags, scarves) from vintage Harris Tweed jackets.
There was then a natural progression into doing that to order - especially when it has been the jacket of a loved one who has passed away (which are about half of the orders). It gives the customer such a strong emotional connection to their new bag.
I've also made bags out of skirts and trousers - the last pair as you saw [G.F. I saw these on Instagram: illustrated top above] were beautiful trousers that had been lurking in a wardrobe for 20 years, not suitable for whatever reason and now that pair has been made into two different bags, a small messenger and the larger one you saw.
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| Handbag, messenger bag and back packs made by Catherine Aitken from upcycled tweed |
It is mostly tweed I work with, it's such a durable material but I've also made bags from donkey jackets, military coats and jackets, and just a few ordinary coats that the owners loved but didn't fit any more - and clutches out of a bridesmaids dresses, and a collection created from vintage kimonos.
I really enjoy doing the recycling, especially to order. Prices are from £150 - £250 depending on the customisation and the amount of leather used."
With many thanks to Catherine Aitken, whose book, Artisan Edinburgh, can be found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Artisan-Edinburgh-Catherine-Aitken/dp/0750989351
Handcrafted Accessories created from luxurious Scottish materials.
Catherine Aitken Ltd
Coburg Studios
15 Coburg Street Edinburgh EH6 6ET
M: 07799885417
This is an unsponsored post, part of a series looking at sustainable fashion and style. Read other features in my Sustainable Style series here.
