Recycling used fabrics have never been more accessible thanks to GINLEE Studio in Singapore. Last May 29, 2023, the said studio introduced its latest design-led circular initiative, _/\/\/\ake O, to encourage customers to reduce waste by transforming unused fabrics into uniquely re-designed products to close the loop of excess production this World Environment Day (5 June). Using off-cuts, repair and upcycling techniques, customers can look forward to four new experiences, which are launched in acknowledgement of the pressing issue of textile waste in the fashion industry, and in support of the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Gin Lee, co-founder of GINLEE Studio, emphasizes the importance of a thoughtful design approach in the fashion industry to combat overconsumption and excess production. By producing apparel on demand, extending the value of unwanted items, and promoting waste reduction, GINLEE Studio encourages customers to reimagine a world with zero waste through circular production and innovative design processes.
The _/\/\/\ake O experience
_/\/\/\ake O, designed by designers Gin Lee and Tamir Niv, aims to close the loop of excess production by promoting circularity in Singapore. The studio reuses and refurbishes raw materials, extending their lifespan and preserving their value. The experience is also available for corporate bookings, inspiring more participants to learn about circular fashion by transforming unwanted materials into functional products. Here are the results:
- cOts — In short for “coloured on the spot”, this is an on-demand process where a textile printer is used to print colour on a ready made textile from GINLEE Studio. This process helps to reduce waste from unsold merchandise due to inaccurate projection, since the store only requires a singular base textile that can then be customised with preferred colours. These come in three sizes: Purse, Pack and Tote size. The _/\/\/\ake cOts Experience costs $88 which includes Pack-sized bag retailing at $78.
- Tee-tO-Bag — offers customers the opportunity to repurpose unwanted t-shirts into daily use Tee Bags. The bags are 3D-printed for easy assembly and disassembly, available in Onetee and twOtee sizes. The experience costs $88 and $128, with materials and guidance provided. Additional prints are available for an additional fee.
- pOcuts — are utility pockets made from offcuts, designed for zero-waste design. They come in three shapes: Lanyard, Keyholder, and Pocket. The cOts Experience, a 1.5-hour workshop, costs $108 and includes a pack-sized bag and pOcuts of your choice.
- O Fix It — offers customers to repair and resize their apparel for longevity across different seasons. Repairs and refurbishments cost $10-30, while repleating work ranges from $20-$80.
Innovative sustainability initiatives at GINLEE Studio
GINLEE Studio focuses on sustainable design processes to reduce fashion apparel waste. They offer Get Order on Demand (G.O.O.D) and /\/\/\ake (MAKE in Shop) initiatives to manage supply and demand. G.O.O.D encourages customers to order in advance, with a 15% discount for sustainability. /\/\/\ake allows customers to create and preorder pleated bags, tops, and scarves on-demand, reducing waste and enhancing the in-store experience.
The _/\/\/\ake O experience is now available at Raffles City and National Design Centre by appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.ginleestudio.com/collections/make-o.
