Photo: Courtesy of Xian Liu
While upcycling thrifted clothes might be trendy now, secondhand is nothing new for Claw, who has been designing this way for over 10 years. “I only print on vintage T-shirts and vintage fleece,” Claw says. “I realized how much waste there is in this business, and all these clothes that had a former life seemed to be more exciting than just buying a dozen new sweatshirts. And then each piece is different, and that’s a special thing.”
Photo: Courtesy of Xian Liu
Photo: Courtesy of Xian Liu
Hanley is also driven to be more sustainable in her own designs and has always created collections with already worn pieces or deadstock fabrics. “I love collecting clothing that people have basically considered waste or unwearable, and creating something desirable again from that source,” Hanley says. “This project is just that.”
The project is also an exciting moment for the trio, who have been connected for years. Back in the early ’00s, Wollens worked for Claw via an introduction from an ex-boyfriend. “I was studying graphic design and then I started doing graphics for her,” Wollens says. “She’s such an OG, and she’s such a New York legend, and such a part of my fashion experience.” Wollens was Claw’s third assistant. “That was the beginning of 15 years of collaborating,” she says of working with the stylist. As for Hanley, the designer interned for Wollens and, subsequently, Wollens styled one of her shows. “It’s full circle,” Wollens says.
Source: Vogue
