Meet Nicole McLaughlin, An Innovative Upcycler That Creates Sculpture-Like Garments Out Of Secondhand Treasures – Design You Trust

Meet Nicole McLaughlin, An Innovative Upcycler That Creates Sculpture-Like Garments Out Of Secondhand Treasures

Nicole McLaughlin is not your average designer. As an innovative upcycler, the young artist creates sculpture-like garments out of secondhand treasures found on resell apps like Depop or in her local thrift store.

h/t: missionmag

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bday 🥳

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Her conceptual pieces and unique wearables are made out of the most unlikely materials— picture a repurposed Patagonia bag as a utilitarian bra complete with zipper storage, or a volleyball (yes, a volleyball) transformed into a comfy slipper.

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storage

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She’s even made a puffer vest out of mini cereal packages and adorned a chair with brightly hued rock-climbing holds.

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cereal puffer vest

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These thought-provoking designs have garnered attention from the fashion industry and grown McLaughlin’s fanbase over the last few years. With now over 400K+ followers on Instagram, the designer has managed to turn her creations into a full time gig.

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clothesline

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“I started sharing these ‘experiments’ just for fun, and now creating these projects is my full-time job. I’m still so shocked at how much and how fast my following has grown, but I’m so honored and excited that I can share these pieces with the world.” Fashion brands have also taken note of her work, as seen in her collaborations with Opening Ceremony, Depop and Adidas.

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fan bra concept

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“The curriculum will teach you that design is more than just drawing and making; there needs to be an understanding of ‘how’ and ‘why’, and what we can do to change the future,” she says.

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DONATION RAFFLE!! My fellow allies, we have a lot of work to do. We must continue to fight with the same passion and energy that we’ve had these last few weeks. We must continue to educate ourselves, keep the conversation alive, have difficult conversations, and keep each other informed. We must never stop the fight for justice and equality for those whose privilege was never even given to them. Black Lives Matter. I’ve made these one-of-one pieces which I am raffling for donation. 100% of the proceeds will go to: @innocenceproject @emergency_release_fund @yourrightscamp Raffle tickets start at $10, but you are encouraged to purchase as many as you’d like to increase your odds of winning and donation amount. edit: raffle is complete, thank you for everyone’s donations we raised $17,500! ❤️

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tropical vacations in 2020 lol

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👷🏻‍♀️

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reupholstering my life

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all packed up with nowhere to go 🥺

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👃🌲

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snack queen !

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made pants out of wallets

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quarantitties

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stay home 🧡

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waffles 🧇

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spicy!

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🤪

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an experiment hahah

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🤧

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👩🏻‍🏫

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oven mitt coat

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hot seat

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spaghetti

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some of y’all need this

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microwave to inflate

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orange shuice

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sleeves part 2

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reupholstered w/ used fleeces

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vest szn 🥖

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used running shoes

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watercolors 👩🏻‍🎨

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lunchbox 🥰

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travel umbrella

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shoeshi

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top made from hats

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🏓

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camera cases

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