Eco-Chic Fashion Freak is one of the Impact Art's Creative Pathways projects. It gives young people the know-how to recycle and re-model their clothes creating something new from something old. Key skills developed include: art and design, sewing, cutting, costume design, manufacture using both recycled and handcrafted techniques, sourcing materials, understanding environmental issues and working within a retail setting.

Young Scot talked to one of the participants of the Eco Chic Fashion Freak project to find out more about it and how to get involved.

Case Study

Name: NJ
 Age: 18
 
What have you doing with the Eco Chic project?
I had been involved with Fab Pad at Impact Arts for ages making stuff for my home, from cushions to bedding and other stuff as well. Once I was there I also got involved with Eco Chic Fashion Freak for 3 months. Using recycled materials and making something new, like a skirt and other clothes. When the project had finished we modelled the clothes, doing a photo shoot above Topshop and a catwalk at Hawk and Hunters. These were pretty cool as well!

What has been your highlight of the project?
The whole Eco Chic project has been the highlight of my time with Impact Arts. I got two certificates from the course, one for completing it and one for being the most positive in the group. Also the stuff that I made was a highlight. We got to make two things each, I made a corset and a pencil skirt. I got to wear the pencil skirt in the photo shoot and corset on the catwalk.

Any lows on the project or bits you didn’t enjoy?
I enjoyed it all and it got me out the house.

How did you get on to the project?
I saw a poster advertising Fab Pad in my hostel and my support worker put me in touch. It took about 2 weeks from when I phoned to get on the project. I got involved with the Eco Chic Fashion Freak. The staff at Impact Arts recommended me the Eco Chic Fashion Freak project as they knew I was interested in fashion.

Any ideas what you would you like to do after the project?
I have applied to go to college to study Psychology in September as I want to join the police. I am waiting to hear if I get a place. I will continue working on Fab Pad until the house is finished.

Find out more

To find out about other Creative Pathways' Projects visit the Creative Pathways page.

If you are interested in taking part in any of the Creative Pathways projects, get in touch with the Glasgow office on Janis@impactarts.co.uk, Ayrshire office on kirsty@impactarts.co.uk and in Edinburgh office on jay@impactarts.co.uk