By Damilola Fatunmise
When was the last time you dug through your closet and thought, “This shirt deserves a second life”? That’s the magic of upcycling. It’s the cool cousin of recycling, except instead of empty bottles and cans, it’s breathing new life into pre-loved fashion.
It is no news that fashion has a waste problem.
Every year, the world generates about 92 million tons of textile waste, most of which ends up in landfills. Fast fashion isn’t helping either. You know, those cheap dresses that start removing hairs after the first wash.
But here’s the good news, brands are stepping up with solutions to reduce waste and also redefine what it means to look good.
By upcycling, they transform old garments into fresh designs while helping the planet take a much-needed breather.
Upcycling goes beyond just patching up jeans or turning a tablecloth into a dress. (Though, if you can pull that off, respect). It’s about innovation. Instead of creating clothes from scratch, designers use existing materials like thrifted treasures or charity shop finds, sometimes even factory leftovers, to craft something new and unique. You can see it as giving fashion a glow-up.
Why does it matter? Aside from the obvious “save the Earth” notion, upcycling significantly reduces the resources used in production.
No need for freshwater or dyes. Plus, it helps tackle fashion’s overproduction problem. Do you know those “end-of-year” sales? That’s often why brands clear out the stuff they made in excess. But with upcycling, there’s zero overproduction and zero guilt.
Major brands have been diving into the upcycling movement for years. Stella McCartney, for example, has long championed sustainable fashion. Her collections prove that eco-friendly can still be high-end, and she just makes it look effortless. Then there’s Marine Serre, who takes thrifted and deadstock fabrics and transforms them into modern pieces, complete with her signature crescent moon prints. If “fashion-forward” and “sustainable” had a baby, it’d be her entire brand.
But in all reality, not everyone has the budget for Stella or Marine. That’s where emerging brands like Bstyle come in, making upcycled fashion accessible and relatable without compromising on style.
Founded in 2019 by Nigerian fashion entrepreneur Oluwabamishe Iretioluwa Ola, Bstyle is a contemporary womenswear brand that’s rewriting the rules of sustainable fashion. And no, this isn’t your average startup story. Oluwabamishe didn’t go to a fancy fashion school or apprentice under a big designer. She taught herself everything, from the ground up. Talk about DIY energy on a whole other level.
What makes Bstyle special? The brand is committed to creating small, limited collections from upcycled materials. They scout thrift stores, charity shops, and fabric suppliers for hidden gems, and transform these finds into wearable works of art. It’s like when you turn leftover white rice and stew into jollof—but, you know, with clothes.
Bstyle is also committed to ethical production.
They work with artisans around the globe, ensuring fair wages and respectful working conditions. It is fashion with heart because looking good shouldn’t come at someone else’s expense.
Upcycling has moved from being a trend to being a movement. And honestly, it’s about time. TikTok is buzzing with creators showing off thrift flips, and #SustainableFashion is racking up millions of views. It’s clear that consumers, especially younger ones want fashion that aligns with their values.
Bstyle fits perfectly into this new era of conscious fashion. By producing limited collections, they avoid the trap of dead stock – a fancy term for unsold inventory. Each piece is crafted with care and designed to make you feel good inside and out.
Their latest 2024 collection is a perfect example where every piece tells a story. And isn’t that what fashion should be about? Let’s take a look at the recently released 2024 collection from the Bstyle brand.
This outfit is a creative and unique take on contemporary womenswear.
The dress features a simple round neckline, which keeps the upper part of the design minimal and balanced. This is a smart choice because it allows the focus to stay on the bolder elements of the gown, like the floral embellishments.
Since the gown is sleeveless, it feels modern and sleek, making it suitable for a variety of occasions without being overly formal or restrictive.
The bodice is fitted and tailored, giving the gown a polished and streamlined appearance. This snug fit enhances the silhouette and creates a strong contrast with the dramatic volume of the skirt.
From the waist down, the design takes an unconventional turn. The skirt flares out slightly and features vertical slits, which give it movement and personality. These slits add an edgy vibe to the dress, as they sway with every step.
This midi-length dress strikes a balance between formal and casual, making the outfit versatile. It’s long enough to feel elegant but short enough to showcase the legs, especially with the slits adding extra intrigue.
The vertical slits in the skirt break up the hemline in a dynamic way, preventing the gown from feeling too heavy or overly traditional.
The crepe fabric choice is ideal for maintaining the gown’s sharp silhouette and supporting the weight of the bold embellishments.
Speaking of embellishments, the two oversized pink floral appliqués on the hips are the defining feature of this gown. They are textured and three-dimensional, making them pop against the solid blue background.
These floral details add an artistic touch to the design, almost as if the gown itself is a wearable art piece.
While the gown is undoubtedly creative, a few adjustments could make it even better. The vertical slits in the skirt are an interesting detail, but fewer or narrower slits could make the design feel less busy while still maintaining its playful edge. These small changes could enhance the harmony of the gown without compromising its unique character.
This dress is perfect for anyone who wants to make a memorable impression at an event. Just with added accessories and complementing footwear, you can become a conversation starter.
This colourful ensemble really catches the eye. The printed blouse is a standout piece, combining two classic patterns, polka dots and florals. The contrast between the bold red roses and the black-and-white polka dots creates an interesting visual dynamic.
The pointed collar and button-down style keep the shirt structured, which works well with the playful print.
The loose and slightly oversized fit of the blouse adds a relaxed and polished touch when tucked into the skirt.
The high-waisted, solid red skirt is the perfect complement to the patterned top, balancing out the busy design of the blouse. The asymmetrical hemline adds a subtle modern twist, giving the outfit some personality without going over the top.
The length is modest and the flow of the fabric keeps it from looking too formal.
Red is clearly the anchor colour here, and it’s used effectively. The skirt’s bright red picks up on the red flowers in the blouse, tying everything together. This palette is striking and it definitely leaves an impression.
The white pointed-toe heels are a smart choice because they don’t distract from the outfit’s strong colours and patterns. The model’s minimal makeup and neat hairstyle let the outfit shine, which is a good call for a look like this.
This outfit strikes a great balance between bold and wearable. The mix of patterns and solids feels intentional, and the silhouette is flattering for a range of body types. It’s the kind of look that transitions easily from a creative office setting to a stylish lunch meeting.
One thing that might improve the outfit is experimenting with accessories. A statement belt could add some extra definition to the waist and tie the look together even more. Alternatively, some delicate gold or silver jewellery could add a subtle sparkle without taking away from the outfit’s boldness. But overall, it’s a strong statement outfit.
These pieces from Oluwabamishe’s 2024 collection show her strong ability to mix creativity with purpose. Her designs stand out for their bold use of colours and focus on sustainability. Each piece tells a story and proves that fashion can be stylish and meaningful.
Her collection is a fresh take on modern fashion, with a focus on innovation, self-expression, and making a positive impact on the environment. With her talent and vision, it’s clear that Oluwabamishe has a bright future ahead in the fashion industry.