My fabrics have always served as a medium for art and self-expression. One of the joys of my work is bringing simple creations to a wearable form, and I just love collaborating with other artists, designers, and crafters who will push the boundaries of what can be achieved with textiles.
As my brand stamp becomes more indelible, it is even more important that I dedicate my life to leaving a positive mark on the world of fabric design and I invite you to join in my colourful sustainability journey.
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There is so much to share in this space. Any business or company bringing new fabrics into the world must recognise the role I play in this industry; being sustainable is no longer an option. It is an obligation to the planet, and the people on it.Sustainability in the fashion and textiles industry requires a significant reduction in the use of raw materials and manufacturing in the first place. The subsequent reduction in transportation, fossil-fuelled energy consumption and textile waste generates enormous natural benefits. (Stay tuned for many more interpretations of this statement).
Our lifestyles will always need new, and new versions of fabrics; we can never expect humankind not to dress, or need beautiful, solid long-lasting garments to accommodate temperature, movement, and style in a functional way.
My driver is that our world is better off having responsible manufacturers who are wholeheartedly connected to their supply chains. We need manufacturers who focus on replenishable and regenerative sources, local and on-demand manufacturing and encouraging local micro-economies to become the new shopping malls.
I also believe Sewing is at the very heart of this. The more we sew, either at home or within our communities, the less impact we have in so many ways.
Sustainability was a key factor when considering my Partnerships with Verhees Textiles and BMC.
My recent release with Verhees Textiles is one to be proud of, because all of the substrates selected in my range are environmentally friendly, including GOTS certified organic cotton, Lenzing Ecovero and Linen. Verhees stock an amazing 7 million meters of fabrics in a 20,000 m² warehouse that is energised with 3,124 solar panels, 9 heat pumps and LED lighting across the entire facility.
BMC is providing my print on demand service, and the entire premise of their existance is developing a model that centralises fashion manufacturing locally, and drives on-demand manufacturing. Everything they do, from their high-tech operations, to engaging local skilled workers is about building a format for fashion manufacturing of the future.
The Future of Fabrics:
My forward journey is one that explores development of completely replenishable and regenerative fabrics. Examples of future fabrics for Nerida Hansen Fabrics will include natural fibres that grow like weeds with such as Nettle, Piñatex (Pinapple Leaves), Banana Leaves, Hemp and Bamboo. Regenerative cotton that is grown in Monsoonal Climates without pesticides or reliance on irrigation will blend with these natural weeds to bring softness and comfort. Newer fabrics such as breathable, light SeaCell will also feature heavily.
Seacell is a fibre generated from Kelp, and when processed correctly can create soft, supple fabrics that are beautiful to wear. Kelp is recognized as a valuable tool in mitigating climate change. Kelp and other macroalgae play a crucial role in oceanic carbon sequestration. They absorb CO2 during photosynthesis and store it in their tissues. When kelp dies and sinks to the ocean floor, some of the carbon can be effectively sequestered for extended periods.
The future of fibre is certainly exciting for me. But for now, we need to think about what we can do right here, right now.
The Remnant Top
While upcycling is generally considered a sustainable and eco-friendly practice, it still faces certain challenges and misconceptions that can deter people from engaging in it. There are reputation-related factors such as an association with “homemade” or “unprofessional” aesthetics, a fear of not achieving the desired results, and a lack of inspiration or vision that upcycling can achieve.
There are also practical barriers such as limited availability of suitable fabrics to create an entire new garment, the time, effort and equipment required, inability to access sewing machines or suitable patterns.
Hence, my latest project is the “Remnant Top”
"The Remnant Top" is a stylish and eco-friendly blouse sewing pattern designed to make the most of fabric remnants and scraps, effectively reducing textile waste. This versatile blouse can easily incorporate multiple fabric types and prints to create a unique and eye-catching design. It embodies sustainability, creativity, and individuality. It empowers people to transform scraps into a stunning and personalized blouse, demonstrating that fashion can be both environmentally conscious and aesthetically pleasing. The pattern encourages a shift toward more responsible and mindful consumption in the world.
The Remnant top is a symbol of what we can achieve from textiles that already exist. Whilst there are still fast fashion companies irresponsibly flooding the second-hand stores with unwanted, cheap goods, It is my hope that we can prevent much of what lands in second-hand shop from going to landfill, which sadly, is the case each day.
Due to launch soon, I hope you enjoy this top as much as I do, which has very quickly become my absolute favorite.