Black Material Geographies - Episode 6

Colonialism's Afterlife & Upcyling Fashion, Pt. 2 | Textile Waste

In this episode of Black Material Geographies, Teju speaks with 

• Gordon Holliday, a Charlotte based designer focused on upcycling garments

• Mahdiyyah, a designer using repurposed clothing with healing properties

Turning Resourcefulness into Fashion

• Gordon reflects on how he got his start in designing, with the interest beginning in middle school and skills developed with his grandmother.

• Mahdiyyah teaches us about the healing aspects of linen, which derives from the flax plant and its molecular structure most resembles human cells.

• Garments made from synthetic materials are largely cheaper to produce compared to natural fibers, but offer no real benefits to humans or the environment. Utilizing donations and thrift stores is a way for designers to minimize impact and find quality textiles.

• Mathia’s beginnings in designing are similar to both Gordon & Teju’s as curiosity and resourcefulness developed into successful upcycling skills learning from family. 

• Methods of upcycling and repurposing clothing is very common in Black and Brown communities. Mathia’s goal is to teach youth interested in designing that there is a high value market for their creativity.