Re:Pair Lab in Trinity Leeds is a revolutionary sustainable fashion hub showcasing upcycled garments by local designers, fostering creativity, community, and education in environmentally friendly practices. This innovative space disrupts the traditional retail model, offering shoppers a chance to support local talent and learn about the future of fashion.
What is the Re:Pair Lab in Trinity Leeds?
Re:Pair Lab is a new sustainable fashion space in Trinity Leeds, offering upcycled garments by local designers. It’s a hub for community, creativity, and education, promoting environmentally friendly practices and providing a platform for local talent and students to showcase and market their sustainable designs.
A New Era of Sustainable Fashion in Leeds
The bustling city of Leeds is no stranger to the concept of sustainability, but Trinity Leeds shopping centre is taking it a step further with the introduction of Re:Pair Lab, a new space dedicated to upcycled fashion. The initiative is not just about recycling old clothes, but also about fostering a community of local artisans and designer-makers who value environmentally conscious practices. Re:Pair Lab presents a unique twist on the traditional clothing store model by offering upcycled garments that have been given new life through the talents of Leeds-based designers and businesses.
At the heart of Re:Pair Lab’s ethos lies the collaboration between Trinity Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and Wayne Hemingway of Hemingway Design. This power trio aims to disrupt the fashion industry by challenging our perceptions of second-hand clothing and placing value on the craftsmanship involved in upcycling. Wayne Hemingway believes this is an opportunity for local creatives to experiment with retail in a prime location, without the usual financial risks. The pop-up shop, which opened its doors on June 13, 2024, is a 12-week experiment in sustainable retail, attracting not just shoppers but also those curious about the future of fashion.
Within Re:Pair Lab’s rotating residency, you’ll find an array of transformed clothing items, all thanks to the collaboration with Emmaus, a charity focused on reducing waste. These items, once destined for the landfill, are reimagined by the hands of skilled designers into something new, trendy, and desirable. This synergy not only gives a second life to pre-loved clothing but also provides a platform for local talent to showcase their work and ethos to a broader audience.
Uniting Community, Creativity, and Education
Sam Hudson-Miles from Leeds Beckett University notes that Re:Pair Lab perfectly aligns with the university’s goal of nurturing local fashion talent and advocating for sustainable design education. The initiative offers students a real-world platform to test the marketability of their designs, providing invaluable experience in the commercial side of the fashion world. By bridging the gap between education and industry, Re:Pair Lab serves as a vital stepping stone for aspiring fashion professionals.
Re:Pair Lab is not just a store; it’s a hub of community interaction and learning. The public is invited to observe designers at work, transforming worn garments into fashionable pieces. Moreover, the initiative embraces the spirit of inclusivity by offering creative workshops aimed at teaching the public upcycling techniques. Through hands-on learning, the community is empowered to apply DIY methods to their wardrobes, extending the life of their clothing and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
From June 13 to July 4, 2024, the first rotation of talents includes Wanner Label, Alice D Designs, Tomo, and Trad Collective. These local designers, alongside charity partner Emmaus, will present a curated collection of revitalized clothing. The inclusion of a charity partner brings a charitable dimension to the venture, further emphasizing the social impact of sustainable fashion practices.
A Platform for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Re:Pair Lab’s innovative approach to retail provides more than just a space for shopping. It offers second-hand businesses and designer-makers a rare chance to venture into the physical retail world. Many of these creatives have built their brands on online platforms such as Depot and Vinted, and Re:Pair Lab gives them an opportunity to present their collections and ideas in a tangible space. This setup allows them to connect directly with their customers, receive immediate feedback, and experiment with new concepts without worrying about the costs typically associated with opening a brick-and-mortar store.
In addition to selling upcycled clothing, designers have the chance to sell their original creations. This dual approach not only diversifies the offerings of Re:Pair Lab but also provides a revenue stream that supports local businesses and the sustainable fashion movement. With Re:Pair Lab, Trinity Leeds has become a springboard for innovation, proving that conscious consumerism and entrepreneurial spirit can go hand in hand.
The pop-up shop operates from 10 am to 7 pm, Wednesday to Saturday, and from 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays. It’s a can’t-miss destination for those looking to support local talent, learn a new skill, or simply find unique fashion pieces that tell a story. Re:Pair Lab is more than a shopping experience; it’s a movement that reflects the evolving values of the Leeds community, showcasing the potential of collaborative, sustainable fashion initiatives.
- Re:Pair Lab in Trinity Leeds is a sustainable fashion hub showcasing upcycled garments by local designers, promoting environmentally friendly practices.
- Trinity Leeds introduces Re:Pair Lab as a unique space dedicated to upcycled fashion, fostering a community of local artisans and designer-makers.
- The collaboration between Trinity Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and Hemingway Design aims to challenge the fashion industry’s perceptions and value craftsmanship in upcycling.
- Re:Pair Lab provides a platform for local talent to showcase upcycled garments and offers workshops to teach the public upcycling techniques.
- The innovative retail approach of Re:Pair Lab supports second-hand businesses and designer-makers, providing a space to connect directly with customers and experiment with new concepts.