Upcycling old business shirts

Miriam Ruzeu

This project uses the strategy of upcycling old business shirts as well as remnants from deconstructed shirts sourced from home. The cropped shirt uses large pattern pieces to create an oversized garment. I decided to create this look as I had sleeves that where from a large mens shirt, so I based my pattern blocks for the bodice from the sleeve, which created a loose casual fit. In terms of sustainability, the idea that garments like the business shirt are discarded or have lost their value even though they might still be in good condition can once again become a high quality garment, where this project showcase this notion through the strategy of upcycling and finding ways to including textile waste within the design.

Photoshoot at a skate park, where I cropped myself to be in the middle to draw the eye to the shirt.
Final prototype of shirt by Miriam Ruzeu
Credit to my friend Rukaya as the photographer
The collaging activity helped me to know what direction to develop my final prototype.
Inspiration towards final piece by Miriam Ruzeu
Created a final page with few designs combining shapes and features from the collaging inspiration.
Design development for final piece by Miriam Ruzeu
Top button of opened cotton shirt to see the button hole and button side by side.
A detail of shirt by Miriam Ruzeu
Final prototype of shirt by Miriam Ruzeu
Credit to my friend Rukaya as the photographer