EMBELLISHMENT + REPAIR: BEADING

We're obsessed with the art of embellishment and have been experimenting with how it can apply to repair. Designers such as Area, Alexander McQueen, Simone Rocha, Tom Ford, and Prada (among many, many more) have inspired our latest repair techniques. We are excited to share a couple techniques including a DIY redesign of a torn cashmere sweater inspired by Area's crystal leopard FW20 detail coming later this month (check out our Youtube) as well as a Simone Rocha beaded bralette made entirely of vintage beads which we will unveil on our IGTV. For now, get inspired by our favorite beaded pieces and imagine a world where you can solve any rip, tear or hole with beads.

Area FW2020

Simone Rocha S21 RTW

Alexander McQueen F18 RTW

Alexander McQueen F20

Acne Studios S18

Tom Ford F20 RTW

Prada F20

Don't know what to do with that torn old favorite wardrobe staple of yours? Sign up for the workshop here!

November 14, 2020

Learn how to repair your clothing through embellishment. In this workshop, we will teach you how to update and revive torn pieces in your wardrobe through hand embroidery. We will work on hand sewing backing, beading and handmade embroidery. Vintage Lurex embroidery floss and embroidery needle packs are now in our store!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Fabric scissors

Needle & thread

Embroidery floss

Straight pins

Tailors chalk

Ruler or measuring tape

Beads

Fusing

Bring what you have and your curiosity and we'll create something new together!

Redesign volume II: metalwork

From the mind of our very own in-house designer (Betsy designs both jewelry and clothing) comes the next Other Lives workshop concept - adding metal (in the form of chains, grommets, studs and safety pins) to your clothing.

We took inspiration from the ever ingenious Christopher Kane, who hasn't met a chain or rhinestone trim he didn't love, as well as Alexander Wang, Area, Alyx, JW Anderson, and Marine Serre. Check out our favorite looks below!

Christopher Kane FW18

Christopher Kane F19

Christopher Kane Resort20

Alyx SS20

AREA SS20

AREA FW19

JW Anderson FW20

Alexander Wang FW18

Marine Serre FW20

Monse FW20

Want to add a little metal to your wardrobe? Sign up for the workshop here!

AUGUST 29, 2020

Create a new piece through metal embellishment. In this workshop, we will teach you how to update tired pieces in your wardrobe by decorating them with metal findings you already have. We will work on silhouette manipulation, hand sewing chain fringe, safety pin embellishments and chain straps.

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WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Fabric scissors

Needle & thread

Straight pins

Metal Trims (chains, safety pins, broken jewelry, rhinestones, earrings)

Sewing machine (optional)

Tailors chalk

Masking tape

Ruler or measuring tape

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For Metal Fringe embellishment: Any piece of clothing!

For Chain Straps: Spaghetti Strap, tube top/ dress, bralette etc (anything with skinny straps!)

Bring what you have, and your curiosity. We'll help with the rest!

Redesign Volume I: The Keyhole Tee

This is a time to be comfortable, and what's more comfortable than a tee? We all have torn, faded and forgotten pieces of this classic staple in the corners of our closet, and we want to give you a reason to wear it again. Our inaugural virtual workshop (on July 25th) will do just that. Here are pieces that inspired this workshop from some of our favorite designers. We are excited to see where you take this inspiration!

GUCCI SS2020 RTW

HELIOT EMIL SPRING 2020

SUPRIYA LELE SS2020 RTW

OFF-WHITE S2020 RTW

RICK OWENS SS19 MENSWEAR

RICK OWENS S2018 RTW

DION LEE F2018

Want to join us in creating your own keyhole tee? Sign up here

JULY 25,2020

In this workshop, we will teach you how to update the most classic of essentials in your closet: the T-shirt. We will work on statement keyholes, length manipulation and basic embellishments.

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WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Fabric scissors

Needle & thread

Straight pins

Tailors chalk, design tape or a pencil!

Twill (or any other ribbon or cording you may have)

Sewing machine (optional)

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Hope to see you there! Feel free to tag us (@otherlivesstudio) in your upcycling

experiments - we can't wait to see what you create!