LOBBY I HANOVER HOUSE

Future From Waste Lab Residency
12th Jan 2022 to 23rd Feb 2022

This initiative sits close to the ARTCLUB brand’s heart and is fuelled by the same ethics and values.

In an industry that contributes 10% of humanity’s total carbon emissions and is the 2nd largest consumer of the world’s water supply, we have an absolute obligation to shift the way we create, produce and supply clothing to the market.

Heidi Middleton is passionate about the cause and as she states, “After 15 years of creating fashion at Sass & Bide, it became clear to me that the business model felt wrong. Instinctively, it didn’t sit well for many reasons. Environmentally it was clearly not sustainable and from a Human Resources perspective, the process and speed of the fashion production cycle was resulting in high levels of stress and ultimately, inferior design output.

When creating ARTCLUB 3 years ago I knew that I wanted the focus to be on creating in a gentle way with minimal impact on people and the planet. We eliminated seasons, collections, paid PR and marketing, fashion shows, overseas production and instead focused on other things. 90% of our production uses remnant fabric and everything we create is made locally. Each garment is signed by its maker and is numbered as we make in limited runs. This eliminates waste and also highlights that each piece is special and should regarded as an investment rather than ‘throwaway’ fashion.

When approached by friend and Australia’s pioneer in sustainable fashion Kit Willow, the response was immediate. The Future From Waste Lab initiative resonated deeply. We will be creating a denim ensemble consisting of a high waisted short paired with an asymmetrical ruffled top. These styles will be created from non stretch vintage denim and will vary in shade and texture, adding to their appeal and individuality. We have reduced the use or hardware and or trims to enhance their recycling potential. All elements used in production are able to be re-used, avoiding waste. The pieces can be purchased as separates and will team back well with other ARTCLUB styles.

With available knowledge coupled with the planet’s urgency to address the Climate Change Crisis, we hope that endeavors such as the Future From Waste Lab project will inspire and become part of the ‘new normal’ for the fashion industry and beyond.”

What We Achieved

260 garments retrieved
159kg textile waste collected
20 loads of washing
40 garments made onsite

Created by Heidi Middleton, ARTCLUB is an online fashion and art brand bringing together Middleton’s 15 years of industry experience (she was a co-founder at Sass & Bide) with an industry-defining approach to slow design. Limited edition and small batch pieces are designed to be loved, worn, shared, swapped, borrowed, repaired and passed on.

Sharing BETA and STH BNK’s philosophy around challenging fashion’s transactional attitude and instead facilitating deeper relationships between brand and consumer, all of the pieces are made locally by artisans who ARTCLUB pay homage to by including their names within the garment itself. This elevates an appreciation for the hidden processes behind the final product, and lends a human hand to the often faceless supply chain.