500KG CO2
THE FUTURE OF UPCYCLING IN A DIGITAL AGE
BERLIN, Germany — 29.01.2023 As an official partner of the Berlin Fashion Week and supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic, Energy and Public Enterprises, “500KG CO2” came to life this January. With this new digital upcycling event format, STUDIO183 invites visitors to dive into the new digital reality where upcycling, independent design and cutting-edge technology merge.
Why “500KG CO2”? The name “500KG CO2” derives from the recent material science study conducted by INTEXTER that concludes that reusing 1kg of textile saves 25kg of CO2, so based on this research the idea for the digital upcycling format “500KG CO2” emerged.
The goal is to showcase new forms of consuming fashion in light of the climate crisis and the utilization of digital tools. Supported by technological innovations, individuals are empowered to use second-hand garments from their own wardrobe to create new items based on existing designs by independent, emerging designers. This new format was displayed in a 1-day event format during Berlin Fashion Week at POPKDM. The extension of this exhibition can be viewed at STUDIO183, BIKINI Berlin, Budapester Str. 38 – 51, 10787 Berlin.
This new format is presented via the co-created influencer collection “500KG CO2”. With a background in upcycling and digital fashion, the design lead Manon Beretti Prenan met with a group of 5 influencers, including Britney Manson, who were invited to bring preloved garments to STUDIO183 Berlin. Upon exploring each talents’ preference, style and body type, and considering the preloved textiles, Manon created design suggestions based on design templates provided by STUDIO183 designers. The selected looks were produced by local creators in a pop-up atelier at STUDIO183 Berlin.
Glitching the lines between consumer, designer, and model, the upcycled collection that was co-created with the 5 influencers and enters the digital sphere in a VR Runway format. The influencers’ avatars become models, showcasing co-designed upcycling looks on the VR Runway and setting the new norm for upcycling and digital fashion showcase.
Highlight of the exhibition is the design station, where you can experience the future of upcycling with the beta version of the AR Upcycling App. Guests can select from preloved garments and based on templates from independent designers upcycle their items.
With “500KG CO2”, STUDIO183 showcases how technology can be a catalyst for sustainable practices in the fashion industry, and seamlessly fuses independent design, circular fashion and technological innovations.
The exhibition continues at BIKINI Berlin, STUDIO183, Budapester Str. 38 – 51, 10787 Berlin. To view the exhibition you may schedule an appointment here: katrina.ryback@studio183.co
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IG @500kgco2
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AVATARS // @marcel_schlutt , @aatypi , @nkraush , @saralilyperez , @mae_b_pssst
DESIGN TEMPLATES // @nena.barcelona , @papingomaminga , @afmf.ro , @studio747athens @moonshinecha , @oversized_studio , @starchak_official @chany.maria @gluckclo @jiminleeresults
PARTNERS // @senwienbe @berlinfashionwe @fashioncouncilgermany
