Behind The Scenes Interview With Michelle Torrens of Junk Weavers

by Marilyn R. Wilson

What drew you to become a fashion designer?

We were given banners from the Cairns Regional Council after the Elton John concert and we were going to make (and still will make) handbags from them but we needed an industrial sewing machine which we did not have access to.  So we thought why not make a dress.  So we did.

Why was it important to you to offer a sustainable, responsible, Eco fashion line and how do you incorporate ideals such a Zero Waste into your work?

The Junk Weavers is all about recycling.  Our motto Saving the Planet one Wrapper at a time shows we are committed to teaching women about recycling from their kitchens.  Even one person can make a difference.

Where do your find inspiration for new work?

Our inspiration is saving single use plastics from ending up in landfill.  We also enjoy teaching other women about recycling and who to make get upcycled things from garbage.

What materials do you work with – organic, reclaimed, etc.?

We recycle single use plastics such as chip packets, lolly wrappers, dog and cat food biscuit bags, coffee bags – these are our favourite.  However many of the single use plastics from your pantry and fridge can be recycled.  We are also now into the circular economy and received scrim and banners from the council to recycle as well.

What are the biggest challenges you face as an sustainable designer?

For the Junk Weavers it’s the time it takes to make our products.  Collection of the plastics, washing, cutting, folding, sewing is very labour intensive.

How do you help customers understand the higher cost of sustainable garments when they are so inundated with sweat shop-produced cheap merchandise?

We don’t  Customers think our products are cool and buy if they like them.

What can we look forward to seeing on the runway at Eco Fashion Week Australia 2018?

Our Elton John dress is one of a kind, unique, and his banners have never been converted to a dress as far as we can tell.  This product will be a collector’s item.

How do you incorporate sustainable living in other areas of your life?

All the Junk Weavers are recyclers.

Anything else you would like readers to know?

We love to talk garbage,   We are a small group of devoted women who love to upcycle single use plastics into unique items.  Every handbag produced is unique, no two are the same.  We  mostly use recycled handles, recycled Bling all from second hand shops.

We have a Hip Hop song written about what we do – and our first verse is Weaving Garbage, That’s what we like to do.  We can teach you so you can do it to. We have an active Facebook page and also a website which we have just updated.

We are committed to saving plastics from entering landfill and the ocean as we live in Far North Queensland.  We would love to see women around the world turning garbage from their pantries into saleable items.  We have lots of pictures and videos on our Facebook page.

Links

• Website - www.junkweavers.com
• Instagram - @junk_weavers
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/thejunkweaversinc/
• LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/torrens-michelle-017a8424/

Meet The EFWA 2018 Team - May Lin

by Marilyn R. Wilson

Please share a little bit about who you are and what you do in your regular life?

I’m a Malaysian Chinese and moved to Perth WA in 1980’s to complete my degree. Being of Asian descent, I’m a crazy foodie. I love every sort of cuisine and enjoy not just eating but cooking. I also love art, music and reading. I currently work part time in the Accounting and Technology industry and am full time mother of two gorgeous girls. My oldest has just moved to Sydney, she’s 26 and my baby is now 14 years old and in high school. I’m sure most of you know what it is like with a 14 year old teenage daughter. Your life tends to evolve around them.

At what point did you begin to learn about the issue of sustainability in every area of daily life? 

I have always been aware of how fragile our planet is and how we are affecting the sustainability of our environment. My oldest daughter studied Marine Biology and is passionate about saving the Ocean and marine life. We know about pollution, recycling plastics etc but being involved with Eco Fashion last year was an eye opener. Never had I realised the impact of fast fashion to our environment. I have learnt so much with regards to Sustainable fashion. The little things we can do to help save our environment.

Have you embraced any changes that help you personally leave a smaller ecological footprint?

We have always been a household that recycles our household rubbish, minimize on plastics, using our own shopping bags. With regards to fashion, this is new for us, we have started to make better choices in what we wear. We do try and support sustainable fashion. Op shopping is something we are also trying as well.

How did you meet Zuhal and what led you to become involved with EFWA 2017?

We were told to go for a casting in Fremantle last year, as my youngest decided to try modelling. We met Zuhal and the team, saw how passionate she was in what she was trying to achieve and we were hooked.

What was it about EFWA's mission that drew you to offer your talents in support of this international event?

Their passion to provide sustainable designers especially the start-up designers a chance to showcase their wonderful designs, the opportunity for all models regardless of age and size to walk for the designers. Their passion to get the message out there about sustainable fashion. She has changed the way young girls thing about fashion. How else could you change the mentality that sustainable fashion is not just about drab clothes and hippy wear but it is also haute couture, if you don’t showcase it.

As a part of the EFWA 2018 team, what role or roles will you be filling?

Last year we started off as Garment managers (I think it was such a lovely title) but we had no idea what we were doing. We just tried our best managing the designers outfits, ironing and steaming and getting girls dressed backstage. Highlights of being backstage for EFWA 2017 was meeting all the lovely designers and also hosting a designer from Spain, the lovely Sylvia.

This year we are helping Zuhal co-ordinate matching the overseas designers with host families during EFWA in November.

Any last words or a favourite quote on sustainability?

I have learnt that sustainable fashion does not just impact the environment, but it is also beautiful fashion and works of art.