The Story of Sparklewear
Hello!
Meet me - Isabel - Sparklewear’s founder. I am a dedicated cyclist, a creative and a maker. I'm lucky to live by the sea! I’m into living sustainably and wearing fun clothes (amongst other things…). But getting around town and being seen in traffic, especially in the darker months of the year is no easy feat if you like to look good! So a while back I upcycled a tired old hi-vis vest with the help of a sparkly top from a charity shop, and voilà – the first prototype was born…
Word spread and friends wanted upcycled vests too. After plenty of second hand sequins and tweeds reinvented, and learning how to screen-print (something I had always wanted!), there is now a range of designs.
I love to roam charity shops wherever I go to hunt for suitable garments and materials, as much as I love designing new patterns for screen print. Some pieces in my range are one-offs, others more streamlined, although no item is completely the same!
I design all patterns, make up silk screens and print by hand, develop garment patterns, cut the fabric, add heat transfer vinyl and sew everything locally with the help of skilled dress makers.
From upcycled to screen printed, sustainability is still very much part of the ethos of Sparklewear; we produce everything with love and attention to detail in Edinburgh, mostly at Abbeymount Studios. I print with water-based inks and endevour to use every scrap of remnants.
We dream of urban environments where motorists don’t always take priority, where you can pedal, ride and scoot care-free. Meanwhile we at Sparklewear do our bit – by making you stand out in the dark… come join us!!
Photos: K. Pasiut & B. Campbell
