Alayna Roe is a project created and run by Brooklyn based creative Alayna Nieters. She is committed to sustainability by increasing the longevity of garments through redesign of vintage garments and custom redesign projects.
”WE SHOP TO FIND UNIQUE PIECES THAT CAN BE REVAMPED TO BECOME MORE MODERN STAPLES AND AIM TO MEND, DECORATE OR RECREATE GARMENTS TO REDUCE THE NEED TO BUY NEW CLOTHES. EACH GARMENT IS HANDPICKED AND REIMAGINED TO BE A ONE OF A KIND CONTEMPORARY PIECE.”
ALAYNA ROE, HTTPS://WWW.ALAYNAROE.COM
A TALK WITH ALAYNA ROE X KREEP.
How did your passion for design start and how your creative process work?
My passion for design began when I first learned how to sew at age five. I immediately took to sewing Barbie clothes out of scrap fabric and did my first redesign project when I was 13. Even at such a young age, I liked puzzling together how I could take a hand me down piece and turn it into something I wanted to wear.
How fashion industry helped and motivated you to become an ethical designer?
The fashion industry has motivated me to become an ethical designer by reimagining what “waste” can be. I now look at scrap fabric and damaged textiles as usable material. We work in one of the most wasteful industries and I am motivated to find new ways to turn unusable textiles into wearable garments.
Can you tell us a little bit about your references and inspirations for your garments?
I let the garments I source speak to me. Sometimes they sit on my form for a few days, sometimes weeks, until I see what they are going to turn into. I like to work with the garments I source in order to utilize as much of the fabric as I can, rather than manipulate them into being something they weren’t meant to be.
Do you see yourself as an example for the new generation in art industry?
Yes, I would love to think of myself as an example for future creatives! I hope we can all begin to look at seemingly unwearable garments differently and be aware of the impact fashion has on our planet!
Can you describe your client’s personality in few words?
Playful, conscious, strong.
What do you think it’s your best-selling piece?
My best-selling pieces have been those I have redesigned for independent clients. I love to do trades with like-minded creatives and have so enjoyed the art/ fashion/ pottery I have gotten in exchange for recreating my clients’ own pieces.
What do you think about the opportunity of selling your products on online platforms, you think it might be a good showcase for your work and your future?
I think it is the future, whether we like it or not. I do like that selling online has given me complete creative control of how my garments are marketed and presented (although this can feel overwhelming at times).
What does fashion industry needs more to grow up and what can be done better for this?
The fashion industry needs to have better regulations in place to protect small designers. It is so devastating to see independent designers being knocked off by huge companies that have the capital to pump out work they have stolen. This is not a new issue and it is really disappointing to see that we haven’t come up with a workable solution yet. Especially since so many small designers are pushing themselves to design with sustainability in mind and the companies that knock them off may not have the same approach.
What is the long term goal for ALAYNA ROE and what is the main mission?
The long-term goal for Alayna Roe is to be fully zero-waste by finding new and inventive ways to use or recycle scraps. My main mission is to reduce textile waste by increasing the longevity of garments already in circulation through mending and redesigning pieces.
What are the most interesting social platforms that can help your label?
I am always exploring how to best market myself. During the height of the pandemic, I explored doing virtual markets through different platforms and am interested to see if opportunities like this continue as we all start to be able to gather again.
Can you tell us what is the next project for ALAYNA ROE right now?
Right now I am working towards becoming more size-inclusive in my designs by working with redesigning plus-size garments without taking wearable as-is pieces out of the market.
SHOP ALAYNA ROE
KREEP. 