Do you love shopping but wish it was more interactive? Thanks to a new Melbourne store, you can now design your own special Converse.
Renew Labs Fitzroy is a one-of-a-kind place. They allow you to bring along your dusty old Converse shoes and repair and renew them. “A space for sustainable self-expression. Where we collaborate and showcase your creativity. An inclusive space to continue,” the official website explains.
Renew Labs’ expert team are available for a consultation to determine how you can extend the life of your beloved but ragged old Converse as long as possible. They know that extending the life of old products is key ro reducing impact on the environment.
They also run workshops in which you can learn how to customise your Converse. Pick from a large array of patches to add some personal touches to your Chucks or choose a colour upgrade for your eyelets and laces to keep your pair in your rotation. You can also add a unique touch with personalised embroidery using recycled PVC thread.
The store itself is also all about reducing waste: the Fitzroy store is built using locally sourced, upcycled, recycled, and repurposed materials. Local artist Callum Preston created artwork pieces using found and repurposed items channeling youth culture and street art for the space.
The first workshop series is being held by Tamara Leacock from fashion label REMUSE Designs. She’ll teach you how to dye a pair of Chucks using natural indigo pigment. “Indigo dye is a really bold colour, it matches so many things, it’s a great way to extend the life of garments as they’re getting close to end of life,” she explained on Instagram.
So don’t throw away your old Converse yet and get down to Renew Labs Fitzroy instead. You can find out further details about the place here.
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