We're proud to partner with the Neighborhood Council Sustainability Alliance and LACI to demo our Mobile Circular Fashion Lab pilot event at the La Kretz Innovation Campus (525 S. Hewitt St., Los Angeles, CA 90013) on Saturday, August 12th from 2:00pm - 5:00pm.
Refresh your wardrobe with a clothing swap and learn about various clothes dyeing techniques, including natural dyeing with flowers and native plants hosted by Wild Fire Water! We'll also host a discussion about how fast fashion affects our local communities and what can be done about it, as well as hear from LACI about how its programs are helping businesses right here in Los Angeles lead the way toward a more sustainable future.
2:00-2:30 Arrival, Drop off Clothes for the Clothing Swap, and Network:
Bring any CLEAN clothing that you don't want anymore that are in good condition and could be loved by someone else. After the panel discussion, you'll be able to shop for free the equivalent number of items you brought!
Also bring any items you want to ReDye, as this activity will take place after the panel discussion as well. If you don't have your own items to ReDye, but still want to participate, there will be ReDyeable items available for purchase.
Getting to La Kretz Innovation Campus: We recommend public transportation or ride sharing. There is limited free street parking available in the area or you can park in the La Kretz Innovation Campus parking lot for a $10 fee.
2:30 Panel Discussions and Q&A by LACI and Circular Fashion LA:
Hear from LACI about how they are supporting local businesses and what their impact is on sustainable initiatives right here in Los Angeles. Learn from Karri Ann Frerichs, CEO and Founder of Circular Fashion LA, about how fast fashion is directly affecting our local communities and what we can do about it.
Since this event also serves as the monthly meeting for the Neighborhood Council Sustainability Alliance, they will have the opportunity to conduct any necessary NC business after the panel discussions.
Clothing Swap, Shopping, ReDye Activities:
After the panel discussions, you can peruse and enjoy a variety of fun, hands-on activities to learn more about how to refresh your wardrobe at home through ReDyeing, community clothing swaps and supporting sustainable fashion businesses like ours!
Shop the clothing swap! You will be able to shop for free the equivalent number of items you entered into the clothing swap. You can purchase more items from the clothing swap and can shop upcycled products offered by Circular Fashion LA at affordable prices that compete with fast fashion.
Learn how to use natural dyes! Watch and learn how to dye silk with native flowers and plants with our Special Guest ReDye expert: Jessica Unsell of Wild Fire Water. If you'd like to participate and dye your own silk bandana on site or at home you can purchase a "Dig the Earth" dye kit for $38 (includes your own silk bandana, complete instructions and all the natural dye materials you will need). Makes a great gift!
Learn fun at-home ReDye techniques with Rit Dye! Because natural dyes work best on specific fabrics like silk, you can also learn fun tie-dye and stenciling techniques that work on the rest of your clothes, like cotton and a variety of synthetics. Rit Dye can be found at many grocery and craft stores so its a great, non-toxic and sewer-safe option that's available to the general public. (Plus we offer Rit refills so you don't have to throw away their smaller plastic bottles!). Bring your own items to dye for free onsite or purchase any of our items to add fun stencils or colorful tie-dye effects.
Relax, Network and Refresh! We'll have some basic refreshments and snacks to keep you fueled during all these great activities. Network with the LACI community and leaders of the Neighborhood Councils.
This event is free to attend and RSVP is required. Parking onsite costs $10 and there is limited free street parking in the area. We highly recommend taking public transportation or ride sharing. See you there!
note: Tours of the La Kretz Campus will no longer be offered during this event due to high capacity and limited access to facilities on weekends.