Conscious Fashion with library@orchard’s Resident, Raeann Heng
In our increasingly hectic world, fashion choices matter.
Every second, one garbage truck full of textile waste is discarded at a landfill or burnt at an incinerator somewhere across the globe.
This staggering mountain of waste is enabled by fast-fashion companies who are able to mass-produce poor-quality garments at very low prices to keep up with high demand.
Raeann Heng, library@orchard’s newest artist-in-residence started her brand Cheeky Feys with the dream of helping her two lovely daughters wear better.
In this interview, we speak with Raeann to find out more about her work with sustainable fashion and her upcoming plans.
Hi Raeann, how is your residency at library@orchard going?
It’s been going really well! I feel excited and encouraged to see so many Singaporeans being interested in sustainable fashion and upcycling. Most of them who came down to my open studio sessions were enthusiastic about the community project that I’m working on — which is to create an ottoman for the library using upcycled fabrics.
What have you been working on during your residency?
I’ve mainly worked on the ottoman for the library: sewing patches for the outer shells while patrons help to cut up upcycled fabrics for the inner stuffing. I also spend time preparing new garments for my children and myself, as we don’t purchase apparel from any shops at all.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced while working on these projects?
One of the current challenges is that we need way more old clothing to add into the ottoman. We are mainly lacking in denims and T-shirts which will serve as the stuffing of the ottoman.
People will also question my upcycling sources, as they are afraid that the fabrics might be dirty. However, I always assure them that the fabric sources are vetted beforehand, and that I will only use fabrics that have been washed or cleaned. If there are stains on the fabrics that cannot be washed out, I will usually cut out the stained portion and upcycle the rest of the fabric.
Do you have any advice for people who are keen to start their own upcycling journey, and what materials would they need to get started?
All you need is a T-shirt! You can sign up for an upcoming upcycling workshop where I’ll be teaching an upcycling method to convert your T-shirt into a coaster. With little bit more effort, this same method can also turn preloved fabrics into a rug!
Tell us about your favourite piece you’ve made so far!
My favourite piece is a smocked bishop that I made for my daughter. I was showing patrons how the pleater works during one of my open studio sessions, and I decided to make a dress for her. I love vintage pieces, and I’m often inspired by them as people used less disposables in the past and made their own clothing. Their lifestyle is way more sustainable than how we are living now.
What happens if your children insist on wanting fast fashion apparel during shopping trips? How do you educate and convince them to choose sustainable fashion instead?
I remind them of the history of fast fashion, and how we shouldn’t be buying from fast fashion companies that are unethical and unsustainable. My girls also prefer mummy-made clothing anyway! It makes them feel special.
For those who are looking to learn more about the history of fast fashion, I would recommend watching The True Cost, a 2015 documentary film directed by Andrew Morgan that examines the garment industry and fast fashion businesses.
Other than children’s apparel, what are some other sustainable pieces you have made?
I’ve made products like reusable sandwich bags and plant holders. I’ve also repaired things like laptop bags. There are tons of upcycling ideas out there on the internet, and all we need to do is a little googling.
What’s next for you after this residency?
I’m continuing down the sustainable fashion path, and I hope that this residency can help to educate people on what slow fashion is. I would also like to bring across the message that the most efficient and easiest way to lead a sustainable life is to buy less!
Catch Raeann at her upcycling workshop Upcycle Pre-Loved T-shirts Into Coasters with Raeann Heng on 12 August (Sat), 1pm to 3pm.
Her final Open Studio session will be on 26 August (Sat), 1 pm to 4 pm.
Also keep an eye out for her post-residency mini showcase at library@orchard, from 12 October — 9 November 2023!
For updates on library@orchard’s curated design programmes, subscribe to library@orchard’s Eventbrite collection or join the LearnX Arts Facebook group!
Text by
Jasmin Lim
National Library Board
