Interview with Nichola Prested, ethical fashion designer

Nichola Prested

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Nichola Prested aka Nikkishell. I run a group blog called Wardrobe Refashion. Participants take a pledge of two, four or six months to abstain from buying new manufactured clothing. Instead they refashion second hand clothing or make their own from scratch using recycled or good quality fabrics and yarns, etc [In December 2010 Wardrobe Refashion closed to new sign ups but currently remains online for browsing through past entries].

I also write a personal blog where I write about my daily crafting, sewing, family and my attempts at living a simpler life and being more eco aware. I write for BurdaStyle.com and co produce Mixtape Zine , a zine about making time for the small things: craft, eco, pop culture, parenting, etc.

What do you think are the most important issue when considering ethical fashion?

• Where your clothing is coming from?
• Where is it made?
• Who made it?
• What is it made from?

Why is ethical fashion important?

It’s all part of the bigger picture. We need to be reducing our environmental footprint overall and fashion is just one of those areas we can do this. By reducing the amount of new mass produced clothing we buy we are reducing what goes into the landfill. Recycling and making well made clothing that will last from good quality fabrics and eco friendly fabrics also helps reduce what goes to the landfill too.

We also need to take more interest in who is making what we wear. We need to know that these people are being taken care of.

Do you think it is ever OK to buy clothes from high street stores?

It depends on the item and the store. If it’s ethical and environmentally friendly, then yes. Personally I rarely buy from high street stores and then it’s usually only underwear!

Nichola Prested. Black refashioned dress.

Nichola Prested. Altered dogtooth skirt

Nichola Prested. Green dress is made from an old curtain

Nichola Prested. Orange dress made from a thrifted bed sheet