DIY Fashion & Upcycling

There’s something incredibly special about fashion that tells a story, not just through its age or its previous life, but through the way it’s made, reworked, and worn with intention. This month, I want to shine a light on something that’s just as close to my heart as vintage fashion: DIY fashion and upcycling.

What exactly is DIY and upcycled fashion?

DIY fashion is all about creativity and expression. It’s when you take matters into your own hands, literally. Think altering a vintage dress to fit like a glove, customising a denim jacket with embroidery or patches, or transforming something forgotten at the back of your wardrobe into your new favourite piece. It's personal, resourceful and deeply satisfying.

Upcycling, on the other hand, takes that concept one step further. It’s about giving old clothes, or unused materials, a second life by turning them into something new and even more valuable. Instead of sending fabric waste to landfill, we reimagine it. In a world of mass production and fast fashion, this is a small act of resistance. And honestly? It feels good.

Like vintage, DIY and upcycled fashion, slow things down. They force us to think differently about our clothes, not as throwaway trends but as something worth cherishing. In a time where overproduction is one of the fashion industry’s biggest problems, choosing to repair, alter, or upcycle instead of buying new is one of the most powerful things we can do.

It’s about caring. About creativity. And about pushing back gently against a system that’s designed for excess.

Spotlight on: Our handmade waistcoats

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve probably seen my waistcoats, Ella Pop Shop’s own little upcycling love story.

Each one is handcrafted in East London using 100% cotton end-of-stock fabrics. These are high-quality textiles that were destined for waste, simply because they were no longer needed by big manufacturers. But with a little imagination (and a lot of love), we’ve turned them into wearable art.

No two gilets are ever the same. That’s the beauty of it. Each one is a one-off, just like the people who wear them. They’re playful, sustainable, and made to last. A joyful reminder that fashion can be kind to the planet and full of personality.

Whether it’s through thrifting, mending, upcycling or supporting small independent makers, fashion can be a form of storytelling and activism all at once. So next time you look at a garment, ask yourself: “Can I give this another life?” You might be surprised by what you can create or discover.

Thanks for being on this journey with me. 💛 See you at the markets or online (and let me know if you’ve been working on your own DIY projects, I’d love to see them!).

Ella x