#15 Skirt by from somewhere

from somewhere website
Personal comment: I just love their very creative fashion. Reusing once used fabric retailoring them into timeless fashion. That's playful, colourful and highly unique. I love it. If I ever decided to step back into the fashion industry, this is for sure the first place I would try to work. Keep up the great work!

My message to from somewhere: I would love to come around and have a look at your workshop someday soon. I wonder where these lovely creations are made! Please let me know if I may do that!

#14 Honest Kids Laptop Case by terracycle

terracycle website

Personal comment: What a nice, colourful laptop case! And its production saved on virgin material because it is made of used drink pouches. I'm all for it: reducing our impact on nature by reusing trash more often! What can be more creative and at the same time less destructive?

My message to terracycle: I have contacted you a few times... Would be lovely to hear back from you soon! I'd still love to invent upcycled products for the trash you collect. Since you are pretty popular already you have the power to spread your work most effectively.

#13 stool by ny-k.co.jp

NOyes website

Personal comment: I think this stool is pretty neat! And I know how it feels to have a pair of jeans that you can't wear any longer but also that you can't throw away because of all the memories attached to it. It really could become a lovely stool, don't you think?

My message to NOyes: Thanks for this creative idea reusing old material combining it with master crafts! That's the way forward!

#12 Wallet by milkmuny

milkmuny website

Personal comment: I can so much understand that milkmuny are making wallets out of beverage cartons because I do the same and it really is a material that is perfect for this purpose! I'm also very happy to learn that their business is running great, despite the fact that you can easily find the tutorial for this product on you tube. It's great that there are people out there who like these wallets but don't like to diy and even greater that milkmuny offers them! Honestly, that gives me a good picture about my products which are very similar. Just, compared with milkmuny, my marketing and point of sale still isn't good.

I got in contact with John, the entrepreneur behind the label. I would love to learn from him! He seems to ba a lovely guy with energy for 3 people - at least! He also works for the most valuable brands in marketing/product presentation. His experience is invaluable and I can see it with his upcycled wallets and the website.

My message to John: I know we are busy but if you hit London and if you have time, please give me a call. We were thinking of collaborating, remember? Maybe a meeting in real life would make clear if this could become reality despite the busy scedule we have and the geographical distance.

#11 Washbag by Elvis & Kresse

Elvis & Kresse website

Personal comment: I googled this enterprise and I loved the looks of their products. Before coming to a definite conclusion though I would have to touch the products, examin the details if not even test it. Unfortunately, I have never had the chance to get hold of one of Elvis & Kresse's creations. Using photoshop I know how one can tweak a photo to make it look stunnig, but I really have the feeling that also in physical materia these are top quality products and marketed as luxury high end items. They truely can as despite its former life this material has a sophisticated look. Well spotted! The fact that this enterprise can afford to give 50% back to a charity is another big plus!

My message to Elvis & Kresse: As you wrote me in an e-mail last year, we do have much in common. Let's meet next time you are in London and have 15 minutes! I'd love to collaborate!

#10 Sofa by squint

squint website

Personal comment: This sofa really brings colour into your living space. Squint's products (mostly furniture) are pretty self explanatory: squint turns old furniture into new, colourful design-art works. The new "dress" is made from different fabrics patchworked into a harmonic pattern. Squint is the enterprise of Lisa Whatmough, she used to be - and still is in a unique way - a London artist.

Personal comment: I just love the colours. Unfortunately, I'm far away from ever owning a squint piece - my flat is just not spaceous enough. Maybe one day it will be...

#9 Small organizer by rag-bag

rag-bag website

Personal comment: It's a while back that I learnt about this enterprise and its products. Rag-bag upcycles plastic bags in India into practical products like this small organizer. As far as I remember this company started off due to dutch social entrepreneurs (or designers) and now evolved. Today, they not only reuse plastic but also cotton for upcycled products. It's definitively a business to keep an eye on!

My message to rag-bag: Keep up the good work! Products like yours will be the most desirable ones in the future provided that more people become educated, wiser, aknowledge the big picture and desire to act with conscience. If ever I come to India, I'd love to visit - if that's possible!