Outliv - Circular Fashion in Action
"Fashion should be a force for good—an artform that respects both people and the planet. At Outliv, we reimagine discarded materials, proving that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand. Slow, considered design isn’t just an alternative to fast fashion—it’s the future."
As the founder and driving force behind Outliv, I have dedicated myself to creating a brand that champions sustainability, creativity, and circular fashion. Outliv transforms secondhand clothing and textiles into unique, upcycled accessories, offering a more responsible alternative to fast fashion. I lead the brand’s mission to reduce waste, promote slow fashion, and give back to the planet, donating a portion of each sale to the local environmental charity Sea Cleaners. My role encompasses everything from fabric sourcing and design to community engagement and advocacy, with initiatives like the ‘River Blue’ screening and Zero Waste finalist recognition underscoring our commitment to environmental change.
PROJECTS
Fabric Sourcing & Upcycling – Outliv sources secondhand clothing and textiles, focusing on leather and denim due to the environmental harm caused by their production. By repurposing these materials, we extend their lifecycle, reduce the demand for new resources, and divert waste from landfills. This approach minimises environmental impact while creating unique products with a story. Each item is a step toward reducing the fashion industry’s footprint by turning waste into something functional and beautiful.
Sea Cleaners Partnership – With every Outliv bag sold, a donation is made to Sea Cleaners, a New Zealand environmental organisation dedicated to removing plastic pollution from the country's waterways. This partnership reinforces our commitment to a regenerative approach to business, especially considering the environmental damage caused by textile production, including the pollution of local waterways from industries like denim and leather manufacturing. By supporting Sea Cleaners, we aim to help mitigate the broader environmental impact of the fashion industry, contributing to cleaner oceans and a healthier planet.
‘River Blue’ Screening – In 2019, Outliv hosted a screening of River Blue, a documentary that exposes the environmental damage caused by the fashion industry. The event aimed to raise awareness about the toxic processes behind fast fashion, encouraging more sustainable choices. By hosting this screening, we inspired attendees to consider the environmental impact of their clothing and sparked important conversations about more ethical alternatives.
Zero Waste Commitment – Outliv operates with a zero-waste philosophy, ensuring most materials are repurposed, with minimal waste created. Though some waste is unavoidable, we strive to reduce it through upcycling and recycling. This commitment earned us recognition as a finalist in the 2021 Zero Waste Awards, highlighting our innovative approach to sustainable fashion and our dedication to minimising environmental impact in every step of production.
Slow Fashion as an Artform – Outliv embraces slow fashion, rejecting the rapid turnover of trends and mass production. We focus on creating thoughtfully designed pieces that prioritise design, craftsmanship and longevity. By treating fashion as an artform, we ensure each item is made with purpose and care, offering timeless, durable pieces that align with our values of sustainability and conscious consumption.
‘Good Sustainable Style Show – NZFW’ - Outliv was honoured to be the exclusive bag brand featured in the inaugural Good Sustainable Style Show at New Zealand Fashion Week, hosted by Good Magazine. As the first-ever sustainability-focused fashion show at NZFW, this event showcased brands leading the charge for more sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry. Outliv's presence in this show highlighted our commitment to upcycling and circular fashion, with a collection of unique, handcrafted bags made from secondhand clothing and textiles. By participating, Outliv contributed to a larger conversation about reducing fashion's environmental impact and demonstrated the potential for creative, sustainable alternatives in the industry. The show was a landmark moment in NZFW’s history, serving as a platform to celebrate slow fashion and innovative, responsible production.
‘The Ethical Collab Pop Up’ Ponsonby Central - In 2019 Outliv hosted a week-long pop-up at Ponsonby Central, where we showcased our range of upcycled bags alongside a collective of like-minded local brands. The event aimed to raise awareness about more sustainable alternatives and highlight products that are thoughtfully designed with the planet in mind. The brands featured in this pop-up included: Biddy + May, Mushama & Me, Oki for All, Gooseboards, Mane Project, Grumpysuns, Aurai, Bohome and Roam, Jessica Greetham, Wild Paper, and Good Magazine. This collaborative space provided an opportunity for the community to explore and support local businesses that are committed to sustainable practices, fostering a deeper connection with the planet and promoting conscious consumerism.
