From time to time, we have scarves that do not pass our quality control. These scarves pile up in our inventory. Some of the 'better' ones would be sold during our sample sale, but there are some that just cannot make it. To make sure these do not go to waste, we are always in the look for fresh ideas to upcycle them. This gives us opportunities to interact with many local artists who can create new products out of these less than perfect scarves. The results have always been amazing. It is even better if we could support marginalised communities in the process.
In the past, we have worked with several artists to create a line of accessories. This year we worked together with Cheerful Atelier and Style Nomads to create these lines of products. Here are more about them.
Cheerful Atelier
The artist behind Cheerful Atelier (@cheerfulatelier - Instagram) is Nancy Noerdin, an architect turned maker. She works with diverse mediums, most prominently papers. Nancy has been working closely with us since the beginning of Binary Style. She has helped us create our pop-up displays, i.e. SG52 in Tang's and Boutique Fair (do you remember our beautiful hornbill centrepiece?). She has also created sculptural necklaces out of our scarves in the past. Her eye catching necklaces have been a consistent crowd favourite. This year she created more of those necklaces! Each piece is unique, it is a definite conversation starter! Don’t wait too long, her necklaces are sure to fly off the shelf in a jiffy!
Nancy Noerdin - Cheerful Atelier
Style Nomads
Style Nomads has been training single Mums since the end of 2012 to make jewellery so they can look after their children. Since the pandemic there are many marginalized groups who need help. Over the years they have been contacted by social workers and Family Service Centres looking for work for their beneficiaries. Different women from all walks of life who struggle to get employment. Ladies who are hearing impaired, those suffering from mental health issues, over 60s living in a single room flat. So they made the decision to help more women than single Mums. And they started looking to find other ways to help create income for all types of amazing women who struggle to find work. The income we provide them goes towards some of their costs, but the friendship and most importantly community is priceless.
Style Nomads has previously turned Binary Style scarves into trendy headbands, which led to the idea for Christmas Stockings. The prints lend themselves so well to beautiful accessories for the home or for fashionistas alike. They worked with amazing lady who is retired and wonderful at sewing. She especially loves patchwork and upcycling materials.
Headband by Style Nomads
Christmas Stockings by Style Nomads