A few summers ago I was able to convince Kerry and Annika to let me help out at Junky Styling one day a week. I had a bit of a cheek as I had no fashion experience to speak of at that time, however, I think my background at Greenpeace swung it in my favour.
Junky Styling is pioneering high fashion which uses solely recycled materials. Based at the Truman Brewery in Brick Lane there is always a buzz about the place and the sewing team are extremely talented and committed. Admittedly to start with I was unpicking suits for the fabrics to be re-used (I was assured this was a very important job) rather than creating couture. However I learnt loads and after a while I even made a basque which they used to entice customers to their stall at a fair in Paris.
Annika and Kerry have been friends for years and, after travelling together and influenced by seeing recycled clothing in San Francisco and Tokyo they were inspired to set up Junky Styling in 1997 and haven't looked back since. While travelling they would make outfits for their nights out from suits purchased at the local charity shops. Feedback out and about was so positive they knew they were on to something.
They have since participated at London Fashion Week many times, published the book ‘Junky Styling – Wardrobe Surgery’, lectured at the V&A and were featured in The Apprentice series 2010 (episode 5):
Cathy Hoste, Surface Designer, London.
http://www.bettysrevenge.co.uk
