REIMAGINING UNWANTED JEANS: 5 ways we upcycle denim for fashion

The fashion industry has long been associated with significant environmental damage, and the production of jeans is no exception. From the excessive water consumption to the use of toxic chemicals and high energy consumption in the dyeing and distressing processes, the impact of your favorite jeans on the environment is often overlooked.

To make matters worse, the inclusion of new washes, added stretch, and blended fibers in modern jeans often leads to faster wear and tear. Seams weaken, and rips occur, rendering them unwearable beyond a certain point. While repairing jeans is the ideal solution, it's not always feasible.

In an effort to breathe new life into unwanted denim, we have embarked on a journey of creativity by collecting discarded jeans from our friends and neighbors. We believe in reimagining these jeans and transforming them into unique creations. 

Here are some of the ways we repurpose old jeans:

Unique Handbags

We deconstruct the jeans we salvage and use the legs as fabric to make tote bags, clutch purses.     The varying wash colors are harmoniously combined in patchwork designs, with worn spots and tears either embraced as design elements or repaired. We repurpose inseams and waistbands as straps, and the pockets serve their original purpose.

 

 

Hardware

Zippers find new life as key components in our jewelry. We pair them with leather, spikes, and grommets to craft edgy bracelets. Additionally, we repurpose zipper pulls, transforming them into one-of-a-kind earrings and unusual statement necklaces.

Feather Earrings

Even the smallest scraps of denim left after cutting out patterns can be transformed into boho-inspired "feather" earrings. We have recently been playing with bleach and dye! resulting in nature-inspired patterns that add a touch of uniqueness and an authentic feather look.

                                                      Bracelets

We utilize the smaller cuts of inseams into denim bangle bracelets, reinforced with wire structures to maintain their shape

 

 

 

Halter Tops

Embracing the summer heat, we create patchwork panels using various washes, transforming them into tie-back halter tops with a 90’s vibe.

 

She-bang Shop is a sustainable fashion line from the design duo Arianne + Danielle.  Mindfully and sustainably designed bags, unique jewelry, statement earrings, and one of a kind clothing for the free-spirited being. our style is edgy and quirky but also seasonless.  We use upcycled denim, reclaimed genuine leather and hardware to create our unique jewelry, handcrafted bags and unexpected one of a kind clothing.  We re-imagine the mismatched and unwanted into edgy new jewelry creations.    Everything is handmade, sewn, painted and dyed by us in our Brooklyn studio.  Because of the nature of how we create, our designs are very limited or completely one of a kind.  Follow us on Instagram for more!