A preview of an exciting new collaboration between Speedo, the world’s leading swimwear brand, and award winning sustainable fashion label, From Somewhere, was revealed at Estethica the British Fashion Council’s ethical fashion area at London Fashion Week.
The ‘From Somewhere with Speedo‘ collaboration forms part of a series of creative art and design projects commissioned by Speedo created from unsold stock and surplus pieces of the revolutionary Speedo LZR Racer suit. The limited edition capsule collection that is still in development, comprises a statement dress constructed purely of Speedo LZR Racer suits that will be auctioned for charity.
Following the decision of FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation), swimming’s governing body, to change the rules regarding swimsuit design and prohibit the use of full-body suits from January 2010, the world’s leading swimwear brand was left with a surplus of the record breaking LZR Racer suit. Award winning designer Orsola de Castro and Filippo Ricci, Directors of Ethical Fashion label From Somewhere recycles and rethinks the fashion industry’s waste turning textile surplus into beautiful clothes that take into account the balance between consumption and disposal. From Somewhere’s collections are made with luxury designer pre-consumer waste such as proofs, swatches, production off-cuts and end of rolls and in this case unsold and surplus Speedo and Speedo LZR Racer stock.
As part of a wider project to explore new ways of utilising excess stock and a more responsible solution than sending the obsolete product to landfill; Speedo opted to write a new chapter in the history of the Speedo LZR Racer suit by providing the suits to a series of artistic and creative groups and institutions to use in a series of collaborative projects, ensuring that the suit will continue to make waves despite no longer being used in competitive swimming.
With a phenomenal 91 world records broken by athletes wearing the Speedo LZR Racer suit, including the unforgettable achievements of the most decorated athlete of all time, Michael Phelps, the Speedo suit will always be remembered for the way in which it revolutionised the sport of swimming. David Robinson, President of Speedo International, said:
‘The Speedo LZR Racer suit has been a design icon in the sport of swimming since its launch in 2008. During its time in the pool, swimmers wearing it have broken 91 world records and achieved outstanding results. The Speedo collaboration with From Somewhere now allows the LZR Racer to be a design icon outside of the pool. As a company which places great importance in sustainability, we are thrilled to announce the collaboration with From Somewhere. Innovative projects such as this are the perfect way to responsibly dispose of the surplus stocks of the suit while extending the legacy of the Speedo LZR Racer beyond the pool and onto the catwalk. I look forward to seeing the rest of the range early next year.’
Filippo Ricci and Orsola de Castro, Creators of Ethical Fashion label, From Somewhere, said: ‘From Somewhere is incredibly excited about collaborating with Speedo, as the high-tech fabrics allow for our creativity to run wild. The collection is design led and directional as well as having a considerable environmental impact. We look forward to digging deeper both into our creative resources and into Speedo’s excess stock!’
The full ‘From Somewhere with Speedo’ collection will be revealed early 2011. A percentage of sales from the collection will go to charity.
Source: ecochiccollection.co.uk
The liveeco team
