Alterist is a new upcycling marketplace. Its mission is to reduce textile waste and it showcases upcycled garments. Alterist is a marketplace that unites a community of upcycle designers who are using creativity to drive change, transform fashion culture and make a positive impact on the planet.

Alterist sees upcycling as a way to create one of a kind, iconic pieces while also keeping these materials out of landfill. Alterist is about altering the world’s perception of fashion and what is considered to be textile waste, about challenging social norms, being experimental with style. It’s about altered vision.

Alterist’s next step will be working with brands to help them creatively utilise their excess materials. Alterist will be providing a space for designers and brands to participate in the creativity and expression of fashion but through a more sustainable lens.

The sustainability market is booming. However, the majority of the market is still focused on creating new products. Despite the significant increase in awareness, knowledge and technologies within the fashion industry surrounding sustainability, levels of environmental impact have shown no net reduction.

The most common processes of garment recycling rely on the use of chemicals or mechanical procedures to break down fibers to be made into new fabrics. Upcycling utilises discarded clothing, objects or materials in their current form, creating new and unique products.