Reviving clothes with black dye: Upcycled fashion brand FROMSTOCK

FROMSTOCK is an upcycled fashion brand that was recently launched in February. They carry their products at pop-up stores such as SCRAPBOOK (JEANASIS) and HARE. However, as of last month, customers can now purchase their products online.

The team at FROMSTOCK is determined to solve challenges faced by the fashion industry. These include, but are not limited to, mass production, overconsumption and waste problem. According to their official website, it is reported that 60 percent of clothing produced every year ends up incinerated or in landfills within that same year. This alarming figure is another wake-up call to the fashion industry.

The products produced by FROMSTOCK are manufactured at Daisen Co., Ltd which is one of Japan’s prominent dye factory. Daisen uses a Japanese dye technique called Kuro Zome. Kuro Zome translates to the dyeing of the color black. This is a simple technique that also produces the least amount of waste.

One notable advantage of Kuro Zome is its ability to conceal damage on used clothing. The black dye transforms the material of damaged fabric to possess a one of a kind texture. Therefore, products offered by FROMSTOCK are all different and unique on its own. Prices range between 3,000 to 12,000 yen.

In this time of uncertainty, FROMSTOCK also wishes to promote the concept of upcycling as a new way for fashion enthusiasts to enjoy fashion. Upcycling refers to the process of modifying items to give them a second life. This is usually done through a blend of used materials. The outcome is then a brand new product that holds greater value than its original. In other words, upcycling is a creative way to repurpose old items to reduce waste and improve the efficiency of the use of resources.

A rise in the launch of upcycled fashion labels has the potential to popularize the concept of upcycled fashion. Increased exposure would transform consumers’ value for fashion shopping. It will not be long before we begin to welcome the prevalence of a sustainable lifestyle in fashion.