Upcycling has always been at the heart of what we do at Sharif Tailoring. Long before it became a wider conversation within fashion, we were helping clients breathe new life into garments they already owned, altering, reshaping and repairing pieces so they could be worn again and enjoyed for years to come. Our recent sustainability project with InExeter has given us the opportunity to take that conversation further, both within our business and across the city.
As part of this project, the InExeter team spent time with us filming and talking through how upcycling works in practice. We offer upcycling to our clients every day, whether that is restyling a coat that no longer feels quite right, transforming a special occasion outfit so it can be worn again, or repairing a well loved garment rather than replacing it. For us, upcycling is not about compromise, it is about quality, longevity and making thoughtful choices.
This project has also allowed us to look at upcycling from a wider business perspective. How can independent businesses work together, reduce waste and encourage people to think differently about what they already own. It is about slowing fashion down and valuing craftsmanship, skills and materials that deserve to last.
A key part of this project has been our work with Hospiscare, particularly Patrick, the manager of the Hospiscare shop on Sidwell Street. We have an ongoing relationship with Hospiscare, and working closely with the team there has reinforced just how important these partnerships are. Patrick has been incredibly enthusiastic, open to ideas and keen to explore how upcycling can support both sustainability and charity fundraising, even discussing the possibility of an upcycling fashion show in the future.
We are proud to support Hospiscare and the vital work they do across Devon. Knowing that garments which can no longer be worn by our clients can be passed on to Hospiscare, helping to fund care for those who need it most, adds another layer of purpose to the upcycling process.
Our project with InExeter has sparked some exciting conversations and ideas, and this is only the beginning. We look forward to continuing this work, strengthening our partnerships and encouraging more people to see upcycling not as an alternative, but as a positive and meaningful choice.
