Hong Kong designer Angus Tsui brings sustainability to life with DHL uniforms
https://ift.tt/8IeQi9D
Express service provider DHL Express (DHL) has recently launched a limited collection of fashion items made from its retired uniforms.
Refashioned by Hong Kong designer Angus Tsui, who is known for his sustainable designs, the limited-edition sling bags, shoulder bags and wallets were made by utilising retired DHL uniform items including waterproof combi jackets, raincoats, cargo trousers and quilted liners, all while ensuring significant durability and functionality.
“We spent quite some time studying the history of DHL, including the evolution of its brand
designs and aesthetics,” Tsui explained. “The shipment journey is filled with different processes and interesting elements, which provide ample inspiration. We were particularly inspired by the build-up of shipments and the company’s packaging designs.”
He said these elements were creatively applied to the upcycled designs by transforming the retired DHL courier uniforms. The upcycled designs utilised items such as waterproof combi jackets, raincoats, and quilted liners, creating products with significant durability and functionality. The signature DHL’s red and yellow colour combinations were also captured during the design process.
“Our goal was to create something that could be easily deconstructed for recycling and upcycling when the products come to an end, promoting better practices of circular fashion and a more sustainable product lifecycle,” Tsui said.
The designer shared one of the challenges was the extensive time required to study the pattern cuttings of the upcycled designs.
“This was essential to understand and maximise the usage of the DHL uniforms without creating a lot of scraps and textile waste during the upcycling process. Ensuring that the materials were utilised efficiently and sustainably was a key focus,” he said.
Tsui created the collection as part of the “DHL GoGreen Plus Alumni Prize” in partnership with Redress, which he won. He was also the recipient of the Redress Design Award Hong Kong’s People Choice award in 2012.
He launched his namesake sustainable womenswear and menswear brand, employing zero-waste, upcycling, and reconstruction design techniques in 2014.
“For emerging designers interested in sustainable fashion and circular design, it is essential to build a strong foundation in sustainable design principles. This means understanding the environmental impact of materials, production processes, and product lifecycles,” Tsui shared.
“Identifying and addressing problems in the fashion industry is also important. For instance, using zero-waste pattern cutting techniques or developing water-efficient dyeing processes can make a difference.”
In addition, he added designers should always plan meticulously before starting any project to ensure they stay on track. When proposing ideas to potential collaborators and industry experts, they should make sure their solutions are practical and feasible.
“Collaboration is key to making significant changes in the industry. Working together allows for pooling of resources, knowledge, and expertise, driving sustainable fashion forward,” Tsui said.
The limited-edition upcycled bags are available for pre-order online, with exclusive delivery by DHL Express using GoGreen Plus. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of this year.
“The project aims to promote the principles of upcycling, zero-waste, and circularity. By transforming retired DHL uniforms into stylish and functional fashion pieces, the initiative highlights the potential of reusing materials to reduce waste,” Andy Chiang, senior VP and MD of DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau, said.
“The collaboration also provides a platform for emerging designers to showcase their sustainable designs, thereby inspiring others in the industry to adopt environmentally friendly practices.”
DHL will also hold a charity sale in partnership with Redress, a Hong Kong-based environmental NGO, to further advocate for and support local sustainable fashion. All profits will be donated towards the NGO’s work to provide development support to emerging designers in their alumni network via the Redress Design Award program.
“We see the possibility of similar initiatives supporting sustainability being developed in the future,” Chiang said.
“The success of the collaboration with Redress and the positive reception of the upcycled fashion pieces suggest that similar projects could be developed to further support sustainable fashion and other environmental causes.”
According to Chiang, DHL is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Further reading: Luxury meets sustainability: The Bicester Collection brings The Creative Spot to China.
The post Hong Kong designer Angus Tsui brings sustainability to life with DHL uniforms appeared first on Inside Retail Asia.
January 20, 2025 at 02:32AM