Playing her part to help halt throwaway fashion
NIfashiondesignerMarieNancarrowhascreateda new range of limited edition bags in a sustainable accessories partnership with Oxfam. By
Belfast fashion designer Marie Nancarrow, who founded her sustainable brand Titanic Denim in 2015, has collaborated with Oxfam to create a range of recycled denim bags.
As part of the charity’s move to tackle throwaway fashion, the new partnership has resulted in a limited edition range of bags in two sizes and available at special introductory prices. The medium-sized city bag (£30) is perfect for shopping while the smaller cross-body bag (£20) is ideal for everyday essentials or as an eye-catching fashion accessory. They are for sale in Belfast at Oxfam’s shops in Botanic Avenue and CastleCourt.
Marie, who has been a model and fashion designer, working with designer Paul Costelloe, and alongside stylists for Katy Perry, Robbie Williams and
Sting, uses second-hand denim, jeans and fabrics for her Titanic Denim products. All her designs are one-offs and hand-made right in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. Whether it’s designer jeans, jackets, handbags, a poochpouch, or a guitar case, each piece is unique.
“It has been amazing to work in partnership with Oxfam on this project because we are jointly passionate about reducing the environmental impact of waste going to landfill,” Marie says.
“Fast fashion and a throwaway clothing culture makes it the second ‘dirtiest’ industry next to oil. Our new collection shows it doesn’t have to be that way. By repairing and repurposing old fabrics and discarded items, not only can we make something new, desirable and truly unique but also an important contribution to protecting the planet.
“I hope Oxfam’s customers will love these bags just as much as Titanic Denim has enjoyed making them, and not just for the good they do but as a must-have fashion accessory in their own right.
“The bags are ethical, practical and stylish and make the perfect ‘Christmas with a conscience’ gift for those who want to give something different to a loved one.”
And Michael McIlwaine, Oxfam Ireland’s head of retail, says the charity is delighted with their collaboration with the Belfast designer.
“We are really excited to be working with Marie — our new collaboration is about showing how we can all do more to reuse, repurpose and recycle. Together with Titanic Denim, we are making a greener planet from blue jeans.
“Across our programmes, Oxfam is tackling the impact of the climate crisis. We work with communities to prepare for unpredictable weather and disasters as a result of climate change and are there to help when the worst does happen, from drought to floods and earthquakes.”
The bags are available in Oxfam stores in Belfast’s Botanic Avenue and CastleCourt