You’ve heard the saying: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again — and expecting different results.” But in the case of the Uniform Project, insanity has been reinvented and yielding unexpectedly stylish and sustainable results. All in the name of charity.
This is a project of true innovation. How many of us would ever dare to wear the same look, every day, for a year? Sheena Matheiken has set out on such a quest to see how one foundational garment can be transformed when styled with vintage, sustainable or recycled accessories:
Starting May 2009, I have pledged to wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion. Here’s how it works: There are 7 identical dresses, one for each day of the week. Every day I will reinvent the dress with layers, accessories and all kinds of accouterments, the majority of which will be vintage, hand-made, or hand-me-down goodies. Think of it as wearing a daily uniform with enough creative license to make it look like I just crawled out of the Marquis de Sade’s boudoir.
Here’s a sampling of some of my personal faves:
Above Left: Day 124. Paired with thrifted blouse from Beacons Closet, printed tights gifted by Cathy, Vintage shoes from eBay. Hand-crocheted sterling silver necklace donated by Siri of Treehouse Brooklyn. Above Right: Day 6. Paired with fabric necklace by Etnyk paired with a thrifted cherry blossom top, metallic socks and vintage clogs.
Above Left: Day 7. Paired with Iwona Ludgya collared tunic paired with a printed mini skirt, vintage belt and Bakelite ring. Above Right: Day 15. Paired with lace boa found at a Pennsylvania auction and a vintage denim maxi skirt.
DONATE, CREATE
The Uniform Project is accepting donations of hats, scarves, belts, jewelry, and other garments to help create more looks for the project. There afterall, 138 more days left! I’m going to rummage through my closet right now…
Monetary donations are being raised to fund the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots organization devoted to bringing quality education to children living in poverty in India.
The little black dress was designed by partner Eliza Starbuck. You can view all the looks by month, or visit the blog to learn about her dressmaking process. Thanks to my friend and fellow designer Maria Welles for the tip!
4 Responses to “FASHION | One Dress, 365 Ways”
That is one of the smartest designs that I have seen in a long time. I don’t like to own a lot of clothes, I would love something like this that I can make look like so many different outfits.
I agree. There are lots of good layering ideas here! Love the idea of creating multiple looks with a single garment.
that’s amazing that 1 dress can be changed in so many different ways. cool
I know – it’s truly inspiring and making me rethink the possibilities in my own wardrobe.