According to the Brundtland Commission’s report, sustainable development, the process used to pursue sustainability, means”meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs” (Brundtland, 1987).
Gold Coast bridal designer, Helena Karkovic, from Helena Couture Designs, has been actively involved in recycling, upcycling, and other environmentally friendly practices, since her early teenage years. With the increasing efforts of businesses, both small and large, and the government, due to the demand from society, the end-users, recycling, and other environmentally friendly practices have become more user-friendly than ever before.
HCD is excited to say that we are doing everything within our means to help the environment, while still keeping our high standards of quality, to our clients.
Upcycle
Old or damaged garments are unpicked and turned into new and exciting new sample garments, continuing to inspire new clients.
Usable remnants are incorporated into new garments for both clients or samples to be displayed at our studio.
We sometimes have clients who would like to incorporate textiles of a close family member’s wedding dress, in their wedding dress, for sentimentality. What a lovely way to upcycle too!
Recycle
Fabric that is unusable is sent to an outlet that recycles textiles. We have many tubs of remnant fabrics used for toiles before also going to a company that sends the textiles off for recycling; if they haven’t been collected from people in craft industries, and schools, to use for their own art and textiles journey.
Cardboard from clients’ patterns, after storage for two years, is first re-used as patterns for new clients; if the pattern pieces are big enough to cut a new pattern out. The smaller pieces are either sent to schools and childcare centres to use for art projects or recycled in the recycling bin.
Cardboard fabric rolls are sent to schools for art projects, or the recycling bin.
Printer cartridges are recycled. All our A4 printed paper is used on the reverse side before being recycled or burnt and mixed with the compost, ready for the gardens.
Old oil from the sewing machines, large cardboard boxes, and on rare occasions, damaged electronics are dropped off at the local tip in their appropriate sections.
Washing
When washing our sample garments we use environmentally safe detergent. All our wastewater goes through our Envirocyle, with the water then used to water the gardens.
Solar
Our solar panels give us the energy to run HCD efficiently all year round and the environmentally passive design of the building and its thermal qualities in the wall, roof, and floor keep us cool in summer and warm in winter. The solar energy runs the air conditioner during the days we need to keep the textiles in storage and the dresses dry from excessive moisture due to the Gold Coast weather.
It is the responsibility of EVERYONE to do more for society, for future generations, but especially for the future of the environment. Every little bit will help for a better future for all.
Please look at what you can do to help our planet.
Below is a list, which will be added to, of some useful websites that can help you become better at sustainability…
The Full Guide to a Sustainable Wedding | 77 Diamonds
www.recyclingnearyou.com.au
www.oceancleanwash.org
www.homesanctuary.com.au
www.upparel.com.au
The Australian Fashion Council
Today, our industry is united to do what no single business, organisation, or even government can do alone. Together, we stood together for the future of our industry, our customers, and our planet.
Seamless Clothing Stewardship – AFC (ausfashioncouncil.com)
Custom Bridal And Evening Dresses For Sale
At Helena Couture Designs, we pride ourselves on being up-to-date with the constant evolution, of not only bridal fashion but also the community’s mindset.
HCD has wanted to start a page, where we offer our married brides, the complimentary option of selling their wedding dresses, allowing a new bride-to-be the opportunity to wear one of our custom wedding dresses, at a reduced price, while also helping the environment, with the circular economy. I personally have not been able to part with my wedding dress, some 20+ years later, and feel I never will, but for those brides wanting to, the option is now available.
HCD offers this service, at no extra cost and only to their clients. You will be in contact with the bride, and not HCD. We are simply offering a way to link new brides-to-be to married HCD clientele. You will need to be quick though, as they don’t stay for sale online for very long.
HCD will occasionally be selling a limited range of our current stock here, which is when you will contact us, regarding dresses from this page.