Pretty Lavish – Something Old Something New: Breathing New Life into Waste Fabrics

In a move that beautifully blends sustainability with style, Pretty Lavish has teamed up with manufacturer Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) in Haringey for their reprocessing services to give pre-loved bridesmaid dresses a second chance. Through this partnership, these once-worn garments are transformed into elegant sashes, bow ties, and pocket squares, breathing new life into special occasion fabrics that would otherwise go to waste.

Founded in 2013 from the humble beginnings of Stephanie and Samantha Frost’s living room, Pretty Lavish was born out of a desire to make luxury womenswear more accessible. Their debut collection—designed in their mum’s loft—received overwhelming support, setting the stage for rapid growth. By 2017, the sisters had opened their first official store and office space.

Today, Pretty Lavish is known for bridging the gap between high street and designer fashion, offering sophisticated occasionwear, timeless luxury knitwear, and sleek, modern bridesmaid collections. Each piece is designed with care at the brand’s Head Office just outside of London.

The Transformation Process: From Dresses to Accessories

The collaboration with FEL is a true celebration of circular fashion and local craftsmanship. Here’s how the transformation happens:

1. Careful Selection and Sorting

FEL receives gently worn bridesmaid dresses. Only those that meet high-quality standards are selected for upcycling, ensuring durability and beauty in the final product.

2. Deconstruction with Purpose

Skilled artisans meticulously unpick the selected dresses, preserving as much fabric as possible. This mindful deconstruction honours the original garment while preparing it for its new life.

3. Skillful Reimagining

Using expert techniques, seamstresses craft the salvaged fabric into stylish sashes, bow ties, and pocket squares. The textures and design details of the original dresses are thoughtfully incorporated into these elegant new forms.

4. A Future for Every Offcut

Even the smallest scraps have value. Usable offcuts are donated to FEL’s Fashion Technology Academy, where students hone their stitching skills on real fabric. These remnants help train the next generation of artisans and reduce landfill waste.

Something Old, Something New

This initiative is part of Pretty Lavish’s growing commitment to sustainable design and circular fashion. By repurposing pre-loved garments, the brand is not only reducing textile waste but also supporting local talent and promoting mindful consumption in bridalwear.

“We believe in celebrating love without compromising the planet. Every accessory tells a story—of a past moment cherished and a future crafted with care.”

Something Old Something New Accessories are now available to shop online. Tap here to view and shop the collection