The art of repurposing your closet

My sister and I stood near the loudspeaker at a wedding hall, holding hands tightly so we wouldn't get lost in the crowd. I looked at my little sister, and we were both uncomfortable in our outfits. 

My mother had cut one of her wedding sharis and decided to make matching ghagras for us. Then, she took it a step further, adding lace and glitter to make them 'perfect' for our cousin's wedding. How could she do this to us? Forcing us into heavy, gaudy ghagras in the sweltering heat of June!

Fast forward to the present, repurposing has become quite the thing. And now, after all these years, I finally understand my mother's intention. We often hesitate to let go of our belongings unless it's absolutely necessary. 

Human minds are wired to hold on to memories, meaning, and repurposing is one way of extending that connection.

Over time, I've met so many people who delight in creating something new from what they already own. They aren't just being thrifty, they're being expressive, sustainable, and, most importantly, personal. Fashion, to them, isn't just what's trending on a runway; it's about making something meaningful with what's already in their hands.

Social media has brought this creativity to the forefront. There are influencers today who dedicate their entire platforms to repurposing. One creator on Instagram challenged herself to a 30-day outfit series using only old ornas. 

From making jumpsuits to Qi Pao (Mandarin gown), from inspired sets to flowy bouffants, she turned her wardrobe into a canvas, proving that style isn't about buying more, it's about seeing more in what you already have.

Another favourite of mine is Tia Bhuva, a Canadian influencer who has made a name for herself by draping sharis in the most unconventional ways, transforming them into lehengas, gowns, and even formalwear. 

Her styling inspired a wave of shari revivalists who now proudly wear their heritage garments in ways that feel fresh and current. It's this freedom to play, to reimagine, that makes repurposing not just practical, but joyful.

In Bangladesh, there's a growing wave of young, conscious creatives embracing the same philosophy, creating beauty from what others discard. Many of them are blending tradition with innovation, breathing new life into heirloom fabrics and discarded textiles through mindful design and craftsmanship.

Cord Set in blush pink, upcycled from a vintage Tangail saree. Styled with a black top by Urukku.Bangladesh.

'Urukku.Bangladesh' is a creative upcycling initiative that transforms everyday waste, such as fabric scraps, shells, and discarded materials, into unique fashion accessories, home décor, and sustainable lifestyle products. Through workshops like 'Bhanga Theke Gora' (From Broken to Built), they also promote awareness and hands-on learning around sustainability, craftsmanship, and conscious living.

'Dhaka Vintage' is a boutique that showcases repurposed pieces made from pre-loved fabrics and factory leftovers. Drawing from Bengali traditions of reuse, it reflects how repurposing can honour heritage while aligning with today's sustainability goals. These emerging voices are not just making clothes, they're shaping a movement that values intention, creativity, and cultural identity.

Singer Xefer stuns in a bold red Benarasi suit with gold zari, a Dhaka Vintage classic.

Another emerging voice is 'Janky', a repurposed fashion label that began in October 2023. Since then, it has dressed several up-and-coming Bangladeshi artists, both locally and abroad. Known for its raw, deconstructed aesthetic, Janky brings street-style energy to traditional textiles, pushing the boundaries of what repurposed fashion can look like.

"Janky was born out of frustration with waste and a need to do something beautiful with it, and my work is a riot against throwaway trends," said Ayela Amin, founder and designer of Janky. 

Her pieces challenge norms while reflecting a deeper commitment to conscious creativity.

In Bangladesh, the art of repurposing clothing is a quiet yet enduring tradition. Long before the term 'sustainable fashion' made its way into glossy magazines, Bengali households were already giving textiles a second life, transforming old sarees into kantha quilts, patchwork cushions, or everyday wear. This wasn't just about saving money; it was storytelling. Every thread held memories. Every stitch carries a piece of history.

Today, this timeless craft is finding new life among fashion enthusiasts who see not just value in the past, but beauty. Repurposing has become a bold statement, where sustainability meets sophistication, and fashion becomes not only a personal expression but a cultural and conscious act.

Trends may come and go, but style is what you create with your hands, your heart, and your imagination. That ghagra, once a source of childhood discomfort, has now become a symbol of everything I believe in: fashion with a story, fashion with a soul.

And perhaps that's the true purpose of repurposing: not just to reuse, but to remember.