INTERVIEW #66 ELISE ALSTAD
Dress made from second hand bedsheets, by Elise
Name: Elise Alstad
Based in: Manchester, United Kingdom
Occupation: Research Executive, BBC
Get inspired by: My Instagram friends
Why we love her: First of all, we are so jealous of Elise’s sewing skills. Damn, she’s good! The question is, when will she start her own brand? Hopefully soon. Follow her for tons of inspo and good vibes at @elisesew. Her creative spirit and smart ideas about sustainable fashion inspire us a lot, you go girl!
Corset made from second hand curtain, by Elise
Tell us about yourself?
I am from Trondheim, Norway, but I am currently living in Manchester, United Kingdom. I started sewing my own clothes during the lockdown. I wanted a creative outlet and to do something that did not involve staring at a screen. Now, I am completely hooked and will spend most of my free time sewing!
What's your relationship with clothes?
My relationship with clothes is honestly hot-and-cold. I love clothes and enjoy expressing myself with bold styles and colours, but sometimes, I dislike all my clothes, feel shy about wearing what I want in public and feel like I have nothing to wear.
However, my relationship with clothes has become better since I have started sewing. When I make something, I try to think everything through; will I wear this for more than one season, or is this a microtrend? Does it go with the rest of my clothes? Will I feel comfortable in this? Thus, the pieces I make are very thought-through and personalised to me. Also, the whole process of spending countless hours sewing something makes me care and value the piece of clothing a lot more than something I would buy in a store.
Dress made by Elise
How would you describe your style?
I am still trying to find my own style, and I enjoy exploring different aesthetics. But I do love colourful and floral fabric patterns!
Any favourite items?
The black suit pants that I made myself. They are comfortable and can be used for almost any occasion.
How would you describe your closet?
My closet consists of self-sewn pieces, basic jumpers, and clothes that I never wear but won't get rid of because I tell myself that - one day - I will flip them.
Where do you find inspiration?
I get most of my inspiration from Pinterest and the amazing sewing community on Instagram.
Dress made from second hand curtain, by Elise
Do you have a style icon? If yes, who?
I follow a lot of inspiring people on social media. For example, I love @sara_waiste and @evelilythrifts.
But, if there is anyone I aspire to be, it is me at 15, colouring my hair red and wearing whatever crazy clothing I thought were cool, not following any specific style trends. I remember I had these crazy green pants. People said they looked like clown pants, and I still wore them repeatedly. I probably looked horrendous, but I am inspired to have that bravery and attitude again, not afraid to stand out of the pack.
Pants and tote made from second hand curtain, by Elise
What is a sustainable closet for you?
For me, a sustainable closet consists of clothes that are self-made and second-hand. More importantly, clothes in a sustainable closet should be timeless.
What do you think about the fashion industry in general?
I think fast fashion has horrendous social and environmental impacts. Sadly, it is easier and cheaper for us consumers to buy fast fashion items that harm the planet and the people who make the clothes. And, unfortunately, the price tag of a cheap fast-fashion item does not reveal the hidden cost that we, and future generations, will have to pay in the future for the current environmental damage that comes from producing and transporting fast-fashion clothing halfway across the globe.
Importantly, politicians should make it cheaper to buy and sell sustainable items and repair the things we already have, for example, by implementing VAT exceptions for small, ethical and sustainable businesses.
What can one do that seeks to create a more sustainable closet?
A general piece of advice that I try to follow is to prioritise buying (or sewing) timeless quality pieces.
Top and headband made by second hand bedsheets, by Elise