Fashion
Aug 11, 2023
by Sofia de la Cruz
Space Available’s Latest Case Study Collection Is (Literally) Making Space for Nature
by Sofia de la Cruz
Aug 11, 2023

Amidst the serenity of a city park stroll, an unsettling sight often emerges: scattered plastic waste across the green landscape. This issue, of course, extends beyond parks, infiltrating beaches, forests and rural hideaways—an alarming (and sadly) new reality.

The fashion industry has a reputation for exacerbating this crisis, divided into two groups: those who are indifferent and those who are actively bridging the gap between their existence and the natural world.

In this context, the embodiment of the latter category takes the form of Space Available—a project transcending typical branding. As both a creative force and an ecological design studio, they passionately forge a circular future, interweaving nature, culture and design.

What distinguishes them, in particular, is their power to unite artists, designers, scientists and environmentalists, sparking dialogues and driving change. They boldly confront environmental challenges through each collection or “Case Study.”

Their latest endeavor, “SA04: Plants VS Plastic,” delves into the interplay of materials that shape our modern world, tracing the evolution from humanity’s historical reliance on nature’s resources to the present-day challenge of repurposing the ubiquitous plastic waste that plagues our surroundings.

Central to this exploration is their newly unveiled pop-up recycling laboratories—a fusion of workshops and art galleries. Powered by renewable energy sources and solar panels, these creative hubs swiftly transform discarded plastic fragments into design treasures. This convergence of tech and adaptability has the ability to tackle the plastic crisis even in remote areas.

The SA04 collection itself stands as a testament to the fusion of natural beauty and human ingenuity. An assorted range of materials—upcycled cotton, mycelium composite, recycled nylon and organic rattan—is interwoven using time-honored techniques such as hand-weaving, hand-dyeing and hand-sewing.

Beyond reshaping design aesthetics, this collection pays homage to artisanal traditions passed down through generations. Among the collection’s lineup are trays, vases, coasters and even meditation chairs. Some even bear the signature of Nano Uhero and his Balinese team, infusing the pieces with a cultural touch.

Moreover, the SA04 clothing line maintains the label’s eco-conscious approach, employing dyes from mango, ketapang, mahogany, indigo leaves and sappan wood bark across streetwear staples.

The SA04 “Plants VS Plastic”’ collection—a blend of artistry, sustainability, and conscientious consumerism—is now available on Space Available’s website.