Smart Squid: ecological, hand-painted fashion

Epigram's Style Section continue their promotion series of student businesses by chatting with SmartSquid, an ecological inspired brand that focuses on creating unique garments to spark conversations. They hope 'to promote a slower attitude towards fashion as only second-hand clothes are painted'.

1. As owner of SmartSquid, tell us a little bit about yourself

I am Sarina, a third year biology student here in Bristol. I really enjoy living here; there is always so much to do! When I'm not studying or painting for SmartSquid, I really enjoy reading and illustrating for independent magazines, taking care of my numerous houseplants, and charity shopping.

2. What inspired you to start SmartSquid?

I've always enjoyed making things, and actually started SmartSquid while I was 16. Tie-dye was a pretty big thing at the time, I used to dye clothes and add pompoms. Since then, I've become increasingly interested in sustainable fashion. Fashion Revolution is a global movement that not only provides amazing learning resources with regards to responsible consumption, but also aims to bring people together to change the way that the fast fashion industry exploits people and nature.

Learning about the detrimental impact fast fashion has on our planet has sparked me to steer SmartSquid in a new direction. I now focus on painting second hand garments to spark ecological conversations.

3. Tell us a bit about your brand's ethos 'sustainable fashion to spark conversation'

Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned. We throw away so many clothes, most of which take many years to degrade. I only use second-hand and vintage items as a base for my designs; why use new when there are so many great items that already exist? Vintage denim is usually a more interesting shape than modern clothing, and the quality is far superior too!

I think that what we wear can be used as a tool to showcase important topics. One of my favourite things to paint at the moment is the dung beetle. We have over 80 species of dung beetle in the UK (hard to believe I know); they are worth millions to the UK agricultural industry but are being seriously threatened by insecticides. I hope that when people wear items that I've painted, they are inspired to tell others about the creatures that are on them which will hopefully spark conversations about ecological topics.

4. What sort of products do you sell?

The majority of my pieces are denim. I really enjoy painting jackets as they provide a great amount of space for designs. I've recently started painting non-denim items too! I'm working on a lovely second-hand black jersey pinafore at the moment. I'm planning to diversify into homeware textiles soon.

5. Where can we purchase your products/ will you be appearing at any markets in Bristol in the near future?

I've got a website (click link here where I sell items I've already made and take custom orders. I've previously held stalls at the Bath Artisan, and the Sunday Upmarket on Brick Lane, London. At the moment I'm a bit out of the market loop! I hope to sell at some Bristol markets, and have some items in a local shop in the near future.

Featured Image: SmartSquid