Leah Giblin / Capelet

Sustainable Maker, Mender and Designer, Leah Giblin turned an organic silk half slip into a romantic capelet.

Tartan Mind Mend: Tell us about what you do that defines being a creative to you.
Leah Giblin: To me being a creative means you have no choice but to create. It means that despite not always being able to earn enough money doing what you love or have solid work or do what people expect of you, you are driven to continue to make creative work because it’s what makes you feel alive. You do it because you know it’s what you have to do.

TMM: What creative pursuits, little rituals, or things to look forward to, helped you to keep going during lockdown?
LG: Lockdown for me was an enforced break from working in the film and television industry which meant I had more time to spend on creative pursuits in my studio. I used the time to imagine the future of my small business and start working towards making it a full-time reality. The energy I’ve spent on my business during lockdown has resulted in it getting very busy so this has been what’s kept me going. Homeschooling becomes a whole lot easier when you know you can escape to your studio afterwards to do satisfying creative work in your own small business!

TMM: Tell us your idea about your re-imagined Tartan piece and what inspired you.
LG: My Tartan piece was a lovely soft pink silk slip skirt. After receiving the piece, I was playing with it on my dressmaker's mannequin and loved the way it looked like an Edwardian collar or ruff when I gathered it at the neck. My background is in the world of costume for film, theatre and television and I have always been heavily influenced by historical fashion. I started researching Edwardian capelets and mantles and decided to create something along these lines from the slip I was given. I love the idea of an evening wrap or a special piece that you might wear to the Opera. These mantles were usually heavily decorated with trims, embroidery and tassels so I also used embroidery to decorate the piece with rare pink flannel flowers as a symbol of hope. I remembered hearing about this species blooming in the Blue Mountains after the horrible bushfires they had last year and thought about how sometimes the best things can result from the worst possible times.

TMM: How has the lockdown affected your creative process?
LG: The lockdown had me leaning heavily on my creativity and craft as the only way to escape! I found myself embroidering for the quiet, calm and steady process and to keep my own mental health in check. When there were times that I couldn't escape to creativity due to homeschooling or parenting I found myself craving it. I think this lockdown is the first time I've fully realised how connected my creative process is to my mental health. I actually need it to survive and I'm so lucky to have that outlet.

TMM: Was there an ‘aha’ moment that led you to create clothing with a heavy emphasis on sustainability?
LG: For me, creating sustainable clothing is the combination of two important parts of my life and the two degrees I studied. The first was in Environmental Science and the second in Costume. I've searched for years for a way to pursue both of these directions at once and my brand, Day Keeper, is the result! The workshops I run are a way to share knowledge about sustainability and textiles and the clothes I produce are as sustainable as I can possibly make them. I see sustainable fashion as the future, there is no way the environment can support production for fashion continuing as it has. Fashion businesses have no choice but to adapt!

TMM: In terms of making our wardrobes more sustainable, what would be your top three pieces of advice?
LG: 1. Learn how to mend! This means you won’t be throwing things out if a hem comes down, if a button is missing or something needs a darn. There are so many amazing YouTube tutorials with easy instructions to follow. I believe we should all have the basic skills to fix our own gear.
2. Know your fabrics. I think it’s really important to know what you are buying when it comes to fabrics. We can make a huge difference by staying away from polyester and consciously choosing natural and/or organic fibres. Always check the tag.
3. Stay away from fast fashion and support sustainable small business. This option might be more expensive in the short term but if you buy less and buy sustainable and/or made to order, you are buying quality clothing that will last longer and that you will treasure over the long term. Think of it as a ‘cost per wear’ rather than the upfront cost and you’ll end up with a smaller wardrobe of clothing that you absolutely love.

TMM: When the world opens back up, what is the first thing you would love to do?
LG: I can’t wait to see my family and especially my newest nephew who was born during lockdown and who I’ve only met once. I desperately need to cuddle that baby!

100% Organic Silk
Dry Clean (P)

Due to the handmade/second hand nature of this item any imperfections are considered intentional and are unique characteristics of this one of a kind piece. Over time changes may occur. Handle with care. No exchanges or refunds are available for Tartan Mind Mend charity auction items.

@daykeeperscloth
www.daykeeper.com.au