When I started The Modern Alien, I didn’t know exactly where it would go—I just knew I wanted to create. I’ve always had a thing for funky, colorful fashion and a deep need to stand out. But the more I learned about the fast fashion industry, the more I felt like I couldn’t keep creating in a way that hurt the planet. That’s when upcycling came in—not just as a technique, but as a philosophy.
✂️ Turning Trash into Treasure
To me, upcycling is a kind of rebellion. It's saying no to waste, no to overproduction, and no to looking like everyone else. I started pulling fabric from old bedsheets, vintage tees, forgotten curtains, and even Halloween costumes. There’s magic in taking something overlooked and turning it into something that makes someone feel seen.
Some of my favorite pieces have come from the weirdest materials—a rainbow heart set made from a baby blanket, a Tapatio summer dress from a tee I found in a donation pile, or a set of crop top and shorts made from two different bedsheets. These aren’t just clothes. They’re stories. And when someone wears them, they become part of that story too.
🌎 Why It Matters
The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters on the planet. Every year, millions of tons of textiles end up in landfills. A lot of those could have had a second life. That’s where upcycling comes in. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about doing better with what we already have. And making that look good as hell.
🌈 What It Means to Me
Upcycling is freedom. Freedom to create without limits, freedom from wasteful trends, freedom to express who you are without harming the world around you. It’s a daily practice of asking, “What can this become?”—and the answers always surprise me.
That’s the heart of The Modern Alien. It’s a little weird. It’s deeply handmade. It’s sustainable, but it’s also hot. And I’m proud of that.
Want to wear the story?
Check out the shop for one-of-a-kind pieces made from repurposed fabrics, made with love in Holbrook, AZ.