An international fashion research project exploring the 'craft of use'

Patina of Use

With our garments, as with our bodies, the passing of time leaves its mark. Our relationship with these imprints is complex in both domains. With clothes, we sometimes discard pieces because they are ageing, dated, jaded or worn; at other times we buy vintage or pre-distressed pieces, coveting that which looks old. Yet these both overlook the power and pleasure of marking the passing of time as it is recorded in our clothes; the forging of memories, building of knowledge, evolution of appearance.

Natural drape

"And the jeans – this is where it gets a little grimy - I’ve maybe washed these once or twice. I’ve had them about two years. I washed them because I didn’t like the smell; they didn’t smell like me, they just smelled stale. But when you don’t wash them, they really show how you wear them; it really shapes the way the pants will naturally drape. One of the pockets wore out so I replaced the pocket lining, so I did a few little modifications."

San Francisco - July 2012
Photograph by Paige Green