crafting a better world
moving towards sustainable fashion
"Extending the life of your clothes by just nine months can reduce their carbon, water, and landfill impact by up to 30%." - Sustainable Apparel Coalition
Did you know that our fashion choices have a significant impact on the environment? Fast fashion, characterized by its rapid production and disposal, is taking a toll on our climate. But here's the good news: we have the power to change this narrative. By extending the life of our clothing, we can make a profound difference in reducing our carbon footprint.
slow fashion: my personal journey
I'm Lara Dee, the artist and founder behind Lara Dee Artistry, and I've spent over a decade in the fashion industry. It was during this journey that I began to question my own unsustainable shopping habits. I witnessed the staggering waste generated by the fashion industry and felt compelled to create a business that encourages a shift in consumer behavior—one that emphasizes the importance of extending the life of our clothing.
Many garments are discarded not because they're beyond repair, but because they've lost their shape, color, or appearance due to improper care. This is where change is needed, and it starts with embracing quality over quantity, choosing handmade over factory-made, and supporting local artisans over global conglomerates.
"My mission is to empower individuals to upcycle their existing wardrobes rather than perpetuate the cycle of fast fashion."
My Thrifting Obsession: A Lifelong Passion
Thrifting has been a part of my life since high school, and it's not just a hobby; it's a way of transforming pre-loved items into unique pieces that reflect my design style. This passion seamlessly wove its way into my artwork and fashion, giving birth to Lara Dee Artistry.
Every piece I hand-select, whether from thrift stores, closets, or generous donations, is chosen with care. I consider each piece's unique characteristics and determine the creative process that will breathe new life into it. My specialty lies in upcycling second-hand clothing, turning them into wearable works of art that defy the disposable nature of fast fashion.
Each creation tells a story—from its origins to its transformation.
closing the loop: commitment
I'm deeply committed to making fashion circular and lowering the industry's carbon footprint. Together, we can take small but impactful steps toward a more sustainable future. It starts with choosing upcycled, repurposed, and reinvented pieces that celebrate individuality and environmental responsibility.
It starts with choosing upcycled, repurposed, and reinvented...
If you have clothing looking for a new purpose, consider donating to me. By doing so, you become part of the solution, where style meets conscious consumption. It's about more than just decluttering your closet; it's about contributing to a more beautiful, sustainable world.
getting your clothes to me
Convenient options
01
mail in
You can mail in your order
02
drop off
Schedule a drop-off at my studio in Columbus, OH
03
pick up
If you're within 15 miles of my studio, I offer a pick-up service for just $15 per collection.
donate your clothing
If you have clothing looking for a new purpose, consider donating to me and be part of the solution, where style meets conscious consumption. #supportsmall