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Natalie Tönnis
Founder, designer and art director of her own upcycling label &LadyMondegreen.

I am a maker. Unexpected materials always find their way to me, be it an old pair of shoes, basketballs, oversized men's suits, chandelier crystals, a broken umbrella - everything has value to me and the potential to be something wearable, or to be repurposed into that. My creative process begins right where someone throws something away or gives it up: 'your trash is my treasure!'

In my childhood it was always obvious to avoid waste and to get creative with what was already there - this idea of sustainability accompanies and inspires me constantly. I also live this principle in my everyday life with my family.

I am a trained dressmaker and cut director. I have over 30 years of experience working for international fashion companies and in theater, ballet, Broadway and Las Vegas show productions. My solid training and experience are the foundation of my understanding of the complexities of garments of all types. Thus, I still implement all my design ideas myself.

What is Upcycling?

Upcycling ist das Kreieren von -in meinem Fall- Unikaten unter Verwendung von bereits bestehenden Materialien, z. B. Kleidung oder Accessoires, die durch diesen Prozess einen neuen und höheren Wert erlangen.

WHAT DRIVES YOU IN YOUR WORK?

I redesign, remodel, take apart, put together, turn upside down, turn inside out - the possibilities are limitless and free - I don't have to follow a trend. Deconstructing pieces and then reconstructing them in a new and different way is an exciting, yet effortful process that tells the story of a garment and rewrites it at the same time.

Since we have clothing in abundance and there is always more being produced than we can ever wear, I have long been passionate about working to preserve what exists and work against fast fashion.

Specialized in:

Redesigning, processing and reconstructing existing garments that otherwise gather dust in the closet- in a creative, unconventional and yet high quality craftsmanship. In this way, a completely new unique piece is created; any necessary repairs are directly included and individually worked out.

WHAT NATALIE LISTENS TO AT WORK:

I listen to 80s pop remixes, house music, some jazz and classical music, but mostly I listen to the very informative radio station WDR 5 because it keeps me up to date. I especially like their book podcasts.

WHICH DESIGNER OR ARTIST INSPIRES YOU?

Among the numerous designers and artists, Vivienne Westwood has excited and inspired me for many years with her ingenious and fearless designs, with her tailoring and her commitment as an environmental activist. Her famous quote 'Buy less, choose well, make it last.' speaks from my heart.

Address: Kaiserswerther Straße 404, 40474 Düsseldorf, Deutschland

Pictures of her work
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“Fast fashion is the outfit of yesterday - today we wear preloved & upcycled!”