Thursday, May 31, 2007
Life, Style

T-construction

The Sistahs of Harlem bring shirt-shredding to the masses

“Theresa” T-shirt pattern CREDIT: From T-Shirt Makeovers by Sistahs of Harlem, © 2006, published by Glitterati, www.Glitteratiincorporated.com. Photography © 2006 by Derrick Gomez.

T-shredding 101 The key ingredient to developing a unique, truly one-of-a-kind summer fashion is finding a T-shirt with a nostalgic aesthetic (the Sistahs recommend you go one size up from your normal shirt size). You’ll also need scissors and a needle and thread (if you want to forgo the needle, opt for super-easy heat bond Stitch Witchery instead). Experiment with iron-on decals, patches and fabric paint. You can even break out the Bedazzler if you’re feeling retro. “T-Shirt Makeover: 20 Transformations for Fabulous Fashions” By the Sistahs of Harlem, Carmia Marshall and Carmen Webber Published by Glitterati, Inc. 2006, $25 For more information, visit www.sistahshnyc.com.

By Larissa Erin Greer

You’ve been towww.threadless.com to cast your vote for the best tee, you’ve scoured used clothing racks for a “Bay City Rollers” shirt and you’ve even attended MODA’s “To a T” T-shirt exhibit—twice. Now you can turn your obsession with cottony goodness into a piece of (wearable) art—all with minimal damage to your wallet and the environment.

The Sistahs of Harlem, a design duo fresh out of New York City, recycles “vintage” tees into cutting edge designs for the eco-sensitive fashionista. The Sistahs (also known as Savannah College of Art and Design alums Carmia Marshall and Carmen Webber) have literally written the book on reclaiming the comfy cotton staple, and with stints dressing celebrities like Alicia Keys and Erykah Badu, it’s clear that their time in the fashion trenches as students, models and indie designers has served them well.

The Sistahs recently made a stop in Atlanta to demonstrate their mad shredding skills and promote their tome, “T-Shirt Makeover: 20 Transformations for Fabulous Fashions”—the how-to guide on do-it-yourself style. And just in case the whole sewing thing is a bit daunting, the duo also produces SHNY, their own label of repurposed duds.

Marshall and Webber based their T-shirt concept on what they call “urban street couture,” or a movement toward “fashion that truly expresses who you are,” often using the humble tee, which has, of late, served as a canvas for personal expression. The Sistahs draw inspiration from their own culture and surroundings in Harlem, but during their demonstration in Atlanta, the designers encouraged the audience to draw from their own influences and reflect the aspects of the city that make it unique.

In the book, the pair outlines several ideas and patterns for unique tops and dresses—from a Tokyo-inspired kimono top to the urban-street fashions the Sistahs are known for—with simple directions and the promise of chic results. There are plenty of projects to choose from, whether you’re a novice sewer or a Singer-slinging pro.

Marshall and Webber’s book challenges you to “rethink fashion.” So perhaps you’ll think twice before throwing out your company T-shirt or cotton frock emblazoned with “AC/DC.” You’ll be creating freshly minted clothing—in a decidedly environmental shade of green.