We were recently invited to a pop-up art show in Montclair, NJ. It was hosted by artist Arshad Aziz, a member and exhibitor of the West Orange Arts Center in West Orange, NJ. It is a delight to see his art pieces as they are not only attractive and eclectic, but they are also utilitarian. They are fiber ensembles creatively pieced together as wearable art transformed into unique, one-of-a-kind fashions. They are not mass-produced or machine-made and More importantly, each fashionable piece, produced by hand, is created from upcycled clothing. Arshad’s art pieces are quite distinctive creations. He is in tune with fashion trends, and is even considered to be a trend-setting artist, who has embraced key social concerns and the long-term survival of humanity. By being more environmentally friendly and seeking to help save the earth, Arshad is of the belief that all inhabitants of Earth to do their part to be more green in their day-to-day lives, to do less harm to our planet, and to be more sensitive to the environment.
Click here to see the photos from
the Arshad Aziz pop-up art show
Arshad draws his inspiration from all parts of the world. His hand-crafted, fashionable, upcycled, one-of-a-kind jackets, skirts, shirts, and scarves are never mass-produced or machine-made.
As an environmentally-friendly artist, his core values lie in seeking to help save the earth. Ultimately, the goal is to lead a greener life through the reworking and redesign of garments. He has an exceptional eye with a flair for the unique, and avant-garde, in addition to his sincere eco-friendly mission to help save the planet and avoid wasteful consumption.
Arshad gets his fabric materials from a variety of sources while preserving and saving our Earth. His local community connections and friend network often donate their formerly loved pieces for him to redesign and upcycle. He can envision these “raw materials” that are underutilized or destined for the landfill from the eye of an artist. Along the way, he looks to produce a final product of higher quality and increased value than the original starter pieces. As Aristotle once said, “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”
According to Business Insider, the secondhand clothing market is booming, mostly attributed to Gen Z and their penchant for used and upcycled wearables and clothing. Arshad takes special care to utilize fabrics that have durability, sustainable, and lasting characteristics, while still demanding that they are stylish. Adding to the aura is that each piece has a story behind it, and Arshad is eager to tell it when you meet him. It makes the creations more dear when you gain exclusive insight into his custom-made articles of clothing which are reasonably priced and accessible for all budgets.
Arshad is known for securing fabric materials and other clothing, taking those materials and elevating them to a greater good. His designs are produced in such a way as to create pieces that are of higher quality or value than their originals. The best part of what Arshad does in the creation of his artwork is the fact that it is eco-friendly. It is his goal to capture clothing that is underutilized or destined for the landfill, and instead, he receives donated materials to create works of art that are wearable.
You may call the creations of his artwork, eco-friendly or green clothing, which helps to preserve and save our Earth. The good thing is that a lot of his custom-made articles of clothing are produced inexpensively and his prices are quite reasonable. A majority of the materials he utilizes for his art pieces are donated by friends, making the cost of materials is zero or close to nothing.
The philosophical importance of what Arshad Aziz does in the creation of his artwork is not only the fact that it is eco-friendly, but also that it reduces items going to the landfills. If you have an interest in avoiding conspicuous consumption and reducing your carbon footprint, Arshad Aziz’s designs are worth a look. Check them out at the Eclectic Chic Boutique shop in Montclair, NJ, a great little boutique shop with unique handmade art pieces sourced from local artists in the area.
The owner of The Eclectic Chic Boutique, Kristen Zachares said, “We love carrying Arshad’s work because of their unique designs and appeal. We also admire his drive to bring awareness to the environmental impact of fashion through his creativity. This show allowed him to bring his expanded collection of African-inspired fashion, using unique textiles and patchworking. I love how Arshad uses as many materials as possible, right down to the smallest scraps, to create details and accents in his pieces.”
Being personally invited to an art show always makes one feel extra special. Arshad Aziz’s pop-up show hosted by The Eclectic Chic Boutique’s attractive, colorful, utilitarian garments are fiber ensembles that are creatively pieced together as wearable fashions. The Eclectic Chic Boutique is a gift boutique that carries a range of items that are handmade, locally sourced, and crafted in small batches. You’ll find clothing, jewelry, skin care, housewares, and more from local vendors and artists from all over NJ.
The Eclectic Chic Boutique also offers classes and hosts special events facilitated by vendors and artists. Definitely a place worth checking out, especially if you’re in the need of a unique gift for a loved one or friend and wish to save the planet.