New York fashion designer Layana Aguilar, a former “Project Runway” contestant, has been revamping strangers’ clothes into one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces free of charge. Despite typically charging at least $600 for her pieces, Aguilar has been taking clothes off people’s backs on the street and transforming them into unique creations. Since posting videos of the jackets she has transformed online, she has received numerous requests to revamp sentimental pieces, including a wedding dress from a failed abusive marriage and a grandfather’s military jacket.
Aguilar, who always knew that designing was her “superpower,” aims to make people happy with her creations. As an immigrant growing up in Brazil, she found empowerment through clothing and wants to share that with the world. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology and believes in the power of clothing to give people a voice. Aguilar has used her skills to give back to the city that launched her career by teaching young girls to design and sew at her Fashion Squad School in Tribeca. However, she wanted to give back in a more personal way by revamping strangers’ clothes into upcycled couture.
Aguilar and her team started an initiative to revamp strangers’ jackets into unique pieces of fashion by asking people in Washington Square Park if they could rework their jackets on the spot. Despite initial skepticism, a brother and sister duo agreed to hand their jackets over, and after three days, they were amazed by the transformed creations. They described the experience as the “best” and felt unique wearing the customized designs. Aguilar found joy in seeing the happiness her designs brought to people and felt she was onto something special.
The process of revamping strangers’ clothes is not all smiles for Aguilar. Despite her years of experience, it is still nerve-wracking to tear up a stranger’s garment and redesign it into something new. She has to work quickly with limited fabric, and the clothes tell her what they want to be. Aguilar has to think about the essence of the person she just met in a five-minute interaction and worries about whether they will like her redesign. However, everyone who has had their jacket revamped has been amazed by her work, emphasizing the personal connection and empowerment they felt wearing a custom piece of fashion.
Aguilar believes that wearing a custom piece of fashion is like wearing a piece of your own story. It empowers you, gives you a sense of ownership, and boosts your confidence, knowing that you are wearing something uniquely yours. People who have had their jackets revamped by Aguilar have felt a personal connection to the designs and have received numerous compliments on their customized pieces. Despite initial skepticism, individuals have been impressed by Aguilar’s work and the transformation of their garments into something that reflects their personality and style. Aguilar’s ability to create unique pieces of fashion has resonated with those who have experienced her work.
In conclusion, Layana Aguilar’s initiative of revamping strangers’ clothes into one-of-a-kind pieces of fashion has garnered attention and brought joy to those who have experienced it. Through her unique creations, Aguilar aims to empower people, giving them a sense of ownership and confidence. Despite the intense process of redesigning strangers’ clothes, Aguilar’s talent and skills have shone through, creating personalized garments that tell a story and make a statement. The success of her initiative showcases the power of fashion in connecting with people, bringing happiness, and inspiring self-expression through clothing. Aguilar’s work continues to make a positive impact on individuals, providing them with a unique and empowering experience.
