From Somewhere to somewhere new

Do you suppose super swimmer Michael Phelps frets about what to do with his now-outlawed full-body swimsuits? UK label From Somewhere gives him reason to sleep soundly by rebirthing his famous kit as high fashion.

Rather than let the LZR Racer suits gather dust, Speedo has collaborated with the award-winning label to give them a new, more glamorous lease on life. Revealed last Friday at Estethica—the officially-sanctioned sustainable fashion arm of London Fashion Week—the ruffled and bustled dress above will go to auction for charity (details still to be announced).

Technically, the dress is a preview piece ahead of a full collection called From Somewhere With Speedo, due to be revealed in the new year, with a portion of sales also benefiting charity.

“The high-tech fabrics allow for our creativity to run wild. The collection is design led and directional as well as having a considerable environmental impact,” From Somewhere founders Orsola de Castro and Filippo Ricci said in a statement. The pair have specialised in up-cycled style since 2007, drawing on surplus textiles and pre-consumer waste—swatches, off-cuts and proofs—for their collections.

The use of the leftover suits is one of a number of projects commissioned by Speedo to deal with the excess LZR Racers in the wake of swimming body FINA’s decision to prohibit full-body suits in January. Phelps famously smashed eight records at the Beijing Olympics in the LZR Racer… eight of 91 world records set using the suit.

Speedo says it is all part of a bigger push to find alternatives to landfill for excess stock.

Meanwhile, I’ve been busting my proverbials trying to get details and images from the Estethica show and also The Green Shows held during New York Fashion Week… watch this space.