Upcyclers Grace and Katri are opening Trash Norwich, a new shop specialising in upcycled fashion, next week. Here, Katri explains why life is too short for boring clothes
Can you remind readers who you are and what you do?
I’m Katri from KatriK Design. I’m an upcycling artist working with recycled bike innertubes and preloved/deadstock textiles. I make wallets, bags, jewellery and clothing here in Norwich.
How has everything been since we featured KatriK Designs in May 2023?
Since then, I’ve been creating more bags and clothing. I’ve been experimenting with new techniques to work with recycled rubber and have made some commissions and bag collections. I’ve done a few events and pop ups.
How has your shop Trash Norwich come about and who else is involved?
My dream has always been to have my own shop one day! Something where I could have my studio setup, create one-off pieces and literally put them straight on the display as soon as they are finished.
And also, I’ve always wanted to make more clothing but selling them online I find challenging. It’s much better that people can come in and try them on. My shop partner is Grace, who has her brand @wildfrontiervtg.
How do you know each other? Did you bond over a shared love of upcycling?
I met Grace at Anteros Art Foundation where we both had our studios. She creates one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art clothing and accessories. Made from vintage and second-hand materials, gender free and size inclusive with a gothic clown core twist.
We soon realised that our work goes well together, and we both have a dream to have our own shop! So, we started playing with the idea last year and in December we had a pop-up shop together at Anteros Front gallery. It went well, and we decided to start looking at our own premises. Then very soon we found 19 Magdalen Street and it all started happening very quickly!
How would you describe the range of clothing/accessories?
I would describe our range as something like “personal style over fashion” and “embrace your own style and uniqueness”. We both call our work (this already before knowing each other) “wearable art”. They are fun, playful and they have a bit of a costume twist.
I can already tell that it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. We are not trying to be a high street brand. But we hope that whoever walks through our door will find our shop like a small piece of wonderland, have a browse, try on some pieces and maybe find something that you thought you could never wear, but it makes you feel bold, beautiful and unique. Life is too short for boring clothes!
So, one person’s trash really is another person’s treasure?
Oh absolutely! We source our materials from charity shops, car boots, sometimes donations etc. I get my recycled bike innertubes from bike shops.
There’s definitely something special about designing garments out of materials that already exist, it takes the process to a whole new level and develops you as a designer. I find myself using colours and patterns that I would never choose if I’d go to a fabric shop.
How excited are you for the opening?!
Very, very excited! It’s been a lot of work to get it all together, but we have had help from some lovely friends and family. It’s amazing to have all that support! We still have quite a few finishing touches to do but it’s all coming together nicely and it’s starting to feel more and more real now. Can’t wait to welcome you all in!
What are your hopes and dreams for Trash Norwich?
To start with we hope that a lot of people will find us and we can make a little change in the Norwich independent shop scene. It’s all really an experiment first and hopefully we will find our customers.
For the future, who knows! Maybe have bigger premises and extend for more upcycling artists and collaborate. We are creating something that doesn’t really exist yet in this city so it will be interesting to see where it takes us!
Trash Norwich, 19 Magdalen Street, Norwich, NR3 1LE, opens on Wednesday April 23 at 11am. On Friday April 25 they will be holding housewarming drinks from 5-8pm, everyone welcome! Opening times will be Wednesday-Saturday 11am-5pm; Sunday 11am-4pm. Follow @trash.norwich on Instagram and email trashnorwich@gmail.com.
Feature images – from Instagram
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