Salvage Renaissance partnered with Housing Works to upcycle 100 pieces to sell in store, Through this collaboration, Salvage Renaissance commissioned 6 bespoke artists to upcycle these pieces in their unique expression and style. We talked with one of the artists, Penny Chu, about her experience, her favorite pieces and the impact that Housing Works has.
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I have loved fashion since I was a kid. My mom taught me to sew and knit at a young age, which made me appreciate creating things by hand. As a teenager, I enjoyed transforming old clothing into something new or turning a simple dress into a cocktail dress, and I started collecting vintage hats and clothing.
My perspective on design shifted when I worked at an architecture publishing house. Surrounded by architecture and design books, I didn't realize how profoundly this exposure would influence my creative vision until I began studying millinery at FIT. The images and concepts from those books became an integral part of my approach to design.
About ten years ago, after a significant life change, I decided to sell my entire vintage collection and transition from collecting to creating. I remember looking at my collection and wondering, "What if I could learn to make these hats myself?" Fortunately, I found an exceptional milliner who guided me through the craft, allowing my creativity to flourish.
Today, as both an artist and a milliner, I embrace a free-form styling technique. I begin with the materials, which often guide me in their transformation. What starts as a flat piece of paper or fabric evolves into something with depth and dimension. My work blends my love for fashion, architecture, and hands-on craftsmanship into the unique pieces I create today.
When I worked on redesigning merchandise for Housing Works, I focused on embellishing rather than reconstructing the clothes. My goal was to upcycle the pieces while maintaining their original cutting. I brainstormed ideas that aligned with Housing Works' core values and vision, aiming to create something fresh and authentic to my vision.
My favorite piece to design was transforming a Zara jacket into a McQueen-inspired creation. The Zara jacket is a versatile choice, and I can see it styled with a skirt or pants, making it suitable for parties and casual outings around town. The stylish design is sure to turn heads. The jeans were the most challenging because they were brand new and in perfect condition. I prefer to upcycle unwearable clothing, as it presents a more significant challenge and helps save items that might otherwise end up in a landfill.
Partnering with Housing Works is an honor; I can’t believe I got to participate in this collaboration. I’ve been shopping at Housing Works for as long as I can remember; I often go there for inspiration. The location on 18th Street was close to my office, so I visited almost every day while I worked nearby. Now, the 23rd Street location is near my apartment, and I go there once a week. I love the idea of being able to shop and donate simultaneously. It’s a shame my apartment isn’t bigger; otherwise, I would have bought even more furniture!
Those looking to follow Penny’s work can check her website and Instagram.