The “going green” trend has just been kicked up a notch with recycled candy wrappers making a hit on fashion runways. The papers that cover Skittles, Starbursts, and M&Ms are colorful and easy to fold, making them ideal for weaving into wearable art. These wrappers can also be glued or sewn together to create a patchwork design for the sweetest of looks.
Candy Wrapper Apparel
Looking for something fresh, unique and on-trend? Take a peek at the local sweets shop for the perfect material that will take you to the height of fashion. Designers and individuals have discovered that by folding candy wrappers into an interlocking pattern, it creates a foundation for fabulous fashion that will leave all your friends drooling.
Dressing in candy wrappers has provided edgy, creative types with outlets to show a personalized sense of style. Candy lovers have created prom dresses, wedding gowns, and street fashion from their favorite sweets and snacks.
In addition to cutting edge fashion, recycling the papers from candy adds an extra element of interest to a learning environment. Students at the Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia offered a prom show with candy wrapper designs as a fundraiser. The students learned the combination of design, organization, marketing and earth-friendly skills as they put on an extravaganza to raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Wrapped Accessories
Candy wrapper apparel isn’t brand new to the fashion scene. Designers have been creating these eco-friendly accessories for years to test the market and have earned some delightful reviews.
Handbag designer Nahui Ollin has a line of colorful and unique bags that are sure to sweeten your look. Specializing in earth-friendly fashion, you can find a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles of handbags made from recycled candy wrappers.
You can also find shoes, belts and jewelry made from candy wrappers. The craft website Etsy features a variety of designs, with bracelets, belts, hairbands and other creatively fashioned accessories that are both unique and colorful.
Design Your Own
Creating your own candy wrapper fashion allows freedom in selecting your favorite flavors, colors and patterns. You’ll need to plan in advance to make sure you have enough wrappers for your project. Delight your pals with candy gifts, and don’t forget to beg for their wrappers when they’re finished.
Tips on creating your own candy wrapper fashion and accessories:
- If you’re making a dress or handbag, start with a lining.
- Use materials that will hold up in damp weather. Select wrappers that are foil, plastic or coated.
- Measure the area you’ll want to cover as well as the size of the wrappers. Allow for some overlapping and mistakes.
- Before permanently attaching the candy wrappers, lay them out to see if the design is what you want.
- Practice wearing your dress or carrying your handbag made from candy wrappers around your house before you take it public.
Keep in mind that if you wear a dress or accessories made from candy wrappers, you’re bound to attract attention. Be prepared to share your story—whether you made the piece yourself or if you chose to purchase something that was eco-friendly yet fun.
Debby Mayne - Debby Mayne is a published author of more than 30 novels and novellas and former fashion writer for the Home Shopping Network.
