Bianca Markovic, creator of the Free the Gypsy label, recently spoke with The Wandering Memories about her thoughts on sustainability in today’s fashion. We dig deeper about topics about sourcing garments ethically, happiness through colours and using love and attention rather than money… we introduce our gypsy love: All Things Wild, Weird and Wonderful.
Why is Free the Gypsy different to other labels?
Free the Gypsy is a bright and colourful ethical fashion label by Bianca Markovic. Bianca’s morals and beliefs about sustainability are apparent through her label. She sticks to her guns about providing this world with good vibes and positive ethical practices.
So why is Free the Gypsy more sustainable than other labels???
Bianca loves to push the boundaries, and this is shown through her moves to keep her brand local and independent. In today’s western society, thrift stores ‘selling’ their excess garments, sell to independent traders in third world countries, causing non-profitable dependency on western society. Free the Gypsy is sustainable as Bianca uses practices such as exchanging herbs from her garden for recycled materials from local community, and only buys from op shops that recycle their garments to orphanages. Bianca ensures that there is no wastage to landfill with any of her materials. She ensures that each fabric scrap is used up in crafting or composting in her worm farm, turning the old sewing patterns into a nutritious juice for her garden.
Where does Bianca’s Free the Gypsy get her inspiration from?
Bianca is very much inspired by the natural world, the plants around us and the strong women that surround her in her life. Her inspirations are apparent in her garments which contain so much love, detail, colour and happiness.
Fashion can be considered an art form, used to express who we are or where we are at in our lives.
How does Free the Gypsy express its message to the world?
Free the Gypsy likes to promote less commonly accepted societal perceptions. Bianca likes to spread happiness through the colourful designs in her label and wants women to feel confident and happy when they wear an item of her clothing.
How does Bianca find ethical materials?
Bianca finds her materials not only from op shops, but sources them locally using a method of trading herbs and vegetables from her garden in exchange of materials. She believes that if we can operate in any way by using our love instead of money, a greater sense of value can be felt.
What are the next exciting plans for Free the Gypsy?
Free the Gypsy is a part of many upcoming festivals, so get involved in the local community, buy ethical, spread the love and put some colour and good vibes into your day with Free the Gypsy!
Festivals to get involved with:
· Sanctuary Yoga and Music Festival Adelaide // Nov 26th // Old Adelaide RAH // http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-sanctuary-festival/98951
· Sustainability market Crafers South Australia // Dec 2nd - 3rd // 12 Ising Rd, Crafers West South Australia // https://www.facebook.com/events/1274919649278928/
· Pepperland Markets // Sunday Dec 11th // Kirkcaldy Reserve Grange // https://www.facebook.com/events/114891402535373
Find Free the Gypsy on Social Media and her web page:
WEBSITE // https://shopfreethegypsy.com/pages/about-us
INSTAGRAM // https://www.instagram.com/freethegypsy/
