Meet Emily Alvizu | Upcycled Slow Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Alvizu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I’m in the fashion industry. When most people think of clothing they think of seasonal trends and colors. But when it comes to fast fashion (inexpensive clothing that is mass-produced to keep up with trends) the negative impact it has on the world is significant. From underpaid, overworked peoples producing the garments to the environmental impacts of microfibers and sky-high carbon emissions, there is nothing sexy about fast fashion. When I started Bohemian Scrapcity, my mission was clear: not to be any part of that. Instead I used this as the catalyst for my creativity by incorporating as much used material as possible into every aspect of my micro-business.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’ve always been considered somewhat “artsy” but it all really started to take form when I was introduced into the wonderful world of “upcycling” (reusing a discarded material and making into something better.) Reusing items just makes sense both ecologically and stylistically. Upcycling avoids the pitfalls of fast fashion and gives items another use instead of ending up in the landfill. The styles that come out are somewhat familiar and nostalgic and are very difficult to make multiples of, making them both unique and rare. My company, Bohemian Scrapcity, sits where hand-made, upcycling and slow-fashion intersect. To do all this, I had a lot to learn to sew and crochet for starters .I messed up a lot, but every time I made a mistake I was also learning how to do better. In yoga or meditation they call it a “practice” because some days will be better than others, but everyday you still try. I keep that in mind every time I find myself struggling.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Welcome to Colorado! There’s so much to do here, whatever you choose will be a fun time.
I like to take people down to the Santa Fe art district for first Friday. While we’re at it, let’s get some delicious green chili smothered burritos from El Taco de Mexico then go visit the talking parrot at Art Districts Antiques. On the weekend, we’ll head down to Colorado Springs and walk around Red Rocks Open Space, it’s like Garden of the Gods, but much bigger and less crowded. After our hike, we’ll head into Manitou Springs for some lunch and spend the evening at the outdoor arcade, spending all of our nickels and dimes on the antique arcade games. Sunday, we’ll see what the farmers markets have in season and wander around the highlands neighborhoods admiring the red-brick buildings and ending up at Avanti or Rootdown for brunch. We’ll rent some e-bikes and follow the 15th street pedestrian bridge downtown and find out way to RiNo to check out the beautiful outdoor murals and see what cool things they have in store. Monday, we’ll head up north, making sure to stop by the Celestial Seasonings Factory for the free tour and of course, the bottomless tea samples. I’ll insist you buy some of the strawberry tea (“you can’t find it in stores!”) After that, we’ll cruise up to Estes Park and hope we can catch some of the Elk herds roaming the baseball fields. We’ll go to Rocky Mountain National Park, after 3 pm when you no longer need a reservation, and bask in the glory of a chilly 14-er. The next day, we’ll head to Union Station, take lots of pictures of the stunning renovated interior and catch the Amtrak going west to Glenwood Springs. We’ll find seats in the observation car and count how many tunnels we pass through in the few hour trip. We’ll spend the next few days at the Glenwood Hot springs and biking on the canyon trails. We’ll head back to Denver on your last day and make sure to make it special- by having a night at Denver’s own Adams Mystery Playhouse for the finest Mystery Murder Dinner this side of the Mississippi!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have so much to be grateful for. I am blessed with a family that has always accepted and encouraged me, even during my embarrassing teenage goth-phase or when I decided to live in a school bus for five years. I am blessed with a supportive partner who will always have my back. I am blessed with friends/mentors who provide guidance, critiques and encouragement in my many projects. I am blessed to live in a world that inspires me everyday.

Website: www.bohemianscrapcity.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bohemianscrapcity

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bohemianscrapcity

Image Credits
Bohemian Scrapcity