Gaelyn and Cianfarani's seek to expand the possibilities of the "modern" using fabrics in a innovative way. Their materials are an integral part of their design vision. Using cottons, linens, chiffons, silk, denim, hemp, bamboo fabric, soy based material along with our signature material creates the look that is Gaelyn and Cianfarani. Our signature fabric made from bicycle inner tube rubber.
Signature Material: Recyceld bike inner tubes
Even though the process of transforming bicycle rubber into useable fabric is arduous, we to create our signature material for our commitment to the environment. We save 2 tons of rubber from entering our landfills every year(and this number is growing). Rubber is a natural material and has been used since 1600 B.C. While rubber has roots in the natural worlds it is created as a result of modern, industrial processes. It speaks to our desire to live in a world where the nature and the industrial exist in harmony. This process of creating fabric from what most would consider garbage, speaks of Gaelyn and Cianfarani's commitment to preserve while creating.
“G&C’s alliance with PETA may seem strange, as their designs appear to be fashioned from leather. The material, however, is in fact made by hand from recycled bicycle inner tubes. The duo works closely with New York City nonprofit Recycle-a-Bicycle, which gives them the old tires from the bikes that it works with underprivileged New York youth to refurbish. The designers then process it in their East Village studio to create wearable fabric,”
Fashion Wire Daily
Animal Friendly Fabrics:
Everything in there collection is made from animal friendly fabrics. There silks are peace silks that cause no harm to the silk worm. Peace silks are worn by tiebeton monks and are stronger than regular silks. It is the only silk that is endorsed by People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals(more info at www.aurorasilk.com).
rubber source:
Gaelyn and Cianfarani collect all the rubber from Recycle-A-Bicycle (RAB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth job training and environmental education in New York City . RAB teaches young people the benefits of cycling and recycling, how to maintain and repair a bike, and how to ride safely in an urban environment. We practice the reduce, reuse, and recycle motto. The majority of bikes are refurbished and then earned by kids, sold, or donated to a good cause. About 20% of the collected bikes are de-manufactured for parts. Steel is taken to the scrap metal dealer, and inner tubes are delivered to Gaelyn & Cianfarani. visit www.recycleabicycle.org.
“With the sponsorship of PETA, East Village designers Gaelyn and Atom Cianfarani showed their fall collection, “Couture with a Cause,” on Tuesday. Their approach was innovative, splicing gauzy cotton strips of black rubber that came via New York ’s Recycle-a-Bicycle, a nonprofit organization that teaches teens how to repair bicycles. Strips of tire rubber made up spliced pants or detailed a romantic ruffled dress, which also featured a simple rubber rosette,”
Women’s Wear Daily, February 12, 2003