On 14 February, Ocean Outdoor launched a limited edition label at London Fashion Week in a collaboration with eco fashion studio – VIN + OMI.
The fashion label, the first from a UK outdoor media owner, launches with men’s and women’s accessories made entirely from used vinyl panels taken from Ocean’s advertising displays.
This is a long-term partnership in which all Ocean vinyls will be repurposed, turning it into a zero-waste business.
“As a 95% based digital media company, Ocean is actively moving away from the use of vinyl,” says Ocean senior marketing executive, Liliana Teixeira. “That said, it’s important we find the best possible way to upcycle the vinyl we do still use.
“This partnership also allows us to support emerging creative talent, which adds to its scale and impact.”
VIN + OMI develop recycled polyester (rPet) textiles including silk-like finishes and wool, which are spun from salvaged plastic primarily sourced from river and ocean clean-up projects internationally.
The garments are worn by global trend setters and influencers including Debbie Harry and Kate Moss, Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Pamela Anderson.
The Ocean label is produced in the UK and the pieces are donated to Ocean’s charity partner, the Marine Conservation Society, to help raise funds to support the fight against plastic pollution and protect the world’s oceans and marine life.
The range is designed with the help of students at Oxford Brookes University. The launch collection featured in VIN + OMI’s London Fashion Week show on 14 February at the Andaz London.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with Ocean on this project,” says VIN + OMI. “They have taken a great innovative approach to recycling their old advertising canvases. We hope to develop this collaboration to produce a range of items made from the canvases and in return support the Marine Conservation Society from the proceeds.
“Working with us on this project are students from Oxford Brookes University. It’s great that a planet- responsible company like Ocean is helping us educate a new generation on how to do the right thing.”
Sandy Luk, Marine Conservation Society CEO, adds: “Our partnership with Ocean began with a powerful outdoor campaign that triggered a significant shift in public sentiment against the perils of plastic.
“This new venture is an incredibly creative approach to funding to help support the change our seas need to recover.”
