DEAR WELLINGTON BOOTS Will you last forever? How can I care

Hey, my name is Bunmi and I'm fund raising for a Circularity/Sustainability project that I am curating in partnership with London Design Festival this September 2024.

My project ' Dear wellington boots' is commissioning 16 Artists to re-imagine a pair of wellington boots, using circular and sustainable material to produce the wellington of the future.

MY INSPIRATION - Over the years, I have come to realise that my wellies, which I wear constantly for the British weather, and as a fashion statement, are not sustainable and bad for the planet.

Most wellies are made from PVC (synthetic rubber derived from oil) which means they are non-biodegradable, and cannot be recycled.

Even those made from natural rubber cannot be recycled at end of life, due to mixed material composition, and therefore still end up in landfills.

I live in a disposable culture because I am encouraged to live like this. I'm frustrated with the lack of longevity, despite paying a premium price and carefully looking after my wellingtons. It can be expensive to mend and repair kits are not readily available.

The realisation that many of the issues stem from the design of the wellingtons, i.e., the materials used, quality control, and the lack of aftercare from brands further exacerbates my frustration.

During lockdown, I investigated ways to mend my old wellington as I was not quite ready to part with them, despite the constant wet soaks and smelly boots. I found my inner creativity by using materials around me to mend, build and refashion

I want to be part of the change, but as a consumer I often feel helpless because I have no say over the design process or materials.

SO, I’m going on a quest to re-imagine the design of my ‘beloved’ wellies and ultimately prevent climate catastrophe!

PURPOSE-

To engage, raise awareness and inspire the general public, allowing us all to pause and re-evaluate what is important, gather inspiration, and equip us with the imagination and foresight alternatives

The installation also aims to provoke 'food for thought' in the fashion industry, in the hope that they will implement in their business modules and production processes, sustainability and an authentic transparency towards greener processes.

Fund target - £21,000

The money will be used to pay for my

Partnership with London design festival

Commission 16 artists to re- imagine a pair,

Pay for indoor and outdoor spaces to host the installations,

Materials

Storage space before and after the festival

Shipping cost for some pieces coming from abroad and other parts of the UK

Insurance for the pieces,

personal Liability insurance,

Support team

Pay for the panel talk event to raise awareness during the nine day festival

Sourcing and building of installation to house the pieces and transporting it to site

Break down of installation post event

Any additional expenses

If you are able to donate as little as £20 or more, I would really appreciate it. I will of course keep you up to date with how the project is coming along, and I hope to see as many of you as can make it to the nine day long London design festival 14th - 22nd of September.

THANKS SO MUCH

#BETHECHANGETHATYOUWANTTOSEE

#dearwellingtonboots