A RESOURCEFUL teenager from Oxfordshire is taking sustainable fashion to the next level with designs he creates from things, which most people would class as rubbish.

Until a few months ago Sutton Courtenay resident Joey Luciano did not even know the basis of sewing.

However, to combat boredom the 19-year-old learnt a new skill and created an entire wardrobe by upcycling second hand clothes.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK in March Mr Luciano was studying Art and Design at Abingdon & Witney college.

His course, however, was cut short and the teenager was not able to even complete his final major project.

ALSO READ: Gang break into Land Rover then flee

Oxford Mail:

Mr Luciano explained that like many others he felt 'uninspired' and 'unhappy' during lockdown.

This is why he decided to learn a new skill.

With only limited pattern cutting and sewing experience, he used YouTube tutorials to teach himself.

The art student started making one-of-a-kind T-shirts, jogging bottoms, shorts, tote bags and bucket hats using a sewing machine that he borrowed from his grandmother.

The collection of garments are all made using colourful patches from clothes Mr Luciano had already purchased from second hand shops.

Released under the brand name Lowres, the teenager confirmed that the line is '100 per cent upcycled'.

Explaining why he chose to create a sustainable line the art student said: "I have always had an interest in fashion, so I thought I should have a go at making my own stuff.

ALSO READ: 'Closet' nymphomaniac, 71, publishes juicy biography about her sexcapades

Oxford Mail:

"But I have always been against people purchasing a lot of new stuff – personally, I have not bought any new clothes for the last four or five years and everything I wear is second hand or a hand-me-down.

"This is a big thing for me as I am very aware what happens behind closed doors at the big high-street brands.

"I used to work for H&M and seeing how they operate made me want to change how things are done."

Mr Luciano said he released all together nine garments on his website Lowr3s and almost all of them got sold out within the first 15 minutes.

Recently the student also invested in an embroidery machine that he plans to use for any upcoming projects.

Mr Luciano described the style as 'all-round DIY', '90s patchworks' and 'quite baggy' and added that people of all ages can wear them, rather than just teenagers.

ALSO READ: Van driver trapped after crash on motorway

The 19-year-old also commented: "It takes me about three days to make one piece, so I really put the effort in.

"It is a win-win situation – people are buying clothes that are unique and also know that they are supporting an independent, sustainable label."

Instead of going straight to university, Mr Luciano will continue to work on his upcycled line for at least a year – a deal he has struck with his parents.

One of his current projects is upholstering a sofa using his unique patchworks technique.

To find out more about his designs visit www.lowr3s.com