Another Skunt market done!

A big thanks to ALL for the support at our July 7th market at Fashion Thrift Society! Creating is something I’ve always had a passion for, as-well as sustainability and of course fashion!! Being able to create & upcycle pieces that others love too and can WEAR is really something so special. Even when we don’t make a sale, the fact that so many people stop to look and comment amongst their friends about my projects is so wonderful. It really makes all the stressful times of preparation and anticipation, hours of hard work sourcing fabrics, pairing and brainstorming projects and sewing pieces (without knowing my bobbin is empty((iykyk))- SO worth it in so many ways. As always, here are pics of some of the lovely SKUNT customers we had the pleasure of selling to. Stay Kunty friends <3 BRIAR

It was so bittersweet to let this pair go, but I am incredibly excited to start making more of this design in different patterns! The inspiration for this piece hit me the moment I came across a beautiful, grayscale cheetah print, tassel-edged scarf at a local op shop. I’d been brainstorming ways to create a pair of denim jeans with a built-in layering feature—specifically, something that gives the illusion of a skirt layered over pants, but with that signature unique design edge.

This thrifted scarf ended up being the ultimate find. It was luckily long enough that I could use half of its length to sew into custom panels. By inserting these panels directly into the sides of the legs, I achieved that perfect, ultra-baggy silhouette while introducing a dynamic mix of texture and pattern to the denim. For the rest of the scarf fabric, I wanted to play with structure and movement. I wrapped it around the hemline of the faux-skirt layer, pinned it meticulously in place, and sewed it just underneath the waistband so the belt loops stayed completely functional. Because there was some extra length left over, I decided to let it hang freely from the middle of the back. The result? A flowing, “tail-like” effect that looks absolutely incredible when in motion.

This ultra-wide flared leg piece was another super fun project that pushed the boundaries of traditional streetwear. Built using contrasting two-tone denims, custom bleach work, and heavily distressed edges, this design is all about texture and attitude.

The base denim jeans were already wide before I even touched them, but by adding massive custom panels, I was able to transform them into an ultra-wide silhouette with an exaggerated, dramatic flare.

My design process starts long before I ever sit down at the sewing machine.

To create these unique designs, I bleach the panels one at a time using my signature SKUNT skull stencil. I manually move and layer the stencil in desired spots across the denim fabric. Because I bleach every single pair by hand with no exact measurements or strict templates in mind, no two pairs of these bleached skull jeans will ever be identical. To control the lift of the bleach, I dry the fabric as I go using a hairdryer, which allows me to see the color change in real-time. If a section needs more contrast, I go over it again with the bleach to further lighten the denim and create deep, multi-tonal dimensions.

Once the bleaching is complete, I wash the raw panels. Because I intentionally don’t hem the edges before throwing them in the wash, they come out with perfectly frayed, distressed edges. This allows me to sew the panels into the pants with their raw seams fully exposed for that rugged, reconstructed look. Only after they are securely attached do I hem the final edges to keep the fabric from fraying any further than intended. To finish off the look, I add the heavy metal details: threading stainless steel spikes into the pockets and a sleek chain underneath the belt loops.

Embracing upcycling isn’t just about making one-of-a-kind clothes; it’s about participating in a sustainable fashion movement. By reworking existing denim and transforming it into high-end, statement streetwear, we reduce textile waste while creating wearable art. The final result is an eye-catching piece that completely stands alone in any outfit. Whether you dress them up with a structured jacket or keep them casual with a simple tee, these jeans are built to turn heads.

This specific pair was an absolute fan favorite at our recent SKUNT market! We had so many people stopping to comment on them, admire the details, and take photos before a lucky buyer quickly snapped them up. What makes this piece so special is that it features a completely new design technique for us: it’s the first pair we’ve ever made where we overlapped the denim at the back.

The journey of these pants started when I bought a pair of acid-green, distressed jeans. Initially, the plan was to use them as a base pair for some new SKUNT jeans. However, they turned out to be a very small size (US 2/4). We love making clothes that people can actually wear, and we worried that keeping them as-is wouldn’t be inclusive enough for our customers. That’s when the spark of inspiration hit. Instead of letting them sit unworn, we decided to use them as raw material for upcycling. We used the acid-green fabric to create custom panels for a larger, beautifully matched green-washed pair of vintage Levi’s.

Because of how the original rips, hardware, and patches were placed on the smaller pair, a standard cut wouldn’t work. To preserve the coolest details, I had to flip the jeans to cut the panels “upside down” compared to our usual method, using the original waistband as the new hem of the pants. If we had cut the panels in a traditional straight line, we would have lost some of the best design elements. To save them, we chose to overlap the denim across the back legs. While the front of the jeans keeps our usual clean, straight-cut style, the back features this unexpected, layered design element that adds incredible depth and motion.

This pair perfectly embodies what sustainable fashion is all about. Taking a garment that might not fit the average person and reconstructing it into an ultra-baggy, statement piece of streetwear is the ultimate way to reduce waste. Because of the experimental paneling and the unique way the fabrics interacted, this is a true one-of-one piece. These denim jeans prove that when you think outside the box, structural challenges can turn into your favorite unique designs.

We loved making these so much that we definitely see more overlapping back panels in the future for SKUNT!

Ethereal and Edgy: Reimagining Low Rise Flare Denim with Cottagecore Bleach Work This pair of low rise jeans started with a completely different vision in mind. Originally, they were just meant to be a more basic, two-tone denim flared jean. However, the creative process has a mind of its own. After we cut the custom panels, we looked at the canvas we had created and immediately felt the urge to get out the bleach and experiment with our brand-new stencils.

Instead of our classic skull imagery, this particular style begged for something more ethereal—a fairy cottage type of look. By using a gorgeous mix of intricate emblem stencils alongside a stunning brick entryway and floral design, we transformed the denim fabric into a work of art. For a subtle branding touch, we strategically placed the smaller SKUNT logo stencil right at the top of the brick entryway design. Balance is everything when creating unique designs. To ensure the final look didn’t feel oversaturated or visually chaotic, we decided to leave the second panel with only one single bleached emblem. Keeping that side simpler allowed the more intricate, detailed panel to truly stand out as the main design element of the pants.

What we love most about upcycling is the ability to take everyday denim jeans and completely shift their vibe through manual artistry. This project highlights how sustainable fashion isn’t just about saving textiles from the landfill—it’s about the freedom to pivot mid-design and create a masterpiece that completely redefines traditional streetwear. When the buyer tried them on, they immediately commented on how beautiful and super comfortable they were! Honestly, that is always the ultimate compliment for us. We firmly believe that maximum comfortability is key to creating the perfect outfit, no matter how bold the style is. This experiment with softer, more mystical imagery was an absolute success, and we can’t wait to play around with this aesthetic more in our future drops!

This particular pair of jeans holds a very special place in our hearts. They had been floating around our studio since our very first collection at the absolute start of the SKUNT journey, patiently waiting for the perfect buyer. What makes this pair stand out from everything else we’ve done is how we approached our signature skull design. A Brand Milestone: Swapping Bleach for Paint Usually, our skull motifs are created using a meticulous hand-bleaching process. However, for this specific piece, we decided to break tradition and experiment with white fabric paint instead. This makes them the first-ever painted skull jean in SKUNT history! The stark white paint creates a crisp, graphic contrast against the blue fabric that you just can’t get with bleach alone, giving the graphics a bold, textured pop. The structure of these pants Instead of our signature full-baggy silhouette, we went with a structured, retro-inspired flare. We added a custom panel that starts just below hip level, using a contrasting tone of blue denim to create a striking two-tone look before transitioning into that dramatic flare.

As the SKUNT aesthetic evolved over time, we decided to bring these archives into the present day. Added later to the design was our large SKUNT logo. We positioned it strategically over the seam of the panel inserts, sitting just above where the painted skull design begins, using bleach. This layering effect connects the structural panels with the artwork seamlessly.

Reworking older pieces is the core of what makes upcycling so exciting. It allows us to look back at our roots while continuously pushing for a more sustainable future in fashion. Instead of letting older prototypes go to waste, we can add new layers of detail, turning archival items into highly sought-after, unique designs. Finding the perfect home for these milestone denim jeans feels like closing a beautiful chapter while opening a new one. It’s proof that good design is timeless, and true sustainable streetwear only gets better with age!

#sustainablymade #upcyclefashion #denimjeans #marketdays #smallbuisnessowner