# Sheldy - Upcycling Concept Uses High-Performance Gear and Textile Leftovers

> In the Savonia Old to Gold Masterclass, Sheldy, a cloak-like garment was designed for elderly and vulnerable individuals.

## The Old to Gold Masterclass
In the fall of 2023, I participated in the Savonia Old to Gold Masterclass, where we explored the future of textile circularity. Under the guidance of German fashion designer Nora Kühner, we developed new products from textile waste streams. Nora, who has a background in sports fashion, emphasizes the responsibility of the fashion industry, noting that while sports brands often showcase collections in untouched natural landscapes, their production methods frequently impact the planet negatively.

## Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
As a designer and project director with a background in city planning and urban design, shifting to fashion design was a significant change. I had to move from large-scale planning to millimeter-precise sewing work. Despite the challenge, the process of brainstorming, circular economy, and sustainable development was highly rewarding. The intensive week involved concept development, target group research, material discovery, and learning sewing techniques from scratch.

## The Concept: Sheldy
Our team aimed to create something meaningful for an aging Finnish population facing the challenges of climate change. The result was **Sheldy**, a cloak-like garment designed for elderly and vulnerable individuals. It provides protection against rain, heat, wind, and sandstorms. 

Recognizing that high-tech gear is often inaccessible due to cost, we proposed Sheldy as a "clothing-as-a-service" concept. In this model, garments are maintained and delivered to locations like senior homes, ensuring they are always in good condition and ready for use.

## Exhibitions and Impact
The project extended beyond the classroom:
* **ISPO Munich:** Our work was showcased at one of the largest sports business trade fairs in the world.
* **Sauma – Fashion in Art, Art in Fashion:** In the spring of 2024, the garment was featured at the Kuopio Art Museum, where it was displayed in dialogue with the museum’s collections.

## Acknowledgments
This project was a collaborative effort. Special thanks to my partner Outi Arbelius, teacher Laura, and our guest star Nora Kühner.

## References
* [Sheldy](https://sheldy.fi)
* [Nora Kühner – … diversity expands creativity …](https://norakuehner.com)
* [Väestön ikääntyminen Suomessa | Ikätalo | Terveyskylä.fi](https://www.terveyskyla.fi)
* [Suomen tuleva ilmasto | Ilmasto-opas.fi](https://ilmasto-opas.fi)
* [ISPO Munich: The largest trade fair for the sports business](https://www.ispo.com/en/munich)
* [Sauma – Muoti taiteessa, taide muodissa 27.4.–1.9.2024](https://kuopiontaidemuseo.fi)

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**Author:** Mirjam Hyvönen, Sustainable Future Master’s program  
**Photos:** Outi Arbelius  
**License:** CC BY-SA 4.0