Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Siân Dorman, the creative force behind PLASTIQUE. From humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of sustainable fashion, Siân shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs in this candid interview. Discover the driving forces behind her commitment to reducing waste and upcycling materials into beautiful creations, and learn how her personal values and background have shaped the ethos of PLASTIQUE. Get ready to be inspired by Siân's dedication to sustainability and creativity as she shares memorable stories, rewarding moments, and valuable advice for aspiring eco-conscious entrepreneurs.
Can you tell us about the moment or experience that inspired you to start PLASTIQUE and pursue a sustainable approach to jewelry and artwork?
PLASTIQUE was born out of an incredible opportunity I was selected for back in October 2022. The Mayor of London's first ever pilot popup shop 'London Made Me' on one of London's most infamous shopping streets, Regents Street. The concept for the shop was to bring handmade and original artwork onto the London High Street. '14 of London's most in inspiring creatives' were selected, and I was one of them! How amazing!
At this point, PLASTIQUE didnt exsist and I had been working under my name as 'Siân Dorman Creations' for nine years creating sculptural wearable art and costume design from a wide range of upcycled materials. To set the scene, I was stuck. We had just gone through a combination or Brexit and Covid-19 Lockdown restrictions and I had lost a lot of my regular clients due to them moving back to their home countries after brexit.
I applied to this amazing opportunity to bring some kind of change and clarity. The popup experience included working with industry specialists to build on our marketing skills, visual merchandising, selling, ecommerse branding and communication skills.
It was the success of this popup that gave me an epiphany to create PLASTIQUE.
What personal values or beliefs drive your commitment to reducing waste and upcycling materials into beautiful creations?
I have always been drawn to working with found materials. For as long as I can remember, I would watch art attack and collect household waste items like cereal box card and loo-roll centres to create with. Creativity was instilled in me since birth with both my parents being creative, they allowed me to explore my creative side and allowed for my passion to grow.
My mum, a trained graphic designer and my dad a builder, and I say this in all senses of the word- he would build motor bikes from scrap parts, hand carve Irish bellows and flutes, build computers from parts, code programmes from scratch, makes music and also has an interest in cubist charcoal drawing!
Coming from a working class background, my parents weren't able to buy me all the expensive materials to create with so I learn from a young age how to be resourceful and utilise what I had around me. This also taught me to never take for granted the things you have and not to waste resources.
It was secondary school when I began to think about the environment and what humans are doing to contribute to climate change. For my Design and Technology Fashion & Textiles A-level (aged 17-18) I built my whole project around sustainability and upcycling and I created a range of dresses from scrap material and clothes found in a charity shop.
After A-levels I went to The University of the Arts: London College of Fashion to study an art and design foundation, I continued working with found materials throughout this course. I decided to focus my degree on BA Textiles Design, and it was here my passion for sustainability really flourished. The more I learnt about how unethical, unsustainable and wasteful the fashion and textiles industry is and it resulted in me moving more and more of my focus on reducing waste.
How has your background or personal journey influenced the direction of PLASTIQUE and the work you do?
Coming from a working-class background and residing in a London borough with a diverse spectrum of residents in terms of culture and income has profoundly shaped PLASTIQUE's outlook and brand persona.
My personal experiences have heightened my sensitivity to accessibility and inclusivity. PLASTIQUE isn't just about sustainable products; it's about creating a space where everyone, regardless of their background, can embrace bold, unique, and sustainable beauty. This is why I collaborate with local community groups to facilitate free upcycling workshops within my borough and the surrounding areas to give back to the community that supported me growing up.
My background in textile design, and passion for colour, texture, and pattern has always been central. PLASTIQUE is an extension of that love, but with a transformative twist. My journey, marked by experimentation and risk-taking, instilled in me the importance of pushing creative boundaries. With a deep appreciation for resourcefulness and the value of each creation. Knowing the diverse economic landscape of my community has influenced PLASTIQUE's commitment to offering sustainable, affordable, one-of-a-kind pieces that resonate with individuals from my audience. It's not just about crafting unique, eco-conscious items; it's about ensuring that these pieces can be cherished by a broad and diverse audience.
Can you share any memorable stories or experiences from your journey with PLASTIQUE that have shaped your perspective on sustainability and creativity?
During my time at the University of the Arts London: Chelsea College of Art & Design, I underwent a huge transformation in my approach to creativity and sustainability. The fashion and textile industry's unsustainable practices, from the extensive use of chemicals to the staggering waste generated, became shockingly evident. Witnessing the environmental toll, including water waste and the incineration of unsold collections, ignited my passion for change.
Each revelation fuelled my commitment to creating from found materials, steering away from contributing to the demand for new resources and reinforced the urgency for a sustainable focus. This experience shifted my focus toward working with offcuts to create unique pieces, appreciating the challenge of crafting beauty from limited resources. The asymmetry and unpredictability of each material is challenging in a highly enjoyable way and each outcome symbolises a commitment to sustainably, conscious designing.
What challenges have you faced in establishing and growing PLASTIQUE, and how have you overcome them?
Because I am neurodivergent I sometimes feel there is a block that definitely hinders my ability sometimes when trying to access the right information and opportunities to progress, this includes funding applications which tend to be highly academic and not inclusive to those with dyslexia like myself!
Another huge challenge would be in navigating all angles of the business alone, I am my PR agent, my HR manager, my social media manager I am the designer, the maker, the makers assistant and the photographer for the majority of the year unless I have hired or collaborated with other businesses or freelancers!
I definitely haven't yet overcome them, but the more PLASTIQUE grows, the more I'm learning and more I'm working with others to achieve certain outcomes during the busiest times.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration or support along the way?
As cheesy as it sounds, my biggest support system throughout this journey with the ups and downs would have to be partner Daryll, my family and my close friends! I'd say that my biggest source of inspiration in terms of business definitely comes from my local community of creatives and solo-preneurs who are at similar stages to me, although each of our businesses are different, we all support each other like a huge family!
I also have a handful of older business and charity owners who are like my additional mothers and act as my unofficial mentors in navigating any challenges I face as we have all experienced the same things. 🙂
How do you balance your passion for sustainability with the practical aspects of running a business?
I don't actually feel like there is a separation between the two in my business because it influences every decision I make, including what products I buy, the services and people I choose to work with and where I buy my materials.
When buying materials for workshops for example I always shop the charity shops first, I have built good relationships with local charities and social enterprises who will call now me when they get certain items in that I may use. If I need storage items for example, I will also look at the charity shops first or support other local businesses if I can.
My business itself is zero waste, I collect all the plastic locally to create with and I collect all offcuts (even the tiny microplastics) and I use them in future designs so I am not throwing them back into landfill after.
My community craft workshops all have a focus of up-cycling and reducing waste too so I will use as much found materials as I can depending on the workshop I'm teaching.
Can you describe a particularly rewarding moment or project with PLASTIQUE that stands out to you?
There are a few that I can think of instantly, but I will mention the most recent moment I have had which was actually just a few weeks ago when shooting our first proper brand campaign for Spring/Summer 2024!
Since the beginning of 2024, PLASTIQUE has been collaborating with an amazing group, 'Candler Creative Community' who has been instrumental in nurturing and advancing PLASTIQUE's brand identity through comprehensive creative support from inception to ongoing growth. Serving as my Brand Consultant, the collaboration commenced with an initial meeting led by Dan Candler to conceptualise the PLASTIQUE 'Wear The Change' Spring/Summer brand campaign, aligning with my brand's essence and strategic objectives.
Transitioning seamlessly into the execution phase, Candler Creative orchestrated a dynamic photo/video shoot utilising a diverse team of professionals, including models, makeup artists, hairstylists, stylists, videographers, photographers, and creative directors. The resulting content not only met but exceeded my strategic goals, laying the foundation for subsequent marketing endeavors.
Post-shoot, Candler Creative has continued our partnership, refining social media marketing strategies and facilitating magazine submissions, ensuring sustained brand visibility and engagement. Through a meticulously crafted 30-day plan, coupled with captivating content from the shoot, Candler Creative curated compelling social media narratives, bolstered by targeted ad campaigns to amplify our brand reach.
Moving forward, Candler Creative remains committed to supporting my brand journey, ensuring continued success and growth of PLASTIQUE. And all of this with the utmost professionalism filled with passion. It is connections like this one that really stand out for me when collaborating.
For me, the most rewarding moment of this collaboration was seeing all of the meetings and admin come to fruition on the day of the photoshoot and really bring my vision to life with the models, the styling. The photographer Dan Candler (founder), and videographer Lana (co-founder) really captures the essence of my brand and understood exactly what I wanted to create. The next step is releasing it to my audience and see how they feel about it too! I'm so excited! I can't wait!
What advice would you give to others looking to incorporate sustainability into their own creative ventures or businesses?
Incorporating sustainability into your creative ventures is not just a responsibility; it's an opportunity to make a positive impact, you have to have fun with it too. Start by deeply exploring and understanding your supply chain and material choices. Look for eco-friendly alternatives, embrace upcycling where possible, and communicate your sustainable efforts transparently to your audience. Sustainability isn't just a trend; it's a commitment that resonates with conscious consumers.
Look into your local community for other businesses who you may be able to collaborate with in some way, they may be able to provide you with the resources you are missing to improve your sustainable actions. For example, I have a local salon who saves me their empty bottles and I have the local pet shop safe me their pallet wrap and other soft plastics, both of these businesses benefit from me taking these items as it reduces the fee they have to pay for waste disposal for example, while being safe in the knowledge that it will be ACTUALLY recycled. this can also be possible even if you are a food or coffee business, you could collaborate with local food businesses to produce certain items for you for example.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of PLASTIQUE and its impact on the community and environment?
I envision PLASTIQUE evolving into a bigger movement for change, not just in fashion but in mindset on a community level. I aspire to deepen our engagement with the community, establishing a sense of environmental responsibility through creativity and starting with the youth. From supporting local initiatives to expanding our educational outreach, I hope PLASTIQUE becomes synonymous with positive change, influencing how we view and value sustainable living.
These aspirations extend to physical space as well. I am dedicated to expanding our premises to provide a hub for a wide range of regular on-site upcycling workshops catering to all ages and abilities, with a special focus on engaging and empowering the local youth. Within this collaborative space, PLASTIQUE will partner with a diverse range of sustainable local workshop facilitators, offering various creative options for our community. This expansion is not just about creating beautiful, sustainable items but about fostering a culture of shared creativity, learning, and positive environmental impact within our local community.
Instagram/x/threads/Tiktok/LinkedIn: @plastiquebysian
Youtube: @plastiquebysian.
Website: https://plastiquebysian.com/
'Wear The Change' New collection https://plastiquebysian.com/collections/just-landed-spring-summer-2024
Brand Campaign Credits:
Designer: Siân Dorman
Brand: PLASTIQUE By Siân
Brand consultant: Candler Creative Community
Creative Director: Dan Candler
Photographer: Dan Candler
Videographer: Lana Nemchenko
Stylist: Marcolino Barboza Neto
Makeup Artist: Andrea Leyva Carreño
Makeup Artist: Esra Kurtul
