FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Zalea Artwear: Award-Winning Handcrafted Jacket Showcasing Sustainable Fashion and Artistic Innovation

The Zalea Artwear jacket by Laili Lau has been awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design category for 2025, celebrating its unique approach to sustainable fashion. Created in Brooklyn, NYC, over four and a half months, the jacket is meticulously hand-sewn from fabric remnants collected over four years. Each piece of upcycled cotton, wool, and silk is thoughtfully chosen and assembled, resulting in a sculptural, oversized silhouette with cascading fabric strips that embody both artistry and environmental consciousness.

Inspired by the resilience and beauty of the azalea flower, the Zalea jacket serves as a modern-day cape, offering physical comfort and a symbolic sense of empowerment. The creative process was intentionally slow and cathartic, allowing the designer to reconnect with her craft while honoring the histories of each recycled material. The jacket's distinctive textures and volumes are achieved through careful selection and layering of discarded scarves and textiles, making every piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Beyond its visual impact, the Zalea Artwear jacket stands as a statement against mass production, advocating for slow fashion and eco-conscious design. The challenges of sourcing sustainable materials and handcrafting each element were met with dedication and creativity, resulting in a garment that not only protects against waste but also invites wearers to embrace individuality and mindful consumption. This award-winning piece reflects Laili Lau's commitment to merging fashion, art, and sustainability in a way that inspires both the industry and conscious consumers.

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