Sabr Cactus | Refashioned Jean Jacket

I love the cactus plant. It represents resilience, steadfastness and a long memory to me. I love how cacti plants tend to grow in such crazy abd creative ways, most of the tines, very slowly, because why would we rush anyways?

Cacti can have unique meanings and uses in various regions, so exploring the symbolism and cultural significance of specific cactus species has been been fascinating to me.

For instance, cactus plants have cultural significance in various parts of the world. The Opuntia cactus, known as "sabr" in Palestine, is a symbol of resilience and endurance. It represents the ability to thrive in harsh desert conditions and is often associated with the Palestinian people's ability to persevere in the face of adversity.

Cacti also hold significance in other cultures. For instance, the saguaro cactus is iconic in the American Southwest and is a symbol of the Arizona desert. It's protected by law, and its blossoms are the state flower.

In Mexico, the nopal cactus is the national emblem and appears on the country's flag. It has been a staple of Mexican cuisine and culture for centuries.

I've transformed thrifted denim jackets into stylish capes adorned with original patchwork and appliqué. It's disheartening to note that globally, only 8% of donated and discarded clothes are reused, and merely 10% are recycled, especially considering that clothing can take over 200 years to decompose in landfills. My goal is to address this issue by repurposing and remaking garments, thus diverting them from landfills. I deliberately seek out pieces from fast fashion brands, as they are often disposed of most frequently.

SIZE: XXL