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Say hello to our newest artist in residence, Ruby Elizia, the creative force behind Bodawear! We’re thrilled to have her join the art’otel London Hoxton Residency as part of Bleaq’s Autumn Takeover. Ruby’s innovative approach to sustainable fashion and her iconic “surgical stitch” designs are about to bring some serious style to our space. Stay tuned for exciting new creations and a journey into the world of upcycled fashion!
Catch them in the studio from the 26th August – 6th October
Bodawear was founded in 2020 by Ruby Elizia, initially starting as a garment repair business during the height of the pandemic. What began as a service to mend worn and torn clothes quickly evolved into a full-fledged repair and upcycling business. Bodawear is known for designing and crafting bespoke patchworks, characterised by a unique “surgical stitch” technique—a hand-stitched design inspired by the visual aesthetic of surgical sutures.
This distinctive stitching method emerged from Ruby’s interest in biology and human health, sparked by a foundation year project at Manchester School of Art, where they explored the works of artists like Joe Spence, Elizabeth Price, and Zhang Juan. A personal experience with surgery during the pandemic further fuelled this creative direction, transforming anxiety into art.
Having recently graduated from The University of Westminster with a degree in Fashion Design, Ruby is now collaborating with sustainable fashion advocates Bleaq, for a 6-week Residency at art’otel London Hoxton. Where they will be focusing on creating new garments inspired by the origins of the surgical stitch and a fashion film that captures the evolution of Bodawear.
As a designer, Ruby remains committed to hand-crafted, bespoke upcycled fashion, with a mission to combat the harmful effects of fast fashion and overconsumption on our planet and health.