At Roberts Recycling Ltd (parent company of UK Stock Clearance), we have a special connection to sustainability and royalty. One of our founders, Simon Roberts had the privilege of meeting Prince Charles in 2019 and discussed the importance of textile recycling. Now, a remarkable initiative by King Charles himself has captured our attention and hearts. Old royal curtains from Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, long forgotten in storage, have been reborn as stunning kimonos through the King’s Foundation, emphasising the significance of textile recycling and sustainable fashion.
A Royal Vision
Could Simon’s conversation with the then Prince about sustainability have laid the groundwork for what has become an extraordinary project? We don’t know what motivated King Charles to connect the King’s Foundation and the storerooms at Windsor Great Park in Berkshire, but we are grateful for the attention that it has brought to the textile industry.
From Curtains to Couture
Students from the King’s Foundation, enrolled in a batch production skills course, were given an incredible opportunity to work with these historic fabrics. In early 2022, they were challenged to transform 30 different patterns into a modern fashion collection for retail. Each handcrafted kimono, a labour of love, took between eight to ten hours to complete.
A Rich Heritage
These curtains hold a unique history, spanning over four decades of royal curtain design during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Ranging from the 1950s to the 1990s, these curtains likely once graced the royal family’s private sitting rooms, adding to their historical significance.
Sustainability at the Forefront
The King’s Foundation, formed in 1986, has always championed sustainability. This initiative not only showcases the potential of repurposing vintage materials but also promotes textile recycling and upcycling. It serves as an inspiring example for individuals and businesses to explore the creative possibilities of repurposing old curtains and vintage materials.
A Charitable Auction
The kimonos created in this project will be auctioned online, with all proceeds benefiting the foundation’s future textiles programme. This programme, celebrating its 10th anniversary next year, continues the legacy of sustainable fashion and textile recycling that this project embodies. The online auction opens on Sunday and will run until 23:59 GMT on December 8.
The transformation of old royal curtains into fashionable kimonos is a testament to creativity, innovation, and, most importantly, sustainability. This initiative, inspired by King Charles, reminds us all of the significance of repurposing vintage materials, reducing waste, and contributing to a more sustainable future. We are having conversations like this with the UK and Europe’s leading fashion and retail brands on a daily basis, providing them with solutions to keep their customer returned, end of line and jobber stock out of landfill and in circulation for as long as possible.