Meet: Siân Dorman

Siân Dorman is the founder of PLASTIQUE by Siân, where she creates vibrant, handmade jewellery and artwork, all from single-use waste plastic. Her work is a statement against disposability and to environmental responsibility.

As a graduate from both London College of Fashion and Chelsea College of Arts, we spoke to Siân about her work and her commitment to the environment.

Can you tell us about what you currently do?

I’m a neurodivergent artist and designer, and a two-time graduate of UAL. I’m also the proud founder of  PLASTIQUE By Siân.

Through PLASTIQUE, I channel my passion for sustainability into vibrant, handmade jewellery and original artwork. These creations, including commissioned pieces, are crafted from upcycled single-use waste plastic. My commitment to sustainability extends to running inclusive upcycling arts and craft workshops for individuals of all ages and abilities, and inclusive to those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

My work is a statement against disposability, as I transform discarded materials into functional, aesthetically pleasing products.

The birth of PLASTIQUE was October 2022; I was selected to participate in the Mayor of London's pilot popup shop, 'London Made Me,' located on the iconic Regents Street. I was honoured to be one of 14 creatives selected for this programme. I found a new purpose and clarity through the success of the popup. The insights gained in marketing, visual merchandising, selling, e-commerce, branding, and communication skills during this period were instrumental in shaping PLASTIQUE into what it is today.

PLASTIQUE, born out of this journey, is not just a business but a movement—where creativity, sustainability, and shared joy intersect. It's a celebration of the discarded, a commitment to environmental responsibility, and a testament to the transformative power of art.

You’re a graduate of both LCF and Chelsea; what was your experience of the 2 Colleges?

I completed my foundation course at London College of Fashion (LCF) in 2011, and then did my BA Textiles Design (Stitch) from 2011 to 2014, where I graduated with a first-class honours. Reflecting on my journey at both the London College of Fashion (LCF) and Chelsea College of Arts, I find each institution left an indelible mark on my creative evolution.

LCF introduced me to the vibrant and dynamic world of fashion. Initially drawn to the idea of becoming a womenswear designer, my time at LCF provided invaluable insights into various aspects of the fashion industry. However, during this period I realised my true passion lay not in clothing design but in pattern, texture, and fabric manipulation, particularly within the broader realm of textiles. This prompted a shift in focus, leading me to Chelsea for my BA.

Chelsea became a sanctuary for artistic exploration. The atmosphere of creative exploration fuelled my imagination, and I discovered a sense of belonging among fellow artists. The cross-disciplinary nature of Chelsea exposed me to a diverse array of creative perspectives, ranging from painters to sculptors. Surrounded by this eclectic mix, I embraced experimentation and risk-taking as integral components of my design journey. The emphasis on sustainability and resourcefulness became guiding principles, shaping my approach to creating beauty that resonates beyond the ephemeral. This is where my interest in sculpture and installation blossomed.

Did your time at UAL have an impact on your work? If so, how?

My time at the LCF and Chelsea profoundly influenced and shaped my approach to design. If I hadn’t studied at LCF, I may never have known that fashion wasn’t the route I wanted to follow.

Chelsea played a pivotal role in expanding my design ethos. My environmental consciousness blossomed. It was here I found a deeper connection with materials and instilling an appreciation for sustainability. Circular design, ethical fabric choices, and waste reduction strategies became integral to my design philosophy.

Post-graduation, I ventured into freelance work as a costume designer, specialising in handmade sculptural wearable art from found materials. Nearly a decade into this creative journey, a desire for something new led me to apply for the Mayor of London's 'London Made Me' Pilot popup retail training programme, where PLASTIQUE came to life.

Where did your passion for sustainability begin?

My journey toward sustainability began in secondary school, where we were taught humanity's impact on climate change. Growing up in a working-class household, resourcefulness was ingrained in me. My parents, both creative individuals, inspired me to utilise found materials for artistic expression. Secondary school marked a pivotal moment when I delved into environmental concerns, leading me to create sustainable fashion and art projects.

The asymmetry and unpredictability of working with offcuts became a delightful challenge, symbolising a commitment to sustainable, conscious designing. This transformative experience shifted my focus toward crafting beauty from limited resources, reinforcing the urgency for a sustainable approach.

Transitioning to university, my interest in sustainability deepened. It was during my textiles design degree at Chelsea that my interest in sustainability evolved into a passionate commitment. My creations shifted towards sculptural installation pieces crafted from 100% upcycled waste, sourced from scrap yards and charity shops.

The dark secrets of the fashion and textile industry—the chemicals, the waste, the incinerated collections and unethical practices - finding out the weight of environmental damage ignited a fire within me. I vowed to make change and commit to being part of the solution.

Today, PLASTIQUE embodies these principles. My business is zero waste, collecting plastic locally for creations and repurposing offcuts to make unique pieces. Sustainability is a commitment that saturates every aspect of PLASTIQUE, from material choices to collaborative efforts within the local community.

As I continue this journey, I encourage fellow creatives to incorporate sustainability into their ventures. It's not just a responsibility; it's an opportunity to make a positive impact. Look into your supply chain, explore eco-friendly alternatives, and embrace upcycling. Collaborate with local businesses for resources. Sustainability is a commitment that resonates with conscious consumers and, when approached with passion, becomes a source of joy and positive change.

What inspires your designs?

My inspiration is drawn from nature's form, vibrant colours, pattern and diverse textures. This love for aesthetics, deeply rooted in my background in textile design, extends seamlessly into PLASTIQUE. It's a transformative journey marked by experimentation, risk-taking, and pushing creative boundaries.

The ethos of PLASTIQUE reflects not just my love for creating unique, eco-conscious items, but also a commitment to inclusivity and affordability. I aim to offer sustainable, one-of-a-kind pieces that resonate with individuals from various backgrounds. Each creation is not just a product; it's a story, a symbol of resourcefulness, and a celebration of uniqueness.

As cheesy as it sounds, when it comes to inspiring people, it would have to be my partner, Daryll, my family, and close friends. Their encouragement fuels my creative journey through its ups and downs. Additionally, my local community of creatives and solo-preneurs acts as an extended family, providing inspiration and support. I've also been fortunate to have older business and charity owners as mentors, offering guidance and wisdom as I navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

You also run upcycling arts and craft workshops. Can you tell us more about these?

My community craft workshops are all about upcycling and reducing waste, using found materials to create something new. They offer hands-on experiences where participants dive into the transformative world of turning waste into art. Whether it's crafting jewellery or upcycled papers and card collage workshops, birthday party activities, hen do’s, sip and craft evenings, school DT stem days, corporate away days or even engaging in larger art projects, these workshops aim to instil creativity, environmental awareness, and the joy of upcycling. Laughter echoes through the room, and a shared purpose underlines every project.

Coming from a working-class background in a culturally and economically diverse London borough profoundly influences PLASTIQUE's identity. Given my neurodivergence, I understand the barriers that sometimes hinder accessing information and opportunities. That's why I prioritise inclusivity in all my workshops.

PLASTIQUE aims to create a space where everyone, regardless of background, can embrace bold, unique, and sustainable beauty. Collaborating with local community groups, I also facilitate free upcycling workshops in my borough and surrounding areas as a way of giving back to the community that supported me growing up.

These workshops are a passion project aimed at sharing the art of upcycling with diverse communities, ensuring that everyone feels welcome to join and contribute to the joy of sustainable creativity.

How can people attend one of your workshops?

I announce workshop dates, themes, and locations on my website, on my social channels and via my newsletter. Join the mailing list for monthly emails and updates, including discount codes and new collection releases.

You can also reach out directly for information on upcoming sessions. All welcome - you just need an open heart and a willingness to play.

‘Wear The Change’ Spring Summer 24 campaign

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.

Candler Creative led 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.

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 and videographer Lana (co-founder) really captured 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!

Brand Campaign Credits:

Connect with Siân:

• Website: plastiquebysian.com
• Instagram: @plastiquebysian
• LinkedIn: @plastiquebysian