Sydney Lauren

I am a designer and maker with a background in industrial design and a lifelong passion for clothing. I graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Industrial Design, where I focused on soft goods and user-centered design. Growing up, I was constantly drawing outfits, making clothes for dolls, and finding creative ways to express myself through fashion. Those early interests eventually led me to pursue both product design and garment creation.

During my time at KU, I worked on projects ranging from a multifunctional garment collection to a protective lacrosse glove and a portable oxygen concentrator. These projects strengthened my skills in research, prototyping, and designing products that balance function, usability, and aesthetics.

While interning at The Hillman Group, I collaborated with designers on product form and aesthetics, participated in research for new product initiatives, and gained experience working within a multidisciplinary design team. During my internship, I also had the opportunity to contribute to concept development for a Wrangler work-wear glove line.

Today, through my brand I design and create original garments, custom commissions, and upcycled pieces. What began as selling vintage clothing and reworked garments quickly grew into participating in pop-up markets, collaborating with fellow creatives, and taking on freelance design projects, including custom clothing tags for friends. Now, I am working to build my brand through my Aetherwear multifunctional collection and sustain commissions. As my work continues to evolve, I am excited to keep exploring new ideas, creating meaningful pieces, and seeing where the next chapter takes me.

Young woman with short dark hair modeling her handmade, brown leather and blue denim patchwork leather jacket. The materials are recycled. She is wearing a khaki skirt and standing in front of a white brick wall.

RETROFIT SLB

Retrofit SLB was created to reduce clothing waste through thoughtful design and creative reuse. I upcycle secondhand pieces into something new, from approachable methods like patchwork and airbrushing to fully reworked designs made from fabric scraps and original patterns. Each piece is made with intention, balancing creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

Retrofit SLB comes to life through pop-ups, custom orders, and collaborations with other small businesses. I sell my work on Depop, at local markets, and in a small business store, connecting with people who value individuality and conscious design. At its core, Retrofit SLB is about bringing new energy and purpose to what already exists.

Upcycle the world with me.

People are shopping at an outdoor sustainable/vintage clothing and accessories market stall with various clothes hanging on racks under a canopy. A woman is browsing the display, and other shoppers are nearby.
Model showing the handmade purse from recycled leather. She is sitting on the rocks at the beach in a white flowy skirt and red top.
A woman walking across the stage to display my design dress. The lighting is dramatic, and the floor is the University of Kansas's mascot. You can see a few watchers in the background.
Two models showing off upcycled panchos made from second-hand white doilies. They are standing on a beach with trees in the background.
A group of six young models posing to show off a new summer line of upcycles. They are standing on a tennis court with a viney fence in the background.

Contact me

Interested in my design portfolio or upcycles? Fill out some info and I’ll be in touch shortly.