Shredded Tees from Raquel Allegra
Posted on October 28, 2009
Filed Under The Closet | 4 Comments
(Raquel Allegra Light Grey Stripe, $335 at SwitchBoutique.com)
Raquel Allegra is an L.A.-based designer who is known for her super distressed t-shirts, and for her ability to recycle. Allegra takes old t-shirts from the L.A. County Jail and turns them into her own work of art, which can be described as somewhat of a glamorous grunge look that you could play up with strong biker boots, or tone down with softer colors in complimenting pieces, and delicate accessories.
I love her shredded t-shirts, even though I know my parents would not understand why I chose to buy a shirt that looks like it just came out of a meat grinder.
Whether you like the design of Allegra’s clothes, or not, the idea of recycling inmates’ clothes is definitely something worth talking about. The idea of wearing something that a convicted criminal was wearing admittedly makes me a little uncomfortable, though I’m not sure if it should. Most of the inmates at L.A. County have either been sentenced to one year or less, or are awaiting a transfer to a state penitentiary — but there’s no way to tell if the shirt I buy from Allegra’s collection was once worn by a child molester, a serial rapist, or a guy that hit his wife.
I’m not trying to pass judgment on anyone here, and I know that many people better their lives in jail. Malcolm X converted to Islam in jail, did great things for our country, and from what we know of his life, he was also a great Muslim. And if he was from L.A., and did time in County, I would pay that $300 Allegra is asking for to wear one of his shirts.
Maybe doing time, even if you come out as a better person, comes with a societal stigma that will never go away. After all, it is just a t-shirt, which has been washed, cliped, wrinkled, dyed, and hung in a fancy boutique — not the actual crime someone was convicted of committing.
At this point, $335 (plus California tax) is way too much for me to spend on a t-shirt, but I want to know what you think about the idea of recycling inmates’ old shirts. Does it matter to you where this piece came from, or do you look at it as just another form of art that everyone has a right to express the way they see fit?
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4 Responses to “Shredded Tees from Raquel Allegra”
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I think I’d be a little uncomfortable with the idea of wearing recycled clothes too, but not because they were worn by inmates. Heck, I don’t care if they’ve been worn by the prince – I just don’t like the idea of wearing clothes that have been worn by somebody else in the first place.
I think it’s a good cause though, I mean they are recycled! And I would def wear this shirt, but $300+ is too much for me!
I’m used to “hand me downs” and I enjoy shopping in thrift ships! There are some really high end consignment shops that have wonderful clothing and accessories. I’ve found some great designer outfits that way for pennies. It’s always a nice challenge to find something worthwhile in a charity shop. As for the t-shirts, I don’t mind the recycling at all since I see them as just material. I do feel that what she does is a form of modern art but I would not pay $300 for one. To be honest, I’d probably get one of those inexpensive sleeping night t-shirts and turn it into one like she creates! Easy and way less expensive! I’d wear this one if it were given to me though! lol
Muslim Girl,
Wearing and using recycled clothing and products is not only good for the planet, but is also part of humanity in giving and receiving. You donate your old clothes for someone who needs clothing without a moment’s hesitation. Imagine being on the receiving end.
Sabrina, I love that you include products that are recycled and eco-friendly. I just can’t believe the shirt is so expensive!! I like your style though – you seem a mix of comfort, rugged, and yet feminine also.
I don’t really see it as art, in that judging from this picture is seems she hasn’t done much except cut a line down the front and probably silk screened the stripes. It seems more like she trying to sensationalize the t-shirt with its back story.
Maybe she has a whole philosophy behind this project of hers, i didn’t check, but at $335 a pop, I really hope she is giving at least 1/2 of her profit to community projects in LA county that provide social or support services to ex-cons…otherwise i’d be, honestly, offended by her trying to make money off of shirts that maybe romanticize but definitely represent a part of America, the prison industrial complex, that is so twisted, unbalanced and has used methods of dealing with crime and poverty in our society in a away that results in perpetuation of negative cycles over and over again throughout generations, without addressing root causes.
I use to work in the juvenile prison system in California, so i’ve witnessed it all first hand, and while it can definitely happen (i have multiple friend who were former gang member/drug dealers who became community leaders and youth mentors), the Malcolm Xs are unfortunately few and far between….Tookie Williams is an example, but he was executed in 2005.