Helen Tandy, Founder, Eco Communities
Chester could have become a great hub for sustainable fashion, and while I’m sad we lost the Oh Design Foundation Shop and workshop, I’m so pleased that Monika Swindells is still supporting some of the designers going forward via Oh . Some of the designers might be showcasing in Manchester and Liverpool, but I feel hopeful that the time will come for the city to once again host such incredible talent in a single unit in the city again.
I am so proud to know Monika—the brain behind Oh—and all her fantastic work. Her help and support with Chester Green Weekend and the fashion events was a highlight last year, and I hope it will be even bigger in 2026.
We showcased many designers, but Oscar Munroe and Alena Kudera are two who are truly rethinking materials, design, and impact. Both are nurtured through Monika Swindells’ amazing foundation, Oh. Alena Kudera’s Wasted Exhibition (see below) was also on display at Picturehouse in the run-up to the weekend, drawing attention to her inventive and sustainable approach to fashion.
Oscar Munroe – Turning Waste into Wearable Art
I first met Oscar Munroe many years ago, and his journey has been inspiring ever since. Born and based in Chester, Oscar launched OM during lockdown, inspired by a Stacey Dooley documentary highlighting the environmental impact of cotton. He repurposes materials such as hot air balloon offcuts, old seatbelts, car leather, and sailcloth to craft functional and striking accessories.
Each item is handmade, with its design determined by interpreting the unique textures and patterns of the waste materials. Growing up surrounded by print and colour, Oscar has a natural affinity for pattern, texture, and combining materials. His passion for craft was further honed during a three-year apprenticeship with a long-standing Manchester tailor renowned for high-quality bespoke shirts and suits.
Oscar’s creations are not only sustainable—they’re personal and expressive. From sailcloth bags to repurposed denim accessories, every piece is unique. Personally, I adore my bag made from old seatbelts, and it’s clear that OM is going from strength to strength.
Catch him next at Manchester Art Gallery on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at 6:30 pm.
Alena Kudera – Art, Design, and Upcycling
Alena Kudera, founder of Kudera Artelier, is an artist, designer, and maker who instinctively and deliberately goes against the grain of quick-fix, disposable fashion. A graduate of John Moores University, Liverpool, Alena has received the Top Ten Designer Award at China Fashion Week, and her work spans three creative channels:
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Konstrukce – High-end pieces made from planet- and body-friendly materials.
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Rekonstrukce – Upcycled garments made from existing products that are unloved or destined for landfill.
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Multiform – Wearable art through collaboration, collage, and sculpture.
Her formative years in a small Czech village—where communism and fairytales, function and nature, control and rebellion coexisted—shaped her creative outlook. She started by reworking old clothes and limited fabrics to create one-of-a-kind outfits, teaching herself to sew and understand fabric along the way. This resourcefulness became the hallmark of KUDERA.
Alena will be presenting her new collection at Annexe, 13 Hope Street, Liverpool, in collaboration with the Oh. For availability, email Monika at monika@openhome.uk
