Discover a Journey of Inspired Sustainability
From Inner Tubes to Iconic Fashion Accessories
Explore the captivating story of Frankie, the visionary behind Alien Menace, where creativity meets sustainability in the heart of Asheville, NC
The Birth of Alien Menace
Alien Menace began as a spark of inspiration in the vibrant city of Asheville, NC. Our founder, Frankie, driven by a passion for sustainability and creativity, saw potential in discarded materials. What started as an experiment with inner tubes soon transformed into a mission to redefine fashion accessories. Each piece is handcrafted, upcycled, and infused with a playful spirit of turning trash into treasure.
Let’s start at the beginning…
One day, while waiting for new tires on my car, I noticed a pile of inner tubes stacked behind the building
Instantly, all my creative light bulbs went off. I saw potential — a durable, flexible material that could be a great alternative to leather. I grabbed a few and brought them home to experiment. Before I knew it, a wallet was born.
It didn’t happen overnight. It took nearly a year of trial and error to perfect the design.
My first hurdle? The inner tubes were too thick and grippy to run through my home sewing machine. That challenge led me to experiment with thinner bicycle tubes and to incorporate laminated comic book pages into the design. The thicker tubes found their calling later — as purses and bags.
Eventually, I saved up enough to invest in a used industrial sewing machine - That was a total game changer.
In the early days, I used old t-shirt material for backing, but it broke down too quickly. I wanted these wallets to last a lifetime, so I switched to cordura — a weatherproof fabric used in outdoor gear. I now source the scraps from my studio mate, who makes yoga mats and saves the offcuts for me.
It was a beautiful cycle, crafting beauty out of what would otherwise be forgotten trash.
Every rescued comic book, every reclaimed inner tube, each piece of scrap fabric began a new journey through my hands. Everyone who purchased a wallet wasn’t just buying an accessory; they were embracing an artistic piece of reimagined life.
Alien Menace A Cultural & Environmental Impact
Using discarded materials in art plays a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability, fostering creativity, educating the public, and generating economic and social benefits. It encapsulates a holistic approach to dealing with modern wastefulness, transforming the negative impact of waste into a positive, creative force.
Become a Part of the Alien Menace Story
Art from discarded materials can be a powerful medium to reflect on consumerism, environmental degradation, and sustainability. It can provoke thought and discussion on cultural values and practices related to consumption and waste.
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Reimagined Fashion Accessories
Discover the artistry behind each piece, where discarded materials find new life through skilled craftsmanship
Upcycled Materials
Our fashion accessories are crafted using repurposed materials, transforming waste into stylish accessories.
Handcrafted Quality
Every item is meticulously handmade, ensuring a unique touch and superior quality.
Sustainable Fashion
Embrace eco-friendly fashion with our sustainable designs that make a positive impact on the planet.
Creative Designs
Our innovative designs blend creativity with functionality, offering one of a kind handcrafted accessories
