6 Sustainably Stylish Brands That Upcycle
In a world in which we are overwhelmed by piles and piles of stuff, people are becoming more intentional with their purchases, looking for eco-friendly options to add to their closets.
Nowadays, there are numerous sustainable brands that are devoted to the well-being of our planet and committed to minimizing the fashion industry’s carbon footprint through the implementation of ethical practices. Retail giants like H&M and the Gap have even decided to jump on the green bandwagon after the detrimental effects of fast fashion became widely publicized in the past decade.
Many brands seek to reduce, reuse, and recycle their source materials and stock, making shopping sustainably easier than ever. Among the eco-friendly buzzwords that pop up, upcycling has become not only a DIY trend but something that designers and retailers are employing for more circular design practices. While both recycled and upcycled fashion reuse materials, upcycled fashion doesn't require further processes to break it down before it can be used as a textile. To help you sort through the vast array of new sustainable brands on the rise, L’OFFICIEL rounds up six fashion brands that favor upcycled materials and clothing you should consider investing in this year.
Veja
Veja is a footwear and accessories brand from Paris rooted in fair trade sourcing, organic and innovative materials, and transparency to promote sustainability and style. With stores and supplies all over the world, Veja's sneakers are Instagram-worthy and eco-friendly as they upcycle the mesh fabric used for the sneakers' uppers.
Brother Vellies
Founded with the goal of preserving traditional African design practices, Brother Vellies creates timeless luxury accessories that celebrate cultural histories, handcrafted around the world. Its sustainable materials range from vegetable-tanned leathers to floral dyed feathers, sourced directly from farmers. Products are determined by the value of the materials used and fair labor practices, challenging the traditional commercial consumption cycle and production practices of the fashion world. While designer Aurora James' focus is on footwear, she's also presented upcycled ready-to-wear in her collections and often partners with local artists and artisans with the same mindfulness.
Marine Serre
A mix of couture and sportswear with an ecofuturist vision and a blend of cultures, Marine Serre gathered a cult following (including pop queen Ariana Grande) for experimental and hybrid fashion. The designs are rooted in innovative technology and upcycled fabrics to reduce their environmental impact and pave the way for a more sustainable fashion future.
Stine Goya
Established in Copenhagen in 2006, Stine Goya focuses on using sustainable fabrics, reducing plastic waste, encouraging supply chain transparency, and promoting diversity and inclusivity in all steps of the production process. In 2020, the brand launched its first archive store, Goya Gallery, allowing customers to shop its past collections, special upcycled products, and one-off samples.
Les Fleurs Studio
Les Fleurs Studio is a shop centered around re-selling vintage clothes, accessories, and decor, as well as upcycling pieces into new garments. All of the Les Fleurs Studio designers work with pre-existing textiles, whether they come from a pre-owned find, deadstock fabric, or repurposed vintage clothing.
Re/Done
Founded by Sean Barron and Jamie Mazur, Re/Done claims it's "not a denim company"—it's a movement to "restore individuality to the luxury fashion space, a movement to keep heritage brands relevant, and a movement to create sustainable fashion." With jeans made from pre-owned denim including signature Vintage Levi's, Re/Done manufactures each of its one-of-a-kind jeans in L.A. using water-conserving methods and no harsh chemicals.
