Full Circle: 3 Brands Leading the Way in Circular Fashion and Sustainable Style

The fashion industry is an exciting world brimming with creativity and inspiration, but its detrimental effect on the environment should not be ignored. In recent years, the rise of fast fashion brands and the social media-driven obsession with micro trends have further emphasized this. Statistics reveal that clothing production has doubled while garment usage has plummeted, fueling a desire for overconsumption and generating massive textile waste. To tackle these challenges, many brands are adopting circular fashion as a sustainable solution. 

So, what exactly is circular fashion? At its core, it’s a sustainable process that reimagines how clothing is designed and produced. It breathes new life into waste material and old garments, transforming them into something valuable again. This process can take many forms– brands like Patagonia and H&M often deconstruct textiles into their base fibers, with Patagonia even employing chemical processes to break down polyester for new fabric production. On the other end of the circular fashion spectrum is upcycling, where the original material is retained and creatively reworked into an entirely new product. Think of an antique blanket turned into a coat or two completely different styles of shoes fused into one statement design. Here are three brands at the forefront of this inspiring movement combining sustainability and artistry:

Miu Miu

Miu Miu wasn’t crowned the hottest brand of the year without reason. Beyond its trend-setting designs, the luxury label distinguishes itself in the high-fashion sphere for its commitment to sustainability, particularly through its “Miu Miu Upcycled” line. Designed entirely using circular practices, it reworks items found in vintage stores and flea markets. Since its 2020 debut with a reworked vintage dress collection,  the initiative has evolved to include diverse materials and garments. Highlights include a collaboration with Levi’s to repurpose old denim, an upcycled leather jackets and bag collection, and, most recently, wool and cashmere pieces for their 2024 holiday collection. Whether it’s magic or simply Miuccia and the atelier’s indubitable genius, “Miu Miu Upcycled” has proved that any fabric and garment can be masterfully reconditioned.

Ancuta Sarca

Ancuta Sarca has become a trailblazer in circular fashion, redefining footwear with her ingenious strategy of deconstructing and reconstructing. The Romanian designer fuses old Nike trainers with kitten heels, blending masculine and feminine, and modern and past elements to create striking, dual-natured designs. Since her Instagram debut in 2019, her upcycled creations have been worn by the likes of Rosalia, Bella Hadid, and Rihanna. Sourcing second-hand sneakers and deadstock materials, Sarca transforms waste into wearable art. Her latest collection, Florii, even uses remaining from previous collections for the petal details on the shoes, alongside car seat fabrics repurposed into bold boots, mules, and bags. 

Rave Review

This brand is bringing a playful twist to circular fashion, inviting you to wear your tablecloth or even curtains. Founded in 2017 by Stockholm-based duo Livia Schück and Josephine Bergqvist, the label reimagines home textiles like blanket and curtains into vibrant, one-of-a-kind garments. Collaborating with recycling companies to source second-hand materials, their collections embrace bold colors and eclectic patterns—far from the minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic. Iconic pieces include coats stitched from vintage blankets, pants patched with old Disney bed sheets, and of course their new bathrobe collection made from- you got it right- upcycled towels!

Circular fashion is proof that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. These innovative practices not only reduce waste but also celebrate craftsmanship and creativity, weaving nostalgic threads of the past into modern designs. Circular fashion offers a fresh perspective on what fashion once was and what it can become, honoring history while supporting a sustainable future.