Redefining Fashion with Heart and Purpose
Our jackets represent our values: they are made from upcycled products that we hand-select to give them a new life and a new purpose you can wear. But what exactly is upcycling?
Upcycling is the process of transforming old, discarded, or waste materials into new products of higher quality and utility. For EcoPersona, this is a creative and expressive reuse that adds artistic value, fashion-forward style, and a way to communicate our mission. It extends the lifespan of existing garments, such as denim jackets, vintage pins, and patches, without breaking them down. By keeping these materials intact, we help reduce landfill waste and lower carbon emissions.
Ultimately, I want EcoPersona to transform the way we look at fashion. Our core values center on the well-being of both humans and the planet. Retail and fashion make up one of the most polluting industries in the world, yet we still need to wear clothes, and we still want to express ourselves with style. Upcycling bridges that gap.
Sharing the Journey: Transparency in Every Piece
For this new collection, I began collaborating with Terry Olsen to design a series of one-of-a-kind pieces. Along with sustainability, transparency is incredibly important to us. We want to share the hands-on process behind each garment and show how these unique pieces are thoughtfully assembled.
It all begins with the search. We look for the perfect jacket, paying close attention to its style, the color and quality of the denim, its level of wear, and how much repair or restoration it may need. Once we have the canvas, we select the colors, complementary fabrics, and special details, such as pins and patches. These vintage elements can elevate a garment and transform it into a work of art.
Beyond creating upcycled pieces, we strive to embed our values into every stage of the process. To illustrate this, I want to share the story behind one design and explain how our values guided each step of its transformation.
I have a Calvin Klein denim jacket that I purchased while living in Australia. That jacket is now 25 years old! The denim is thick and has a beautiful blue color, but the collar and elbows had worn through over the years.
I could not bear to throw it away because it carries so much history and love. It speaks volumes about the incredible moments I experienced in Australia while studying for my master’s degree, spending time with friends, and discovering my authentic self. It represents my own transformation.
Instead, I transformed the jacket.
I repaired the collar, sleeves, and elbows with black panels made from Piñatex, an innovative and sustainable leather alternative created from pineapple leaf fibers.
To make the design cohesive and personal, I added heart-patterned fabric to the pocket, a blue heart pin found at the Alameda Vintage Market, and winged-heart patches representing the idea that love can fly. The protective wings on the back complete the design and symbolize a winged soul.
Each piece has a story.
Each piece has meaning.
Each piece helps transform the planet we live on,1% at a time.
How This Design Reflects Our Values
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The jackets were collected from family, friends, and local thrift and vintage shops, extending the life of garments that might otherwise have been discarded while supporting long-term, sustainable fashion.
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The bags are created from denim and leather deadstock.
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The pocket patches came from our trusted supplier, Patricia Wynne of Abrazos, who works closely with artisans and supports fair working conditions.
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We used leftover pineapple fabric from EcoPersona’s Temiqui bags, reducing waste within our own production process.
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Whenever possible, we travel by train to reduce our carbon footprint.
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Every detail is intentionally selected to give new life and meaning to existing materials.
Our main objective in creating this upcycled collection is to tell meaningful stories, celebrate the skills of a new designer, and help protect the planet,1% at a time.
*This new collection can be found at Chartreuse by Roje or pre-ordered to tailor to your profile.
