Rethinking Fashion: Six Game-Changing Projects Redefining Sustainability

From upcycling hubs to tech-driven solutions, these initiatives are transforming the way we engage with fashion. One mindful choice at a time.

As someone who’s spent the last couple of years actively working (or at least trying) to reduce my environmental footprint, I’ve come to realize just how interconnected every part of my lifestyle is—from essential aspects like health and nutrition to daily choices in travel, consumption, and most notably, fashion. Like many consumers today, I like to think that I’ve become more mindful of the "buy, wear, toss" cycle that dominates the industry. The more I’ve learned about fashion’s environmental impact, the more I’ve felt the need to seek out alternatives that align with my values. From sustainable shopping to repair services that breathe new life into my old clothes, my journey through discovering a range of brands and initiatives that are truly changing the way we engage with fashion has been eye-opening, but above all, inspiring.

In this article, I’m sharing six emerging projects that are pushing the boundaries of sustainability and craftsmanship in the fashion and design realms. Each offers a different solution, but all are united by a common goal: to create lasting change in an industry that desperately needs it.

Alterist
@alteristmarketplace

Co-founded by Hannah Standen and Martina Sorghi, Alterist is a hub for upcycled products, where designers breathe new life into existing garments and materials. They seek to shift our perspective on textile waste through collaboration, creativity and by inspiring consumers to reconsider their buying habits. More than a marketplace, Alterist offers a fresh approach to how we engage with clothing in a more sustainable way.

Photo via @alteristmarketplace

Marina Testino
@marinatestino
As a Director of Strategic Partnerships at Earth Partner, Marina Testino has positioned herself as a key figure in the world of sustainable fashion. With a career that spans influential brands like Stella McCartney and Gucci, Testino bridges the gap between fashion brands, tech investors, and consumers making her a leading strategist in pushing the industry towards much-needed reform. By fostering partnerships with organizations like Greenpeace and the United Nations, Marina is helping to shape a future where fashion's environmental and social impacts are no longer overlooked.

Photo via @marinatestino

Mended
@mended.eu
An essential service for those looking to extend the life of their clothing. With a focus on clothing repair, this project co-founded by Austrian content creator Agnes Weber and Dutchman Daan Maasson,  allows customers to send in their worn or damaged items, saving them from the landfill while promoting a more circular approach to fashion. Their services, including upcycling and customization, breathe new life into old garments, ensuring that each piece continues to tell a story.

Photo via @mended.eu

MMW Collective
@mmw.collective
Founded by Maya Weisswasser, MMW Collective is a new platform and showroom that welcomes buyers, customers and media, all dedicated to transforming the fashion industry into one where creativity and conscious design are at the core of every brand’s business. They provide guidance to high-quality, sustainable brands, offering consultancy services in communication, partnership building, digital engagement, and brand positioning strategies, with an emphasis on sustainable growth. The goal of MMW Collective is to build a space for sustainability within the fashion and design industry, creating a platform where brands and retailers can engage in conscious business practices.

Photo via @mmw.collective

Reflawn
@reflawn_official
With its exclusive focus on sustainable shoes, this team of passionate changemakers, fashion enthusiasts, and sustainability experts is revolutionizing the footwear industry. Offering everything from innovative new designs to pre-owned treasures, Reflawn connects consumers with responsible options that align with both style and sustainability. As the leading platform in sustainable footwear, they are dedicated to promoting circular trends and offering curated selections from trusted brands. More than just a marketplace, Reflawn is a hub for sustainability  and fashion enthusiasts who are determined to reduce the environmental impact of footwear. 

Photo via @reflawn_official

Renoon
@renoon.official
This tech initiative is making sustainability in fashion accessible to all by offering a platform that aggregates products from ethical and eco-friendly brands. But it doesn’t stop there—Renoon also ptovides tools for brands to implement Digital Product Passports (DPPs). These passports offer detailed insights into a product's materials, recyclability, and environmental impact, paving the way for greater accountability. Renoon’s mission goes beyond just showcasing sustainable products; it’s about preparing the industry for the regulatory changes that are on the horizon, ensuring that brands are ready for the future of fashion

Photo via @renoon.official