Upcycled Archives

Changing Facets

Changing Facets is a South African contemporary accessory and wearable art brand that preserves and reimagines indigenous African knowledge systems. Founded in 2012 and rebranded in 2022, the brand creates culturally informed jewellery and accessories that function as living archives,...

November 27, 2025

WOTE: K.I. Design

WOTE K.I. Design is a Ghana-based fashion collective founded by Renée Neblett and Esi Ellen Otoo. Working within the Kokrobitey Institute, WOTE demonstrates how African craft, weaving heritage, and botanical dyeing can meaningfully shape the future of sustainable fashion. The...

November 27, 2025

klein MUIS

Klein MUIS is a ready-to-wear fashion brand by Aidan Peters. The brand creates menswear and womenswear by upcycling secondhand garments. Klein MUIS's designs are conceptual, rooted in research, and a reflection of culture and history.

November 19, 2025

Casbeth

After witnessing the harm of overproduction and waste in the fashion industry, Casbeth Tshegofatso Marobane founded her eponymous label in 2025. Casbeth creates creative and culturally inspired pieces with a focus on craftsmanship, heritage and conscious design.

November 19, 2025

Wren

In 2008, Wendren Setzer founded Wren as a way to rethink conventional product development. Wren fuses paper and fabric to create durable, water-resistant textiles. Most of Wren’s paper is reclaimed waste or recycled, and occasionally new from FSC-accredited suppliers. Wren...

October 8, 2025

Sipho Mbuto

Sipho Mbuto is known for garments that merge architectural lines, abstract art and functional style. The brand creates small runs and made-to-order pieces using high-quality fabrics, such as organic cotton from Burkina Faso, as well as secondhand fabric from thrift...

August 26, 2025

sinCHUI

SinCHUI is a Cape Town-based slow design streetwear brand founded by Robyn Agulhas. The brand creates garments that are size-inclusive and gender-neutral, through limited runs and on a made-to-order basis. SinCHUI addresses the issue of waste in fashion through innovative...

August 26, 2025

Plasticity

Plasticity repurposes plastic waste into lifestyle goods and uses hemp to create homeware. The brand specialises in corporate gifting, creating meaningful items that are designed to be used and enjoyed. Plasticity prioritises durability and long-term appeal over biodegradability.

July 16, 2025

Joinery

Created by sister duo Natalie and Kim Ellis, Joinery turns plastic waste into travel and lifestyle accessories. The woman-led company developed FutureFelt®, a fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Joinery produces travel accessories, including bags and passport holders, tech cases,...

July 16, 2025

Mors Design

Mors Design creates cosy and colourful knitwear using upcycled and natural materials in Cape Town. Founded by Raihana Govender, the brand is known for its MoLuv range of brightly coloured mohair jerseys and accessories, knitted by hand using locally sourced...

June 18, 2025

FRED RICH

FRED RICH is an upcycled fashion brand handmade in Cape Town. Most garments are one-of-a-kind, upcycled from secondhand and vintage fabrics and garments. The brand prioritises natural fibres and is certified vegan. FRED RICH also focuses on community empowerment, partnering...

June 11, 2025

Artfit

Artfit is a fashion brand founded by Megan Art. The brand focuses on upcycling off-cuts and fabric scraps into conceptual, textured garments. Artfit promotes sustainability through ethical sourcing of textiles and waste reduction. Resources and materials Uses fabric off-cuts and...

June 11, 2025

Asha Eleven

Asha Eleven is a Cape Town-based fashion and lifestyle brand with a broad offering, from beautifully made basics to one-offs made from vintage upcycled fabrics. The label combines its signature custom-designed prints with timeless silhouettes, resulting in high-quality pieces made...

April 30, 2025

Rethread

Rethread is a Cape Town-based clothing brand focused on reducing waste through upcycling and small-batch production. The brand produces limited runs of new garments, all made locally to support South African craftsmanship. Their collection includes upcycled pieces made from secondhand...

February 19, 2025

LARA KLAWIKOWSKI

Lara Klawikowski's eponymous label crafts imaginative womenswear, with a focus on avant-garde wedding dresses. Each piece is handmade using unconventional materials and textures, primarily fabric waste and offcuts. The label transforms these into unique or limited-edition garments that are detailed,...