Up:cycle

capsule collection

The Monki Up:cycle capsule collection is made from leftover organic cotton garments, including recycled thread and zippers, and eco-hardware and wash. Upcycle is a word that comes from the word recycle, it means to not only reuse but repurpose in a new way – often resulting in a unique and high-quality product, less or no waste and promotes a circular society.

We put together a little Q&A with Minna Guan, Collection Manager and Alexandra Blom Lissvik, Concept Designer at Monki to find out more.

What was the purpose of this upcycle collection?

Our goal was to utilize the dead stock garments that were not being used. To give the old garments and leftovers a new life.

Were there environmental savings?

The main savings was that no new garments were produced! We also considered the environmental impact of any new materials added, for example:

• Recycled tread and zippers
• Non-plated or Eco plated metal details by YKK
• Washes approved by Jeanologias EIM*.​
  

How did the design process differ from other Monki collections?

We worked closely alongside the production team – from initial sketches and mood board, to the final products we worked together to create a collection that we thought our Monki customer would love.

We needed to remain open-minded with colour shades and the design possibilities. All of the denim was hand-selected from leftover garments, which means each collection piece has a unique colour variation, but all pieces are cut from identical patterns.

Is the goal to develop this process for future collections?

At Monki, we are super open about more sustainable processes and collections, and we’re doing our best to be more circular overall. The process of upcycling garments is a complicated one, the unique method means a higher price point and lower quantities – but we’re looking into new innovative and inspiring ways forward for design and production, so this is just the beginning for us.

Do you have any tips for people at home that want to upcycle their old garments?

1. Natural dye – raid your kitchen and refresh your old denim.
2. Jorts – cut your jeans into shorts, frayed hems are in.
3. Y2K all the way – cut off the waist of your jeans to make a belt, corset or bandeau top.