RE-WORTH
Sustainability I Repurposing I Material Innovation
About Project
The fashion industry creates a large amount of textile
waste during manufacturing, with denim waste
being one of the biggest contributors. Parts like belt
loops and waistbands are especially hard to recycle
because they have multiple layers, strong stitching, mixed materials & much of this waste is burned in brick kilns of Panipat as fuel. This not only wastes the material but also harms the environment by releasing toxic gases and contributing to air pollution and climate change.
Re-Worth (means adding value in something) is a project that transforms pre-consumer denim waste, into innovative & functional material that can be used for multiple possibilities. By tackling the challenges of recycling these materials, by using stitching, and surface manipulation techniques to create sustainable alternatives for the fashion industry. The initiative highlights the potential of discarded materials, reduces waste, conserves resources, & promotes circular design, encouraging mindful consumption & creative reuse in fashion.
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Time Frame : 16 Weeks
Mentor : Zosangpuii Pachuau
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Inspiration-board
‘IN BETWEEN PARALLELS’
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Somewhere between the lines of this reality and another, in a world of parallels and infinite possibilities, exists a version of ourselves who is reworking the leftovers we discard in this universe. This parallel world holds an alternate approach—where, waste is not an endpoint but a beginning, a resource reimagined with care and ingenuity.
Through this project, I am creating my own parallel world within our reality—one that elevates waste into something meaningful. The surfaces I develop are not just fabric but a metaphor for transformation, a reminder that our castoffs can be the foundation of something extraordinary. This narrative reflects the essence of sustainability to see the unseen potential and give it a form that inspires, heals, and renews.
Belt loops &
Waist bands
Material
CONCEPT
Zig-Zag stitch
This alignment represents order emerging from chaos, with each stitch marking a step toward a more cohesive and purposeful future.
A versatile sewing technique that binds discarded pieces, symbolizing unity in chaos and our planet’s interconnectedness, stitching the past into a cohesive future.
Elements removed during production.
Color
Earthy tones
The vibrant green of the zigzag stitch echoes life, growth, and the resilience of nature.
Denim blue, represented by the belt loops, embodies the depth of oceans and skies—vast and enduring.
Composition
Iterations
These iterations are innovative surface created by upcycling pre-consumer denim waste. The loops/ waistbands are joined using zigzag stitching or Vandyke chain stitch to form a unified and durable textile-like material.
The parallel placement of loops on the jacket reflects my inspiration, creating both visual rhythm and deeper meaning. It symbolizes two worlds—one where waste accumulates and another where it transforms into art and utility.
Final Design
I chose the KIMONO, a traditional Japanese garment pattern and silhouette as a foundation due to its harmonious balance of form, function, and sustainability.
RIGHT BACK
LEFT BACK
RIGHT FRONT
RIGHT SLEEVE
LEFT FRONT
LEFT SLEEVE
BACK NECK
The construction of a kimono is characterized by its use of a single bolt of fabric. This approach reflects a minimal-waste design philosophy, as the fabric is cut into standard rectangular sections and joined with straight seams to create the garment.
Photoshoot
Model : Adya Sinha
Photography by : Aryaman & Priyanka
Re-worth was honored to be showcased at the inaugural WDCD Live Delhi 2025, at the India Habitat Center in New Delhi. This prestigious event, organized by What Design Can Do (WDCD), focused on global south innovations, circular economies, climate justice, and regenerative design. The festival brought together innovators, designers, and creative changemakers to explore solutions for a fair and regenerative future.
Re-worth's inclusion in this event underscored its innovative approach to sustainable design, aligning with WDCD's mission to harness the power of design for social and environmental impact. The project was featured alongside other groundbreaking initiatives, highlighting its contribution to reimagining materials and systems through a circular and regenerative lens.