The Re-Making of Fashion: A Manifesto for a New Era event, organized in collaboration between vitruta and underdogs of istanbul, set out as a manifesto to break the cycle of waste and reimagine what already exists.

From December 10-15, 2024, vitruta space hosted live upcycling sessions and workshops, offering a tangible glimpse into creative transformation in fashion.

Let’s hear the insights straight from the designers:

"vitruta for good is a platform centered on collaboration, cultural movement, and circular practices.

A standout example of this vision came to life through Re-Making of Fashion—a workshop-meets-exhibition created in partnership with underdogs of istanbul, a collective of emerging designers.

For six days, we transformed vitruta space into a textile workshop, hosting live design and production sessions.

This unique experience gave us the chance to support the next generation of fashion designers, explore new possibilities together, and share fresh inspiration with a wider audience."

— Sinem Çelik

“As underdogs of istanbul, collaborating with vitruta was a deeply inspiring experience, both creatively and in terms of sustainable fashion. Working with the leftover materials they provided allowed us to break away from conventional forms and craft something entirely unique.

We started with sketches and initial ideas, but the live upcycling event introduced an exciting spontaneity to the process. Making quick decisions and adapting in real time transformed the way we approached design. The pieces evolved as we worked, revealing new possibilities only after deconstruction.

It felt like rediscovering the unknown, which was incredibly rewarding. Combining the value of the old with an aesthetic perspective rooted in sustainability became a highlight of the project for me. Seeing the interest and positive feedback from attendees was validating and left me hopeful for more initiatives like this in the future.

This journey pushed my boundaries as a designer, offered a sense of creative freedom, and deepened my commitment to sustainable fashion.”

— İrem

“Working with the team was both inspiring and fun, but on a personal level, this experience stood out as a deeply fulfilling creative journey. Free from the pressures of sales or marketing, I had the chance to create freely and explore ideas that felt enriching and satisfying.

At times, the production process posed technical challenges, which required practical solutions tailored to the designs. These moments served as a reminder of the effort and ingenuity this kind of work demands, far beyond initial expectations.

The piece that both challenged and delighted me the most was a leather bag I created by repurposing two discarded bags. Combining the right parts and interventions to pursue thoughtful design made this a particularly rewarding process.

Being part of this event, representing both my individual and designer identity, was truly meaningful to me.”

— Derya

“For me, the most exciting part of this project was the decision to showcase not just the finished products but the entire transformation process itself. In the fashion and design industry, there’s a tendency to focus solely on the final outcome, often leaving the stages of creation, techniques, and processes in the background. Taking a step to challenge this norm was incredibly thrilling for me.

The idea of turning vitruta space into a workshop, where visitors could observe our design and production journey in real-time, added a dynamic element to the experience. Hearing from attendees that this was perceived as an innovative
approach reaffirmed that we were on the right track.”

— Tülay

“One of the most exciting aspects of the event for me was, without a doubt, performing live. Having visitors stop by the workshop to witness the creation process and chat with us about it made this project incredibly inspiring and energizing.

For the project, vitruta provided leftover materials, and each of us chose pieces we felt excited to work with. Normally, our design process starts with sketches and moves on to production. However, since this project was centered around upcycling specific items, the flow developed more spontaneously along the way.”

— Tuğçe

“Re-Making of Fashion was the first project we presented to the public as the underdogs of istanbul collective. For me, the week-long event was just as exciting as the research and preparation phase that preceded it.

It was a step where we repeatedly discussed how we wanted to represent ourselves as a collective, the methods we would use to share our thoughts and skills with others, and where we gained clarity on both what we could do and what we aspired to achieve.”

— Zeynep

“As a designer, what I found most enriching about this collaboration was the freedom to step beyond conventional material combinations and explore uncharted territory. Transforming the pieces allowed me to navigate within the possibilities they offered while reflecting my design language—a process I thoroughly enjoyed sharing with visitors.

The most rewarding part of the project was undoubtedly the workshop experience. In an industry where the focus is often on showcasing finished results, it felt special to present the behind-the-scenes of upcycling and engage in meaningful
conversations that emerged from it.”

— Emir