Hong Kong’s upcycle brand The R Collective has launched its first main collection, Start From Zero.
The eight-piece collection was created from ‘rescued fabrics’ from luxury mills in Italy and Japan using waste-reducing techniques. Surplus off-cuts were re-incorporated as contrast trims and subtle design details to move towards zero waste.
“Our inaugural main collection demonstrates our brand’s fresh product and directional market positioning that enables us to capture the growing appetite for sustainable fashion globally,” says Christina Dean, The R Collective co-founder and CEO.
“As a luxury upcycled brand, our unique access to waste and talent allows us to create quality, upcycled fashion-forward pieces that represent the circular fashion system in action.”
Items include a Cayce Jacket, made from upcycled Italian raffia, tailored Jenner Pants, made from upcycled Japanese dobby suiting, and the kimono-inspired Calabash Dress, made from upcycled Crepe de Chine. Pieces retail from HK$770 to 3500 on The R Collective’s e-commerce store, while selected pieces will be available in Lane Crawford from the end of this month.
“I created Start From Zero for conscious women who wish to dress with style without sacrificing their ethical values,” says Denise Ho, The R Collective’s fashion director.
“The collection provides a fresh foundational sustainable wardrobe of essential, timeless and quality pieces for women wanting longevity for their wardrobes.”
Alongside its main collection, The R Collective will continue to create upcycled capsules in collaboration with award-winning sustainable designers from from the world’s largest sustainable design competition, The Redress Design Award.
In early March, The R Collective will release its Avoidance collection, designed in collaboration with Australia’s Tess Whitfort and The Redress Design Award 2018 Winner, who features in Redress’ just-released digital series, Frontline Fashion 3, hosted by supermodel, Cara G Mcilroy.
In overseas markets, The R Collective has just expanded its stockist network with a strategic launch in London’s lifestyle store, Content.