This Kids’ Clothing Brand Took Its Fabric Leftovers and Made Hip Homewares
Upcycling isn’t just for flea market finds.
Published Oct 21, 2021 10:52 AM
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When you think of upcycled home goods, you might picture a rusty toolbox repurposed as a kitchen pot rack or painted canisters–turned–table lamps—not unicorn-printed pajama pants and a mini jumpsuit with parrots on it. But that’s exactly where Mini Rodini’s latest Upcycling collection stemmed from. Earlier this month, the hip kids’ clothing brand launched a new range of soft furnishings in addition to reimagined apparel and underwear. All of the items are made with repurposed GOTS-certified organic cotton fabric with beloved prints from past seasons.
“So many companies are burning fabrics and clothes; we have never done that and will never do it,” says the Swedish company’s founder and creative director, Cassandra Rhodin. Since beginning her sustainable initiative in 2013, she has saved more than 10 tons of textiles from ending up in a landfill. Instead, the offcuts can live on in your nursery or kids’ room in the form of mermaid-cat curtain panels and a poppy-covered changing mat. And we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted the cheery bedding staples for yourself.
Choosing not to customize pattern and print placements is one way Rhodin is able to further reduce garment waste in the early stages. Therefore each upcycled collection is unique and very limited, but to make the most out of the motifs that are in lesser supply, she’s leaned into patchwork. The chic baby blanket, for example, puts small batches of leftover animal and heart prints to use. “All cultures have their own history and way of doing it. I think it’s a beautiful way to not waste resources,” says Rhodin. Everyone in the family can sleep a little easier.
