Sensitivity, Sustainability & Style
The Problem
Nearly 85% of all textiles globally go to dumpsters each year. That is a HUGE problem for the environment. Fast Fashion is responsible for 10% of all carbon emissions annually and uses massive amounts of water. However, the problem isn't only the environment, but fast fashion takes its toll on humans as well. Most of those who produce it work in unsafe conditions with earnings that can barely keep them and their families alive. This is in sharp contrast to the glitzy, glamorous images that permeate the industry's marketing and subsequently drive consumer purchases.
A Solution
However, there is a growing awareness of the problem and both consumers and producers are looking for ways to be a part of sustainability efforts. One of those ways is to reuse garments that are being tossed by upcycling them.
The global upcycled fashion market is experiencing rapid expansion, projected to grow from roughly $10 billion toward a multi-billion dollar valuation over the next decade. Driven heavily by Gen Z and millennial consumers, this surge reflects a cultural shift toward sustainability, individual self-expression, and a rejection of traditional fast-fashion waste.
Our solution
The ReeRun Boutique is an online retail consignment operation that markets and sells upcycled garments, as well as fashion and home accessories, produced by sewists, designers, artists and students engaged in The Stitch Institute's educational programs.
Students have opportunities for applied learning in marketing and merchandising, sales and customer service. They gain experience in product photography, and writing product descriptions for e-commerce postings.
Students also get the opportunity to earn money from the sales of items they make. They retain 80% of the sale of their own items. We retain 20% for costs related to marketing, maintaining the site, and storing the items to be shipped.
