The Art of Reinvention
Inside the Archive Studio X
Creative Space Beirut Upcycling Project
The Archive Studio x Creative Space Beirut Upcycling Project was a hands-on workshop blending design, sustainability, and real-world experience—led by alumnus-turned-instructor, designer Amir Al Kasm. This initiative not only honed students’ technical and creative skills but also introduced them to the environmental and industry implications of upcycling.
The Environmental Impact of Discarded Garments
The fashion industry is one of the world’s most polluting industries, generating 92 million tons of textile waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills. Nearly 87% of all textiles are incinerated or discarded, releasing toxins into the environment and contributing to climate change. The textile industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined.
In Lebanon, where waste management challenges are already severe, discarded textiles contribute to landfills that are reaching capacity. Upcycling offers a sustainable solution, significantly reducing waste, lowering demand for virgin raw materials, and cutting water consumption—a single cotton t-shirt requires 2,700 liters of water to produce. By transforming deadstock and discarded clothing, upcycling not only minimizes environmental harm but also breathes new life into garments, redefining fashion through sustainability.
Several Lebanese brands are diving into sustainable fashion by incorporating upcycling into their practices:
Emergency Room – Founded in 2018, Emergency Room is committed to repurposing deadstock fabrics and vintage textiles into bold, gender-fluid garments. The brand collaborates with local artisans, turning discarded materials into contemporary, sustainable fashion while championing ethical production.
Waste Studio – A pioneer in sustainable urban accessories, Waste Studio repurposes discarded advertising banners, fabric waste, and industrial materials to create durable bags, accessories, and furniture. Their commitment to circular design aligns with their mission to eliminate waste and rethink material use.
The Earth Weavers – This Beirut-based brand blends sustainability and high fashion, using upcycled fabrics and traditional craftsmanship to create luxury pieces with a strong environmental ethos. By incorporating ethical production practices, The Earth Weavers redefines conscious fashion in the Lebanese design scene.
These brands represent Lebanon’s growing movement toward slow fashion. Upcycling is more than just a trend—it’s a necessary shift in the industry that prioritizes sustainability, craftsmanship, and responsible consumption.
The Workshop Experience
At the heart of this project was an immersive learning experience centered on collaboration and mentorship. Students first visited Archive Studio, an outlet of the renowned Piaff Boutique in Beirut, which champions sustainability by curating and selling repurposed designer pieces. There, they explored a curated collection of unsold garments, selecting pieces to transform.
Back at the studio, students engaged in hands-on workshops, deconstructing and reconstructing garments into completely new, contemporary pieces. Regular feedback sessions with Amir Al Kasm and industry professionals from Archive Studio helped students refine their designs, balancing creativity with marketability.
The students’ final creations are quite remarkable, some include -
A Simone Rocha baby doll dress was transformed into a sheer lace tunic layered over a structured green cropped jacket.
A Mossi multi-sleeved cotton dress evolved into a sleek v-neck shirt dress.
Simone Rocha skirts were deconstructed and reimagined as an oversized bomber jacket adorned with flower patches.
A Peter Pilotto striped silk skirt became a bold maxi puffer box bag.
An Amit Aggarwal mini-dress paired with Cedric Charlier trousers was reworked into a striking patchwork blazer with wide, fringed shoulders.
Even a fuchsia ruffled dress was repurposed for a pampered little pup!
A Celebration of Creativity and Sustainability
This collaboration not only showcased the students' ingenuity and commitment to sustainability, but also highlighted upcycling as a vital practice in contemporary fashion. It provided students with real-world experience in reworking deadstock into marketable pieces, a skill that is increasingly valued in today’s industry.
You can purchase these unique, upcycled pieces at Archive Studio’s space in Achrafieh, Beirut—supporting both sustainability and the next generation of conscious designers.
