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By L'Atelier des Matières
Facing the challenges that our industry encounters—material shortages, the drive to reduce our carbon footprint—we are not short on solutions. From bartering to repurposing, circular economy practices have been around since the beginning of time. Today, they are taking the shape of virtuous innovations that can be deployed on a large scale: we have the ability to transform existing material stocks by locally revaluing them into new wonders. So, what do we need for a collective shift toward a mode of creation where circularity becomes the standard? Imagination. A new way of designing, guided by reason and supported by tangible solutions. Pragmatic dreamers of a more sustainable future, welcome to this new journey.
Data is off track
A 1°C increase in global warming equates to a 12% decrease in global GDP, according to Adrien Bilal and Diego R. Känzig, authors of the report “The Macroeconomic Impact of Climate Change: Global and Local Temperatures.
This represents the potential share of the carbon budget in industry spending at +2°C by 2050, according to Ellen MacArthur Foundation report.
Decarbonization is very costly, and polluting industries bear financial responsibility for the necessary reparations. Additionally, companies’ failure to adapt to the current climate context is a poor long-term strategy. Shifting to a circular model is the first step toward a genuine and economically sustainable transition strategy.
This edition’s circular solution: adapting to reality through dreaming
And for that, we head to Hyères
With maison Lesage
Discover excellence in action: in collaboration with the prestigious Maison Lesage, our commitment to high-value revalorization takes on an artistic dimension. Lesage’s century-old embroidery and weaving expertise, combined with L’Atelier des Matières’ skills, enables the transformation of dormant or revalued materials into unique and remarkable pieces.
ECO-DESIGN OF A JACQUARD FABRIC
Or the art of giving the best second life possible.
Every step, from selecting materials to creating the jacquard and finishing the product
1. Selecting recycled threads, warp, and weft: a symphony of materials
It all begins with a meticulous selection of spools of thread, each choice designed to create a beautiful symphony. Nearly 264 kg of revalued threads were used to create 2,000 bags for the Festival. Some threads come from repurposed unused textiles in fashion and luxury.
Using advanced equipment, specialized expertise, and a trusted network of partners, L’Atelier des Matières manages the disassembly of these textiles, which are then spun and woven into GRS-certified recycled thread.
2. From sketch to weave: innovation and craftsmanship
The design sketched by textile creators becomes a living model, brought to life by special jacquard 3D software. Lines cross and interweave, motifs entwine and release, and a structure forms.
3. Weaving: rhythm and precision
Warp threads align, weft threads intertwine with precise choreography, bringing the fabric to life in a silent symphony with grace and exactness.
🎶 1, 2, 3… Thus emerges a bold composition with a unique identity.
With l’Atelier des Matières prize
For the third consecutive year, our materials inspired the finalists of the L’Atelier des Matières Prize at the International Festival of Fashion, Photography, and Accessories, supporting creation since 1986.
This year, the award winner, Romain Bichot, crafted a spectacular collection from dormant materials, titled “Call Me If You Get Lost,” featuring oversized jackets and draped fabrics – a marvel!
The sourcing solution to be found in the catalog: the Semper-Cotton
The name “Semper” means “Always” in Latin. Launched in 2023 with our French yarn partner, it’s crafted from unused cotton textiles. With a fine, silky feel, it’s paved the way for new circular creations, such as uniform polos and packaging pouches.
50% virgin GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) cotton
50% recycled cotton
Yarn count: 1/40 Nm
Color: black, grey
Expanding the circle: those who inspire us
Interview withFabrice Bonnifet
“We must value more than just financial performance”
Director of Sustainable Development & Quality, Safety, Environment at Bouygues Group.
But also… Our media watch favorites on the topic of circularty
“The luxury sector should play a leading role in promoting sustainability.”
These actions reflect luxury brands’ commitment to adopting more responsible and sustainable practices. Luxury brands are no longer content with simply creating exceptional products; they are now making sustainability a strategic priority. However, committing to this path is not without challenges. Upstream, some suppliers remain hesitant to adopt more sustainable practices. Downstream, some consumers perceive revalued materials as less prestigious or high-quality. The road ahead is still long, but the sector has a key advantage: its ability to influence and its status as a global model.
As explained in this article from The Conversation, luxury and sustainability have always been intertwined, thanks to the exceptional craftsmanship and materials used. In our collaborations with brands, we observe a growing focus on sustainable development, particularly on circularity, such as the revaluation of leather scraps or the transformation of unsellable finished products into new ones. The transition is underway.
If you wish to revalue your unused or unsold materials, or learn more about our personalized recycling and eco-design services, contact us.
