In Conversation w/ Nike Re-Creation

The lifecycle of clothing usually starts with an idea and ends with a garment.

That’s what the clothing industry has been built on from the jump. But with so many pieces already floating around in the world, as a result of the ebbs and flows of mass consumption and production, a breaking point means wondering if there is an alternative way forward. One that uses what’s already out there to set a new tone, create what’s next, and write a new chapter on the importance of sustainability in the world of textiles. In other words, starting with a garment and ending with an idea.

Laying the groundwork for this new perspective on sustainability in retail is Nike’s Re-Creation program, which aims to create a sustainable cycle for second hand and vintage clothing through the lens of location. With sourcing, upcycling, and distribution all being focused around Los Angeles, Nike’s circularity minded program not only legitimizes the potential of used clothing and the work of designers in the vintage and second hand space, it creates a system that can be adopted and adapted in other cities.

Over the last few weeks, we sat down with Nike’s Sustainable Apparel Product Director Christine La and the two Co-Creators the Swoosh has invited to bring this Re-Creation collection to life; Maurizio Donadi, founder of Transnomadica, and Zac Cabrera, founder of Defective Garments. In anticipation of our upcoming workshop and release party as the exclusive retailer for the collection, we discuss everything from the motivation behind the project and the inspiration of the co-creators, to the actual garment upcycling process and the significance of something like this in the clothing industry.