Vanina has been exploring the concept of upcycling from the very start. Its first collection in 2007, “Coined” made use of devalued Lebanese lira coins, transforming them into unique pieces of jewelry. Two years later, the “Discard’ed” line saw old CDs turned into jewels; the launch of 2015’s “Leaves” line used 3D printing technology to print shapes using old paper sheets. For the spring/summer 2017 line, belts and bags were constructed from upcycled tin cans.
Sustainable fashion, founders Joanne Hayek and Tatiana Fayad say, is a paradoxical claim. “Fashion is based on seasonal trends, which promote constant renewal of demand, consumption, and therefore waste,” the founders say. “Although based on a capitalist mode of consumption, fashion can, if exploited properly, be a powerful agent of sustainable development.”