What was your responsibility in this project?

I was involved as a circular designer and concept developer, primarily focusing on developing the overarching concept, creating prototypes, and guiding decision-making processes with the aim of circularity and sustainability in collaboration with the consortium partners.

What is your vision for circular textiles in Europe?

My vision is for a fully transparent, decentralized, textile ecosystem, where garments are designed from the outset for longevity, repairability, and recyclability. I believe circularity should be deeply embedded not only in product design but also in the business models and cultural narratives that support fashion consumption. It should create local value, support social enterprises, and actively engage citizens. A clothing culture where people are connected with what they own and wear. Clothing as a source for culture and choice.

What would make these circular practices easier for you to adopt?

To make circular practices easier and more widely applicable, several systemic changes are needed.

First, there is a strong need for clear legislative frameworks that support smaller actors working with post-consumer textiles. Currently, we often operate in a legal grey zone, where regulations around waste and product standards are not yet aligned with the realities of circular initiatives.

Secondly, financial incentives – such as subsidies or tax benefits – for local production and repair initiatives with social value could serve as powerful levers. These initiatives are key components of a circular economy, yet they often face significant economic barriers.

There is also a need for a unified European infrastructure for material traceability. Digital product passports and shared knowledge platforms can play a crucial role here. They enable transparency regarding the origin, composition, and processing potential of materials, and foster stronger collaboration across the value chain.

Finally, making circular design criteria mandatory for all brands placing products on the European market would be a significant step forward. This would shift responsibility upstream and help ensure that circular design becomes the norm rather than the exception.

What advice would you give to other entities that want to replicate the value circle?

Start with strong partnerships grounded in trust and enthusiasm. Collaborate closely with local actors, from social enterprises to innovative players and to education partners. Keep the system small enough to test, iterate and prove the value. then scale from a solid foundation. And always remember: the human aspect is as critical as the technical one. Build for dignity, purpose, and local resilience.

What was your drive to be a part of this initiative?

I’ve long believed in the power of building pilots and gaining experiences as a vehicle for transition and systemic change. The opportunity to shape a circular garment project that is hands-on  and value-driven aligned with my personal mission. It was also a way to demonstrate that beautiful, desirable clothing can be made within regenerative systems.

Looking back, how did it go for you?

Overall, it was an enriching and affirming experience. We saw real engagement from all actors. Of course, there were challenges, from the unpredictability of the yarn to balancing aesthetics with scalability. But we also saw meaningful progress in how circularity can be implemented not as a burden, but as a better way forward.