Studio Circulaire

We upcycle the unsold stock of fashion designers, brands and retailers

In the summer of 2021, entrepreneur Antony Hartmann sought a sustainable solution for the unsold clothing inventory in his store. He met designer Valentine Tinchant, who works with upcycled materials. Together, they founded Studio Circulaire. They deconstruct old pieces to create new and trendy clothing.

Upcycled fashion: unique quality
Antony Hartmann: “We create our own collection, but we also collaborate with other labels. For example, with Xandres and Essentiel Antwerp. From the inventory they don't sell, we make a new, upcycled collection that still reflects their DNA and can be sold again in their retail network. The fun part: they can test new, surprising designs and discover a completely different audience. And anyone who buys a piece from Studio Circulaire knows they have unique and high-quality clothing in their hands.”

Sustainability from design to delivery
Valentine Tinchant: “Fashion companies are also going fully circular because, apart from the electricity we use for our sewing machines and the zippers we buy, our footprint is zero. We extend this sustainability fully. We only work with Belgian brands to minimize transport. We have our collections made in the circular clothing workshop CiLAB in Mechelen and our webshop orders are delivered by bike.”

Building expertise in circular fashion
Studio Circulaire wants to do more than just reduce waste. Antony: “We want to bring the craftsmanship that is fashion back to Belgium and also build expertise in circular clothing production here. The emphasis needs to be back on handwork, craftsmanship, and local production. We actually dream that all Belgian brands will produce their clothing in Belgium again.”