Repair news and archive

“Mend in Public Day” - when repairing one’s clothes becomes a revolutionary act

Just a generation or two ago, it was common practice to mend an old garment at home – broken zippers, torn knee or elbow areas, ripped hems, loose buttons – none of this was a problem. Every household relied on their darning and sewing utensils, and many even had a sewing machine. Difficult cases were handed over to the trusted tailor, which...

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Tom Tailor partners with Dutch repair platform Mended

Almost a year ago, in May 2024, Mended, the Dutch online platform for clothing alterations and repairs, expanded into Germany. Initially, this was through a partnership with Cologne-based sustainable brand Armedangels. This partnership proved so successful, generating 100 repair orders within 15 minutes of launch, that Mended is now...

Fashion |Opinion Featured

Most consumers know cheap fashion isn’t sustainable—so why do they keep buying it?

Despite growing awareness of the fashion industry's negative impact, consumers continue to purchase affordable, trendy clothes from fast fashion brands and retail giants. Why is that? How can these two realities coexist? The inspiration for this piece comes from a recent article published by Dutch investigative journalism platform De...

Retail

Vivobarefoot launches new ReVivo program with 'Take Back' initiative to recycle sneakers from any brand

Vivobarefoot has launched a new ReVivo program, which sees the minimalist, barefoot-inspired footwear brand take back old, used sneakers from any brand for recycling and is expanding the program to the US and Europe. Designed to help consumers be more aware of their consumption habits and use their shoes for longer, the new initiative offers...

The future of fashion: is less more?

A confession. My original research question was, “What if the fashion industry simply made less clothes?” (Over)production, reducing speed and seasons could be the answer to almost everything?!, was my thought process. As in: for sustainability in the clothing sector and more broadly: in the pursuit of a circular economy (see text frame below)....

Retail

John Lewis to trial repair service with Timpson Group

British department store retailer John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has announced it will trial an in-store garment and homeware repair service as part of a new partnership with Timpson Group-owned Johnsons. From July 22, customers will be able to drop off items to be fixed, altered, cleaned or restored in a bid to encourage product longevity, after...

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Marks & Spencer launches clothing repair service with Sojo

British department store retailer Marks & Spencer has launched a clothing repair service in partnership with Sojo as an extension of its Plan A Accelerator Fund to invest in bolstering the circular economy. A dedicated online hub will allow customers to select and book a range of bespoke repair and alteration services, including zip replacements...

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Vestiaire Collective cooperates with repair and alteration platform Sojo

Resale platform Vestiaire Collective is to partner with repair and alteration platform Sojo to provide customers with access to tailoring and repair offerings, as well as Sojo's zero-emission pick-up and home delivery service. The new partnership comes as a response to Vestiaire's analysis of its customers' reasons for returning clothes, with a...

What if we can wear our favorite clothes for longer?

Background: A closer look at the EU law 'Right to Repair' that is in the works [and the fashion industry] 1. The Rise of Repair, also in the fashion industry ”Well, I'm obviously in the repair bubble, but I dare say the repair domain is growing,” Sieds Wijnja, founder of repair platform Jafix.com which develops DIY manuals for consumers and...

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Omnes achieves B-Corp status, establishes partnership with The Seam

Contemporary fashion label Omnes has announced that it has achieved B-Corp certification after undergoing a “rigorous assessment” to meet standards of social and environmental performance and transparency. In a release, the brand said that the certification reflected its “dedication to using business as a force for good and making a positive...

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What to Expect from the EU’s efforts to Revise the Textile Labelling Regulation

Brussels - Selected for their practical qualities and their visual appeal, textiles play a vital role in the daily lives of every citizen. Enhancing the efficiency, comfort, and appeal of various objects, textiles are essential components to various products such as furniture, clothing, or others, such as cars, and protective and medical gear....

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A closer look at the upcoming EU’s Right to Repair legislation and its impact on fashion

Brussels - In light of grueling concerns over environmental degradation and sustainability, new European legislation aims to improve the longevity and durability of products through the ‘right to repair’. This legislative framework represents a holistic approach to supporting circular economy, waste reduction and sustainable consumption in the...