In the heart of Los Angeles, a revolution is quietly unfolding in the fashion industry. At its core are the visionary women of Rewilder, a woman and minority-owned upcycling company, whose mission is as clear as it is transformative: to clean up the planet by reimagining waste not as refuse but as the raw materials for their next collection. Founded on principles that challenge conventional production, distribution, and consumption paradigms, Rewilder stands out not just for its commitment to zero waste but for its ability to infuse sustainability with undeniable style.
At a time when the fashion industry grapples with its environmental impact, Rewilder emerges not just as a brand but as a symbol of possibility. The company’s ethos revolves around an unyielding belief that creativity thrives under constraints. “There is nothing that takes more creativity and problem-solving than beginning our design process from the trash materials we are trying to save,” says Stephanie Choi, CEO of Rewilder. This philosophy underpins every aspect of their operation, from sourcing discarded materials like high-performance airbag fabric to handcrafting each piece in Los Angeles with meticulous attention to detail.
The journey of Rewilder’s founding team reads like an ode to innovation born from unexpected places. Stephanie Choi reminisces about her childhood playing in her parents’ sewing factory amidst hills of fabric scraps—an early lesson in seeing value where others saw waste. Jenny Silbert’s fascination with dumpster diving evolved into a career pioneering advanced materials and fabrication techniques before co-founding Rewilder. And Lisa Siedlecki brings two decades of accessories design experience to tackle the unique challenges posed by sustainable, upcycled materials.
Rewilder’s approach to design transcends mere aesthetics; it embodies a radical rethink of how fashion can be produced sustainably without sacrificing quality or desirability. Their hero material—airbag fabric—is chosen for its durability and waterproof qualities, reflecting an unwavering commitment to products that last. By transforming this industrial-grade material into covetable fashion pieces, Rewilder not only diverts waste from landfills but also challenges consumers to reconsider their relationship with disposable culture.
Over the years, Rewilder has forged partnerships with notable names such as Hollywood Bowl, Disney, Subaru, Coldplay, Goldenvoice, and Paramount among others—each collaboration amplifying their message and demonstrating the scalable potential of upcycling within corporate spheres. These alliances serve not just as testament to Rewilder’s innovative prowess but also spotlight sustainable practices within industries notorious for their environmental footprints.
Looking ahead, Rewilder is poised at an exciting juncture—ready to redefine what it means to be a challenger brand in the accessories space. With plans focused on expanding their reach while staying true to their upcycling roots, they aim at making sustainability both scalable and attainable. The goal is clear: demonstrate that business success need not come at environmental cost—that it is possible to thrive by prioritizing the planet over profit.
In embracing constraints as catalysts for creativity rather than barriers to innovation, Rewilder crafts not just products but narratives—stories woven from discarded threads that speak volumes about potentiality and hope. Their vision extends beyond transforming trash into treasure; it’s about shifting perspectives towards a more sustainable consumption model where every piece tells a story—not of wastefulness but of mindful intentionality.
As society navigates towards greater environmental consciousness,Rewilder stands out as more than just a brand—it represents a movement towards conscious consumerism where every
purchase holds power—the power to support ethical labor practices, foster environmental stewardship, and champion sustainable growth. Their work serves as both inspiration and invitation—for consumers, designers, and businesses alike—to join in reimagining our world where beauty arises not despite limitations but because of them.
To explore more about how creativity flourishes within constraints and witness firsthand how discarded materials are reborn through impeccable design, visit Rewilder’s website or follow their journey across social media platforms. Here lies not just an opportunity to indulge in sustainable luxury but to become part of a transformative narrative—one where every choice contributes towards building a cleaner, greener, more beautiful world.
Published by: Khy Talara
