From Berlin to Barcelona: 22 Upcycling Designers You Should Know

In a world of abundance, reusing has become a statement, and upcycling the answer to throwaway culture. Discover labels, initiatives, and design studios that demonstrate how fashion, art, and craftsmanship can take on a different form.

This blog takes a closer look at those who create something new from what already exists: upcycling designers from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain, who experiment with imagination, craftsmanship, and a critical view of today’s consumer habits. Their work tells stories of transformation, origin, and a more mindful use of resources.

Belgium

Andrea Bos 

Tailor-made one-of-a-kind pieces from Antwerp

Andrea Bos is a circular designer from Antwerp who creates new favourite pieces with character from second-hand textiles. In her studio, unique garments and original home items come to life. In addition to her permanent collection, Andrea offers bespoke designs and visible repairs, turning each piece into a one-of-a-kind creation that tells a story and carries her creative signature.

Ann Bevers

Colourful creations

Ann Bevers is a Belgian artist and stylist who works with colour and textiles to create imaginative experiences. In her Antwerp studio, she crafts artistic installations, colourful decorations, and bespoke upcycled designs that combine joy and expression. Whether festival decorations, textile artworks, or individual styling concepts, her creations transform materials into lively, inspiring compositions. Through workshops and personalised commissions, she shares her passion and brings colour to every space.

An Vandenberk

Handcrafted leather bags & luxurious clothing from Brussels

In her atelier in Schaerbeek, An Vandenberk creates bespoke leather bags made from upcycled and deadstock leather. The designer combines artisanal precision with a fine sense for aesthetics and durability. Produced in small quantities and without overproduction, each garment tells a story of longevity and respect for people and nature. Visitors to An’s atelier experience not only craftsmanship but also an invitation to more mindful consumption: through repairs, alterations, and the joy of owning pieces made to last a lifetime.

STN.Bags

Handcrafted bags with a story

At the STN.bags studio, designer Stien Vandecasteele creates extraordinary handbags and accessories made from upcycled leather. Each piece tells a story – whether through the material itself or the creative concept behind it. The designer works with leather remnants and upcycled jackets to craft durable designs full of character. From laptop sleeves to handbags and custom pieces, every product merges Belgian craftsmanship with aesthetic design. Customers can even bring their own leather to give it a second life. Studio visits are available by appointment – a must for anyone who appreciates true craftsmanship.

Wanne van Hemelrijck 

Upcycling with character from Leuven

In her Leuven studio, Wanne Van Hemelrijck handcrafts jackets, bags, and accessories from upcycled vintage and second-hand fabrics. With over 15 years of experience, she gives new life to old wool blankets and interior textiles. In addition to creating new pieces, she offers repairs and alterations, working with local partners such as ViTeS and Buren zonder Grenzen to rescue materials from disposal. Her work combines circular thinking, craftsmanship, and regional focus: Fashion with soul and story.

Germany

&lady mondegreen

Upcycled fashion from Düsseldorf

With &LadyMondegreen, Düsseldorf has gained a place where forgotten fabrics are transformed into fashionable one-of-a-kind pieces. Behind the label stands a designer from the fashion and costume industry who creates new, artful designs from discarded clothing and leftover materials. Combining craftsmanship with creative experimentation, she turns the seemingly worthless into wearable art, refined through invisible repairs, delicate alterations, or the fusion of several fabrics into a new design. A statement against fast fashion and for the beauty of reuse.

Anekdot Studio

Lingerie and swimwear from Berlin

The Berlin-based Anekdot Studio transforms surplus yet high-quality leftover materials into sensual lingerie and swimwear collections. Since its founding in 2015, the label has embodied the idea that transparency, craftsmanship, and aesthetics need not be contradictions. Produced in limited editions, each piece is unique, telling a story of responsibility and allure. In the Berlin boutique, customers can book personal appointments to find their perfect piece and be inspired by the diversity of materials and cuts. At Anekdot, lingerie becomes a more conscious choice for style, confidence, and circular thinking.

PLUP Planet Upcycling

Creative upcycling hub in Düsseldorf

Located in Düsseldorf’s Flingern district, Planet Upcycling (PLUP) stands for the fusion of design, craftsmanship, and circular thinking. Since 2011, the team has been transforming discarded materials into new favourites – from clothing and accessories to home objects. Rather than following trends, PLUP reimagines what already exists, processing old textiles, production leftovers, and donations into unique designs that unite aesthetics with responsible use of resources. In the studio’s workshops, you can get creative yourself.

fyksin Atelier

Colourful upcycled one-of-a-kind pieces from Hamburg

At fyksin Atelier in Hamburg, discarded PVC advertising banners are transformed into modern, functional products such as bags, backpacks, and wallets. Through creativity and skilled craftsmanship, durable designs are created that combine style with practicality and offer an alternative to throwaway culture. Alongside their own collections, fyksin also develops custom upcycling projects for companies, such as tailor-made gifts or special editions made from in-house materials. Those who visit the studio in the old railway station or meet the brand at markets experience upcycling in its most colourful and functional form.

bolsos berlin

Bags with a story: upcycling from Kreuzberg

With bolsos berlin, Britta Eppinger has created a place in Kreuzberg where advertising banners, sails, and parachutes find a new life. Each bag is crafted by hand and bears the marks of its origins. The label stands for circular thinking, craftsmanship, and a clear stance against throwaway culture. The bags are robust, full of character, and timeless – made for those who prefer to carry stories rather than trends. Visitors to the studio experience the connection between art, responsibility, and urban culture at every step.

meyburg

Upcycled leather bags from Berlin

In the Berlin-based meyburg studio, high-quality bags, backpacks, and accessories are crafted from discarded leather sofas and armchairs. With artisanal skill and a fine sense of design, these old materials are transformed into durable companions for everyday life, each telling its own story. Customers can commission bespoke designs or have their favourite items repaired. A wonderful example of how upcycling and craftsmanship can conserve resources while creating timeless elegance.

sekundär schick

Upcycling studio and workshops from Berlin

At the Berlin studio Sekundär Schick, everything revolves around upcycling. Since 2010, Sigrid Ellen Münzberg has been transforming discarded textiles into new favourite pieces while teaching others how to give clothing a second life through workshops and courses. Under the motto ​“My work begins where others throw things away,” she shares her expertise with passion. Participants learn not only sewing and design techniques but also the true value of textiles. Colourful, educational, and inspiring.

beverly berlin

Upcycled fashion and accessories from Berlin

beverly berlin is a label that combines upcycling, individuality, and creativity. Founder Ulla handcrafts unique bags, fashion, and accessories from second-hand clothing and vintage fabrics. What began in 2018 with bags made from moving blankets has grown into a colourful collection that celebrates casualness and nonconformity. Meet beverly berlin at markets around the city and let yourself be inspired.

Pieke & Fein 

Upcycling, craftsmanship, and culture in Bad Honnef

In the cosy studio shop Pieke & Fein near Bonn, Christina combines her experience in stage and costume design with her passion for textiles, upcycling, and artisan crafts. The range includes bags made from old advertising banners, accessories from sailcloth, zero-waste knitwear, and much more. Regular workshops on textiles, upcycling, and art introduce visitors to new creative techniques. The studio serves as a network for creatives exploring new paths through reuse, fair collaboration, and local production.

UPcycle by fairhaus

Inclusive upcycling design from Düsseldorf

At the Fairhaus Flingern in Düsseldorf, the label UPcycle by fairhaus transforms waste into design. In their own workshops, unique products are crafted from Tour de France banners, old fire hoses, and packaging wood. The collection includes everything from bags and accessories to furniture. The project is part of a socio-ecological network that creates jobs for people with and without disabilities. Across seven Fairhaus branches, second-hand goods, repair services, and upcycled products are offered – combining style with purpose. With UPcycle by fairhaus, the team demonstrates that creativity, community, and responsibility can go hand in hand.

The Netherlands

FUN Studio 

Queer upcycled fashion from Arnhem

In the heart of Arnhem’s lively Modekwartier stands the FUN Studio, a place where fashion, inclusion, and creativity come together. Hans Hutting transforms discarded fabrics into colourful one-of-a-kind pieces that radiate joy and confidence. What began as a project for friends from the queer community has grown into a studio for anyone who enjoys individual, gender-inclusive fashion. Alongside briefs and boxers with bows, the collection includes playful garments adorned with glitter, gemstones, and humorous details. Visitors can also collaborate with Hans to bring their own designs to life. FUN Studio shows that upcycling, inclusion, and fun go hand in hand.

Chapauw

Zero-waste design studio in Arnhem’s Modekwartier

At the ChaPauw Studio in the heart of Arnhem’s Modekwartier, upcycled creations with personality come to life. Founder Chanel Pauw transforms discarded denim, local remnants, and donated materials into unique designs ranging from bags and cushions to garments made from fabric scraps, back pockets, and labels. Each piece is handmade, full of character, and resource-efficient. The studio is more than just a shopit is a space for creativity, community, and circular thinking, where visitors can experience how inspiring fashion from old materials can be.

CLAU‑D

Slow fashion with personality from Arnhem

In the heart of Arnhem, the CLAU‑D studio brings together fashion, art, and craftsmanship. Founder Claudia Träumer designs timeless womenswear from upcycled fabrics and complements her collection with hand-painted T‑shirts created in collaboration with her husband. Each garment is a one-of-a-kind piece, recognisable by the small silver heart that symbolises Claudia’s love and dedication. Her intuitive design process allows the fabric itself to guide the idea, resulting in unique pieces with character and style. In addition to her collection, she offers bespoke garments created together with customers to craft the perfect personal piece. A true slow fashion experience that unites creativity and quality.

De Steek

Sewing café and fabric shop in Amsterdam-West

At De Steek in Amsterdam-West, everything revolves around making your own fashion and textiles. The space combines sewing school, café, and shop under one roof. You can take sewing classes, workshops, and creative courses, whether you are a beginner or already experienced. Those who prefer to work independently can use the cosy workshop to realise their own ideas. The adjoining shop offers a carefully curated selection of ecological fabrics, patterns, and sewing supplies. De Steek focuses on more responsible solutions and shows that fashion can be conscious, creative, and handmade. A meeting place for everyone who wants to combine hobby, environment, and fun.

Koda Amsterdam

Timeless bags from reused fabrics

At the Koda Amsterdam studio, unique and timeless bags are created from reused curtain, furniture, and tent fabrics. Each piece is one of a kind, as the materials vary daily, resulting in constantly new combinations. The robust designs are crafted in Dutch workshops by talented people with limited access to the job market. Koda combines circular thinking, quality, and aesthetics, showing how stylish reuse can be. You can find their bags and accessories at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and the Yukei Gallery in Kyoto.

Begane Grond

Creative and more sustainable department store in Arnhem

In the heart of Arnhem’s Modekwartier lies Begane Grond, a unique department store founded by designers Mirte Engelhard and Annet Veerbeek. The space unites shop-in-shop concepts, local design, workshops, and styling consultations under one roof. Here, regional designers present their creations, from upcycled products and jewellery to fashion, art, and interior items. Annet and Mirte, known for her creative casual fashion, have created a space where fashion, craftsmanship, and community come together. The back area serves as an open studio where designers can rent workspaces or join workshops. Begane Grond is a creative hub for those seeking inspiration, quality, and a conscious shopping experience in one place.

Logocomo

Colourful unisex fashion from Amsterdam

The Amsterdam label Logocomo stands for colourful, unconventional fashion that spreads good vibes. The clothing is designed for everyone who values expression and individuality, which is why all styles are unisex. Founder Romy mainly uses leftover and second-hand fabrics, transforming them into creative, one-of-a-kind pieces. In collaboration with Kledingbank Rotterdam, new designs were created from old garments. Every piece is made locally in Amsterdam, either by Romy herself or together with her team. Those interested in unique, eye-catching pieces can try on the collection by appointment at her studio in Amsterdam-West.

Spanien

OWL

Urban fashion and more responsible underwear from Barcelona

In the heart of Barcelona, Owl stands for urban fashion with a social purpose. Since 2013, the label has been offering modern underwear and streetwear that combine more responsible materials with innovative design. The brand follows the principle of more sustainable development – livable, fair, and economically viable. Production takes place locally in collaboration with social workshops that provide training and employment opportunities for people with limited access to the labour market. The result is fashion that not only looks good but also creates social value: responsible, local, and fairer.

From Berlin to Barcelona, all these labels show how upcycling, craftsmanship, and creativity can become a new form of fashion.

• If you’d like to learn more about Arnhem’s creative scene, read our blog on the unique upcycling designers of Arnhem.
• If you want to get creative yourself, check out our feature on World Repair Day, where you can discover how to use visible mending to repair damaged clothing and give it new life.
• Also, read our article on deadstock and why unsold fabrics deserve a second chance.