Renēe

Renēe’s story started when Zoë’s grandfather wanted to throw away some old shirts. The creative fashion technology student thought this was a waste and went to work with them. By combining different shirts, she created a dress. Zoë’s upcycling creations quickly found favour with those around her and from this motivation the brand renēe was born in September 2020. The name refers to the French word renée (reborn) and, like the brand itself, is unisex. 

All the clothes are made locally in the renēe atelier in Ghent and a local production atelier. So you can be sure that your dress is made in a completely ethical way! Part of the production takes place at a local, social atelier. The atelier works with people distanced from the labour market.

Renēe started as an upcycling brand, giving old men’s shirts a new life as a trendy dress or vest. Now the Ghent-based brand continues with deadstock materials. These are surpluses from other manufacturers or brands.

The clothes consist mainly of cotton. This is a natural material, and because it is recycled deadstock, the material is also sustainable.

All renēe dresses are made out of deadstock materials. They are thus saved from landfills, which contributes to the circular economy! Moreover, you can also have your own customised design made. Have a shirt or garment you want to keep as a keepsake? Renēe will create a unique bespoke design with it.

During the production process almost everything from the existing shirts is used to make something new. The leftovers are kept and are transformed into mouth masks, scarves, small bags… So nothing goes to waste!

Renēe has a short supply chain as everything is produced in Belgium. Zoë designs and creates the collections in her designstudio in Ghent. Part of the production is done by a manufacturing workshop in Mechelen. So your purchase doesn’t have to travel long distances to get to you!

Most of the collection is vegan as renēe uses mostly cotton. Because the brand works with deadstock materials, it can be difficult to find out the exact composition of the fabrics. As a result, it is possible that animal materials could still be present.

Every renēe is unique and timeless and is produced according to the slow fashion mindset. In winter you will find warmer dresses and trouser suits made of flannel, corduroy and jeans. In the summer Renēe makes airy dresses in cotton and other materials. So you can dress up in trendy Renēe dresses and shirts all year round!

The surprising combinations and patchwork of the different fabrics make each piece unique. Do you like bold colours or do you prefer neutral shades? Every renēe is different. This gives you the freedom to choose a unique dress that suits you best! The dresses, kimonos and shirts are comfortable and rather loose-fitting. This makes them accessible to different sizes and figures.

Would you like a personalised piece or have an idea for a design? That’s possible too! At renēe’s you can also bring in your own shirts and trousers and have them transformed into a dress or kimono. This way, you are sure to receive a personalised item that really suits you!

Renēe is a small brand, everything is handmade in Belgium. Much of the collection is made by Zoë herself. The designer shared the name of the Mechelen-based production workshop with COSH! and is therefore completely transparent!