Atelier Heimat

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Antwerp, Belgium

WORKING CONDITIONS & WAGES 

The products are handcrafted personally by Kachiri Faes in her Antwerp studio. The entire production process, from cutting and sewing and quilting through to restoration, takes place exclusively on-site. This ensures complete transparency over materials, craftsmanship and working conditions, as full responsibility for each individual piece rests with Kachiri Faes.

MATERIALS

• Preloved and deadstock fabrics (cotton, cashmere, wool) 
• Cotton thread
• Polyester thread
• Wool fleece
• Cotton wadding

PACKAGING 

• Atelier Heimat prioritises the reuse of packaging materials: Incoming parcels are collected and reused for outgoing orders. 
• Customers have the option to collect orders in person.

WATER USE & CHEMICALS 

Because Atelier Heimat works primarily with preloved and deadstock fabrics, the typical production steps of dyeing, bleaching, chemical finishing and the associated water consumption do not apply. Thread and wadding are the only newly sourced materials, representing just a small part of the overall input.

As natural fibres are predominantly used, the risk of microplastic release is low. 
Atelier Heimat is in the process of replacing its remaining polyester thread with cotton.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Because Atelier Heimat prefers to work with natural fibres and uses synthetic materials only in small quantities in the form of threads, most products consist of natural fibres, which in principle supports their recyclability. 
Atelier Heimat works exclusively with preloved fabrics and deadstock. Since the exact composition of these materials cannot always be fully traced, recyclability cannot be guaranteed in every case. 
Nevertheless, the use of already existing materials is an effective way to reduce the consumption of new resources and extend the life of existing ones. 

The hand-sewn construction of the products makes them well-suited to repair. The label’s founder also offers visible mending, the visible and aesthetically intentional repair of garments, and runs workshops on the subject. Through these workshops, Kachiri Faes aims to raise awareness of material appreciation and pass on craft skills, encouraging people to care for and preserve clothing and textiles for longer.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL 

Atelier Heimat offers a repair service in the form of visible mending. A take-back programme for worn or end-of-life pieces is not documented. 

The use of preloved fabrics and deadstock, together with the offer of repair and made-to-measure services, actively extends the lifecycle of textiles. However, a formal rental or resale model is not documented.

SUPPLY CHAIN DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY 

• Antwerp, Belgium
• The Netherlands (Wool fleece)

TRANSPORT 

• Transport within the supply chain is minimal, as materials are sourced locally.

• Wool as wadding in blankets from Hollands Wol Collectief 
• Wool and cashmere in children’s clothing from second-hand sources

The Hollands Wol Collectief from the Netherlands processes wool from sheep farmers that is unsuitable for the clothing industry and would otherwise be destroyed.

PRODUCT DESIGN 

Atelier Heimat offers made-to-measure haori jackets for adults, quilt blankets for newborns and toddlers, and occasionally children’s clothing made from second-hand wool and cashmere.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

As each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation made from available preloved fabrics and deadstock, the range grows organically and continuously, depending on available materials and the studio’s capacity. 

Made-to-measure is a central part of the offering. Customers can bring their own fabrics or choose from the materials available in the studio. All pieces are made to order, which avoids overproduction.

PRODUCT TRANSPARENCY 

Each product page includes material information and care instructions. Atelier Heimat is upfront about the handcrafted nature of its pieces, minor imperfections are not flaws, they are part of what makes each piece unique. Because Kachiri Faes makes everything herself in her Antwerp studio, the production process is fully traceable from start to finish.

For detailed enquiries or bespoke commissions, customers can contact the founder directly. Custom orders can be made to personal specifications, including customer-supplied fabrics, individual measurements and specific design requirements.

PROCESS TRANSPARENCY 

Atelier Heimat is characterized by a high degree of structural transparency. Since the entire company consists of a single person, there is no outsourced production or non-transparent supply chains.

Materials are sourced locally and from existing material flows. Customers can contact the founder directly at any time to ask specific questions about individual pieces, materials, or the manufacturing process.