Production locations
- All production takes place in the Netherlands at Mirte’s Arnhem studio.
- The materials are mostly locally sourced or donated.
Working Conditions & Living Wages
Mirte works directly on each piece, ensuring ethical practices throughout. By working solo she maintains strong control over quality and sustainability. In her work Mirte combines her creativity with a strong social aspect, preferring to know the person, and the story, behind an item, always choosing a personal approach to her work.
Apart from her own label, Mirte Engelhard is also active in other projects. She makes for example unique outfits based on the life stories of people with Verhalendragers. Creating custom garments with emotional stories, underlining her commitment to meaningful, respectful design also runs through the collection ‘Impact of War’, a collection born out of the conversations between present-day refugees, new Arnhem residents, and evacuees from World War II.
Materials
- Deadstock and rest fabrics
- Upcycled items
Mirte embraces an upcycling approach, using rest fabrics sourced from donations and deadstock to create unique, one-of-a-kind designs. Although she occasionally purchases new materials for special requests, if possible she always chooses the most sustainable option..
Packaging
All items are designed and produced by Mirte in her atelier in Arnhem, then sold at her store De Begane Grond in Arnhem. This local vicinity eliminates the need for packaging materials in the supply chain.
On top of that, the unique designs are not sold online, so no e‑commerce packaging is required.
Water usage & chemicals
While not explicitly documented, her limited use of new materials and heavy reliance on upcycling implies minimal water and chemical use in her production process.
Circular product design
Mirte primarily uses rest fabrics, which are inherently circular. She incorporates upcycling into her design process, transforming meaningful textiles into new garments, particularly for clients wanting to honour a loved one’s memory.
After transforming her blazer into an exclusive jacket, one customer remarked: ‘It’s like my late mother is hugging me’.
As she upcycles diverse materials, this can sometimes make recycling more complex afterwards. The mixed fibres in many items complicate the recycling process. This is why Mirte advocates for wearing & loving your clothes as long as possible, to take care of your garments and repair if needed instead of discarding them.
Circular business models
Repair services are available, with Mirte personally handling garment repairs for her customers. This focus on maintenance reinforces her commitment to longevity and circularity.
Another circular business model Mirte is incorporating is the upcycling of your valued clothing into something new. Especially for wedding dresses, where mum or grandmother’s dress can be reworked into a fantastic and sentimental dress for the new bride!
Distance & complexity of the supply chain
- Material sourcing: Mirte mainly uses rest materials donated to her locally.
- Mirte Engelhard’s atelier & store is located in Arnhem.
Mirte’s supply chain is simple and local, with all production and sales occurring in Arnhem. This proximity fosters a close connection with her clients, allowing her to share the stories behind each piece.
Transportation
With no e‑commerce presence, Mirte’s designs are sold exclusively in-store. Customers can experience the garments firsthand, ensuring a personal connection and reduced transportation footprint.
- Occasionally, upcycled wool or silk may be used.
Mirte’s commitment to sustainability means she rarely uses animal-derived materials, preferring plant-based materials unless specifically requested by a client. However, if the customer has a wool or silk item, it is possible to be upcycled into a new, sentimental item.
Product design
Mirte’s bespoke designs cater to a diverse audience, offering custom creations for women, men, and beyond, with a wide range of sizes. Her approach to fashion is refreshingly different — she doesn’t adhere to seasonal collections but instead releases emotionally resonant pieces throughout the year. This prioritises mindful consumption over fleeting trends, allowing each garment to tell a unique story.
Slow fashion processes
Mirte embraces a truly slow fashion approach, never participating in sales or producing standard collections. All her work is made-to-measure, meaning every piece is tailored to her client’s specific desires. Occasionally, she’ll create additional versions of garments she designs for herself to offer in her shop. When she designs for dancers and theatre groups, the sample items are crafted from upcycled fabrics and sold in-store, making use of materials that might otherwise go to waste and ensuring her shop inventory is as unique as her creative vision.
Transparency on product
Every Mirte Engelhard piece is unique, and she’ll tell you all about it in her store! Mirte loves to tell the stories behind her designs. Even more, she’ll assist you in finding the best fit and design for you!
Transparency on processes
Mirte offers full transparency to her clients, discussing each material’s origin and the design process. Since her work is highly personalised, every customer receives insight into their garment’s journey. Although she doesn’t publish an annual sustainability report, her hands-on approach and direct customer engagement promote a transparent and ethical model.
Zaključak
Explore Mirte Engelhard’s bespoke designs, created with upcycled materials and meaningful stories. Her personalised approach to fashion fosters a deep connection with every piece, making her label unique in the world of ethical, high-end design. Discover more sustainable brands and find COSH! stores nearby on the map below.
