Rentrayage is a sustainable fashion label based in New York City. Inspired by French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, rentrayage is a French word meaning “to mend” and “to make whole again.” Accordingly, the label brings old clothing, vintage fabrics and leftovers back to life. In an email interview with FashionUnited, founder Erin Beatty explains that it’s not just about stitching things back together in new ways. For them, the way and why Rentrayage works is the basis for a new way of thinking and innovative methods.
FashionUnited: Could you tell our readers a little bit about what motivated you to start Rentrayage? How is it different from other upcycled fashion brands?
Erin Beatty: To be honest, I started Rentrayage because I didn’t know how I could continue working in the fashion industry without trying to develop it in some way. Rentrayage is my attempt to change something – to show a new way how to create something. I’m not quite sure how we differ from other upcycled fashion brands. I think we’re unusual in that we’re really trying to create multiple pieces that look really similar. Also, we don’t just limit ourselves to fashion. We have a robust upcycled home collection which I feel is equally important to our growth.
In an interview with The New York Times, you said that you want to educate the world to “review things that have been thrown away”. Aside from the obvious environmental aspect, what is special about discarded things (household goods and fashion)? And how should we look at them?
I love the history, the past life of the things we work with. The thought that this piece was something for one person and can now be something completely different for another person. There is something very beautiful about that for me. The idea that we are constantly creating new realities is infinitely inspiring – and that old, discarded things can expand those realities is truly profound.
You work with a team of freelancers in New York City – how difficult is it to find people who “get” what you want? After all, sewing is an (much underestimated!) art.
Luckily there are many trained seamstresses in New York. Finding people willing to work this way is a different story. The more creative a person is, the more willing they are to do so. Discovering this openness seems to be the hardest part of the job. Albert, our head tailor and vintage designer, asks friends for endless favors. We really couldn’t do it without him.
Who would you say is the typical rentrayage clientele (if any)?
People who are interested in fashion and the environment at the same time.
How do customers find Rentrayage and how do they find out about the brand?
The press is very helpful, as are our retailers. [Die exklusive Boutique für Damenmode] Ikram has championed the brand from the start. I like to think of us as fashion’s best kept secret and I hope that changes soon.
Rentrayage is now available through Neiman Marcus (congratulations!). Are there any other exciting collaborations in the future?
Yes, we’re also available at Nordstrom this season and will be growing with Bergdorfs. There is also a great collaboration with Madewell that starts at the end of September, for which we have upcycled leftovers.
Speaking of the future, what is Rentrayage planning next?
We develop some of our own household products – table linens, glassware and upcycled ceramics. I’m really looking forward to expanding this offering further and creating truly sustainable pieces for the home.