“Magician” who revives old Jeans
Born in 1988 in Hanoi, Bui Thi Kim Ngan founded RenewJeans in 2019. The brand began as a non-profit project in 2013 aimed at addressing old jeans. During a difficult time in her life when facing health issues, Ngan found solace in this work, turning old clothes into creative pieces. She first had the idea when receiving an oversized maternity dress from her sister abroad, which she transformed into a laptop bag.
Recognizing the potential of recycling old clothes, Ngan began working with used jeans to create stylish bags.
Ngan held that old jeans may seem worthless, like trash, but from another perspective, they can become something valuable.
Ngan's decision to switch from a community project to a business model was not easy, especially since she just had a degree in electronics and telecommunications and no experience in fashion. She self-taught, researched the market, and accepted initial losses. RenewJeans is now financially independent and effectively promoting sustainable fashion.
At the small workshop of RenewJeans in Ho Tung Mau Street, Hanoi, visitors can feel the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Here, old jeans, once considered outdated, are “reborn” by skilled, eco-conscious artisans, striving to create a more sustainable fashion future.
“Jeans last longer than most materials. Rather than being discarded, old jeans get an extended life,” Ngan explained. For Ngan, the durability of recycled products is a priority, otherwise, they would just create more waste.
RenewJeans uses 95%-100% of recycled materials, sourced from old clothes collected through various organizations. Good fabric is repurposed into bags, and the remaining material is reprocessed into new products. The team applies unique techniques for color blending and fabric combination to create one-of-a-kind items. “At RenewJeans, customers don’t follow trends, they create them, confidently expressing their unique style,” added Ngan.
The bags and backpacks from RenewJeans are not just unique fashion pieces but carry a message of environmental protection. They are proof of creativity and the ability to “revive” discarded materials, promoting a green and sustainable lifestyle.
A call from the heart
In recent years, sustainable fashion has become a revolution, deeply influencing the fashion industry and consumers.
In 2024, RenewJeans was recognized in the Top 10 Climate Launchpad Vietnam National Final and achieved several milestones. Ngan held that she never expected this project to create a big buzz; it’s simply about doing what she loves, following her heart. As more people care about sustainable fashion, she hopes RenewJeans will inspire others and spread a green lifestyle.
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Awards serve as a source of encouragement for RenewJeans to further develop and spread sustainable values. |
Although the team has only 10 members, they believe they can influence consumers’ habits. Small changes by individuals can create a big wave, spreading sustainable living and encouraging responsible shopping trends.
RenewJeans is not just selling products; it is selling a lifestyle, a belief in a green future. Ngan hopes recycled fashion will no longer be something unfamiliar, but a choice for everyone. “Let’s build a sustainable consumer community, where every action contributes to protecting our planet,” she held.
Translated by Minh Anh