L1090115

Recyclette: Reviving the Textile Soul of Northern France Through Upcycling

Agnese La Spisa

In the heart of Hauts-de-France, where textile factories once defined entire communities, Elise, founder and designer of Recyclette, is bringing new life to a fading craft. Born and raised in the region, she grew up surrounded by spools of thread and stories of fabric and family. That heritage, both personal and regional, sparked her desire to make something meaningful and enduring.

Recyclette is more than a fashion label; it’s a tribute to this legacy. Deeply rooted in her homeland, nourished by family history, and driven by ecological and human values, Elise’s mission is clear. She aims to create with purpose, transparency, and joy. She doesn’t claim her designs will save the planet but they can make it a little happier.

Fashion with a Local Heart

From the start, Elise knew Recyclette had to be built locally. Every stage of production takes place within 100 kilometers of her studio, allowing close collaboration with trusted workshops she visits regularly. This proximity, she says, “proves that it’s still possible to manufacture locally, responsibly, and humanely.”

That commitment is deeply personal. Both of Elise’s grandfathers worked in textiles (one ran a sewing thread factory, the other a denim workshop) so Recyclette naturally revives this family and regional heritage while imagining the fabrics of tomorrow. Her sustainable vision extends to materials, too. Instead of producing new fabrics, she reclaims forgotten rolls and leftover stock. “I wanted to revalue existing materials,” she explains, “because there are far too many hidden fabrics.”

Even the smallest details reflect her values: thread from her uncle’s company Bruneel, buttons from Bernaville, labels from Halluin, and packaging from nearby artisans. For Elise, sustainability is not a slogan. It’s a network of trust, craftsmanship, and care.

Crafting a Joyful, Authentic Aesthetic

Elise describes Recyclette’s aesthetic as a fusion of retro spirit and modern functionality, a blend of workwear heritage and everyday elegance. “I draw a lot of inspiration from workwear,” she explains. “These garments were originally designed for practicality and durability, and I love transforming that essence into modern essentials.”

Each piece retains something of that utilitarian soul, a functional cut, a durable material, a thoughtful detail, but with a refined, contemporary sensibility. She mentions her love of the 1970s, a period that inspires much of her work. “It was a time when clothing had character but remained simple and authentic,” she says. “It was also an era when workwear became a symbol of freedom and attitude. For me, the future of fashion is precisely that: timeless, functional pieces that make you feel good and that you want to wear every day.”

For Elise, fashion’s future lies in authenticity, not excess. It’s about creating garments that last, that move with you through life, and that reflect both individuality and responsibility.

The Overall as a Manifesto

Among all her creations, the overalls have become Recyclette’s signature. Elise explains why: “I’ve worn them since I was little. They’ve always been my favorite. They’ve become a kind of uniform for me. In the morning, when I don’t know what to wear, I put on overalls. They’re simple, comfortable, and work every time.”

It’s a piece that perfectly captures her brand’s DNA: practical yet distinctive, with a quiet strength. “Originally designed for work, the overall has an authenticity I find very inspiring,” she says. “With Recyclette, I wanted to show that it can be worn every day, both for work and for going out. It can become a strong piece in the wardrobe, functional and full of character.”

Her favorite? The raw denim version. “It’s timeless,” she says. “You can wear it on any occasion; chic with a shirt and accessories, or casual with a T-shirt and sneakers. It’s a piece that transcends seasons and styles, and that we always enjoy bringing out.”

A Slow Fashion Future

As our conversation draws to a close, one thing becomes clear: Recyclette isn’t just another sustainable label. It’s a movement rooted in authenticity and joy. Elise has built a brand that redefines what “Made in France” truly means: not a slogan, but a living collaboration between people, place, and purpose.

Ultimately, Recyclette is about connection; between generations, between hands and fabrics, between the past and what’s yet to come. Because, as she proves with every stitch, commitment doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be sincere.


Share this post

Agnese La Spisa is an Italian creative based in Italy, specializing in publishing and fashion communication. At IRK Magazine, she brings together creativity, research, and design to shape stories with clarity and style. Curious and collaborative, she is driven by a passion for exploring culture, aesthetics, and the narratives that connect people, ideas, and disciplines.

Read Next