Contributions Towards Slower Fashion
The textile industry is resource-intensive, with fast fashion and the throwaway culture contributing to high carbon emissions and negative environmental impacts. So, how can we help shift towards slower fashion, and make our clothes last longer?
With the motto “A natural, slow life – where simplicity is given space” as a starting point, the advertising agency Garbergs reached out to Handarbetets Vänner for a collaboration on this very topic. Together, they decided to highlight the art of embroidery as a sustainable way to extend the life of garments. The Bregottfabriken advertising concept celebrates its 30th anniversary, marked by a creative initiative where something unwanted becomes something unique. Butter stains on clothing are transformed into embroidered art; these stains became the start of something new.
A Unique KOllektion
The result was the KOllektion (COWllection) – 15 garments where stains have been embroidered into new, beautiful patterns. Garments previously considered ruined have become something to wear with pride. Inspiration was drawn, among other sources, from the Japanese art of kintsugi, where cracks in ceramics are highlighted with gold. Here, it is instead needle and thread that transform the stained into an artistic statement. KOllektionen consists of twelve unique pieces, created by students from the renowned textile school Handarbetets Vänner. The result is a truly unique. The KOllektionen is on display in the storefront of Handarbetets Vänners, Djurgårdsslätten 82-84, from September 25 to October 5 2025.
Embroider More – Extend the Life of Your Favourite Garment
The campaign also has a broader aim: to inspire more people to mend, embellish, and wear their clothes for longer. At a time when textile waste is increasing, this serves as a reminder that sustainability can be both creative and personal. Students from Handarbetets Vänner are leading the way in this project. And their works will be showcased for inspiration in both physical and digital channels. In addition, several workshops will be organised at Handarbetets Vänner. Under expert guidance, you can try transforming a stained favourite garment into something unique. And hereby extending the life of a beloved piece of clothing.
Supervisors at Handarbetets Vänner: Katarina Evans and Kim Halle, both embroidery teachers.
Participating students: Johannes Westling, Sara Hagman, Andrea Zeilon, Emma Rieban, Tuva Fuick, Anne-Marie Bäck, Frida Norman, Alix Bodin, Esther Sailer, Signe Bjurman, Cissi Rang
Through showcasing the students’ work, the Bregottfabriken campaign, and HV’s workshops, knowledge and inspiration to repair and reuse are being spread. This can contribute to more sustainable consumption, with reduced resource waste and environmental impact.
