The Third Annual Upcycling Challenge

At A&F Co., sustainability and creativity continue to go hand in hand. In celebration of Earth Month this past April, associates across our Global Home Office (GHO) came together for a series of events designed to encourage more sustainable practices, including a repair workshop where participants learned foundational sewing techniques such as hemming and sewing buttons. Some associates even put their newly learned skills to use by participating in the month’s capstone event: the third annual Upcycling Challenge. This challenge gives A&F Co. associates the opportunity to put their design skills to the test, transforming discarded denim and other fabric materials from our GHO fabric scrap recycling bins into one-of-a-kind outfits – all in an effort to support our ongoing initiatives to reduce waste.

In previous years’ challenges, associates have used denim, yarn and knit scraps to design a variety of wearable products. This year, the challenge was expanded to tote bags, giving more associates the opportunity to upcycle without having to create a complete outfit. The fabric scrap materials used for upcycling would have otherwise been recycled through our partnerships with Revive Fiber and Blue Jeans Go Green.

19 associates took part in this year’s challenge, designing a range of dresses, tops, two-piece sets, tote bags and more by utilizing materials and scraps collected from fabric recycling bins located across the office. At the end of four weeks’ time, associates were able to cast their votes to select their favorite wearable creations across three apparel categories: Most Creative, Most Avante-Garde and Most Ready-To-Wear, with tote bags having their own separate categories: Most Festival Ready, Most Work at A&F Co. Ready, Most Beach Ready and Most Farmers Market Ready.

Winning designers received a photoshoot at our Global Home Office photo studio to showcase their designs, bringing their creations to life in true A&F Co. fashion. As the Upcycling Challenge continues to grow each year, it remains a meaningful way to engage associates’ design skills and passions while reinforcing the importance of recycling and sustainability across the organization.

Keep reading below to learn about this year’s winners!

Wearable Creations

Most Creative Award: The contest design with the most creative use of fabric scraps and upcycled materials
Winner: Millie P. (Technical Designer)

Most Avante Garde Award: The contest design with the most innovative and “wearable art” design
Winners: Saajana B., Emma L. and Teju L. (Technical Designers)

Most Ready to Wear Award: The contest design most able to wear right off the dress form and in day-to-day life
Winner: Isabella T. (Apparel Designer)