More and more fashion designers are responding to the call for sustainable fashion by using eco-friendly materials like deadstock fabrics and discarded materials. Many designers are also embracing circular economy models by upcycling existing garments, and others are exploring innovative and biodegradable materials.
One such fashion designer is Elena Corobciuc, founder of By Ely Atelier, a sustainable clothing brand based in Exeter, United Kingdom. Elena is a designer who embraces a sustainability ethos through her brand. She works with discarded materials and sees “trash” as a valuable resource, transforming waste into beautiful garments through techniques like upcycling.
“I’m the hands, heart, and mind behind the brand. I create one-of-a-kind garments from my cosy home studio, carefully crafting each piece from discarded or forgotten textiles. We are rooted in upcycling, intentional design, and love for sustainable fashion that doesn’t compromise on elegance, bold femininity, or uniqueness. Every fabric is consciously sourced, often on treasure hunts through vintage shops and charity stores across the UK and Italy, seeking out the kinds of textures and patterns that stir inspiration and memory. I work with old cotton bedding, vintage crochet, antique lace and worn linen. These materials carry stories, and I’d like to think that I help them whisper again,” she says.
Elena creates unique pieces, motivated by environmental concerns often blending artistic vision with a commitment to sustainability, demonstrating how creativity can give new life to overlooked materials. She views waste as a resource instead of discarding what others consider junk, she sees it as a source of unique and valuable material.
“My fashion journey began in second-hand clothes. I wore them not as a trend, but out of necessity. I used to be embarrassed by that. Now, it has become my proudest influence. Upcycling, to me, is not just a way to reduce waste, but a creative rebellion. It is a statement, a redefinition of beauty and worth. It says fashion doesn’t need to be new to be powerful. Every item I make is one-of-a-kind, meaning it’s slow, intentional, and stitched with hours of love and attention. I believe in buying less, but better. Valuing not just how clothes look, but how they were made, and by whom. I believe fashion should empower, not exploit. I also believe that wearing the same thing more than once isn’t a flaw, but freedom,” she says.
