At the company Gemme Collective, which is part of the sewing association Textilproducenterna, a unique craft is underway where old leather garments are given a second chance. Through advanced sewing, innovative constructions and great creativity, worn-out jackets and trousers are transformed into new, exclusive garments and accessories.
An assignment out of the ordinary
One of their loyal customers always sends their most complex assignments to Gemme Collective. It involves leather that no one else dares or wants to work with. The challenge is that the material is already predetermined: old garments that must be taken apart, processed and pieced together again. To succeed, both skillful pattern construction and problem solving are required throughout the process.
“There is something very beautiful about working with a material that already carries a history. Our job is to give it new value and a new expression without losing its character,” says Sanja at Gemme Collective.
Creativity and technology in interaction
The work moves between hand sewing and machine sewing, where every detail is adapted to both function practically and live up to the aesthetic vision. This means that the solutions often have to be as creative as they are sustainable. In this way, the garments are given a new identity while still bearing traces of their previous form.
Sustainability in practice
Working locally in Sweden saves resources compared to traditional production in Asia or the rest of Europe. Samples and finished garments do not need to be shipped back and forth across the world, which reduces both lead times and climate impact. When you also use leftover garments instead of producing new material, the gain in sustainability is even greater.
The future of leather crafts
As a young player, Gemme Collective is constantly investing in machines and skills that strengthen their offering. The focus is on creating added value for customers, but also on developing new opportunities in design and production.
For Gemme Collective, it is not just about re-sew- ing old garments. It is about showing that sustainability and production in Sweden can be both beautiful, functional and commercially viable.
Do you need to have similar work done and want to do it in Sweden in a more sustainable way? Get in touch now.
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The Textile Producers Sewing Association is part of the CircularHub Twin Transition project’s ambitions to help create a circular ecosystem. The CircularHub Twin Transition project is financed, among other things, by the European Regional Development Fund.
