Sustainable fashion isn’t easy to come across, and that’s why here at Grazia we’ve decided to launch Sustainable September: your go-to source for the latest brands and designers that are making strides in making fashion and beauty more eco-conscious. The first feature is on Thea Zeina Tadros, an up-and-coming Jordanian designer that upcycles men’s suits by restructuring them and adding a little bedazzle here and there. We sat down with Tadros to discover more about how and why she started her eponymous label.
Grazia: How did you start your brand? What inspired you?
Thea Zeina Tadros: When I returned to Amman, Jordan, my home town, I noticed a huge gap in the market for sustainable fashion. Inspiration struck when I put on my father’s long suit jacket and noticed it could work as a two piece set. I started making sets consisting of jackets with a skirt or pants. Adding my own touch with a few embellishments, I found my passion which was up-cycling men’s suits.
G: Why suits? What does it mean for a women to be wearing a suit?
T: The reason I started with suits is because a suit symbolizes power, usually associated with masculinity and makes you feel empowered, so I decided to bring that energy and combine it with my femininity.
G: Where do you find the suits that you upcycle?
T: I get my suits from a variety of different stores it really depends on what I’m looking for. The suits vary from size, color and texture. I can also upcycle old suits supplied by my customers provided if there is enough material to work with. My brand is all about making the suit tailored for the customer, not the other way around.
G: Why do you upcycle old suits rather than just design new ones from scratch?
T: By re-working men’s suits I play a vital role in promoting a more sustainable fashion culture by minimizing waste reduction in a world overwhelmed by materials. During this process new life is being given to an item that has already been produced.
G: How would you describe the ideal Thea Zeina woman?
T: She’s confident, fabulous, powerful and always walks with her head held high.
G: Are you releasing anything new soon that our readers should watch out for?
T: I’m currently working on my A/W 2021 so stay tuned for what’s to come.
You can order your custom Thea Zeina suit via her Instagram account.
