Utopia

Student Name : Iris Oliveira

Mentor Name : ANA EUSÉBIO/RICARDO SILVA

Company : ÁRVORE/TINTEX

Green Producer Diary

My Motivation

My motivation comes from exploring the harmony between humans and technology, imagining a utopia where innovation enhances life without replacing the human touch. I was inspired to create a piece that combines recycled industrial materials, like discarded tennis balls, with natural cork, giving new life to what would otherwise be waste. Sustainability is important to me because it allows fashion to be both creative and responsible, reducing environmental impact while promoting circularity. I also wanted the piece to be multifunctional and unique, showing that thoughtful design can be innovative and eco-conscious at the same time.

My Vetrine Journey 

Over the past eight months, I developed a reversible garment combining coatings from discarded tennis balls and cork, creating a sustainable and multifunctional piece. The journey began with an initial concept using thermochromic pigments, but I quickly realized the materials were not practical, so I adapted to recycled and renewable alternatives. I researched and tested coatings, learning how to align design, durability, and aesthetics while maintaining the core concept. Early prototyping involved sewing the hood and experimenting with removable sleeves, which required adjustments to ensure comfort and functionality. Challenges included fabric puckering and coordinating press studs for detachable components, which I solved through testing and iterative construction. I also had to simplify certain elements, like removing a collar, to maintain sustainability and practicality. The final piece preserves the original vision, combining architectural structure with natural textures, and demonstrates circular design principles through material reuse and multifunctionality. This project taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of balancing creativity with practical execution.

Sustainability Aspect

Your Actions / Explanation

Environmental

Use of coatings made from discarded tennis balls and cork; reuse of industrial leftovers; minimized waste through careful patterning; reversible design reduces the need for multiple garments.

Social

Collaborative work with mentors and suppliers; promotes awareness of circular fashion and the potential of industrial waste; emphasizes craftsmanship and human-centered design.

Financial

Unique, non-mass-produced piece; reuse of materials reduces production cost; multifunctionality extends garment lifespan and increases value without requiring high-cost materials.

A Message to Consumers

This piece tells the story of transformation and harmony between humans and technology. Every material has been thoughtfully chosen for sustainability, using recycled tennis ball waste and cork. Its reversible design adds versatility, allowing one garment to serve multiple purposes, while reflecting innovation, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility.

A Message to Future Learners

Embrace experimentation and think beyond conventional materials—sustainability often comes from creativity and repurposing what others discard. Pay attention to every detail, from material choice to construction, and be ready to adapt your design as challenges arise. Most importantly, stay curious and persistent, because each step teaches you how to combine innovation, functionality, and environmental responsibility.

Product Details

Product Name

Harmonious Utopia

Reference / SKU

VETRINE-BLK-S-00028

Color

Natural cork/beige with recycled tennis ball coatings

Size

Custom / one-of-a-kind

Weight

Light–medium (due to layered coatings and removable sleeves)

Quantity (if multi-pack)

1 (prototype / unique piece)

Materials Information

Composition

Coatings from recycled tennis balls (~70%), cork
(~30%), sustainable textile base, press studs for

removable components

Tennis ball coatings 100% recycled; cork 100%
renewable; piece fully reusable; removable components

 

Tennis ball waste coating – Lot ID TNB-REC-2026-01;
Cork coating – Lot ID CRK-REC-2026-01; Removable
sleeves components – Lot ID SLEEVES-01

Manufacturing & Supply Chain

1

Location

Portugal:: North region:: Porto

2

Date

Material acquisition: Jan 2026
Prototype construction: Feb–Mar 2026
Final piece: Mar 2026

3

Type of processes

Textile coating application, cutting, sewing, assembly,
application of press studs, reversible component

testing

 

supply chain map

  • Tier 4Raw material

    Industrial waste supplier – recycled tennis balls

  • Tier 3Material processing

    preparation of coatings

  • Tier 2Component manufacturing

    textile cutting, sewing, assembly

  • Tier 1Final assembly

    integration of removable components, final

    piece construction

Environmental & Social Impact

Upcycling of tennis balls, renewable cork,
modular/removable sleeves, reversible design, minimal
waste, no synthetic coatings beyond base textile, zero

microplastic risk

Tennis ball coatings 100% recycled; cork 100%
renewable; piece fully reusable; removable components

increase longevity; biodegradable/recyclable where

applicable

~100 hours of artisanal labor; materials mostly
industrial leftovers; cost reflects time/labor and one-of-

a-kind production

Care, Repair & Lifetime Extension

1

Care Instructions

Hand wash recommended, gentle cycle if machine washing, cold water, air dry; avoid harsh chemicals to preserve coatings

2

Repair Information

Sleeves and coatings can be replaced or repaired individually; textile base recyclable; cork and coatings 0biodegradable/repurposable