Folhas que Guardam Histórias
Student Name : CAMILLA GOMES
Mentor Name : GRACIA SOFIA
Company : GRACIA SOFIA
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, my project “Folhas que Guardam Histórias” evolved from a conceptual piece made entirely of real leaves into a practical garment combining natural leaves and raw cotton fabric. The first stage involved researching how to preserve leaves and test different textures, colors, and forms while maintaining their organic beauty. I learned early on that using 100% leaves was not feasible for execution and competition requirements, so I adapted the design to incorporate only 5% real leaves, complemented by raw cotton.
The next phase focused on testing manual versus digital techniques for attaching and layering the leaves, ensuring the piece retained its delicate yet sculptural silhouette. I experimented with layering, embroidery, and placement, constantly adjusting for balance, movement, and visual rhythm. One of the biggest challenges was achieving the desired decote (neckline) and arranging over a hundred leaves on the skirt while preserving fluidity and elegance.
Through trial and error, I found solutions such as zigzag stitching to seal the edges of cotton leaves and careful adjustments to the neckline and straps. The final months were dedicated to constructing the prototype, attaching the leaves, and testing the visual impact in different light and movement conditions. This journey taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of adapting materials without losing the concept’s essence. The final piece reflects both sustainability and the narrative strength of storytelling through natural elements.
Sustainability Aspect | Your Actions / Explanation |
|---|---|
Environmental | I used mostly raw cotton and only 5% real leaves, reducing the need for synthetic or resource-heavy materials. The leaves were either naturally collected or sourced as remnants, minimizing waste. All leftover fabric and materials were reused in the construction of the piece or for other creative experiments. |
Social | The project emphasizes artisanal work, preserving handcraft techniques such as embroidery and detailed leaf attachment. This approach highlights the value of manual labor and the creativity of makers, supporting a culture of slow fashion and appreciation for craftsmanship. |
Financial | By using leftover materials and focusing on small-scale, manual production, the piece was produced at low cost relative to its artistic value. Its durability and timeless design extend its lifespan, encouraging reduced consumption compared with mass-produced fast fashion. |
A Message to Consumers
I want voters to know that this piece celebrates nature, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Every leaf and stitch was carefully considered, turning natural materials and remnants into a wearable story. It’s more than a garment—it’s a reflection of patience, creativity, and respect for the environment. By choosing this piece, you honor both the beauty of nature and the value of artisanal work.
A Message to Future Learners
My advice is to embrace creativity while respecting materials and their limits. Start small, experiment, and don’t be afraid to adapt your ideas—sustainability often requires flexibility. Pay attention to every detail, from sourcing to finishing, and see challenges as opportunities to innovate. Most importantly, let your passion guide you, and remember that patience and care make your work truly meaningful.
Product Details
Product Name
“Entre Folhas” – Between Leaves
Reference / SKU
VETRINE-LEAFDRESS-0002026
Color
Earth tones (brown, caramel, beige, brown)
Size
One size adjustable / Customizable
Weight
Approx. 1.2 kg (due to layering and materials)
Quantity (if multi-pack)
1 prototype / limited edition
Materials Information
Composition
5% real dried leaves, 95% cotton (base and leaf shapes), cotton thread, beads, fabric paint
% Recycled Materials
Traceable assets (materials origin IDs, fibers batches)
Raw material: collected leaves (Portugal & Brazil) – natural unit;
Cotton fabric: Roll ID MUTTA-CRU-2026-01; Embroidery threads: Lot MUTTA-THREAD-01
Manufacturing & Supply Chain
1
Location
Portugal :: North region :: Porto
2
Date
Dec 25 -Jan 2026 (leaf collection & preparation)
Jan – March 2026 (cutting & sewing)
March 2026 (assembly & finishing)
3
Type of processes
Leaf drying, fabric cutting, leaf embroidery, zigzag sewing, beadwork, hand assembly
supply chain map
Tier 4Raw material
assembly of dress, final adjustments
Tier 3Material processing
cutting fabric, creating leaf shapes, embroidery
Tier 2Component manufacturing
leaf preparation (drying, glicerine treatment)
Tier 1Final assembly
Local nature / leaf collectors (Portugal & Brazil)
Environmental & Social Impact
Biodegradable materials, minimal waste, artisanal production, partially upcycled materials (cotton scraps), low energy consumption
Raw cotton fabric, cotton fabric scraps, crochet cotton thread, sewing cotton thread
120 hours of manual labor; materials mostly upcycled or natural; no mass-production cost; not priced for second-hand sale
Care, Repair & Lifetime Extension
1
Care Instructions
Hand wash gently in cold water; air dry; avoid direct sunlight on leaves; store flat or on hanger with support
2
Repair Information
Leaves and beads can be replaced individually; cotton base fully recyclable; remove non-biodegradable elements before disposal
