Living Garment – A Transforming, Biodegradable Piece

Student Name : Camila Castro

Mentor Name : GRACIA SOFIA

Company : ÁRVORE/GRACIA SOFIA

Camila Castro 5
camila Castro 4
Camila Castro 3
Camila Castro 2
Camila Castro 7
Camila Castro 6

Green Producer Diary

My Motivation

I was inspired to create a garment that adapts to the body and can be worn in different ways. I wanted to explore texture, elasticity, and versatility through knit fabrics. Sustainability is important to me because I chose natural and recycled materials, such as cotton and recycled knit, which make the garment biodegradable and reduce waste. I also wanted to create a unique piece that can adapt to different body types and last longer through its versatility.

My Vetrine Journey 

I began by researching and comparing different fabrics such as cotton, linen, recycled knit, and woven net. This helped me understand how materials and production methods influence texture, comfort, durability, and sustainability. I decided to work mainly with knit fabrics because they adapt better to the body and provide elasticity and versatility. During the construction process, I realized the garment could not function without fastenings, so I added them and made small adjustments. Another challenge was the weight of the garment, which turned out heavier than expected. I also added drawstrings so the piece could adapt better to different body areas and be worn in different ways. One of the most important outcomes was creating a garment that can be worn in three different ways, increasing its versatility and lifespan. Throughout the process, I focused on using natural materials, manual production, and designing a unique piece adaptable to different body types.

Sustainability Aspect

Your Actions / Explanation

Environmental

I used natural and recycled materials such as 100% cotton knit and recycled knit. These materials are biodegradable and reduce the need for new resources. The garment was also produced manually on a small scale, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Social

The garment was developed with the support of my mentor and produced through a manual process. The design focuses on adaptability to different body types, making it more inclusive and accessible.

Financial

The garment is a unique piece that can be worn in three different ways, which increases its versatility and lifespan. This reduces the need to buy multiple garments and supports more conscious consumption.

A Message to Consumers

This garment was created to explore versatility, comfort, and sustainability. It is a unique piece made from natural and recycled materials and can be worn in three different ways. The design adapts to different body types, extending the life of the garment. Through this project, I wanted to show that creativity and sustainability can work together to create meaningful fashion.

A Message to Future Learners

Always consider the materials and the construction of your garment from the beginning of the design process. It is important to think about sustainability, durability, and how the piece can adapt to different body types. Be prepared to make changes during the process, because design rarely works exactly as planned. Each adjustment is part of learning and improving the final result.

Product Details

Product Name

Living Garment – A Transforming, Biodegradable Piece

 

Reference / SKU

VETRINE-VEST-WHI-M-002603

Color

Natural tones (cotton-based)

 

Size

One size adaptable

 

Weight

Medium-light, varies with wear

Quantity (if multi-pack)

1 prototype

Materials Information

Composition

Cotton fabric – 100% natural, biodegradable, leftover/recycled material; malleable and suitable for garment construction.
Additional haberdashery – Small quantities used for structural support, ribbons, and elastic elements to manage stretching; exact % not specified.

100% cotton fabric, recycled/leftover cotton textile materials

100% cotton fabric (recycled/leftover)
Threads, haberdashery, supporting ribbons

Manufacturing & Supply Chain

1

Location

Portugal :: North region :: Porto

2

Date

Raw material sourced (cotton fabric received)
2026-01-15
Prototype construction started
2026-02-05
Prototype adjustments
2026-03-01
Final piece construction
2026-03-15

3

Type of processes

Material sourcing, cutting, sewing, structural reinforcement, finishing, prototyping/testing.

supply chain map

  • Tier 4Raw material

    Cotton production (raw material source – natural cotton)

  • Tier 3Material processing

    Cotton processing into fabric (industrial cotton fabric production – specific company not specified)

  • Tier 2Component manufacturing

    Textile environment providing leftover/recycled cotton fabric

  • Tier 1Final assembly

    Garment construction and assembly by the designer (Camila Castro), with mentor guidance (Gracia Sofia)

     

Environmental & Social Impact

Recyclable: Yes, Microplastics: No

100% cotton fabric, recycled/leftover cotton textile materials

Production time and associated costs ( materials, components, manufacturing, production and transport and pricing for second-hand sales)

Care, Repair & Lifetime Extension

1

Care Instructions

Gentle hand wash or cold machine wash; allow natural drying; handle with care to preserve natural evolution of fabric.

2

Repair Information

Repair with compatible threads; if discarded, compostable or recyclable as natural cotton.