Multifunctional Convertible Dress

Student Name : TOMÁS RODRIGUES

Mentor Name : ANA EUSÉBIO/RICARDO SILVA

Company : ÁRVORE/TINTEX

 

Tomas Rodrigeus 2
Tomas Rodrigeus 1

Green Producer Diary

My Motivation

I was inspired to create this multifunctional dress because I wanted a garment that adapts to different needs and looks, giving more options to the wearer. Sustainability is important to me because I wanted to use fabrics that are fully sustainable, including a 100% eco-friendly alternative to leather. I also wanted to reduce waste through careful cutting and multifunctionality, so one piece can serve many purposes. Overall, my goal was to combine creativity, practicality, and environmental responsibility in a single garment.

My Vetrine Journey 

Over the past eight months, I developed a short dress with removable oversized sleeves and a balaclava/hood, designed to be multifunctional and adaptable. I started by exploring sustainable fabrics, particularly alternatives to leather and 100% cotton sarge, and made sure all materials aligned with my sustainability goals. Early challenges involved sourcing the sustainable leather, but I was able to find a knit with a sustainable coating and cork rest, which solved the issue. I focused on cutting techniques to avoid fabric waste and tested how the garment could transform between different shapes without compromising comfort or fit. Prototype construction went smoothly, with the sleeves and dress completed first, and I added drawstrings to adjust the fit around the hips. I ensured multifunctionality was integrated from the start, making the piece wearable in multiple ways while extending its lifespan. Throughout the process, I maintained attention to circularity by using deadstock materials and minimizing waste. By the end, the final piece reflects the original concept, combining sustainability, versatility, and innovation seamlessly.

Sustainability Aspect

Your Actions / Explanation

Environmental

I used sustainable fabrics, including a 100% sustainable alternative to leather and cotton sarge, as well as deadstock materials, reducing waste and minimizing the need for new resources.

Social

I ensured that all materials were sourced from certified suppliers, respecting fair labor and ethical production standards, which supports responsible practices in the textile industry.

Financial

The garment is multifunctional and durable, allowing for multiple uses and extending its lifespan, while careful cutting and use of existing materials help keep production costs low and avoid unnecessary waste.

A Message to Consumers

I want people to know that this piece was designed with both sustainability and functionality in mind. Every fabric choice was carefully considered, and the garment’s multifunctionality means it can be worn in different ways, reducing the need for multiple pieces. I put a lot of thought into avoiding waste while keeping the design innovative and practical. It reflects a balance between creativity, responsibility, and style.

A Message to Future Learners

My advice is to plan everything carefully from the start, because thoughtful preparation makes the process much smoother. Work hard and stay committed to your ideas, but be flexible to adapt when needed. Pay attention to sustainability in every decision, from materials to construction. Most importantly, enjoy the process and take pride in creating something responsible and meaningful.

Product Details

Product Name

Multifunctional Convertible Dress

Reference / SKU

VETRINE-DR-01

Color

Black ( vegan leather)

Size

Small

Weight

5 kg

Quantity (if multi-pack)

1 prototype

Materials Information

Composition

Sustainable leather alternative (for hood and sleeves)

100% cotton sarge (main body of the dress)

Drawstrings and fastenings (trim components)

Cotton serge fabric (100% cotton), cork-based leather alternative (knit with cork coating)

Raw material – Sustainable leather alternative: Lot ID LEA-SUS-2026-001 (logistics unit: roll)

Fabric – 100% cotton sarge: Lot ID COT-SAR-2026-015 (logistics unit: bolt)

Trims – Drawstrings, fastenings: Lot ID TRM-ACC-2026-003 (logistics unit: package)

These items were used to create the multifunctional dress with removable sleeves, balaclava, and hood.

Manufacturing & Supply Chain

1

Location

Portugal :: North region :: Vila Nova de Famalicão

 

2

Date

Raw material sourcing: February–March 2026

Fabric preparation & coating application: March 2026

Prototype construction: March 2026

Adjustments & final piece completion: March 2026

3

Type of processes

Fabric cutting and pattern making;

Manual sewing and stitching of dress, sleeves, and hood;

Textile manipulation for removable sleeves and hood;

Assembly of multifunctional elements (balaclava, drawstrings, fastenings);

Quality control and final adjustments.

supply chain map

  • Tier 4Raw material

    Sustainable leather and cotton fibre suppliers

     

  • Tier 3Material processing

    Fabric manufacturers (knit coating, cotton sarge production)

     

  • Tier 2Component manufacturing

    Component preparation (drawstrings, fastenings, trims)

     

  • Tier 1Final assembly

    Garment assembler / workshop (manual construction of the multifunctional dress)

     

Environmental & Social Impact

Recyclability: Yes – fabrics are biodegradable or made from recycled content.

 

Microplastic impact: No synthetic microplastics; natural fibers and sustainable leather alternative used.

Certifications: Supplier certifications include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, B Corp, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, BCI, GOTS, OCS, LENZING™, GRS. These confirm both material sustainability and ethical production practices

Production time: Approximately 170 hours, including cutting, sewing, and assembling multifunctional elements.

Materials cost: Moderate to high, due to the sustainable leather alternative and certified cotton sarge.

 

Manufacturing cost: Low labor cost as production is small-scale and manual.

Transport cost: Minimal, as materials were sourced directly from trusted suppliers.

Pricing for second-hand sales: The multifunctionality and durability of the dress support resale value, allowing it to maintain price for second-hand or sustainable fashion markets

Care, Repair & Lifetime Extension

1

Care Instructions

Washing: Hand wash or gentle machine cycle with cold water to protect fabrics and finishes.

 

Drying: Air dry flat; avoid tumble drying to preserve shape and multifunctional elements.

Maintenance: Iron on low heat if necessary; handle removable sleeves and hood carefully.

Additional tips: Avoid harsh detergents or bleach to protect the sustainable leather alternative and natural fibers.

2

Repair Information

Repairs: Small tears or loose seams can be hand-stitched; replace drawstrings or fastenings if needed.

Component replacement: Removable sleeves and hood can be repaired or replaced individually to extend garment life.

Eco-friendly disposal: At end-of-life, separate natural fibers and biodegradable leather alternative for composting or recycling.

Upcycling: Fabric scraps or leftover pieces can be repurposed into accessories or patchwork items.