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
% Recycled Materials
Tennis ball coatings 100% recycled; cork 100%
renewable; piece fully reusable; removable components
Traceable assets (materials origin IDs, fibers batches)
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

