Versatile Poncho
Student Name : TERESA SANTOS
Mentor Name : CLÁUDIA MACIEL
Company : ÁRVORE/MEAMSTYLE
Green Producer Diary
My Motivation
I was inspired to create a versatile garment that reflects African mobile art and cultural inspiration, while remaining functional and adaptable. Sustainability is important to me because I wanted to use deadstock fabrics, reduce waste, and create a piece that can be used in multiple ways, extending its lifespan and promoting conscious consumption.
My Vetrine Journey
Over the past eight months, I experimented with various materials and prototypes to achieve a garment that functions as a hoodie and two types of bags. I switched from raffia and feathers to Terry cloth to improve durability, washability, and sustainability. Key challenges included aligning the ideal visual concept with available materials, adjusting the hood mechanism, and resizing shoulder straps. Each challenge was addressed through prototyping, mentor guidance, and iterative design improvements. By testing and refining, I learned to make functional, appealing, and versatile pieces. Deadstock materials and multi-functional design became the core of the project. The final garment reflects both cultural inspiration and practicality. I also focused on minimizing waste and ensuring the piece could be reused or recycled. This iterative process taught me the importance of flexibility, patience, and creativity in sustainable fashion development.
Sustainability Aspect | Your Actions / Explanation |
|---|---|
Environmental | Used deadstock fabrics, Terry cloth instead of raffia for washability, simplified materials to reduce waste. |
Social | Considered fair trade principles and cultural respect, promoting creative expression. |
Financial | Small-scale production, versatile product for multiple functions to maximize value and longevity. |
A Message to Consumers
This piece shows how culture can inspire creativity and functionality in fashion. Every detail, from material choice to versatility, reflects a sustainable and thoughtful approach. I hope people appreciate both the aesthetic and the story behind it.
A Message to Future Learners
Trust the design process and be persistent, even when things don’t go as planned. Experiment with materials, embrace versatility, and don’t be afraid to adapt your ideas along the way. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate sustainably.
Product Details
Product Name
Versatile Poncho
Reference / SKU
VETRINE-PONCHO-TAKA-207126
Color
Neutral tones, versatile for multiple uses
Size
One standard size adaptable through design
Weight
Lightweight (depending on Terry cloth and haberdashery)
Quantity (if multi-pack)
1 – Single, handcrafted prototype; small-scale production possible
Materials Information
Composition
Terry cloth – 100% (deadstock)
Additional haberdashery (drawstrings, zipper) – Variable
% Recycled Materials
Terry cloth fabric, knit fabric, canvas, metal zipper (metal recyclable)
Traceable assets (materials origin IDs, fibers batches)
Knit fabric, Terry cloth, canvas, drawstrings, zipper, deadstock fabrics, and haberdashery items (buttons, straps, small accessories).
Manufacturing & Supply Chain
1
Location
Portugal :: NortH region :: Porto
2
Date
Raw materials sourced – 17/11/2025
Prototyping – 25/11/2025
Sewing & assembly – 12/01/2026
Final adjustments – 26/01/2026
3
Type of processes
Prototyping, pattern making, cutting, sewing, adjusting for multifunctionality (hood/bag), assembly, finishing.
supply chain map
Tier 4Raw material
Show the results to the company
Tier 3Material processing
In- person visit to pick up the materials
Tier 2Component manufacturing
In-person visit to the company, selection of materials
Tier 1Final assembly
Company choice and online reunion
Environmental & Social Impact
Terry cloth fabric, knit fabric, canvas, metal zipper (metal recyclable)
Recycled polyamide yarns
Not explicitly provided; mainly personal prototyping with deadstock materials, small-scale adjustments, and reusable components. 360H
Care, Repair & Lifetime Extension
1
Care Instructions
Machine wash Terry cloth, gentle cycle, hang to dry. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleaching to preserve durability.
2
Repair Information
Replace zippers and drawstrings as needed; the garment can be repurposed as bag or hoodie. At end-of-life, textiles can be recycled or used in new textile projects.
