Sustainable Style: Re/Done

Every week we feature a sustainable brand on our blog. This week's featured brand is Re/Done.

What's better than a vintage pair of Levi's that has that much coveted authentic worn in look? A vintage pair of Levi's that's been re-constructed in a modern cut that's what. This concept is the foundation of the Los Angeles based brand Re/Done, vintage Levi's re-imagined in of the moment styles like the skinny and boyfriend cuts.

Launched last year with only 50 units in inventory, most styles were sold out in only a few hours. Not surprising considering the celebrity appeal that the brand enjoys. Jaime Mazur, one of the brands's co-founders is the long time fiancee of Victoria's Secret angel Alessandra Ambrosio who is regularly photographed wearing the brand. Models Gigi Hadid, Elsa Hosk and Erin Wasson as well as actress Jennifer Lawrence are also fans of the brand.

The vintage Levi's are sourced from 'rag houses', so called because they pay charities and county run donation collection centers pennies by the pound for right to be the first sort through the over 2 billion pounds of clothing donated by Americans every year. Less than 1 percent of this haul is considered good enough to make it into vintage stores like Resurrection in New York or into the hands of Jamie who does the buying for Re/Done.

The vintage Levi's are then taken apart at the seams and cut into the desired Re/Done styles be it denim shorts or jeans, a sustainable alternative to sourcing denim fabric from a mill like most other brands. Each resulting piece is truly one of a kind since every vintage pair of Levi's has a unique history. Perhaps that rip near the knee was because the previous owner, a trucker, ripped his Levi's while changing a tire on his big rig or maybe that whiskering was caused by gaining a few extra pounds after being out on the road for too long. The mystery of it all is the appeal, and we're here for it.

In an effort to keep the pricing comparable to other premium denim brands and because there are only limited quantities available in each style and size, the brand is only available for purchase on their e-commerce site. While the site shows how each cut looks like on a model, each piece has a unique serial number and the customer receives exactly what they selected online.

What's not to love about vintage denim that is made in the USA? I put together a couple of outfit ideas to inspire you. Enjoy!