Vintage and sustainable fashion may be everywhere now, but back in 2014, things were different. That’s when RE/DONE, an eco-conscious denim brand, was born in Los Angeles. Fast-forward a decade, and the brand’s innovative recycled pieces are worn by Hollywood’s biggest names, including Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid. Now, RE/DONE is in the spotlight again, thanks to Mel Ottenberg—fashion expert, stylist, and editor-in-chief of *Interview Magazine*. “I wear a lot of jeans, mostly vintage ‘80s Levi’s 505s because they look great on the butt and have the perfect leg,” says Ottenberg. Inspired by his style, the “MEL by RE/DONE” denim uniform was created.
The collection features two washes of the MEL jeans (medium blue and light acid), a trucker jacket, the Club Mel graphic tee, and a range of recycled Levi’s 505s—each piece unisex and sustainable. The MEL jeans embrace a classic ‘80s style, with a high waist that can be worn tight and high or more relaxed. To honour RE/DONE’s heritage of upcycling Levi’s models, and because the 505 is Ottenberg’s signature style, a limited edition of recycled Levi’s 505s was made for the collection.
Sustainability is at the core of the MEL collection. The jeans and jacket are crafted from 100% organic cotton, while the RE/DONE/Levi’s 505 pieces are made entirely from recycled vintage denim. Even the graphic tees include 30% recycled cotton and are made using old-school tubular construction.
