Materials
At r.l.e, the selection of raw materials is guided by a steadfast commitment to sustainability, prioritizing natural and recycled fibers like cotton, silk, linen, alpaca, wool, and mohair. When pursuing sustainability, r.l.e recognizes that we should not only use natural fibres but also create fashion pieces that last longer. Therefore, we contemplate using materials containing nylon or recycled nylon components for a few styles that come with raw edge designs, as incorporating nylon ensures the design's longevity.
r.l.e remains dedicated to continuously exploring innovative and eco-friendly materials, always seeking new ways to combine sustainability with creativity, and crafting pieces that stand the test of time.
r.l.e trim choice: Sea shell buttons with r.l.e's logo
r.l.e Silk Labels for bags and accessories collection
r.l.e Labels made from Pre-Consumed Polyester
Sustainable Journey
In our production chain, we recycle every cut piece of pattern paper and fabric and remake them into brand labels and shopping bags.
After the handmade paper dry, specific elements from different collections will be printed onto the paper by using screen printing. At the end, we stamp our logo onto the paper. This process produces matchless labels, just like r.l.e's core concept: we are special.
r.l.e believes that sustainability is not just about wearing an organic t-shirt: it must be a way of life.
Remaking the waste paper
Qixin and her team gather all of the cut-out leftover fabrics, cut them into stripes and turn them into 3D Yarns; they then wove and crocheted them into accessories, shoes and clothes, to make sure that nothing at all went to waste.
r.l.e's core message throughout all of their collections remains the same, they look to advocate that sustainability should be a way of life and not just a phase or chore; sustainability is about giving our waste a second chance at life and creating a continuous lifecycle rather than appreciating it for one purpose and then disposing of it; much like that of a flower blooming and wilting throughout the seasons, nothing should ever be forgotten, everything deserves the chance to be beautiful again
Remake the cut piece fabric into 3D yarns and made them into accessories and creative projects
Shoes made from the cut piece fabric of Women's SS23 Collection
Handwoven Narratives: Sustainability in the Spring/Summer 2024 Collection
Silk organza scraps are meticulously collected by the r.l.e atelier team and transformed into 3D fabric yarns and structures using the 'Yuan 圆' knotting technique, first introduced in r.l.e's Spring/Summer 2024 collection.
Handwoven Narratives: Sustainability in the Spring/Summer 2025 Collection
In the SS25 collection, r.l.e emphasizes the technique of hand weaving, seamlessly integrating it into the narrative of sustainability. After thoughtfully selecting materials and colors, r.l.e crafted unique pieces of fabric by weaving fabric strips with 3D fabric yarns, which was then transformed into one-of-a-kind garments.
r.l.e tissue paper is printed with soy-based inks, on FSC-certified paper, and is Acid, sulphur, and lignin-free. It is 100% Compostable, Recyclable, and made from recycled materials.
Package
r.l.e feels that filling the sustainability with every corner is our responsibility. We collaborates with several different FSC certificated supplier for our package design and production, which are made from eco-friendly, compostable or recycled materials.
r.l.e mail bag is made of PLA+PBAT, which is 100% compostable. It can be composted within 180 days.