In the 1940s, American fashion designer Claire McCardell revolutionized womenswear with practical, stylish designs that embraced freedom and movement. One of her most iconic creations was the Pop-up Dress—a piece that was as effortless as it was elegant. McCardell even made versions in denim, proving that practical fabrics can be just as stylish as they are functional.
Decades later, I made my own version using nothing but old red and black jeans from my closet and thrift stores. I didn’t just repurpose the jeans as they were—I carefully took them apart, breaking them down into raw fabric before reconstructing them into something entirely new. Along the way, I repaired tears in the fabric using embroidery inspired by the Japanese technique of Sashiko, a method that embraces visible mending as both an art form and a way to extend a garment’s life.
Maya brought this dress to life and seeing her in it reminded me why I love working with reclaimed materials. Every stitch tells a story, every fabric scrap holds a past. Sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste, it’s about reimagining what we already have and turning it into something beautiful.
This same idea is at the heart of Miri and Jade’s New Clothes—showing kids and adults alike, that old clothes can spark creativity and new beginnings. 💚♻️
The Story Behind the Dress
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Posted: March 2, 2025 by Mical Rezoni With Assaf Rezoni
In the 1940s, American fashion designer Claire McCardell revolutionized womenswear with practical, stylish designs that embraced freedom and movement. One of her most iconic creations was the Pop-up Dress—a piece that was as effortless as it was elegant. McCardell even made versions in denim, proving that practical fabrics can be just as stylish as they are functional.
Decades later, I made my own version using nothing but old red and black jeans from my closet and thrift stores. I didn’t just repurpose the jeans as they were—I carefully took them apart, breaking them down into raw fabric before reconstructing them into something entirely new. Along the way, I repaired tears in the fabric using embroidery inspired by the Japanese technique of Sashiko, a method that embraces visible mending as both an art form and a way to extend a garment’s life.
Maya brought this dress to life and seeing her in it reminded me why I love working with reclaimed materials. Every stitch tells a story, every fabric scrap holds a past. Sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste, it’s about reimagining what we already have and turning it into something beautiful.
This same idea is at the heart of Miri and Jade’s New Clothes—showing kids and adults alike, that old clothes can spark creativity and new beginnings. 💚♻️
Category: Blog