Zero Waste Daniel Turns Nuuly’s Retired Denim into Patchwork Pieces
A new partnership between Nuuly and Daniel Silverstein (a.k.a. Zero Waste Daniel) takes denim out of retirement.
The Urban Outfitters-owned rental brand tapped the sustainable designer for a 10-piece collection constructed with 1,300 of Nuuly’s retired denim pieces.
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The Re_Nuuly x Zero Waste Daniel collection, which showcases Silverstein’s signature patchwork design, turns the concept of upcycling into a veritable butterfly effect. The collection utilizes butterfly motifs, symbolizing the transformation of upcycled garments. It spans bustiers and tanks, jogger pants, shorts, dresses and a jacket.
Known for using pre-consumer waste from New York City’s garment industry as well as hard-to-recycle materials in his collections, Silverstein also upcycled materials from URBN partner FabScrap to embellish the new pieces.
The collection is available now to rent on Nuuly or can be purchased for $300-$400.
Silverstein said creating this upcycled collection for Nuuly has been “a dream” considering he’s envisioned large-scale collaborations with major brands since he launched his label nearly 10 years ago.
“I hope those who wear these designs feel the love that makes my work magical,” Silverstein said. “I genuinely believe you can feel the love that every garment worker’s hands put into their work. From deconstruction to the final pressing, each piece passes through so many hands, including my own.”
The collaboration also introduces Silverstein’s work to a new audience. “I strive to demonstrate that we can add time and talent to these retired garments, transforming them into something new right here in New York City,” Silverstein said. “The Nuuly subscriber differs slightly from the [Zero Waste Daniel] customer—both are fashion-forward and chic. However, with this collection, I had the opportunity to explore more classically feminine shapes and work with more woven fabrics.”
The collection is part of Re_Nuuly, an upcycling initiative aimed at reducing clothing waste by reimagining damaged rentals as the source material of new styles.
Since 2021, Re_Nuuly has extended the life of over 5,800 previously retired garments, allowing the URBN umbrella to reduce clothing waste and increase product longevity through partnerships with emerging brands, artists and local manufacturers.
Previous Re_Nuuly collaborators include the L.A.-based fashion brand Carleen, a fashion line dedicated to using only found and pre-existing materials, and a cohort of students from Drexel University, among others.
“We were thrilled to team up with Zero Waste Daniel, a visionary designer who perfectly embodies our commitment to circularity,” said Sky Pollard, Nuuly’s head of product. “Daniel’s signature zero-waste approach aligns perfectly with our Re_Nuuly program and transforming over a thousand pieces from our retired rental inventory into an entirely new capsule collection is a testament to his creativity and dedication to minimizing fashion’s environmental impact.”
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