Berlin's contemporary upcycling label, Plaid-à-Porter, revives the classic art of patchwork
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In the world of fashion, Estelle Adeline Trasoglu's brand Plaid-à-Porter is making waves. Known for upcycling vintage patchwork quilts into contemporary fashion, Trasoglu's commitment to sustainability and unique designs is gaining recognition.
Trasoglu's journey from a successful fashion journalism career to founding Plaid-à-Porter is not extensively documented. However, her involvement in the Berlin fashion scene as a jury member for the New Faces Award Style 2025, which recognises sustainability, innovation, creativity, and courage in fashion, suggests that her professional values align with upcycling and sustainability in fashion.
Plaid-à-Porter's luxury pricing strategy is based on the idea that investing in a unique, timeless piece is more cost-effective in the long run compared to buying cheap items frequently. Each vintage blanket or quilt yields enough material for up to four pieces, with scraps turned into clothes for toddlers or matching accessories.
Trasoglu's creations boast a muted boho look, thanks to the shapes typical of patchwork. This style conveniently made a comeback the same month Plaid-à-Porter launched its inaugural line in February, which included quilted coats, cropped jackets, zip-up skirts, and waistcoats. The first drop of crocheted tops and dresses made from these materials launched on Plaid-à-Porter's website in June.
Trasoglu's fashion journey began with a little jacket for her first child in 2021, which became the inspiration for Plaid-à-Porter. The first design of her collection was a jacket for her husband, Tamer. Turning vintage patchwork into a garment requires utmost precision, and Trasoglu meticulously arranges the sewing patterns to preserve the integrity of the valuable textiles.
Fashion-wise, Plaid-à-Porter will focus increasingly on pieces made from vintage tablecloths and handmade German lace. Trasoglu aims to reach people who appreciate the value of a unique and timeless piece and want to feel comfortable knowing that what they're wearing caused minimal harm to the environment.
Trasoglu finds vintage quilts primarily in online forums, vintage markets, and auctions. She is also working on a sustainability report for Plaid-à-Porter's website to offer full transparency on the environmental friendliness of her designs.
Trasoglu views her fashion as a "creative rebellion against throwaway culture". She is advocating for investing in high-quality, long-lasting fashion pieces instead of consuming cheap items season after season. In July, Trasoglu will showcase two looks at Berlin Fashion Week's Berliner Salon, marking her first major milestone as a designer.
Before founding her brand, Trasoglu worked as a fashion journalist for 10 years, writing for the industry's most renowned publications, including German Vogue. Despite lacking formal qualifications, Trasoglu is not worried about being taken seriously in the fashion industry. She is focused on the financial risks associated with starting her own brand.
Patchwork, the sartorial art form at the heart of Plaid-à-Porter, dates back to ancient Egypt. With its roots steeped in history and a focus on sustainability, Plaid-à-Porter is a brand that is not just making fashion statements, but also making a difference.
- Trasoglu's goal is to extend her sustainable and unique fashion-style beyond clothing, as she plans to venture into 'sustainable living' by utilizing vintage tablecloths and handmade German lace to create home-and-garden decor items that align with her commitment to upcycling and the environment.
- Recognizing the value of investing in timeless and sustainable pieces, Trasoglu aims to reach consumers interested not only in fashion-and-beauty but also in lifestyle solutions that contribute to 'sustainable living' and minimize harm to the environment, offering a holistic approach to her brand, Plaid-à-Porter.
