Istanbul’s Circular Fashion Collective: A culture of value over waste
The Circular Fashion Collective is spearheading waste reduction by offering innovative solutions for repurposing clothing through its workshop programs and reuse swap events, and underscores that sustainable fashion is not merely an option but a vital necessity
11.03.2025
Upon entering the inviting yet unpretentious space of the Circular Fashion Collective (Döngüsel Moda Kolektifi) in Yeldeğirmeni, Istanbul, one is immediately greeted by vibrant counters and the energetic hum of creativity at work. Linen fabric is artfully draped over wooden tables, accompanied by naturally dyed yarns, threads, and textiles at various stages of processing. Each element attests to the collective’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, as every material and accessory tells a story of transformation, bridging heritage craftsmanship with innovative design.
Founded by Yasemin Uluçınar, the collective embraces sustainable fashion and upcycling, seeking to revive fading crafts through a modern lens. Its mission is to establish production methods that create lasting value rather than waste. Through an array of workshops and events held in Yeldeğirmeni, the collective actively promotes sustainable fashion. Yet, Uluçınar believes that for sustainability to permeate everyday life, resources, and eco-friendly materials must become more accessible, and a transformative shift is required among designers, producers, and production practices alike.
Circular fashion holds immense potential to reshape the future of the industry. With the climate crisis intensifying, evolving consumption habits have become imperative. Long-term forecasts suggest that production processes will undergo a radical transformation, resource use will be minimized, and products will be designed for durability. Initiatives like the Circular Fashion Collective not only bridge the gap between individual needs and industry practices but also play a pivotal role in raising public awareness and educating future fashion professionals about the principles of circularity.
“Designers and consumers bear a shared responsibility to champion sustainability when 70 percent of Turkey’s annual fiber production ends up as waste.”
In Turkey, where circular fashion remains a niche adopted primarily by boutique designers, there is a pressing need to broaden its appeal and influence both consumer and producer behavior. The collective is actively working to engage a wider audience through programs at the Devridaim (Perpetuation) Institute – the name of their space in Yeldeğirmeni, not far from Kadıköy’s pier – as well as through dynamic events like the Cloth Swapping Festival.
Reviving craftsmanship to counter waste
It is imperative that consumers understand the significance of sustainability. In an industry overwhelmed by waste, producers can only align with the growing demand for eco-conscious alternatives if consumers adopt more mindful preferences. As Uluçınar observes, “Designers and consumers bear a shared responsibility to champion sustainability, especially when 70 percent of Turkey’s annual fiber production ends up as waste.” Initiatives such as sustainability counseling, workshops, and awareness programs at the Devridaim Institute play a crucial role in this transformative process.
Drawing inspiration from the rich crafts heritage of the Cappadocia region, the Circular Fashion Collective continuously broadens its engagement with designers, students, and artisans. Through a series of workshops —ranging from flax cultivation to the use of biodegradable materials— the collective not only fosters innovative upcycling techniques but also celebrates the unique creations of its participants with exhibitions at the end of each season. Recently, applications for its fourth training program of the year were closed.
Devridaim Institute, located in Kadıköy Yeldeğirmeni, organises a Swapping Festival on the first Saturday of every month. Photo: Delal Meltem Demir
“At the Circular Fashion Collective, we believe in the power of hands-on experience,” explains Uluçınar. “Our comprehensive five-month training program combines practical workshops with theoretical instruction and expert presentations.” The program covers a wide array of disciplines, including natural dyeing, textile repair, flax planting, repurposing waste into new products, production with biodegradable materials, and the revival of traditional crafts.
The collective’s focus on linen epitomizes its commitment to sustainability. Linen is celebrated not only for its durability and breathability but also for its environmental friendliness — being derived from flax, which is cultivated using time-honored, sustainable methods and is fully biodegradable. Over the past three years, the collective has been growing flax in Cappadocia while prioritizing natural dyeing processes.
The training program provides methods for creating clothing products using natural, biodegradable fabrics and yarns. Photo: Circular Fashion Collective
A standout event was last year’s natural dyeing workshop held at the Zeytinburnu Medicinal Plants Garden, which sought to revive the age-old tradition of dyeing fabrics with pigments from plants, roots, and fruits. By imparting these techniques to aspiring fashion producers, the collective ensures that participants acquire new skills and ample opportunities for practical application. At season’s end, the creations of all participants are showcased in an exhibition in Istanbul, a celebration that marks both a conclusion and a new beginning.
This exhibition is not merely a finale but a vital element of an ongoing cycle. The collective inspires some participants to launch their own sustainable brands, and Uluçınar notes, “Feedback shows that individual awareness increases, prompting meaningful actions toward sustainability.” Ultimately, the aim is to see sustainable fashion evolve beyond a niche market, engaging a broader audience in a transformative culture of production and exchange.
“One person’s used item is another person’s new”
A tangible manifestation of the Circular Fashion Collective’s sustainability vision is its promotion of an exchange culture. The vibrant stands at the Devridaim Institute host a monthly Swapping Festival, uniting individuals committed to reusing second-hand treasures.
During the festival, rows of stalls brim with colorful fabrics, second-hand books, and worn clothes, evoking the atmosphere of a lively flea market. The organizers strive to reintegrate unused items into circulation, curbing consumerism and nurturing a spirit of sharing. Their motto —“One person’s used item is another’s new”— perfectly encapsulates this philosophy.
“I exchanged items for the hat and necklace I now wear, swapping clothes I no longer use for ones I might.”
Hande Kars, one of the event’s organizers, asserts that the exchange transcends conventional shopping, fostering community and encouraging conscious consumption. “Participants leave with a sense of fulfillment, having given new life to items they no longer need and experienced sustainable living firsthand. They eagerly anticipate more events like this,” she explains.
Visitors can exchange their used clothing, accessories, and books, and find new favorites at the swapping event. Photo: Delal Meltem Demir
Held on the first Saturday of every month, the Swapping Festival is intended to become a permanent community fixture, welcoming participants of all ages. “We impose no age restrictions… In fact, we even organize special exchange days for children to cultivate a culture of sharing,” Kars notes. By promoting the swap of clothes and other items, the initiative not only preserves cultural heritage but also inspires a thoughtful reassessment of consumption habits.
Conversations with festival attendees revealed overwhelmingly positive experiences, with many embracing swapping as a regular practice. Bengisu, a returning participant, shared, “This is my second Swapping Festival. I even brought a friend, Tuna. I carefully curated the clothes I no longer wear and exchanged them for items I cherished at other stands. It was an incredibly productive day.”
Bengisu (right) and Tuna at the swapping event. Photo: Delal Meltem Demir
At the fair, the exchange extends beyond mere transactions. Participants share the stories and personal meanings behind each item. This practice transforms a simple swap into an opportunity for reflection on consumption and a way to forge new connections.
First-time attendee Beyza described the event as remarkably productive. “I exchanged items for the hat and necklace I now wear, swapping clothes I no longer use for ones I might. If they fall out of favor, I’ll exchange them again in a few months. Rather than constantly buying new items, we focus on reusing what we already own. Events like this break the cycle of endless consumption, and I hope to see more of them,” she remarked.
Beyza tells us that it’s the first time at the Swapping Festival. Photo: Delal Meltem Demir
For Beyza, the exchange is not just a transaction: it ensures that items imbued with sentimental value find new life in the hands of those who appreciate them. “I still use gifts from former partners and friends. Sometimes, I come across ideas suggesting that objects carry energy warranting their disposal. However, I prefer not to discard or burn them as advised. Instead of discarding these items, I pass them on to others, cherishing the shared history they represent. I even brought a trinket from a former partner that I couldn’t swap this time, but I plan to exchange it at the next fair.”
In today’s era of shopping malls and e-commerce, marketing campaigns and social media influencers relentlessly drive unnecessary consumption. Yet, circular fashion transcends mere trends: it is essential for our planet’s future. Collaborative efforts by various organizations highlight the imperative for brands, consumers, and civil society to work together to accelerate this transformation. Although larger brands have often struggled to adapt, Yasemin Uluçınar remains optimistic. “Changing consumption patterns and new regulations will inevitably force necessary adjustments,” she says. At the heart of this evolution are initiatives that celebrate curiosity, sharing, and collective responsibility.
This article was published as part of a program supported by the UK Ankara Embassy’s Bilateral Cooperation Programme. The content of this article is solely the responsibility of P24. The UK Embassy cannot be held liable for the information provided in this article.
