In collaboration with Homeboy Industries, GUESS has developed a unique process to give new life to old clothing. By transforming recycled pieces into fun, fashionable creations, GUESS is building a new pathway to being fabulously sustainable. Sustainability is at the heart of all that GUESS does, and the Company’s partnership with the non profit Homeboy Industries represents this commitment.
GUESS will work directly with Homeboy Recycling, a social enterprise branch of Homeboy Industries on the new Upcycled Collection. In partnering with GUESS, Homeboy Recycling has expanded from exclusively electronics recycling into the world of textiles and apparel. GUESS and Homeboy Recycling have created not only a remarkable new line of goods and apparel, but a new way to support environmental sustainability, facilitate creativity, create new jobs, and uplift our community upcycled with a whole lot of heart.
It is with absolute pride that GUESS announces the Upcycled Collection. A collection unlike any other, because no two pieces are alike. Transforming recycled clothing yields distinctly unique pieces, and that is its ultimate appeal. Tote bags, patchwork denim, bustiers, and even throw pillows upcycled fashion for everyone. The Upcycled Collection is a sustainable, fashionable, purposeful way to shop‐the truest form of circular fashion.
“Homeboy Industries is grateful for the partnership with GUESS for the Upcycled Collection. We thank GUESS for supporting our mission to provide hope, training, and support to this marginalized population, allowing them to change the arc of their lives and become contributing members of the community. Homeboy Industries provides comprehensive trauma‐informed, wrap‐around support services such as tattoo removal, mental health services, education, legal, housing navigation, case management, workforce development, and job training,” says Chris Zwicke, CEO of Homeboy Industries. “Through this partnership, our employees at our fastest growing social enterprise, Homeboy Recycling, will gain more job skills and training, which we are very excited about.”
“The Upcycled Collection in collaboration with Homeboy Industries is designed with the hope that each piece can give purpose to a member of the community who can learn the skills needed to turn discarded merchandise into desirable, commodified items with an eye to the fashion set. The designs are determined by the resources at hand, which are carefully organized and sorted. The product range is fashion to non‐fashion pieces, so there is something for everyone. And the true joy is the wonderment around the former life of each piece and how it came to be,” says Amy Enuke, Young Contemporary Design Director.
With GUESS’ commitment to circular fashion and Homeboy Recycling’s foundation of sustainability, this partnership is the launching pad for a new kind of sustainable fashion one that not only supports the environment but also directly supports our communities.