Sustainability and circular economy are becoming increasingly important in both the car and fashion industries. ‘Car Couture’, a new innovative Belgian fashion label by Antwerp-based upcycling artist Valentine Tinchant, brings these principles together by giving discarded automotive materials a second life as stylish clothing and accessories.

Upcycling car materials
End-of-life vehicles often still contain numerous high-quality materials that can be reused and are suitable for a second life. Examples include leather and fabrics from seat covers, seat belts and airbag tissue. For ‘Car Couture’, initiator Febelauto collected various interior materials of end-of-life vehicles to transform them into stylish fashion items.

Local production with social impact
For the ‘Car Couture’ project, Febelauto and Valentine Tinchant collaborated with a Belgian social sewing workshop. This not only reduced the ecological footprint (local production) but also gave people who are vulnerable on the job market a chance to develop new skills and actively participate in the circular economy.

Unique and sustainable fashion
Valentine Tinchant developed clutches and car-lets, as well as 2 stylish outfits. Each piece of ‘Car Couture’ is unique, thanks to the variation in reused materials. This gives the collection an exclusive character and shows that fashion and sustainability can perfectly go hand in hand. Careful attention was paid to the finishing, so that the pieces are not only circular, but also of high quality.

An inspiring example
This Febelauto project is a showcase to demonstrate that interior materials in end-of-life cars can be reused. With ‘Car Couture’, Febelauto proves that innovative upcycling solutions contribute to a more sustainable world. By giving discarded materials from the automotive industry, a new life in the fashion world, the management organisation sets an inspiring example for other sectors.