RECO: Transforming the worn-out into unique, for integration and autonomy.
Project dedicated 75% to the refugee population and 25% to the general public of Île-de-France.
About the RECO Program
The RECO program is a training, creative, and inclusive initiative focused on showcasing the value oftextile upcycling andcircular economy. It stands out for its approach with low costs and minimal investment, relying mainly on the used clothing as raw material. This strategy allows for significant financial savings, making the program particularly accessible. RECO aims at personal development, creative expression, as well as the social and professional integration of its participants.
The Three Pillars of the RECO Program
The RECO program is divided into three connected but separate parts. Starting with second-hand clothes and a small investment, you can use different upcycling techniques like sewing, customizing, and screen printing. These techniques let you express your identity, create unique fashion, or even start a business. By turning old materials into new opportunities, you can build something creative and practical
Claudia | The Fashion Pillar
An experimental design pillar dedicated to transforming used clothing into original and creative pieces.
Victorina | The Pillar of Self-Presentation Through Clothing
This is a journey where each person learns to tailor their outfits to better reflect their identity and the image they want to project.
Toro | The Circular Entrepreneurship Pillar
This component guides participants in developing their own business creation projects.
RECO: A Launchpad for Integration and Autonomy
Personal Development
Build your confidence and practical skills in recycling by working with second-hand textiles.
Creative Expression
Create unique fashion pieces by transforming used clothing.
Social Integration
Connect with a diverse group of participants through inclusive, low-cost textile workshops.
Professional Integration
Launch micro-enterprises focused on sustainable textile craftsmanship.
Target Audiences and Integration Synergy
RECO is aimed at asylum seekers and refugee populations, who make up 75% of our participants.
In addition, the program also includes people in professional reintegration, fashion, sewing or design students, and members of the general public, representing the remaining 25%. All participants reside in Île-de-France and are interested in sustainable development and innovative textile practices. They enrich the program in two ways: benefiting from the initiative themselves while also acting as key facilitators for the integration of refugee populations into the local social fabric.
Designed as a flexible and modular structure, RECO targets two distinct but complementary audiences.
RECO: CLAUDIA The Fashion Pillar
Textile creativity and experimental design
APPROACH: This pillar focuses on developing creativity throughupcycling and the transformation of second-hand clothing. The goal is to go beyond simple alteration and approach design as a form of artistic expression.
OBJECTIVE: Design unique, artistic, original, or even exotic pieces using exclusively reclaimed materials. The aim is to rethink used textiles to create new forms and concepts.
AUDIENCE: It is mainly aimed at people interested in creative design, fashion students, and those with a strong curiosity for exploration or a marked artistic sensitivity.
Deconstructed clothing, innovative textile interpretations, unconventional combinations, performative fashion.
Victorina | The Pillar of Self-Presentation Through Clothing
Identity and self-expression through clothing
Approach : This pillar aims to work on personal identity and self-image through the adjustment and reappropriation of used or second-hand clothing. The focus is on the ability to express oneself through one’s outfit.
Objective : Learn to adapt clothing to your personality and style without needing major investments or changing the outfits you already own. It’s about aligning your wardrobe image with the identity you want to project (for example: changing details, adjusting fit, repositioning buttons).
Audience : General public seeking identity expression through clothing
Moving buttons, adjusting sizes, discreet but meaningful customization.
Toro | The Circular Entrepreneurship Pillar
Entrepreneurship and professional autonomy
Approach : This pillar encourages the creation of sustainable, craft-based economic activities from accessible textile resources (second-hand clothing) and with a minimal investment.
Objective : Guide participants in launching micro-businesses based on upcycling clothing (repair, resale of transformed pieces, customization, etc.). The focus is on using reclaimed materials and accessible tools, such as a small sewing machine, potentially second-hand, with a minimal budget.
Audience : It targets individuals seeking economic independence, unemployed youth, and, more broadly, people engaged in professional reintegration efforts.
Development of mobile micro-workshops for alterations and repairs, creation of small recycled and customized clothing brands, or offering home sewing services based on upcycling.
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