Against Fast Fashion From the sky to the street: fashion from discarded sails

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a unique initiative is transforming retired kite sails into high-quality clothing and accessories, offering an alternative to fast fashion. Lucas Desimone, an Argentine textile entrepreneur, has been repurposing old kite, parachute, and paragliding sails into jackets, backpacks, and bags for over ten years. The project, under his brand BAUMM, highlights sustainable practices by giving new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded. Each product is crafted from high-tech fabric that was once used in flight or on water, now transformed into wearable items with durability and aesthetic appeal. The inspiration behind this endeavor came from Switzerland, where famous bags made from truck tarps have long been a symbol of upcycled design. Desimone’s approach, however, emphasizes the uniqueness of each material. “The material dictates the fashion,” he says. Unlike traditional fashion collections that follow seasonal trends, BAUMM’s designs are driven by the characteristics of the fabric itself, its color, texture, and condition. This method ensures that no two pieces are alike, making each item a one-of-a-kind creation. María Salgado, a designer working with BAUMM, explains that the process involves creating patterns and prototypes in the studio, while actual sewing takes place in workshops. “Each piece is unique because the fabrics can’t be cut in bulk, they’re all different,” she notes. Some of the sails are purchased by the company, while others are donated by individuals who have emotional attachments to them. Many donors share stories of their first flights, requesting that the company create a bag or jacket from the material, allowing them to keep the rest. Each finished product includes a label detailing its origin, including how many hours it spent in the air and whether it was used as a kite or parachute. According to company estimates, several hundred units are sold monthly, primarily through online channels and internationally. While Desimone acknowledges that his products cater to a niche market, he believes such initiatives contribute to raising collective awareness about circular economy principles among consumers. His goal is to create beautiful items that convey meaningful ideas. Similar efforts are being observed in Zurich, Switzerland, where Nina Bachmann, a member of the executive board at Swiss Textiles, follows these projects with interest. She emphasizes the importance of circular economy concepts that consider the entire lifecycle of materials. “We don’t just take resources, use them, and throw them away,” she says. Instead, Swiss Textiles aims to promote initiatives that extend the lifespan of materials through repair, recycling, and upcycling. By involving more stakeholders in the process, they aim to produce more engaging and sustainable products. Desimone does not rely on moral arguments to combat fast fashion. Rather, he seeks to make upcycling visible in everyday life, ensuring that discarded materials continue to serve a purpose beyond their initial use. His work exemplifies how creative solutions can transform waste into valuable goods, contributing to broader environmental goals. As the demand for sustainable alternatives grows, initiatives like BAUMM offer practical models for reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption.