Our Story
— EVOLVING, CREATIVELY
Two girls, two different journeys, one common mission
the beginning
In a world dominated by fashion's environmental impact, we decided it was time to act — not just talk.
Shocked by the staggering waste of millions of tons of clothes every year, we believed creativity could become a catalyst for change.
So in 2021, we founded Appcycled — both online, with an MVP marketplace, and offline, with our first pop-up events.
Our slogan said it all: “Join the Appcycled Revolution.”
We launched our very first upcycled capsule collection together with designer Clarissa Balossi, and began building a community of independent creatives who turn waste into beauty.
From day one, our goal was clear: to give visibility and opportunities to designers working with upcycling, refashioning, and circular design.
And then, We Grew.
In 2023, we went full-time on the project, completely redesigned the website, and made our e-commerce more dynamic.
Our pop-ups evolved into real creative experiences — with workshops, talks, and team activities that brought our mission to life.
Soon, brands and businesses started reaching out: they asked us to help give their materials a new life — and connect them with the right creative talents to make it happen.
So we evolved, too.
Appcycled is no longer just a marketplace.
It’s a creative hub, a community, and a collaborative platform where sustainability meets design, and reuse becomes culture.
Today, we:
- Tell stories through our Instagram and Magazine, highlighting designers and artisans
- Run workshops, lessons, and team-buildings on upcycling and circular fashion
- Collaborate with brands to rethink waste through impact-free projects and gadgets
- Help producers and ateliers find new buyers for leftover fabrics — whether due to company closures or unsold stock from past collections
- Support a growing community of creatives working to change fashion from the inside out
What stays the same?
Our belief that sustainability should be desirable, not preachy.
That good design can save what’s already here.
And that creativity is our strongest tool for real, lasting change.
Founders
Our adventure began in the early days of the pandemic, with Diletta, our founder, giving her wardrobe a makeover. Armed with a sewing machine and ample time, she let her creativity flow, crafting pieces she wished to own from what she already had. In realization that every second we discard the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothes and textile remnants, Diletta was inspired to found Appcycled.
Valentina, co-founder and designer with over a decade of experience in visual design and fashion, joined Diletta's journey in mid-2021.
Together, they are actively rewriting the future of fashion.
AWARDS
Connections
