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United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development

JVLAURNT/UPCYCLED

JVLAURNT (
Partnership
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#SDGAction56692
Description
Description

JVLAURNT is a New York City-based contemporary fashion brand dedicated to creating timeless, non-disposable pieces rooted in a vision of circularity. Focused on purpose-driven design and lifestyle functionality, JVLAURNT redefines slow fashion by crafting garments that prioritize quality, utility, and a commitment to responsible / small - batch production.  

As part of its commitment to sustainability, JVLAURNT/UPCYCLED transforms pre-owned, thrifted garments into fresh, innovative designs. This initiative embodies JVLAURNT’s belief in the creative potential of upcycling and its mission to reduce waste while celebrating unique, reimagined styles. 

JVLAURNT actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligning its initiatives with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through inclusive, circular fashion, meaningful community engagements, and collaborations with both creative and private sectors, JVLAURNT builds awareness and advocates for collective action toward sustainable development. 

Jennifer Laurantius, founder and designer of JVLAURNT, also certified in Human Rights education, ensuring the highest standards of ethical accountability across all brand and initiative practices. Her commitment to social impact extends to educating and inspiring young creatives, fostering inclusive spaces for dialogue, and championing the transformative power of sustainable fashion. 

Implementation of the Project/Activity

JVLAURNT’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and social impact is reflected through strategic achievements and engagements, including: 

- February 2020: Awarded as one of the winning team in Adidas NYC’s Genderless and Upcycling Contest, showcasing innovative approaches to circular fashion.  

- May 2023: Participated in a Circular Fashion Show at Bronx Community High School, featuring a Q&A and video demonstration on upcycling to inspire and educate local youth. 

- August 2023: Participated in the True Colors Arts Festival, partnering with GPA Incorporated to support minority-owned businesses, local artists, and emerging youth talents. 

- July 2023: Served as a fashion panelist at the Modern Day Wife Soirée En Blanc event in Los Angeles, promoting the values of upcycling and circular fashion. 

- September 2023: Delivered insights as a guest speaker at the Stil Trust styling platform webinar, focusing on sustainable styling ideas.  

- October 2024: Achieved certification as a Human Rights Consultant, enhancing JVLAURNT’s commitment to ethical standards and accountability. 

- November 2024 (planned): Engaged as a virtual guest speaker at Manhattanville University Clark Center to discuss mental health, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), insights from the 2024 General Assembly’s Summit of the Future, and human rights. 

- December 2024 (planned): Invited as a virtual guest speaker for the Modern Day Wife Webinar to explore the integration of SDGs within the fashion industry. 

Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer

JVLAURNT actively facilitates knowledge sharing across the fashion industry and its beneficiaries through participation in community events, educational discussions, and digital content focused on ethical and sustainable practices. By prioritizing partnerships with local small businesses, including nonprofit thrift stores, family-owned fabric shops, and women-owned boutiques, JVLAURNT strengthens community ties while promoting ethical sourcing and responsible production. Additionally, through collaborations with educational platforms and community organizations, JVLAURNT provides young creatives and emerging designers with insights in upcycling and circular fashion. These initiatives empower individuals and businesses within the industry to adopt sustainable methodologies, fostering a culture of creativity and ethical responsibility. 

Coordination mechanisms

JVLAURNT and JVLAURNT/UPCYCLED implement a holistic coordination mechanism to ensure that all practices and products align with ethical, sustainable, and community-oriented values. Key strategies and initiatives include: 

- Resposible Sourcing: JVLAURNT strictly uses deadstock, readily available raw materials, or thrifted items, consciously avoiding the production of new raw materials. 

- Intentional Design Development Process: Each piece is thoughtfully designed to be non-disposable, inclusive, and adaptable to various lifestyles. With a focus on functionality, convertibility, and transitional wear, JVLAURNT ensures that each product meets the needs of modern consumers while promoting longevity and sustainability. 

- Empowering Partnerships: JVLAURNT collaborates with small, often women-owned local stores for its distribution channels, fostering support for local economies, small businesses, and women entrepreneurs. 

- Educational Collaboration: By partnering with educational platforms, JVLAURNT inspires and guides young creatives and newcomers in the fashion industry, encouraging them to embrace sustainable and ethical practices from the very start of their careers. 

- Ethical Production: Ensuring that all products are handmade or locally produced, JVLAURNT upholds a commitment to work-life balance, ethical standards, and a healthy work environment for everyone involved in the brand. 

- Limited Batch Production: In alignment with the use of only deadstock or readily available materials, JVLAURNT emphasizes one-of-a-kind or small-batch production to maintain quality and exclusivity while reducing waste. 

- Community Engagement: Through partnerships with other private sector organizations, JVLAURNT engages in community events focused on raising awareness and educating the public on collective actions to ensure safety, peace, justice, and wellness for all, including mental health advocacy. 

Evaluation

JVLAURNT remains dedicated to fostering positive change within the creative and youth communities through ongoing efforts in storytelling, creative innovation, and active social media engagement. By nurturing collaborations and partnerships, JVLAURNT aspires to inspire and uplift, consistently aligning its work with values of ethical practices, inclusivity, and impactful influence. 

Partners

Local private sectors and NGO’s, namely - 

  • The Gifted & Purposed Alliance 
  • Manhattanville University Clark Center 
  • The Stil Trust 
  • Modern Day Wife 
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Action Network
Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network
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Timeline
18 May 2023 (start date)
18 May 2023 (date of completion)
Entity
N/A
SDGs
Geographical coverage
New York City
Other beneficiaries

The beneficiaries of JVLAURNT’s initiatives include emerging creatives, youth communities, and local small businesses (Non - profit thrift stores, family - owned fabric stores, local garment workers, small boutiques) who gain valuable support and inspiration in embracing sustainable practices. Through educational collaborations and mentorship, young creatives are empowered to explore ethical pathways in fashion. Additionally, JVLAURNT’s partnerships with women-owned local stores contribute to economic growth and visibility for small businesses. The broader community benefits from increased awareness around responsible consumption, upcycling, and inclusive design, fostering a shared commitment to our global goals. 

More information
Countries
United States of America
United States of America
Contact Information

Jennifer Laurantius, Designer/Founder