+About HOPES+

HOPES is a closed loop studio where garments and wares are mended, created, repaired and up-cycled for earth conscious humxns. Established in 2021 by Rae Lee Occhipinti located in Boston, MA.

+THE MISSION+

Let’s face it, we live in a “throw away” society where things that are no longer perfect or were poorly made to begin with are sent to landfill for the rest of time... Rae’s mission with HOPES is to provide accessible mending services and options for your closet and home.

+WHAT DOES “CLOSED-LOOP” MEAN?+

This means items mended, purchased or commissioned from HOPES can be sent back when they are no longer being used and be repurposed into something else!

Rae’s methods for mending or creating jewelry, clothing and home wares include 3-D printing, traditional wax casting, pattern drafting, hand darning and machine sewing. Rae utilizes recycled and dead-stock (never used) materials to reduce waste inside and out of the studio. The studio does their best to make all pieces repairable or recyclable in some way. All items in the online shop (coming soon) are limited editions or one-of-a-kind.

+WHAT HAPPENS TO THE WASTE CREATED BY HOPES?+

The studio does its absolute best to make everything renewable in some form. However, “waste” is unavoidable. It is how we treat and define that “waste” that really matters!

+Anything that can’t be used including bits of thread on the floor, “scraps” of fabric smaller than 1”x1”, broken buttons and dreaded sequins are collected and sent to Terracycle to be recycled/repurposed OR upcycled into wearable art pieces.

+Metal scraps, sweeps, zipper teeth and components are sent to a metal refinery to be melted down and recycled (virtually infinitely).

+Material packaging and non-recyclable plastics are saved and turned into wearable statement art such as the Plastic Quilted Jacket featured in the “Art School Confidential: Episode 3" hosted by Masary Studios. (If you’d like to see more details about this project visit Rae’s personal instagram account @occhi_rae highlights here.)

+CONTACT+

If you have any questions at all please feel free to reach out to Rae directly by clicking the button below. Thanks for making it here and for participating in sustainable practices for people and planet.