Our Story

Our story begins in Amsterdam, 2019.

“My passion for fashion goes way back…as long as I can really remember…but my passion for sustainability & upcycling started in Amsterdam, when I discovered a new world, a new perspective -  one of thrifting, circular fashion and redesign. It kind of felt like being reintroduced to fashion. It allowed me to discover my purpose, and changed the way I viewed the world of fashion!“ - Alexa 

At the time, founder & designer Alexa Schempers was studying her Masters in Fashion Enterprise Creation at Amsterdam Fashion Institute. A Masters degree set up with the objective of launching a ‘circular fashion business’.

After two years and a handful of different iterations of a ‘refashion’ business, Rethread as we know it - officially launched in November 2021. The first capsule collection consisting of upcycled, sustainably made and vintage garments.

Today Rethread is a Cape Town based sustainable clothing brand selling new, upcycled & vintage garments.

Our primary focus is developing innovative ways to reduce waste in the fashion industry by using what is already in circulation through up cycling. We also produce a collection of traditionally made/'new' garments, which are all produced locally and in small runs, (to reduce waste & dead stock) & ultimately uplift & support local craftsmanship in South Africa.