What happens when art, engineering, and environmental awareness meet? For Irene Panayi it led to Arcadia, a sustainable fashion brand born from a love for nature and a belief that creativity can change the way we consume clothes.
Can you take us back to the beginning: how did you become a circular fashion designer?
My passion has always been the environment. I studied Civil Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens, but I constantly felt the need to express my artistic side. So, I took sewing lessons in Athens at Mikro Politechneio.
After that, I joined Fashion Revolution Greece and learned that the fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world, right after oil. That was a turning point for me — I decided that the brand I was planning to create would be fully sustainable and ethical from the very beginning.
What does sustainability mean to you personally, beyond fashion?
For me, sustainability is a way of living — a mindset. I try to reduce my waste as much as possible. For example, I always carry a reusable water bottle and only buy what I truly need, whether it’s food or anything else.
Behind every purchase, there’s usually packaging and unnecessary materials, so I try to be very conscious about what I consume. Of course, it’s not always possible to avoid waste completely, but if each of us becomes a more mindful consumer, everything can become more transparent and balanced.
Tell us about your brand, Arcadia — why this name? What inspired you to create it?
Arcadia is my creative space, a place where I can bring my ideas to life while helping people preserve the clothes they love.
I had been searching for the perfect name for a long time, and thanks to my friend Areti, I finally found it.
The name comes from the region of Arcadia and the artistic movement of Arcadianism, which celebrates a return to nature, humanity, and a simple life rooted in purity and tradition.
Since I’ve always been passionate about both the environment and the arts, this name felt perfectly aligned with my values.
At Arcadia, I focus on mending and remaking clothes that have small damages so they don’t end up being thrown away. I also create new garments from discarded fabrics, mostly denim, and host upcycling workshops that give new life to materials that would otherwise be wasted.
Many people still hold stereotypes about sustainable fashion. For example, that it’s boring, unstylish, or not trendy. What would you say to that?
I’m sure those people haven’t really explored sustainable brands yet, haha!
Everyone has their own style, of course, but from my experience with second-hand and sustainable fashion, we’re not talking about damaged clothes — we’re talking about transformed ones.
Sustainable fashion often means garments that have been upgraded, reimagined, or created from recycled materials.
So if someone still believes it’s boring, they probably haven’t truly experienced it yet!
Could you walk us through your creative process — from idea to finished garment?
When I create new garments, inspiration can come from anywhere: a color, a texture, a small detail in everyday life. Then my mind starts forming an idea, and I experiment to see how I can make it real: how long it will take and whether it’s technically possible.
For mending or remaking projects, I discuss ideas with my clients, and together we decide how to transform their garment in the best possible way.
In my workshops, I like to go beyond fabrics. Sometimes I use materials like plastic bottles or boxes that would otherwise be discarded, turning them into something new through creativity and imagination.
How do you stay hopeful and inspired in the face of fashion’s environmental challenges?
I find hope in the small victories. Every time I manage to give new life to fabric waste, it reminds me that change is possible.
Yes, the system is huge and full of “sharks,” but every effort counts. We may be small, but we’re doing our best — and that’s where my hope comes from.
Finally, what is one small act of sustainability you believe everyone can embrace — especially when it comes to fashion?
Use what you already have!
It’s the simplest and most powerful act. Before buying something new, look at what’s already in your wardrobe. Sometimes, creativity just needs a little push to rediscover what we already own.
For more information you can follow Arcadia on Instagram: www.instagram.com/arcadiacy
www.natureallydone.com 
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