Detroit’s Slow Fashion Revolution: How BeReworn Is Building a New Ecosystem From the Ground Up
In a city where innovation and grit are practically stitched into the sidewalks, it’s no surprise that Detroit is quietly becoming a hub for sustainable fashion. But Sam, the founder of BeReworn, isn’t just joining the conversation—she’s leading it. With a background in early-stage startups, a love for fashion, and a deep belief in intentional living, Sam’s mission is simple: rethink how we consume, connect, and care for our wardrobes—and each other.
“The fashion industry is the second biggest polluter in the world,” she told Plann. “I realized my closet was the best place to start.”
What began as a passion project soon evolved into a tech-powered movement rooted in community. BeReworn allows users to swap, upcycle, donate, and discover fashion events in their cities—no overstuffed Eventbrite pages, no corporate gatekeeping. Just real people with real clothes making real change. Sam launched BeReworn after moving from Mexico to New York, and eventually, to Detroit. “There’s so much talent here,” she said. “What’s missing is infrastructure. That’s what we’re building now.”
The Mission Behind #IntentionalSummer
This month, BeReworn is launching a campaign called #IntentionalSummer to challenge the seasonal urge to overconsume. “We’ve been conditioned to shop for every season like it’s a personality reboot,” Sam said. “But we want to give people a chance to reflect, reconnect, and rediscover what they already own.”
The campaign isn’t just digital—it’s physical, it’s local, and it’s deeply rooted in Detroit’s creative scene. From styling shoots with Boro Vintage and The Velvet Tower to showcasing upcycled designs by Ashley Karnowski, BeReworn is proving that sustainability can still be stylish—and fun.
And on August 16, it all culminates in a major panel and fashion show at the historic Moross House, where local designers will take center stage, and national press will get a firsthand look at what Detroit is building.
Redefining Fashion Tech in a Car-Centric City
If “tech in Detroit” makes you think of engines and assembly lines, Sam’s here to change that. “People always assume it has to be automotive,” she said. “But we’re using technology to power connection, community, and consciousness.”
“After COVID, people craved togetherness more than ever. But a lot of sustainable fashion events were relying on paper flyers or buried under paid ads on platforms like Eventbrite.”
So she asked: What if there was a platform just for sustainable fashion? BeReworn now hosts events, workshops, swaps, and even casual meetups—all free for organizers, monetized only by ticket fees. It’s accessible, easy to use, and completely community-first.
Slow Fashion, Fast Growth
In just over a year, BeReworn has quietly spread to 15 cities across the U.S.—with plans to double that by next year. The platform is also piloting automated donation systems for businesses looking to reduce textile waste. “We want to offset the carbon footprint of clothing at scale,” Sam said. “But more than that, we want people to think differently about their choices.”
When asked about fast fashion, Sam didn’t shame—it’s not her style. “Change doesn’t come from shame. It comes from better habits. That’s what we’re here to help build.”
Her ultimate goal? To make sustainable fashion feel less like a lecture and more like a lifestyle. “Sometimes people don’t want to swap clothes—they just want to talk fashion over coffee,” she laughed. “So we created meetups just for that.”
What the Industry Needs to See
This summer, Sam’s inviting editors, founders, and creatives from across the country to witness Detroit’s energy for themselves. “When people visit, they often say they can’t ‘feel’ the fashion scene here. So I take them around—show them the designers, the studios, the stories. Then they get it. And they keep coming back.” At its core, BeReworn isn’t just about clothes. It’s about reviving the human spirit of fashion, one intention at a time.
“Fashion needs BeReworn,” Sam said. “Because we need to bring human connection back into the choices we make. It’s not just about what you wear—it’s about who you become through it.”
Event Spotlight:
Catch BeReworn’s closing #IntentionalSummer event on August 16 at Moross House, featuring a fashion tech panel, Detroit designer fashion show, and community mixer.
Want to swap, style, or simply connect? Visit BeReworn’s platform and see what’s happening near you.