“Traces of Life” is a store concept and workshop space that turns discarded items such as garments, furniture pieces and jewellery items into desirable objects again, by using crafting and mending techniques from different areas of design.

The project is an interdisciplinary group project that combines the skills of Fashion-, Textile-, Industrial- and Accessory design.

Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, the key-idea behind the concept is to give value to the various marks that usage and time leaves on objects.

This was achieved by using mending techniques that highlight and celebrate flaws instead of hiding them. By giving customers the chance to buy “Traces of Life” through which each object tells a story, the project aims to reduce waste and create a more positive understanding of imperfection and brokenness, while the workshop area of the store, concept educates people on how they can repair loved items skillfully to strengthen the emotional connection between object and owner.