Mille - Branding & Identity
- Mira Halim
- Jan 12
- 2 min read
Mille [mi-lee]: Upcycling Textile Waste into Limited-Edition Luxury Apparel
Mille is more than just a brand—it’s an initiative I launched in 2020 to combat the growing tide of textile waste in Singapore. Sparked by the stark reality that, by late 2019, waste management had become a national conversation, I felt compelled to address one of its most overlooked culprits: textile waste, a significant byproduct of the fast-fashion industry.
Fast fashion’s promise of trendy, low-cost clothing has led to an alarming cycle of overproduction and disposal, with garments often designed to last mere months before being discarded. In Singapore, studies reveal that fast-fashion brands account for the largest share of textile waste. While various campaigns have tackled general waste issues, textile waste remains underemphasised. That’s where Mille comes in—not as the ultimate solution, but as an intervention.
Mille’s Mission: Creating Purposeful Luxury from Disposables
Mille transforms donated clothing, loose fabrics, torn scarves, and even broken shoes into limited-edition luxury apparel. Every piece that comes through our hands is reimagined, treated with care, and upcycled into unique Mille-branded products. It’s our way of challenging the disposable nature of fast fashion and proving that style doesn’t have to come at the expense of sustainability.
Our philosophy centers on the belief that creativity and care can redefine value. We’re committed to using every material we receive, channeling it into high-quality items that blend luxury with purpose.
Building Mille: From Concept to Community
Launching Mille was an exercise in innovation and collaboration. Here’s what went into bringing this vision to life:
Understanding the Market: Through interviews with local upcycling initiatives and attending pop-up events, I identified a gap between fast-fashion consumers and local sustainable brands. This insight formed the basis of Mille’s business model.
Showcasing Creativity: I partnered with a talented photographer to capture the beauty of upcycled apparel, bringing the products to life visually and emotionally.
Engaging the Community: Mille gained momentum through pop-up stores, which served as interactive spaces to educate and inspire consumers about the value of upcycling.
Building Digital Presence: I developed a website and an app to make Mille accessible and user-friendly, ensuring our message and products reached a broader audience.
Why Mille Matters
Mille isn’t just about repurposing old clothes—it’s about challenging the status quo and offering a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. By turning waste into wearable art, Mille bridges the gap between conscious consumption and high-quality design.
Our journey is ongoing, but every item we create and every conversation we spark brings us closer to a future where fashion values sustainability as much as style.
Read about Mille and the story
