Etalon Partners with City College of San Francisco for Sustainable Fashion Collaboration

[San Francisco, CA] - January 2025 - Etalon, the innovative posture support brand, has announced a collaboration with the Fashion Department at City College of San Francisco (CCSF) to turn deadstock Etalon 1.0 posture bras into unique, upcycled designs.

When Etalon launched its first product in October 2022, the company adopted a generous return policy, accepting even worn and damaged items. While this approach provided invaluable insights into customer preferences, it left the company with deadstock bras - a significant challenge for a small business committed to sustainability. Instead of sending these items to the landfill, Etalon reimagined their purpose.

“We just couldn’t bear the thought of discarding these bras into landfill," says Etalon founder Kristina Rudzinskaya. “Instead, we saw an opportunity to breathe new life into them while supporting our local creative community. It’s a win-win for sustainability and talent development.”

As part of the project, CCSF fashion students were given returned Etalon bras to use as their canvas. They were challenged to preserve the garment’s structural integrity while adding creative elements, decorations, or embellishments that showcased their artistic flair. The designs will culminate in a professional photoshoot, where the creations will be showcased in student portfolios and on Etalon’s social media.

This collaboration was led by Professor Jill Giordano, whose guidance inspired students to push their creative boundaries and approach the project with innovation and intention.

Notable Designs

Bekah Brandt (ig: @bekahbrandt)

Bekah Brandt drew inspiration from the optical etalon, a device used to filter light. Her design features white “rays of light” entering the garment’s straps and emerging as vibrant colors on the opposite side. She transformed the bra into a pickleball dress, complete with an attached skirt and intricate parallel stitching using stretchable thread.

Credits: photographer Luke Wold ig: @tonal_imagery, model Kristina Kolesnikova ig: @kolesnikovakris

Link to the video with Bekah Brandt explaining the concept

Zen Trent (ig: @zenelisethreads / @zen.elise)

Zen Trent reimagined the bra as part of a babydoll-inspired lingerie dress, blending elegance with playful charm.

Credits: photographer Luke Wold ig: @tonal_imagery, model Kristina Kolesnikova ig: @kolesnikovakris

Link to the video with Zen Trent explaining her concept

Emie Mitsuno Hernandez

Emie leaned into her initial feelings of safety and security when wearing the Etalon posture bra, translating these emotions into a bold statement. Reflecting on the heightened sense of vulnerability many women feel in today’s political climate, she created a cropped jacket inspired by armor and outdoor survival gear. Using entirely upcycled fabric and hardware from a pair of snowboarding pants and a military vest, Emie’s design merges strength, protection, and sustainability in a striking and empowering piece.

Credits: photographer Luke Wold ig: @tonal_imagery, model Breeanna Kristine (ig: @breeannakristine)

Link to the video with Emie Mitsuno Hernandez explaining the concept

Shanu Rawat (ig: @srawat0)

Shanu designed a highly versatile piece that works seamlessly for every occasion - from the gym to the tennis court, shopping, and even cocktail parties. Her creation pairs effortlessly with leggings, skorts, jeans, or skirts of any length, offering a blend of practicality and stylish adaptability for the modern woman.

Credits: photographer Luke Wold ig: @tonal_imagery, model Hanna Aliashkevich ig: @neurannette

Rian Bowen (ig: @saccharineee_)

Rian drew inspiration from the beauty of winter weather in the city, replicating rain and dew on flowers through delicate lace and beadwork. Her design features hand-stitched lace patterns on the bra and an accompanying skirt, complemented by beads for a dewy, shimmering effect. Sticking to the bra’s original black-and-white color scheme, Rian incorporated ballerina-inspired touches, including a lace-up ribbon detail on the back for a refined, graceful aesthetic.

Credits: photographer Luke Wold ig: @tonal_imagery, model Dorothy (Athena) Pulling ig: @theoneathen

What’s next

Etalon is excited to continue fostering relationships with local artists, students, and creatives. This project marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to supporting local talent while finding innovative, sustainable solutions within the fashion industry.

“We want to show that sustainability and creativity can go hand in hand,” says Rudzinskaya. “By partnering with local artists and institutions, we’re not only reducing waste but also building a community that values thoughtful design and artistic expression.”

About Etalon

Etalon creates thoughtfully designed posture-support products that inspire healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. By combining functionality with elegance, Etalon empowers individuals to thrive in their bodies and their lives.

About City College of San Francisco

City College of San Francisco is a public community college dedicated to providing affordable and accessible education that fosters innovation and creativity.

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