Nudie Jeans NYC x Emma Harling - Denim reimagined

Nudie Jeans NYC wanted to explore how discarded jeans can be rebuilt, reshaped and restored through the hands of artists. The task was simple. Use what exists. Transform it into something entirely new. Carry the spirit of re-make into a new context. They reached out to me and a handful of other artists and makers across North America. Each of us received post-consumer Nudie Jeans and full creative freedom. The only rule was to stay true to our own practice. I chose to let the material at hand guide me and created patchwork pillows with minimalist, geometric designs.

“Emma sees denim almost like a painter sees pigment. She loves how it is both consistent and varied. The different shades of blue create an entire palette to work from.
Her approach to sustainability is rooted in knowledge. She has studied circular textiles and material science, which influences how she thinks about materials, design, and the entire lifecycle of a piece. For her, sustainability is a mix of responsible sourcing, timeless aesthetics, and long-term usefulness.

She began the project by sketching geometric shapes, then shifted into a more intuitive process. Upcycling demands flexibility. The material dictates what is possible. She played with color harmony, rearranged patches, and built a composition that balances structure and softness.
Her word for denim is hardworking. It is worn by people in all situations and carries the traces of daily life in a way few materials do.

Emma believes the limitations of reused materials often make the best ideas. If her work can encourage even one person to rethink their own scraps and leftovers, she sees that as a success.

About 5 -8 pairs of jeans used to get the color block.”

Read the full story here: Nudie Jeans - Denim reimagined part 2