With the holiday season approaching, what better way to celebrate than to bring the past into the present—both as a moment in time and as a gift? Miu Miu’s Holiday 2024 Upcycled Collection elegantly captures this spirit, transforming vintage fabrics into contemporary, sustainable pieces that redefine festive fashion. This upcycled collection is an archetype in sustainable luxury, where retro fabrics and garments are transformed into contemporary works of art.
This collection, fronted by the ever-elegant Emma Corrin (they/them) represents a bold commitment to circular design. With a carefully curated wardrobe featuring four distinct categories—upcycled leather, plaid kilts, knitted garments, and embroidered lace attire—Miu Miu bridges the gap between the past and the future, offering pieces that are as ethical as they are exquisite.
Each garment tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship, rich heritage, and cutting-edge sustainability. Below, we dive into the detailed artistry of each piece.
The Leather Revolution: Vintage Meets Trendy Edge
The leather pieces in this collection redefine what upcycling can achieve. Each jacket, painstakingly crafted from reclaimed leather, features a patchwork of bold embellishments. Floral appliqués and flame motifs—evoking Miu Miu’s iconic Spring/Summer 2011 collection—are combined with jeweled embroidery for a punk-meets-luxury aesthetic.
One standout piece features a jet-black biker jacket with repositioned zippers, a quilted satin-lined bodice, and raw-edge detailing. The detachable shearling collar offers versatility, allowing wearers to shift between edgy and polished.
⦁ Floral motifs made from layered leather appliqués, hand-stitched for texture.
⦁ Satin quilting inside the jacket for a hint of luxury against the skin.
⦁ Each zipper and stud were repositioned to ensure functionality and visual balance.
Plaid Kilts: Punk-Luxe Perfection
The plaid kilts in this collection are upcycled from mid-20th-century fabrics, giving them a deeply rooted historical significance. Updated for the modern wardrobe, these kilts sit low on the hips, featuring asymmetrical leather panels that add a dynamic twist. The plaid themselves range from deep greens and blues to rich reds, some dotted with hand-sewn crystals that catch the light.
One kilt pairs traditional plaid with a dramatic leather waistband, while another incorporates black trompe l’oeil effects to create a subtle, three-dimensional illusion. The use of sparkling embellishments contrasts beautifully with the ruggedness of the fabric, offering a juxtaposition that is quintessentially Miu Miu. These very kilts, with their sparkling details, feel like the perfect statement for a festive dinner.
⦁ Faceted stones hand-embroidered along the edges of the kilt for subtle sparkle.
⦁ Leather panels integrated seamlessly to provide structure and contrast.
⦁ Each pleat reinforced with fine stitching to ensure longevity.
Cozy Knits: A Warm Hug of Nostalgia
The knitted pieces in the collection offer comfort and charm, crafted from archival yarn remnants. These chunky, hand-knitted garments include oversized crewnecks and fringed scarves, all bearing the crochet-knit Miu Miu logo. A particularly striking piece is a yellow-brown sweater with ribbed hems and a slightly cropped fit, designed to layer effortlessly with other garments.
Accessories also shine in this category, with knitted slippers and Wander bags that perfectly complement the garments. The Wander bag, made from recycled yarns, combines utility and artistry, embodying the spirit of the collection.
⦁ The Wander bag includes a crochet-knit body and braided handle for a textural touch.
⦁ Color blocking on crewneck sweaters emphasizes the archival origins of the yarns.
Archival Lace: The Romance of History
The collection’s lace pieces are poetic in their beauty, merging archival appliqués with modern silhouettes. One standout piece is a soft black top featuring embroidered floral motifs along the neckline and hem. The lace itself is layered under the delicate appliqués, creating an ethereal, semi-sheer effect that feels timeless yet contemporary.
Another skirt integrates subtle threads into the lace, catching the light for a whimsical finish. The use of vintage lace not only preserves history but also elevates it, creating garments that feel like heirlooms in the making.
⦁ Embroidered archival appliqués along the bodice for a handcrafted look.
⦁ Delicate scalloped edges on the hemline for a feminine finish.
⦁ Hidden side zippers ensure a seamless silhouette without disrupting the design.
Emma Corrin: The Perfect Muse
Emma Corrin, celebrated for their nuanced performances—most notably as Princess Diana in The Crown—and their effortlessly elegant style, takes center stage as the face of this collection. Photographed by Lengua, Corrin appears in a series of color-treated portraits that evoke the nostalgia central to Miu Miu’s vision. In the image above, they wear a knitted sweater with a tartan kilt, perfectly encapsulating the collection’s blend of past and present.
Their narration in the campaign video adds an intimate touch, recalling holiday sensations like “dusting off silverware” and “perfect stillness.” These moments, paired with the artistry of the garments, create a deeply evocative experience.
Transparency for the Future
In a forward-thinking move, Miu Miu integrates blockchain technology through the Aura Blockchain Consortium, allowing consumers to trace the origins of each garment. This level of transparency enhances the collection’s appeal to the modern, eco-conscious consumer.
A Holiday Wardrobe Like No Other
Miu Miu’s Holiday 2024 Upcycled Collection redefines the luxury wardrobe, turning archival pieces into modern masterpieces. Available now in select boutiques and online, the collection invites you to embrace the elegance of sustainability—where every garment carries a story, every detail is intentional, and every moment feels timeless. This is fashion that not only remembers the past but also dreams of a better future.