We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Savannah Rey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Savannah below.

Savannah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Every time we redistribute clothing feels like the most meaningful project in that moment. Before ReyVived started, I was collecting pre loved clothes from friends and family to use as fabric to practice sewing with. Once ReyVived launched and more clothing was coming in, there was an over abundance of wearable items available. By connecting within communities to redistribute resources, we’ve found ways to get folks the clothing that they need. Wether it be a one time request, or an ongoing collection, this is where the focus at ReyVived is shifting. Some of the most memorable projects have been becoming involved within local community, like collaborating with artists who teach at orphanages and sending needed items with them. To name just a couple organizations who anyone can redistribute clothing to; The Bra Recyclers accept new and pre loved bras to redistribute & One Warm Coat accepts winter jackets and coats to redistribute all year round. Everyone deserves access to clothing and finding ways to make sure folks have the clothes that they need has undoubtedly been the most meaningful project to date.

Savannah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

It’s always been a part of my life to be connected back to the ocean and try to take care of it, and the modalities of doing so have changed throughout, leading to where ReyVived is now. I started sewing out of pre loved clothing to practice swimwear techniques, and discovered the endless possibilities of upcycling clothing. ReyVived repurposes pre loved clothing into new, reworked pieces, specializing in swimwear, sets and bralettes. Creating a space to recycle pre-loved clothing with holes, stains, and tears that are diverted from the landfill by reworking them for another life cycle. A space to redistribute wearable clothing to community members who need it. Providing a space to learn about garment worker’s conditions and rights, as well as the environmental impact of the fashion industry. With the goal of continuing to create solutions to the problems that destroy the place that gives us life, while always remaining hopeful.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I think my biggest pivot is what led me here to ReyVived. I was sure from a young age that I was going to follow my parents lead and become a scientist; a marine biologist who worked in the ocean to save dolphins. Well, I did that, got my degree in Marine Biology & Oceanography. And then life happened, and my plans changed and I had to make major pivots once I became a parent. It wasn’t until I almost lost myself to new motherhood and was forced to find one thing that was just for me, that I started sewing again. During her naps, after bed time, whenever I had a moment to myself, I would sew. It truly felt like restorative me-time, that still challenged me and pushing me to grow. Upcycling swimwear connected me to the ocean for months when I couldn’t physically be in the water, because I knew that reducing the amount of new polyester fabric entering our water systems would reduce the amount of micro plastics ending up in the ocean. I know as my child gets older, eventually I’ll end up spending more time back in the ocean, but learning how to pivot has enriched my life in many ways. It’s not comfortable, but as soon as you can give into letting go of what you cannot control, you can focus energy on what you can.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Intersectional environmentalism in the fashion industry and equitable access to clothing for all. With hopes to continue to creatively address collective ocean conservation, and promote hope for creating and exploring solutions to climate change. With a goal of creating a space for community to educate, story tell, and grow with our relationship to fashion and nature. Might sound deep for a swimwear brand line, just hoping to grow much more beyond that.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.reyvived.com
• Instagram: rey.vived

Image Credits
Photographer: Lenny Gerard Models: Ben Schifano, Kelsy Martinez Creative Director: Beth Kurtz