Lauren Altman On Bridging The Gap Between Art And Sustainable Fashion

Brooklyn-based artist and designer Lauren Altman takes a hands-on approach to her ready-to-wear collection.

She is the founder of the Lauren Altman Studio who upcycles vintage items into stylish collections. Stars like Miranda Derrick, Madeline Follin and Alysia Reiner wear the brand, and Altman recently had a runway show at Art Basel Miami Beach.

Altman has her own word for secondhand clothing, it’s “pre-loved.”

“I find endless inspiration in pre-loved clothing,” she said. “I love the way a garment carries the history of its previous life, whether it’s something passed down from a family member or a unique piece discovered in a vintage shop. My collection often holds a sense of care that sparks my imagination.”

Her latest Spring/Summer 2025 collection is especially colorful and painterly. It includes tie-dye skirt sets, hand-painted trench coats, men’s suits, tulle gowns and more. They each have the Altman touch, that being the painted touch of her paintbrush, be it her handprints over the chest or whimsical brushstrokes across a trench coat.

“I see every preloved material as an opportunity to reimagine a piece of clothing’s journey,” said Altman. “I’m fascinated by the shared histories tied to the act of making; many of us have memories of or heard stories about a family member who created something with their hands. For me, it’s about bridging past and present through art and design.”

She takes an inclusive approach. Altman holds runway shows in art galleries like the Untitled Space and has women in their 40s and up walk the runway. “At New York Fashion Week, I had a model in a wheelchair, and others with varying body types—from curvy to slim,” she said. “It was important for me to send a clear message: wear what makes you feel good, and don’t let anyone’s expectations define you.”

She primarily is a womenswear designer but also designs menswear, working with blazers, tailored pants and overalls. “Ultimately, my collections are about inclusivity, confidence, and embracing what makes you unique.”

Altman sources her items from thrift stores, which she then upcycles and hand-paints and prints directly onto them. She gravitates towards traditional utilitarian designs like workwear, jumpsuits, overalls and bomber jackets because they’re durable.

What drives Altman’s brand is sustainability, as her studio prioritizes using upcycled, deadstock, vintage, and artisanal materials in all her collections. She works with a local distributor called Fabscrap, which resells deadstock fabric donated by larger brands, keeping these materials out of landfills.

“With so many of these garments already in existence, reworking them gives them a second life while reducing waste,” she said. “It’s about using what’s already available and reimagining it creatively, turning something practical into a bold statement piece.”

She founded her brand during the pandemic after running her art studio for over a decade in Brooklyn. “Clothing has always been central to my art—both as a material and as a subject,” said Altman.

Some of her bestsellers include her top and skirt set in blue and pink. “This design has been a standout, worn by climate activist and actress, Alysia Reiner, on the red carpet and during Climate Week,” said Altman.

One of her most sought-after items is Altman’s selection of jackets with soda bottle caps adorning the lapels. “These designs stem from my collaboration with Coca-Cola for Coachella earlier this year,” said Atman. “They’ve continued to send me recycled materials, which I incorporate into my studio practice to create unique, sustainable pieces.”

Another best selling item is her reworked vintage blazers. “People love the unique embellishments and buttons that make each piece one-of-a-kind.”

Follow @laurenaltmanstudio on Instagram.