Carmen has always been deeply inspired by the world around her—the streets she walked, the cultures she encountered, and the stories she absorbed. Even during her time in school, these influences shaped her creative vision. Instead of following traditional garment-making methods, she saw the beauty in working with existing materials, allowing them to tell their own stories.

This philosophy gave birth to Stitching Stories, a brand that goes beyond fashion to celebrate culture, sustainability, and innovation.

A Bold Entry into the Fashion

Stitching Stories' first major introduction to streetwear and sneaker culture came when she presented a collection at Sneakerness, inspired by the Nike x Skepta Air Max 97. The sneaker’s UK grime influence and deeper storytelling inspired her, and she translated that energy into a unique tracksuit collection.

She carefully selected materials and colours that reflected the essence of the sneaker and the subcultures that embraced it. "I’ve always been fascinated by how sneakers tell stories beyond just being shoes," she shares. The success of this launch fueled further collections inspired by iconic sneakers such as the Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard and the Nike Air Max 1 Elephant.

Sustainability at its Core

From the beginning, Carmen chose to work exclusively with existing materials, reclaimed fabrics, deadstock textiles, and leftover materials. Every piece created under Stitching Stories carries a unique history. Carmen ensures that 90% of the materials used are repurposed, except for necessary items like sippers, which she sources as sustainably as possible. She explains:

"I've never worked with new materials; everything I create has a past life, and that makes it even more meaningful".

However, sustainability is not just about materials; it's embedded in how the brand operates. Stitching Stories collaborated with a refugee-run atelier, offering opportunities for skilled artisans seeking a new start. The brand also works with schools, empowering students to learn about content creation and fashion design. Carmen highlights,

"Fashion should be about more than just looking good, it should create opportunities and tell real stories".

Beyond Clothing: The Evolution of Stitching Stories

While initially focused on streetwear-inspired fashion, Stitching Stories has evolved into something much larger; Carmen started experimenting with unconventional materials, like basketballs and football jerseys, transforming them into striking, high-end pieces. Carmen explains:

"I love pushing myself by working with difficult materials. It's exciting to take something unexpected, like a basketball, and turn it into wearable art".

Her basketball corsets and footwear-inspired outerwear have caught the attention of stylists, musicians, and artists, leading to collaborations and rentals for high-profile events.

The brand's shift towards high-end fashion has also opened new doors, including participation in Amsterdam Fashion Week. Here, Carmen's pieces resonated with stylists and creatives from across industries, leading her to explore a space between streetwear and high fashion.

"I want to blur the line between streetwear and luxury, why should they be separate?"

She questions. She envisions Japan as a future destination for a pop-up store, recognising the country's appreciation for unique, statement-making designs.

"Japan has such a deep respect for craftsmanship and storytelling in fashion. I know Stitching Stories would thrive there" she adds.

Fashion as a Movement

Stitching Stories is not just about clothing— it's about impact. By integrating social and cultural storytelling into garments, the brand continues to challenge the industry's norms. Carmen is also focused on expanding her workshop initiatives, where people can learn to upcycle their clothes and become part of the sustainability movement.

"People don't realise how much fun and creativity there is in upcycling workshops, fashion collaborations, or pushing the boundaries of materials innovation." Stitching Stories is redefining what it means to make fashion meaningful.

With an ever-growing presence in both fashion and community-driven projects, Stitching Stories is more than a brand —it's a testament to how fashion can be a force for change, bringing cultures together one stitch at a time.