Our Impact

100% Upcycled

Handcrafted in NYC

Zero Waste Philosophy

SUSTAINABLE CHANGE

We eliminate new production

The fashion industry discards millions of garments each year—most after being worn only a handful of times. We intervene before landfill, transforming existing men's sweaters into refined women's pieces.

CRAFTSMANSHIP

Our curated pieces

Each design extends the life of a garment, reduces waste, and challenges the idea that newness requires new production.

We intercept existing garments already destined for the landfill and extend their life.

Our Why

This is a global issue

  • ~92 million tons of textile waste are generated every year worldwide

  • That equals a garbage truck of clothes dumped every second

  • 73%–87% of all clothing ends up in landfill or incineration

  • Textile waste is projected to reach ~134 million tonnes annually by 2030

Landfills Impact Us All

  • Textiles make up at least 7% of total global landfill space

  • More than 90 million tons of textiles are landfilled each year

  • Only ~15–20% of textiles are collected for reuse or recycling

  • Less than 1% of clothing is recycled into new clothing

Overproduction & Underuse

  • Americans generate ~17 million tons of textile waste annually

  • About 66%–85% of discarded textiles go to landfills

  • The average person throws away ~81 pounds of clothing per year

  • ~60%+ of clothing today is made from synthetic fibers, and many textiles take up to 200+ years to decompose
A close-up portrait of Lenor Romano, Founder of Alternits Atelier with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a light-colored top, set against a neutral indoor background.

Our Founder

Lenor Romano is the founder and creative force behind AlterNits Atelier. With a deep passion for design and a commitment to sustainability, Lenor has built a brand that reimagines fashion through the lens of environmental responsibility. Her career spans years of honing her craft, developing an eye for detail and a dedication to quality that defines every piece in the collection.

At the heart of AlterNits Atelier is Lenor's mission to prove that sustainable fashion doesn't mean compromising on style or sophistication. She believes that thoughtful design and ethical practices can coexist, and she's dedicated to bringing that vision to life through her work. Every collection reflects her values—creating beautiful pieces that respect both people and the planet.

Lenor's approach is rooted in authenticity. She works closely with her team to ensure that sustainability isn't just a label, but a lived practice woven into every decision. From material selection to production methods, her commitment to doing things the right way shines through in the final product.