“This entire collection pays homage to London,” Bettter designer Julie Pelipas says of her collaboration with Browns – a capsule collection of 26 pieces, all made with deadstock fabric from men’s suits – which marks the first physical retail partnership the brand has taken part in.

The collection, which Pelipas describes as a “practical sartorial toolkit tailored for urban dwellers” features a coat that effortlessly transitions into a blazer or vest, a bodysuit-shirt designed to be tucked neatly into trousers and a backless waistcoat that will elevate tailoring. The capsule features everything the working woman needs to look chic and smart for the office, and every single piece comes from upcycled fabrics.

“Bettter is a work of love, where Julie has reimagined the past into an extraordinary future – it speaks to determination, resilience, sustainability and above all, fashion,” Browns’ buying director Ida Peterson said of the designer, who was recently nominated for the LVMH Prize for her groundbreaking work in sustainability.

Part of what Bettter has done is to develop technology which uses algorithms to take the complexity out of upcycling tailoring, deconstructing suits seam by seam and using digital design-and-fit software to map virtual patterns and the required adjustments. That data allows the brand to accurately adjust men’s suits to be as inclusive as possible, fitting women’s bodies without losing their original shape and proportions.

“The concept of a Bettter upcycling system had been lingering in my mind for three years,” Pelipas explains. “Initially, I thought it was a wild idea that would fade away with time, considering its complexity and the challenges involved. However, it persisted in my thoughts. Eventually, I acknowledged my deep desire to bring this project to life.”

Pelipas’ 15 years of work in the fashion industry (she was previously the fashion director of Vogue Ukraine) meant that she knew what the challenges were, and – in some ways – this is what pushed her to break down those boundaries.

“We all have this moment when we realise the need for a change. The fashion industry's global trajectory troubled me deeply – I felt disconnected from myself when I had to constantly promote conventional fashion, new collections, and trends. It felt wrong to fuel the audience's appetite for new items instead of encouraging them to reconsider their existing wardrobes.”

Although Bettter has made huge strides to a more sustainable future, Pelipas believes that the responsibility for change actually lies with the bigger brands, not the smaller businesses or the consumers.

“The primary responsibility rests with major brands,” she says. “I deliberately exclude smaller or medium-range brands from this conversation because I firmly believe that substantial change can only be driven by these influential corporations.”

That being said though, Pelipas feels that no single consumer, and no single shopping decision, is too small to make a difference. It is all about doing better.

“Of course the key lies in consuming less and doing so thoughtfully. Achieving 100 per cent sustainability might be a challenge, but we can always aim for improvement. Opting for high-quality garments that can withstand the test of time and making thoughtful choices in a fast-paced society are essential. Creating a wardrobe that serves various occasions and wearing a single coat for years can make a significant difference.”

Bettter's capsule collection for Browns is available to shop now.