Caribbean Threads: L'ADMERANE - Sustainable Atelier of Guadeloupe

As we journeyed through the lush landscapes and vibrant streets of Guadeloupe, we stumbled upon something extraordinary. Amidst the island’s beauty, we discovered an atelier that stood out—not just for its craft, but for its vision. This wasn’t just a space for creating fashion; it was a hub of sustainable innovation and artistic collaboration, deeply rooted in the values of the island itself.

Béatrice Souillet, founder of the O'HARA AGENCY, is the creator of LE NOUVEAU MODE, a Guadeloupe-based association promoting sustainable and eco-conscious practices in fashion and design. Her commitment extends to L'ADMERANE, a space dedicated to sustainable fashion, art, and eco-design.

Her achievements include:

• 2019: Winner of the Integration Trophy by the Departmental Council of Guadeloupe.

• 2021: Jury's Favorite at the Eco-Innovative Trophy by the CCI of Guadeloupe.

• 2024: Recipient of the Overseas Associative Excellence Trophy in the "Economy" category at the National Assembly.

• August 2024: LE NOUVEAU MODE wins the PTCE Emerging Call for Projects.

After years in the fashion industry, Béatrice launched her own brand, CYRIKAË, reflecting her dedication to blending sophistication with environmental awareness. Every piece embodies creativity, diversity, and sustainability, reimagining what fashion can achieve.

Béatrice’s work is rooted in reshaping how we create, consume, and engage with the world through innovative and responsible design.

How did you begin your journey in the fashion industry?

I have been working in the fashion industry for over 12 years. I have worked with models in my agency, collaborated with stylists, and had the opportunity to organize fashion events in Guadeloupe.

What inspired you to create your own brand and a creative space?

I had several personal projects, one of which was to create my own brand and a creative space where designers could exchange and pass on their knowledge to younger people. I wanted this to be done in a space that raises awareness of the negative impacts of the fashion industry, and that is why L'ADMERANE was born.

What kind of partnerships have you formed to support your mission?

We have signed an agreement with the departmental council of Guadeloupe to set up workshops and training courses for people far from employment who wish to either create their own business or work in this field.

How does your organization contribute to sustainability in fashion?

We produce for companies that wish to recycle and upcycle their obsolete products.

What kinds of workshops and events do you organize?

We organize workshops for digital audiences, focusing on fashion design, 3D printing, sewing, and modeling. We also host events and artist meetings.

How do you financially sustain your association?

I also respond to calls for projects that allow us to obtain subsidies for our association. All these actions that we put in place enable us to maintain ourselves financially.

What role does upcycling play in your creative process?

Upcycling is the most creative part of recycling.

Even though I spend a lot of time on administrative files, I love creating. By choosing this method of upcycling, we help people understand that beautiful creations can emerge from transforming old materials into something stunning.

What challenges do you face in promoting upcycled creations?

It is not always easy to make people understand that we must move towards this method and stop overconsuming, but attitudes are beginning to shift. We also need to communicate that upcycled creations can sometimes be more expensive than mass-produced items because they are art. Each creation involves significant creative brainstorming, which must be reflected in the pricing.

Why do people often turn to ultra-fast fashion instead?

The high cost of living drives people towards ultra-fast fashion because it is cheaper, but it pollutes more. We continue to emphasize that learning to sew or co-create can result in beautiful, unique creations while offering the satisfaction of knowing exactly who made them.

What advice would you give to creators just starting out?

The advice is that sustainable creation is possible, and chic and eco-responsibility can go hand in hand. It’s up to them to show that resources are diminishing day by day and that we must find creative, sustainable solutions to continue producing art responsibly.