SUSTAINABLE STREETWEAR WITH A PURPOSE: MEET CHRIS MENA
This month we are highlighting the creative mind behind Made by Mena, a brand that pushes the boundaries of craft, art, and storytelling— one upcycled item at a time. Closely Crafted sat down with Chris to hear the story behind his brand.
Tell us about Made by Mena:
“Made by Mena is a sustainable streetwear label that fuses art, fashion, and storytelling. I create one-of-a-kind pieces using upcycled materials and experimental techniques, drawing inspiration from urban life and American identity."
How did your brand come to life?
Chris's journey is one of transformation. Starting from an early obsession with clothing and silkscreening, his pivotal moment came when he was arrested for graffiti the week before his freshman year at RISD. This turned out to be a defining moment, pushing Chris to channel his experiences into creating meaningful, sustainable fashion. “The conceptual side of fashion was confusing to me… I’d go into fabric stores and not know what to do… there’s just so much in here” He’s been innovating ever since from upcycling his own closet to complete assignments in college, to sourcing from local thrift stores which he continues to do today. His many sources of inspiration helped him explore identity and resilience in his designs.
Chris working in college at Rhode Island School of Design.
What’s your artisan process?
Chris’s process is rooted in experimentation and being made-to-wear. He uses rust-dyeing, sun-bleaching, and physical print distressing to create unique textures and patterns that tell a personal story. His ability to mix meticulous craftsmanship with raw artistic expression makes each piece feel alive and authentic. “To me, ‘made to wear’ means creating pieces that are timeless and practical, while carrying a deeper narrative. Sustainability is at the core of my designs—designing with intention, reducing waste, and giving materials a second life.” Mena explained.
How can fashion brands be more sustainable?
Chris advocates for prioritizing quality over quantity, embracing circular design practices, and collaborating with artisans and consumers to create innovative solutions. He believes in educating consumers about the value of investing in fewer but better pieces.
Why is being created locally important?
Keeping production local allows Chris to maintain a direct connection with his materials and the production process. It also supports the community by highlighting local talent and ensuring every piece is made with purpose.
What’s next for Made by Mena?
Chris has an exciting concept in the works. His new collection centers on roadkill, which involves traveling across all 50 states to collect roadkill, then skinning, tanning, and reimagining it into clothing. It explores sustainability, industrial disruption, and our relationship with the environment. It’s a bold, thought-provoking collection that goes beyond fashion. “While this might sound gruesome at first, it’s rooted in using every part of what you take from nature. It’s also a commentary on how industrial human processes have disrupted natural ecosystems, while offering a vision of how we can reconnect with and respect the resources around us. I see this as more than just a fashion collection—it’s an exploration of culture, sustainability, and our impact on the world.”
Why support Made by Mena?
Chris is reshaping fashion, using creativity and sustainability to challenge the status quo. His work represents more than clothing—it’s about culture, connection, and respect for the world around us. Every piece you wear tells a story.
- As told to Himani Narayan
Chris Mena at Closely Crafted’s holiday party. Photo by @shotsbyhimani
