The Unexpected Journey of an Inner Tube
When you think of fashion, tires are probably not the first things that come to mind. But for Julio, the designer behind Creativvo, discarded inner tubes are the perfect canvas. His brand transforms rubber waste into unique high-fashion pieces, proving that sustainability can be as bold as it is unexpected. But how exactly does one turn an old tire into a wearable work of art? We spoke to Julio to break down his creative process.
Sourcing: Where Do the Inner Tubes Come From?
“A bit of both,” Julio says when asked whether he sources materials himself or has a specific supplier. He collects inner tubes wherever he can, often salvaging them from garages and repair shops. It’s a mix of hunting for the right pieces and working with whatever he finds, ensuring that every item gets a second life.
However, working with discarded materials comes with its own challenges. The first step is always to clean and disinfect them thoroughly before they can be repurposed into fashion. “Of course, they go through a deep cleaning and sanitization process,” he explains. “That way, they’re safe to work with and comfortable to wear.”
Transformation: From Rubber to Fashion Statement
Unlike traditional designers who sketch patterns, Julio’s creative process is instinctive and freeform.
“The first step is to create the design in my head and then bring it to life—without using patterns,” he reveals. Instead of following traditional tailoring techniques, he cuts directly into the material, letting its texture and shape guide him. This means that each piece is unique, and no two jackets, bags, or accessories are ever exactly alike.
Even the offcuts don’t go to waste. “From the leftover scraps, I create collars, earrings, and other accessories,” he adds, proving that upcycling isn’t just about making fashion sustainable—it’s about pushing creativity to the limit.
One of the biggest challenges? Making the rigid, industrial material work as clothing. His most ambitious project so far? “A jacket inspired by old armor—like something a medieval knight would wear,” he says. The weight, structure, and complexity of the design pushed his craftsmanship further than ever before.
Breaking Expectations: What Surprises People Most?
Despite the growing awareness of sustainable fashion, people are often shocked by how luxurious, detailed, and high-fashion Julio’s creations look in real life.
“People are always surprised that I can create what I do using this material,” he says. It’s a reminder that preconceived ideas about fashion can limit our perspective—and that something considered industrial or rough can, in the right hands, become something entirely different.
For Julio, upcycling isn’t just about sustainability—it’s a creative challenge. He constantly pushes himself to explore new ideas. “I’m always experimenting with new discarded materials,” he shares. “Whenever I find something unexpected, I take it as a challenge to see what I can make from it.”
The Future of Creativvo
While he already creates jackets, bags, and accessories, Julio has no plans to stop exploring. His future? More experimental pieces, new materials, and bigger challenges.
“I’m proud of every single design because each one has its own story,” he says. But when asked if he’s ever truly pushed his creativity to its limits, his answer is clear: “Maybe a little—but I hope I’ll have even bigger challenges ahead.”
Final Thought
Creativvo isn’t just about upcycling—it’s about redefining how we see fashion. What was once discarded now walks the streets as a bold fashion statement.
So next time you see something unconventional, don’t dismiss it. Maybe the challenge isn’t the material itself—but how we choose to see it.
Thank you for this interview.
MADENOW
Estilismo por DANIEL ALBERICIO @danalbericiostyling Prendas de diseño CREATIVVO @creativvo Fotografía RUBÉN GONZÁLEZ @rubework Maquillaje SARA GARCIA @saragabephoto Producción FASHION SPACE @fashionspaceworld y SARA GARCIA
