What happens when a self-taught sewist with a thrifting obsession decides that holes, stains, and frayed edges aren’t the end of a garment’s story? You get Jorie Kay Design—a rebellious, eco-conscious fashion brand that breathes new life into forgotten graphic tees, reclaimed textiles, and castoff materials.
Founded by Bergen County native Marjorie Kaplan, the brand sits at the intersection of sustainable fashion, music culture, and fine art, offering one-of-a-kind clothing and bags that refuse to blend in.
From quarantine masks to a thrifting revolution
Kaplan’s journey into fashion design began during the COVID-19 quarantine. As a longtime fiber artist with a love for crochet and textiles, she picked up sewing to craft colorful masks for family, friends, and colleagues. What started as a calming pastime quickly unlocked a new creative outlet.
Those foundational sewing skills soon collided with Kaplan’s enduring passion for secondhand shopping and music. Instead of discarding heavily worn or overlooked graphic tees, she saw potential.
“Where many can’t get past the holes, stains and other proof of wear, I see a graphic waiting for its next life—maybe paired with denim or other textiles to become a bag or an edgy piece of clothing that otherwise wouldn’t exist,” Kaplan explains.
What began playfully as an excuse to fuel her thrifting habit has blossomed into a full-fledged brand for consumers craving unique, sustainable statement pieces.
Letting the graphics lead
True to the brand’s unconventional spirit, Kaplan doesn’t decide what a rescued piece will become before she starts working on it—the graphics dictate the design.
Operating on a curated drop model, Jorie Kay Design releases thematic collections consisting of roughly three to eight items about once a month. Recent standout drops include “Seas the Day,” featuring patterned beach bags, and “The Days Between,” which paid homage to Jerry Garcia’s birthday and passing by reimagining classic Grateful Dead graphic tees. Dedicated fans can gain early access to these limited releases by joining the brand’s “Backstage Pass” community.
Behind the seams
Part of the charm of Jorie Kay Design is the transparency and humor Kaplan brings to her process. On Instagram, followers are treated to a genuine “backstage pass” into her studio life.
Fans can watch her dig through racks and giant boxes for rare band and sports tees, troubleshoot sewing mishaps, and navigate the quirks of life as an independent creator. Viewers are also introduced to the studio’s recurring cast:
- Lucky, the official Quality Control Manager who makes surprise inspection appearances.
- Samantha, a studio mannequin with a free-spirited personality.
- Gladys, a more modest mannequin who prefers to stay covered up.
Ultimately, Jorie Kay Design delivers eco-friendly fashion without preaching. It is loud, imperfect, rich with history, and fiercely original. True to the brand’s mantra: Not Vintage. Reborn.
