Bringing “a little magic” into your children’s dress-up world is, for me, about much more than making costumes. It’s about creating pieces with care, intention, and a deep respect for the planet.

I recently had the pleasure of being featured in the IMS Luxembourg Sustainability Magazine and the conversation captured what truly defines my approach. 

Sustainability doesn’t just live in the finished costume—it’s present in every step of the process. From the first sketch to the pattern, to the final garment, each piece is shaped with creativity and thoughtfulness. I work with natural or responsibly sourced materials whenever I can —often repurposed or deadstock—and produce in small batches or made-to-order to minimise waste. When designing bespoke pieces, I weave in the wishes of the child or parent, making each costume not only unique, but deeply personal. These are garments designed to grow with a child, to be repaired, and eventually passed on—offering a meaningful alternative to disposable fashion.

This philosophy naturally extends to something I often encourage parents to create: a dress-up box. More than just a collection of costumes, it becomes a space for imagination, storytelling, and self-expression. (I share more about its educational value and how to build one over time in a separate article here.) But just as importantly, it can also reflect your values.

Building a sustainable dress-up box is about shifting perspective—from collecting more, to choosing better. Each piece you add is an investment not only in your child’s creativity, but in something that can last, evolve, and be shared across siblings, friends, and even generations.

Look for costumes made from natural or recycled materials that are gentle on both skin and planet. Choose pieces that are well-made and adjustable, so they can move through growth spurts, be repaired when needed, and passed along rather than discarded. Favour open-ended garments—a simple cape, a tunic, a skirt—that can become countless characters depending on the day’s story. Often, it’s the accessories that bring transformation: a cape with a crown becomes a king; the same cape with a hat becomes a mischievous robber.

A truly special dress-up box also carries stories. Mixing in second-hand finds or family pieces adds depth and continuity—your great-uncle’s 1930s knickerbockers can become an explorer’s trousers, while your aunt’s 1960s travel scarves might turn into a princess’s turban. These layers of history make play richer and more meaningful.

And whenever possible, supporting small makers or transparent brands helps ensure that the magic is created ethically, with care for both people and planet.

Needless to say, all of the above would apply to your regular closet as well. Being a seamstress as well as a costume designer and maker, I am rooting for all handmade garments, especially those made locally by the hands of skilled crafts(wo)men. 

Supporting your local seamstress or tailor is a simple but high-impact sustainability choice. By repairing, altering, or custom-making garments locally, you extend the lifespan of clothing and reduce reliance on fast fashion’s resource-intensive production cycles. This lowers textile waste, cuts transportation emissions, and keeps materials in use longer. At the same time, you strengthen local craftsmanship and circular economies—ensuring skills, jobs, and value remain within your community rather than being outsourced globally.

A reprint of the interview featured in the IMS Luxembourg Magazine is also available in the d'Handwierk March 2026, - the quarterly magazine of the Chambre des Métiers Luxembourg.