Founder of La’ Merde Designs by Stella Christine Burkette with her collection, Credit: Michigan Chronicle
In a world that has become increasingly more aware of the fashion industry’s environmental footprint, one trailblazing company is igniting a revolution. La’ Merde Designs, founded by visionary Christine Burkette, is not just setting the bar for change; it’s soaring above it with a passionate focus on sustainability but looking stylish while doing it. Launched in August 2024, this innovative brand pays heartfelt tribute to Burkette’s beloved mother, Stella Edwards, while boldly addressing the crucial issue of textile waste. With an unapologetic approach and unwavering commitment to responsible design, La’ Merde Designs is proving that fashion can be a blend of creativity and eco-consciousness.
Drawing inspiration from her mother’s career as a fashion designer, Burkett has combined her passions for science, technology, and style to create a sustainable, high-end clothing line. The genesis of La’ Merde began two years ago when she started researching the devastating impact of textile waste. Alarmed to discover much of the donated clothing ends up polluting communities in countries like Ghana, Burkett knew she had to find a solution.
“I kept saying, okay, now let me look at this through the lens of a chemist,” Burkette said.
“When I started doing my research, I started looking at the best way to do this. I always tell people one of the things that I always notice when it comes to fashion sexy sales. And I said, first, I have to make this company look sexy. And then, I didn’t even have a name for it.”
But not much longer did the idea come to her; whenever Burkette was out in her designs, many would stop her and compliment her by saying, “Your look is the sh*it. Her mother loved French, and that’s how the name La’ Merde Designs was born. In French, it means ‘The Sh*t’
United Blossom” Floral Denim Skirt, Courtesy of La’ Merde Designs LLC
La’ Merde Designs transcends the traditional boundaries of a clothing line by embodying a comprehensive ecosystem that champions sustainability, education, and groundbreaking innovation. Burkette brings a unique perspective to the fashion industry, armed with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Chemistry, and is the previous Director of Digital, Equity, and Inclusion for the City of Detroit. Burkette is no stranger to approaching challenges and leaving with a solution. Her passion and background equip her with the scientific acumen necessary to merge the artistry of fashion with environmental conservation.
On a mission to turn discarded materials into stunning high-end fashion pieces, each creation looks amazing and carries a meaningful message about renewal and responsibility. The brand focuses on eco-friendly practices throughout its design and production, showing that luxury fashion can also be kind to the environment.
The result? An orginal collection that stands out in style while promoting a more sustainable future for the fashion industry. It stands out so much that the clothing line has been featured in New York Fashion Week two years in a row.
“When they invited me to New York Fashion Week, I was ready to go, and I was really grateful,” Burkette said.
Statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveal that the United States generates over 11.3 million tons of textile waste each year. A significant portion of this waste comes from the fast fashion industry, which encourages a cycle of rapid consumption and disposal. This practice leads to environmental contamination and the depletion of natural resources.
“So this is the cycle. You drop it off at Goodwill. Okay, it’s going to a better place. When it doesn’t sell there, they bundle it, and then they ship it over to several countries, like India and Ghana,” Burkette said.
“And then what happens is those people buy the bundles, anywhere from $5 to $100 for the bundle, not knowing what’s in it. You open up the bundle, and then you sell to the community to get your money back. But then whatever you can’t use goes to landfill waste, so it still ends up in landfill waste, just not in the US.”
Burkette’s vision for La’ Merde Designs goes beyond simply establishing a sustainable fashion brand; it seeks to create a movement that transforms our perception of clothing. The company takes a multifaceted approach that emphasizes the use of recycled textiles, upcycled couture, and innovative recycling methods, all aimed at closing the loop on textile waste.
“Our goal is to create this circular ecosystem within sustainability to show people that we don’t waste anything,” She said.
At the core of La’ Merde Designs is its dedication to repurposing vintage couture. As environmental concerns grow, brands like La’ Merde Designs are redefining their operations to prioritize sustainability. Founder Burkett combines artistry and innovation by carefully selecting secondhand pieces, digitally designing custom murals and patterns, and collaborating with Detroit artist Fella, who hand-paints each design.
In addition to its couture line, La’ Merde offers a ready-to-wear collection made entirely from recycled textiles. By upcycling discarded materials, the brand not only reduces waste but also celebrates creativity and craftsmanship. The Ready-to-Wear collection is refreshed every 30 days, introducing new pieces with unique screen-printed murals, ensuring there is always something fresh and exciting for eco-conscious fashion lovers.
One of the most exciting parts of La’ Merde Designs’ plan for being more eco-friendly is the upcoming launch of a new textile recycling plant, set to open in the last few months of 2025. This facility will help cut down on waste and pollution in the clothing industry. It will collect old and unwanted fabrics, clean them up, and prepare them for recycling. Instead of ending up in landfills, these recycled materials will be sold to manufacturers who can use them to make new clothes. This process will help reduce the need for new resources and lessen the overall waste we produce.
Beyond its positive effects on the environment, the new recycling plant is will generate a significant number of sustainable manufacturing jobs, offering valuable employment opportunities for residents in Detroit. By employing local workers, the facility will play a crucial role in revitalizing the city’s economy, stimulating growth, and enhancing the overall quality of life within the community. This initiative not only addresses waste management but also supports the development of a skilled workforce, fostering long-term prosperity and stability in the area.
Air Nike Hand Painted Kobe Bryant Sneakers, Courtesy of La’ Merde Designs LLC
La’ Merde Designs is dedicated to incorporating sustainability into education and career development. Through its Training and Development Program, the company offers tailored training for aspiring artists, designers, and environmental advocates. This program covers all aspects of the business, including upcycling, design, textile recycling, and manufacturing. The initiative aims to prepare individuals for employment within the various divisions of La’ Merde Designs, ensuring that a new generation of creators is equipped to combine creativity with environmental responsibility.
As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion, sustainable alternatives like La’ Merde Designs are emerging as leaders in the movement toward a greener and more ethical fashion industry. By combining fashion innovation with environmental responsibility and investment in local communities, La’ Merde Designs demonstrates that it is possible for luxury and sustainability to coexist harmoniously.
“We’ve gotten a lot of support from sustainable nonprofits, who’s given us funding. We’re constantly reviewing other ways for us to get funding. We’re looking at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation not only for sustainability but as Black owned company. So we’re doing all of our work,” Burkette said.
As Burkette’s vision comes to life, La’ Merde Designs is not just creating beautiful, eco-friendly clothing it’s creating a legacy for future generations, where fashion meets responsibility, style meets sustainability, and innovation drives positive change.
She plans to open a textile recycling plant in Detroit that will strip chemicals from materials, allowing the raw components to be resold to the industry. La’ Merde Designs will also launch an educational nonprofit to teach sustainability and eco-friendly practices in local schools.
“People being able to associate La’ Merde Designs by Stella with this amazing woman who raised me is probably going to be my proudest moment, and knowing that whenever anybody wears something their walk away is going to be like La’ Merde, that’s the sh*t,” Burkette said.
For updates, and to shop the online collection visit https://lamerdedesign.com/stella-shop.
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