Thanks for Nothing x Etam

A Unique Artwork Celebrating Etam’s Values at WeCare Week 2022

Thanks for Nothing coordinated the commission and exhibition of a one-of-a-kind artwork by artist Desire Moheb Zandi, inspired by the concept of the “artist’s curtain,” a motif deeply rooted in art history.

This engaged artistic project reflects Etam’s core values, including its commitment to sustainable fashion.

An Initiative as Part of WeCare Week

From June 3 to June 8, 2022, Etam’s WeCare Week highlighted the brand’s commitment to the planet and to women through a series of dedicated initiatives.

For years, Etam has implemented in-store collection points, allowing customers to donate unwanted bras. These are then sorted and cleaned in ESATs (French organizations providing employment support for people with disabilities) before being redistributed to women in need through partner associations.

This initiative directly inspired artist Desire Moheb Zandi, who sought to repurpose these bras, weaving them into a unique artwork that gives them a second life.

A Monumental and Committed Artwork Created for WeCare Week

Deeply engaged with various associations and aligned with Etam’s values, artist Desire Moheb Zandi was particularly drawn to the theme of upcycling. This project became an obvious choice, demonstrating that even unusable fabric scraps can be transformed into a true work of art.

The artist shared her experience:
“What I loved most about this collaboration was the partnership with the ESAT, where I visited three times. I was deeply moved by the exchange, the humanity, and the sense of sharing that it inspired in me.”

Inspired by textures, materials, and colors, Desire Moheb Zandi designed a vibrant, handwoven piece, carefully selecting shades from bras deemed unrecoverable by the ESAT. Working in her Los Angeles and Aubervilliers studios, she meticulously cut, assembled, layered, and machine-wove the elements, integrating wool spools, straps, cotton, and metal underwires into the composition.

The monumental artwork was displayed for over a week at Etam’s flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann. Visible from both inside and outside the boutique, the piece is now preserved in the artist’s private collection.

Project Impact

• A monumental artwork by Desire Moheb Zandi in collaboration with Etam: a tapestry symbolizing the woven connections between all the women involved in the project
• An exhibition at Etam’s flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann, including a vernissage attended by Laurent Milchior, co-manager of the Etam Group
• A circular initiative, incorporating unusable Etam bras into the artwork as part of an upcycling approach
• The artwork as an allegory of the profound transformation Etam has undertaken toward more sustainable fashion