Deadstock: the forgotten fabrics

In the fashion industry, not everything is as visible as a runway or a campaign image. Behind the scenes, there’s a quieter reality: meters of unused fabrics stored away, untouched, uncut, and full of potential.
Beautiful materials that never had the chance to become what they were meant to be.

 

This is what we call deadstock or dormant stock fabric: high-quality materials left sleeping in warehouses, often due to cancelled productions, surplus rolls, or minimum order requirements that exceeded what was needed.

At Maison Manea, part of our sourcing comes from deadstock, which we purchase through platforms dedicated to repurposing existing fabrics.
Giving these materials a second life is part of our commitment to creating responsibly, without unnecessary waste.

 

What is deadstock? Also know as dormant stock

Deadstock refers to new, unused fabrics that remain from previous seasons or overproduction. And despite the name, they’re far from waste.

Deadstock materials are:

• Premium-quality, often from high-end manufacturers,
• Never used,
• Sometimes rare or discontinued,
• Already produced, meaning no new resources are required.

In short, deadstock is responsibility meeting opportunity.

 

Deadstock at Maison Manea: A Conscious Sourcing Process

For Maison Manea, working with deadstock is not occasional.

Before developing new fabrics, we first explore existing dormant stock options. The question we ask is simple: Can we create something beautiful using what already exists?

If the quality, texture, and durability meet our standards, we integrate those fabrics into our collections, particularly for accessories and selected pieces.

However, responsibility never replaces quality. Our commitment to softness, comfort, and longevity remains non-negotiable. Deadstock must meet the same level of excellence as any other material we use.

This approach allows us to reduce unnecessary production while preserving the integrity of our design

 

The key players in deadstock sourcing

The rise of responsible fashion has led to the emergence of specialized platforms that connect brands with dormant stock fabrics from luxury houses and manufacturers.

We source through Feat Coop, which carefully selects and redistributes unused materials, ensuring traceability and quality.

Another important actor in the ecosystem is Nona Source, a platform backed by LVMH that gives a second life to surplus fabrics from prestigious fashion houses. Proof that dormant stock can combine luxury origins with responsible impact.

These platforms are reshaping the way designers think about sourcing: not as an endless production cycle, but as a circular opportunity.

Why deadstock matters - For us, and for the future of fashion

Working with deadstock for some of our pieces is a conscious choice, a meaningful part of our slow fashion approach.

1. It reduces textile waste

Every meter of deadstock used prevents unnecessary disposal or long-term storage.

2. It avoids new production

No extra water, energy, dyeing, or weaving.
Using what's already there instantly lowers environmental impact.

3. It brings uniqueness

Deadstock fabrics often exist in small quantities.
This means limited, special pieces with a story, never mass-produced.

4. It aligns with our values

Maison Manea stands for softness, in comfort, in aesthetics, and in impact.
Incorporating deadstock reflects that commitment.