The Regenerative Fashion Institute was created to unite fashion, education, and sustainability as tools for social and environmental transformation. More than just empowering, we welcome, inspire, and regenerate.

The Regenerative Fashion Institute was founded with a clear purpose: to transform fashion into an agent of environmental and social regeneration.

Given social inequalities and the environmental impact of the fashion industry, the urgency for action arose. Since then, the Institute has been promoting professional training, environmental education, and social inclusion, with a special focus on women and young people in vulnerable situations.

The initiative combines craftsmanship with critical awareness, tradition with the future—training people, awakening talent, and generating real opportunities for income and autonomy. Each course, workshop, and initiative is designed to minimize environmental impacts, promote social justice, and expand access to knowledge.

Although rooted in local initiatives, the Institute was born with global connections and strategic partnerships—such as with the Paris-Saclay Cluster, one of Europe's largest innovation hubs. Aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda, Education for Sustainable Development (UNESCO), and the European Pact for Skills, the Institute reinforces its commitment to a future where fashion is circular, humane, and regenerative.

We continue to believe that sewing, embroidering, painting, and creating are acts of transformation. And that fashion can—and should—be part of the solution.

Our story

Our work is based on three pillars!

Patrícia Portella

She has been a Table Setting entrepreneur for over seven years. She holds a bachelor's and postgraduate degree in Literature, an MBA in Fashion, and a Music Seminar for the Worship Team.

She teaches Fashion at the RTVE Foundation - UFG. She is a Professional Etiquette and Table Setting Consultant. She is a member of the Regenerative Fashion Institute as a secretary and fashion and creative sewing instructor.

Maris Tavares

Founder of the Regenerative Fashion Institute, she specializes in image and positioning with over 12 years of experience. A speaker, mentor, and UN ambassador, she connects fashion, self-awareness, and sustainability to transform lives with authenticity and purpose.

The Minds Behind the Institute

Maria Ruth Hercelin

Project consultant for the UN 2030 Agenda, member of the UNESCO IIPE network, and project director at CAESE|CEAEDD (Paris-Saclay). She holds a postdoctoral degree from UNICAMP and a PhD from UCSAL. She has international experience working at institutions in Latin America and Europe, and also serves as a mentor for international careers.

Graça Pires

A university professor and fashion photographer with over 25 years of experience in the field, she currently works in Europe and internationally. She specializes in positioning brands and individuals through imagery, combining academic and practical expertise in the world of fashion and visual communication.

Elizabeth Rodrigues

Environmental Engineer with a PhD in Environmental Sciences from UFV (Federal University of São Paulo), she has over 25 years of experience in sustainability, environmental management, and the restoration of degraded areas. She has worked in public agencies, higher education, and coordinating socio-environmental programs. She has extensive experience in environmental licensing, ESG, and environmental education.