JRAT 3T Tote Bag

Born into the fashion industry, Janelle Abbott grew up immersed in garment production through her parents' Seattle-based clothing manufacturing company. A 2012 graduate of Parsons School of Design with a BFA in Fashion Design, Janelle’s early career included collaborating with professor Timo Rissanen on performance installations in Helsinki and New York that highlighted waste and hidden labor in the fashion industry.

Rejecting the exploitative practices of fast fashion, Janelle founded her brand JRAT, embracing upcycling, sustainability, and zero-waste design. Her work transforms reclaimed, second-hand, and donated materials into clothing, furniture, sculpture, and art, weaving stories of past lives into new creations.

Through her Wardrobe Therapy initiative, Janelle reconstructs clients’ unworn garments into cherished pieces, reflecting her commitment to slow fashion and mindful consumerism. Known for her densely pleated, boldly clashing, and unapologetically scrappy designs, Janelle’s work underscores the labor-intensive nature of ethical craftsmanship and the environmental importance of reducing waste.