Cassandra Reale

Artist Statement

In my artistic practice, I breathe new life into forgotten fabrics, transforming them into wearable stories that speak to both sustainability and self-expression. With each stitch and every fold, I aim to challenge the disposable culture of fast fashion, advocating for mindful consumption and the beauty of repurposing. My designs are more than garments; they are statements of conscience and creativity. Each piece tells a unique story, blending elements of nostalgia with a modern aesthetic. By repurposing materials that would otherwise contribute to environmental waste, I invite my audience to consider the true cost of their clothing and the power of conscious consumption.

Gallery

Featured Work

Falling Leaves Quilt Jackets

Sewing: Made from a thrifted quilt. Size Large, Oversized fit. Price – for 1 Adult Jacket + 1 Childs Jacket = $300. 1 Adult Jacket = $275, 1 Childs Jacket = $85

Upcycled Loon Jacket

Sewing: Made from a thrifted quilt. Size Large, Oversized fit. Price: sold for $300

Upcycled Clothing, Various Prints

Block printing. Sizing: Varies. Price $30-60

Biography:

Hey there! I’m Cassandra—most people call me Sanni—and I’m the one-woman show behind Monarch Press Collections, a New Hampshire-based creative business that’s all about sustainability, slow fashion, and finding the beauty in thrifted fabrics. My journey here started pretty simply, and maybe a little impulsively, back in 2020. In the middle of a big move, I found myself buying a sewing machine off Facebook Marketplace on a whim—because, why not? I figured I’d start by altering my own clothes to fit better and last longer, and maybe share a few things I found interesting in the sewing world along the way. Turns out, that sewing machine ended up sparking a whole new adventure.
So here I am, a few years and many spools of thread later, turning thrift-store finds and fabric scraps into quilted jackets, block-printed designs, cozy balaclavas, and all kinds of handmade goodness. I’m all about showing that sustainability can be stylish—and that fashion doesn’t have to come at the cost of the planet. Every piece I make is designed to be something special that lasts, something that makes you feel good about what you’re wearing and why.
Now, I’m here creating quilted jackets, hand-printed designs, cozy balaclavas, and all kinds of handmade pieces that are made to last and made with love. I’m passionate about every detail because I want these items to feel worth every penny, every stitch. This is clothing with a purpose—to help you honor what you own and avoid the cycle of fast fashion.
And to every single person who’s supported me along the way—thank you! Your belief in Monarch Press Collections means the world to me. When you buy a piece, you’re not just supporting a small business; you’re helping me live out a dream (and probably saving me from a few existential crises along the way!). You’re part of a community that’s redefining fashion, one thoughtful choice at a time. So thank you for being here, for valuing quality over quantity, and for making sustainable fashion feel like a celebration. Here’s to creating something meaningful together!