The retail industry spans all sorts of products. But Arcos in Jersey City aims to stand out from the crowd by providing a selection of upcycled accessories. In particular, they curate preowned high-end fashion silk prints and upcycle them into handmade items. This emerging fashion sector is a way to offer high fashion at low costs.
Arcos occupies space in a previously closed section of the Aoua’s Braids beauty salon. To be specific, the boutique is in a compact studio annex that is part of the salon’s waiting area. However, in-store visits are not a requirement in order to purchase items from Arcos; their e-commerce site ships and delivers locally.
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Old Materials Made New at Arcos
The business is owned and operated by artisan Tati Tavares, who also makes the handmade accessories herself. Tati is originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but started traveling to NYC at 9 years old in 1988. She eventually moved to Jersey City in 2007, and has lived there ever since. Tati believes Jersey City’s ever-evolving downtown is a perfect spot for her upcycling shop. “I’ve seen Aoua’s salon location for ages in historic downtown Jersey City,” she says. “We’re thrilled and fortunate for her welcoming us to the available space.”
Arcos offers a range of items, such as belts, headbands (their best seller), scarfs, and smart watch wristbands; as well as hair scrunchies, unisex facemasks, bracelets, necklaces, smartphone cases, and more. Of course, all their products focus on not just fashion, but also sustainability. “I love curating the fabrics and producing the items by hand,” Tati says. “It is very therapeutic for me.” In fact, she’s motivated by the hue Hermes orange. “I’m inspired by this bright color to keep the energy on high; and at the same time remain elegant and glamorous.”
A Sustainable Mission
Entering the fashion arena with Arcos feels like destiny for Tati. “Fashion has always been a passion,” she says. It all started when she went shopping for a stylish headband, only to discover designer ones were $200 and up. Looking for something more affordable, Tati realized she could make headbands herself at a reasonable cost. Now, she shares her work with others who are either new to upcycling, or supportive of the initiative.
“We will continue working for all to be curious about this new fashion sector; who want access to some high fashion at a very affordable price; and who recognize the importance of this sustainable upcycling market, reusing preowned and vintage fine fabric material,” Tati says. “We’re allowing for less water waste and reducing our carbon footprint.”
About the Owner
Tati Tavares, 43, is a single mom to her 7-year-old son, Toni. She also has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and is an outpatient at Rutgers Health. “Being self-employed allows my family the flexibility we need, and gives me ample time to care for my health.”
Visit Arcos at 521 Jersey Ave in Jersey City. Look for them online to learn more.
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All Photos: © Arcos
