Best wishes & resolutions for a year of connection and transformation
As we step into 2025, the suite123 team sends you our warmest wishes for a beautiful and meaningful year ahead! Happy 2025!
The beginning of a new year—a moment for reflection and setting intentions—carries a spark of hope. Yet, in a time marked by human and ecological crises, the world around us may not always shine with glitter and wonder. Still, it’s within our reach to find and nurture beauty and positivity in our everyday lives.
Individually, we may not hold the power to end the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians or end the war in Ukraine. But collectively, by raising our voices and taking action, we can contribute to meaningful change.
This year, our resolution is simple: to rediscover our humanity and transform crisis into an opportunity for growth. To strive each day to become better humans by listening more, connecting more, and embracing the intimate, one-to-one conversations that shape culture and understanding. Let’s invest time in being present, fostering authentic relationships, and embracing the transformative power of meaningful encounters. Genuine dialogue can illuminate us. Equally important is establishing regular moments for collective reflection—spaces where we can seek meaning, grow, and actively contribute to shared progress.
In a world that feels increasingly divided, we believe in the strength of shared values that foster common ground. Through conscious, intentional choices, we can spark transformation. Transformation begins with a simple decision: to be fully present and recognize the potential of every interaction. What starts as a personal step can gain momentum through collective action, creating a space where differences unite rather than divide us.
Here’s to 2025—a year of connection and transformation. Let’s show up every day for ourselves, for one another, and for our planet.
Searching for the magic in a world overwhelmed by adversity
Every email we receive wishes us a Merry Christmas 2024 or a joyful Holiday Season. They celebrate the magic of these days, brimming with joy and gratitude for the year that draws to a close. But where is this magic in the world around us? Can nativity under the devastation of bombs make sense?
Regardless of one’s faith, spiritual perspective, or personal values, the essence of Christmas seems to slip further away with each passing year. Instead of bringing solace, the festive season often leaves many adrift, caught between hope and bewilderment.
This year has been no exception. Once again, we’ve witnessed profound atrocities: the heartbreaking loss of innocent lives, such as children in Gaza, and the ongoing genocide of Palestinians.
“This is not war. This is cruelty. I want to say this because it touches my heart,” Pope Francis lamented.
Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine rages on. Poverty continues its alarming rise, deepening inequalities and divisions in our societies. At the same time, mass consumerism marches forward, heedless of the devastation it inflicts on both people and the planet. In fact, 2024 has been a terrible year for our climate and ecology.
It’s hard to ignore the harsh reality of a world increasingly driven by greed and indifference, where the pursuit of money is all that matters.
In the face of such adversity, it’s difficult to find the magic of Christmas. Yet, it is precisely during tough times that humanity must rediscover its commonalities. Perhaps the true message of this season lies not in fleeting moments of joy but in something deeper: a collective reflection. A chance to seek out what unites us and reignite a sense of shared purpose and hope.
If we turn our focus to values that truly matter—kindness, understanding, and mutual support—we may begin to bridge the gaps in our fractured world.
As we celebrate this season, let us pause. Let us listen, connect, and seek to understand. Most importantly, let us reassess our priorities. Let us remember the atrocities surrounding us and reflect on how our collective actions and choices can create ripples of change.
Donating to humanitarian organizations working to restore humanity in places where there’s no trace of it may not offer glamour, but it will remind you of what it means to be human.
Corporate tricks that encourage overconsumption and why accountability matters
The latest Netflix documentary on sustainability, Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy, released on November 20th this year, is a must-watch for anyone who shops—anywhere.
12,000, 25,000, 36,000, and 1.3 million. What do these numbers represent? They are the staggering quantities of items produced annually by Gap, H&M, Zara, and Shein, respectively.
Intrigued by how we, as consumers, are persuaded to buy more than we need, I decided to watch it. The trailer promised a compelling exploration of this phenomenon.
Netflix, Buy Now!: Corporate manipulation exposed
Have you ever wondered where all those products go—the ones we discard without a second thought? This so-called “away” isn’t some magical place. It’s real, and it’s devastating.
Netflix’s Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy takes an instructional approach to unravel the system behind overconsumption. The documentary is structured around five shocking directives: sell more, waste more, lie more, hide more, andcontrol more. Throughout these segments, former insiders from Amazon, Apple, Unilever, and Adidas reveal how companies manipulate us. Eric Liedtke, former Adidas Brand President, explains it bluntly: “You don’t need a new piece of clothing; you need a compelling reason to buy it.”
Netflix Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy – Official trailer
Have you noticed that the colour of Sprite bottles is no longer green but clear plastic? Even these subtle changes have a sinister purpose. Coca-Cola made the change to hide the environmental impact of their products. In fact, when the bottles were green they were easily identifiable in landfills.
But the manipulation doesn’t stop at marketing. It extends to how products are designed, determining their lifespan and whether they can be repaired. These calculated decisions ensure a cycle of relentless consumption, benefiting corporations at the expense of people and the planet.
The impact of product design and consumer behaviour
In today’s world, items are no longer built to last, they have short lifespans. Phones get replaced every three years, and clothing falls apart after a few washes so people replace it every month, if not weekly.
There are some things my family has had for more than ten years that have lasted the test of time, from our Christmas tree my parents bought more than twenty years ago to the dining table they have that has been repurposed into a desk. These pieces were built to last, unlike many products today. Take my computer, for instance. In the six years I’ve owned it, I’ve had to replace the battery. But, the battery is glued inside the device, requiring the replacement of an entire panel.
This isn’t an accident. Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, says Apple censors information so that consumers find it harder to repair devices, making them more likely to buy a new one. A prime example of this approach is wireless earphones. They are designed with batteries precisely placed and glued into the devices, making replacements nearly impossible. The result? Consumers are left with no choice but to discard and replace them when the battery dies—further fuelling the cycle of waste.
The design flaws and deliberate barriers to repairability aren’t going unnoticed. Recent efforts, such as New York’s legislation on the right to repair electronic products and the EU’s new environmental regulations, demonstrate a growing awareness of the issue. While some companies are taking steps toward sustainability, these efforts remain insufficient to counteract the immense damage already done.
Conclusion: Netflix Buy Now! No novelty, but worth watching
It may not be a groundbreaking concept, but the Netflix documentary Buy Now! effectively exposes corporate manipulation. Hopefully, it will reach a broader audience.
While corporations and governmentsbear the greatest responsibility for systemic change, as individuals we holdsignificant power too. We can demand accountability from companies, advocate for action through our local representatives and most importantly, make mindful choices in our daily lives. This means buying less, prioritising true quality garments that are made to last and exploring vintage or second-hand options whenever possible.
Before making your next purchase, ask yourself: Do I really need that new fast-fashion dress?
Every decision we make has the power to challenge the status quo and contribute to a more sustainable future.
✍️ Post written by Sorcha Gorman, a scholar from Melbourne / Australia, studying Public Relations at Università Cattolica in Milan. Currently interning with suite123.
How this earthy hue captures the spirit of the times
Pantone has unveiled its Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse. A mellow brown imbued with comforting warmth reminiscent of creamy coffee. Indeed, this sensorial hue speaks to our growing desire for harmony and everyday indulgence.
As the global authority on colour, Pantone sets the professional colour language for the design community. Specifically, it enables brands and manufacturers to make precise, colour-critical decisions. In fact, through its Pantone Lifestyle division, it seamlessly merges colour and design across apparel, home, and accessories. So it serves as a source of inspiration for creativity at every touchpoint.
Pantone color of the year 2025: Mocha Mousse
On December 5, Pantone announced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse as its Color of the Year 2025. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into pleasure and deliciousness. This rich brown hue nurtures with its comforting warmth and delectable hints of cacao, chocolate, and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort.
“Underpinned by our longing for everyday pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse embodies thoughtful indulgence,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Sophisticated and lush, yet unpretentious, it redefines brown, elevating it from humble and grounded to aspirational and luxe. Infused with subtle elegance and earthy refinement, Mocha Mousse offers a discreet and tasteful touch of glamour – a flavourful brown shade enveloping us with its sensorial warmth.”
Credit: Pantone – Mocha Mousse 17-1230 – Colour of the year 2025
Mocha Mousse: harmony, comfort, well-being
A growing movement calls us to reconnect with the natural world, embracing its rhythms and resources. So, reflecting this ethos, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse embodies an organic essence that celebrates the sustenance of our physical environment. Imbued with authenticity, it strikes a harmonious balance between the demands of modern life and the timeless allure of artful creation.
“The search for harmony touches every aspect of our lives — our relationships, work, social connections, and the natural environment around us,” says Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “Harmony inspires inner peace, balance, and a culture of connection and unity. As well as the synthesis of our mental, spiritual and physical well-being. With this in mind, Mocha Mousse resonates with our desire for comfort, wellness, and the simple pleasures we can gift and share.”
Moreover, to mark the 26th anniversary of the Pantone Color of the Year, the brand will, for the first time, showcase Mocha Mousse through events and experiences worldwide.
Conclusion: inspiration for 2025
Earthy yet refined, Mocha Mousse, the Pantone 2025 Color of the Year, offers sensorial warmth and a luxurious yet unpretentious feel. Also, its timeless versatility makes it a foundation for sophisticated, mix-and-match colour palettes that exude elegance and ease.
As we step into 2025, this evocative hue becomes more than just a trend. It symbolizes the power of simplicity and genuine connection. Mocha Mousse invites us to savour the beauty of everyday moments while fostering a deeper harmony with ourselves and the world around us.
In a time of rapid change, its grounded elegance serves as a quiet yet profound reminder: balance, comfort, and authenticity are the luxuries that truly matter.
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International day for the elimination of violence against women
Gender-based violence is not just a social issue – it is a global, enduring millennial epidemic. As we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we confront an unsettling reality: the numbers are not receding – they are growing.
Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed.
The United Nations starkly outlines this crisis:
“Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world. Globally, almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life. For at least 51,100 women in 2023, the cycle of gender-based violence ended with one final and brutal act—their murder by partners and family members. That means a woman was killed every 10 minutes.”
So, this sobering reality spans across all societies and regions. The scourge of violence is not confined to the home; it has infiltrated workplaces, online spaces, and communities, exacerbated by conflicts, economic insecurity, and even climate change.
Femicide: the extreme manifestation of gender violence
“Femicide” is the term used to describe gender-related killings of women and girls. So, the most extreme manifestation of gender-based violence. The 2023 statistics are staggering: 1- 140 women and girls were killed daily, on average, by someone within their family. 2- Africa was the region with the largest absolute number of killings and with the highest level of violence relative to the size of its female population. 3- Unlike male homicides, often occurring in public spaces, the home remains the most dangerous place for women.
Therefore, this chilling reality underscores a devastating truth: for women and girls, safety is not a given – even in the spaces that should nurture them most.
Gender-based violence: Italy & the “good guy” illusion
In Italy, the murders of Giulia Cecchettin and Giulia Tramontano shattered a dangerous myth: that women are most at risk from strangers, lurking predators, or “monsters” we can easily identify. Instead, the threat often comes from someone far more familiar: the so-called “good guy.”
Giulia Cecchettin’s femicide laid bare the grim truth that partners, not strangers, are often the perpetrators of violence against women. Similarly, the case of Giulia Tramontano, seven months pregnant, poisoned with rodenticide and then murdered by her boyfriend, sent shockwaves through the nation. Today, Milano court sentenced her murderer to life imprisonment, but justice for one does not erase the systemic violence that continues to claim so many lives.
These cases force us to confront an uncomfortable reality: the perpetrator is rarely the deranged figure we imagine. He is ordinary – hidden in plain sight. Specifcally, a culture that normalizes control, entitlement, and violence shapes him.
Changing culture: the long road ahead
The pervasive nature of femicide challenges us to rethink our approach. The rapist or abuser is rarely the deranged figure we imagine. In fact, a culture of entitlement and patriarchy shape him into a man. This is a cultural problem, deeply rooted and insidious.
While education against discrimination from an early age is essential, it is not enough. Tackling gender-based violence requires a collective effort to build a culture of consent, equality, and respect. This cultural shift must begin with families and schools, laying the groundwork for future generations.
A call to action: dismantle patriarchy
As we observe this day, let it not be a moment of passive reflection but a call to action. We must confront the structures and attitudes that perpetuate violence against women. This fight requires more than legislation. It demands a shared commitment to dismantle patriarchy, educate with intention, and foster a culture where no woman fears for her life in the spaces she calls home.
The numbers are more than statistics – they are lives lost, stories cut short. And they demand our unwavering attention.
