contemporary culture

The Digital Mirage: When Technology Distorts Reality

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Navigating the fine line between innovation and illusion


Technology is beautiful, but it often distorts reality. In fact, some advancements are gradually pulling us away from reality, increasing our desire for novelties and making us forget what’s truly real and meaningful. For example, consider NFTs, digital fashion, and digital influencers. None of these concepts have a physical presence, yet they’ve spread their influence across our society. 

But, in the era of digital mirage, can we distinguish between innovation and illusion? 

Technology vs reality: NFTs, digital fashion & digital personas


NFTs
An NFT, or “Non-Fungible Token,” is a digital artwork that can represent a wide range of subjects and sometimes costs millions of dollars. These tokens are bought and sold online, typically using cryptocurrency. Forbes reveals that “Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey sold his first ever tweet as an NFT for more than $2.9 million.” This is $2.9 million for the equivalent of a screenshot of a Twitter page. For a while, there was a great buzz around NFTs, but these investments are now hitting a downfall because of the uncertainty of the cryptocurrency market. Maybe we are realising that we don’t need to invest in such non-essential items. 

Digital Fashion
Brands like Nike and Ralph Lauren are experimenting with digital fashion. For example, Ralph Lauren’s virtual store allows you to take tours of the different retail locations. This use of AI is beneficial for visualisation and brand development. During my fall semester at the University of South Carolina, retail students were asked to review an app where they created avatars and could buy digital fashion from brands like Prada. Then, the review asked further questions like: “How likely are you to buy digital fashion?” I answered no, as I could not understand the concept of purchasing digital fashion. We don’t need three-quarters of the physical items we buy, let alone digital ones.

Lil Miquela: digital personas to drive consumerism
Lil Miquela is a famous AI influencer on Instagram with 2.6 Million followers. She posts frequently and can be seen “traveling” to places like Coachella. Not only does she travel, but she discusses politics and collaborates with brands like BMW and Chanel. However, do not be fooled by these digital personas, as they are simply sophisticated marketing tools designed to get society to buy, buy, buy. 

Come back to earth


Despite technology bringing positive innovations, we are facing a digital mirage that distorts reality. Do not get too lost in technology; most of it is propaganda or more marketing schemes. Remember, the main driving force of the world is profit. Everything is for profit, and brands aim to control your lifestyle, turning consumers into mere robots of consumption. So avoid these superficial distractions and come back to reality. Return to the basics and make mindful purchases that align with your genuine needs.

✍️ Credit: Post written by Joelle Elliott, an American scholar pursuing studies in Fashion at Cattolica University in Milan; currently interning with suite123.

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Embracing Global Connections Through Shared Learning

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

A deep dive into the fashion industry, culture and sustainability 


At suite123, we are passionate about embracing global connections through shared learning. Specifically, we pride ourselves on fostering a sense of community that transcends borders. Indeed, we have the pleasure of hosting brilliant international student interns. Their journey with us, and the work they have shared upon returning home has been inspiring. But also a testament to the power of global collaboration.

A Journey of learning and sustainability


Our 20+ years of experience in the fashion industry, plus our location in Milan, a city known for its rich fashion heritage, provide a fertile ground for in-depth exploration and understanding. So, students immerse themselves in the dynamics of niche fashion, luxury fashion, and fast fashion – a well-rounded fashion education. Specifically examining the fashion industry’s environmental and social impacts. Our projects and discussions around sustainability provide firsthand insights into the industry’s pressing issues and the solutions to address them.

From Italy to New Zealand: sharing knowledge across continents & fostering global connections


Recently, we welcomed a Brazilian student whose primary focus during her time with us was on the fast-fashion industry and its implications for sustainability. Upon returning to Brazil, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow with us. She mentioned how her experience in Milan profoundly shaped her understanding of sustainability, providing her with a solid foundation to tackle her academic assignment on fast fashion in New Zealand (where she lives). Her work reflects the knowledge and inspiration she gained during her internship, and she eagerly shared her findings with us.

Fashion education: building a global community


What struck us the most was the realization of how these experiences have fostered a sense of community among like-minded individuals across the globe. Whether located in Italy, Germany, Sweden, Japan, the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, or New Zealand, we are all united by a common goal: to promote sustainability and make a positive impact on the world. This shared commitment transcends geographical boundaries and highlights the importance of global collaboration. In order to facilitate this global exchange of ideas, we have chosen English as our common language. It serves as a bridge, enabling us to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Moreover, it allows everyone to contribute and benefit from the collective knowledge and experiences.

Inspiring the future through the fashion industry


The journey of our Brazilian intern is a powerful reminder of the impact that shared learning and collaboration can have. Her desire to share her work with suite123 readers inspires us to continue fostering an environment where ideas can be exchanged freely. And where every voice is heard. Also, it underscores the importance of sustainability in all our endeavours, encouraging us to remain committed to creating a better, more ethical future.

Embracing global connections


As we reflect on this experience, we are filled with a sense of pride and hope. Our interns’ stories from Milan to the U.S.A, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand exemplify the power of embracing global connections. We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of young people’s stories. Together, we can build a community that spans continents and works towards a common goal of sustainability and positive change.

Thank you all, and keep sharing your work with us! Let’s continue to inspire and learn from each other, no matter where we are.

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The Culture of Dissent in a Social Media-Dominated Society

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Contemporary fashion: from rebellion to conformity


In an age where social media dictates trends, thoughts, and behaviours, the culture of dissent appears to be under threat. In fact, platforms designed to connect us have, paradoxically, homogenised our culture, creating echo chambers and discouraging divergence from the mainstream narrative. 

Fashion, a lens through which we analyse society, reflects this phenomenon vividly. The rapid spread of trends via social media has led to global uniformity, stifling individual expression and, consequently, dissent.
But how does this happen?

Understanding the challenge


Homogenization Through Social Media
Social media platforms operate on algorithms that prioritise engagement, promoting content that aligns with popular opinions and trends. So, this creates a cycle that reinforces continuously the same ideas, styles, and behaviours. Therefore, the result is a flattened culture where dissenting voices are ignored.

Fashion as a Microcosm
Fashion, once a bastion of personal expression and rebellion, now mirrors the conformity fostered by social media. Trends spread almost instantaneously, and the pressure to conform is immense. So, the once-subversive power of fashion to challenge societal norms is diminished. Today, everyone wears the same fast-fashion or mass-luxury items promoted by influencers.

Steps to foster a culture of dissent


1. Encourage Critical Thinking and Media Literacy
To cultivate dissent, it is essential to equip individuals with the tools to critically analyse the content they consume. Media literacy programs should be promoted in schools and communities to help people recognize biases, understand algorithms, and critically evaluate sources of information.

2. Support Independent Voices
Amplifying independent designers, journalists, and artists can counteract the dominance of mainstream narratives. Supporting these voices through shares, follows, and financial contributions can help create a more diverse media landscape where dissenting opinions have a platform.

3. Create and Participate in Diverse Communities
Online and offline communities that celebrate diversity of thought are crucial. By engaging with groups that value different perspectives, individuals can find support and encouragement to express their unique views. Also, these communities can act as incubators for new ideas and counter-culture movements.

4. Promote Slow Fashion and Individual Style
Encouraging slow fashion – where the focus is on design, quality, and individuality – can serve as a rebellion against the fast-fashion culture propagated by social media. Indeed, celebrating personal style over trends can empower individuals to express their dissent through their fashion choices.

5. Educate About Historical and Contemporary Dissenters
Highlighting the stories of past and present dissenters can inspire others to question the status quo. Specifically, education systems and media should celebrate those who have made significant contributions to society by challenging prevailing norms and pushing for progress.

6. Foster Open Dialogue and Debate
Creating spaces – both online and offline – where open dialogue and debate are encouraged can help normalise dissent. Encouraging respectful discussions on controversial topics can help individuals feel more comfortable expressing their unique viewpoints.

Building a culture of dissent through fashion


In conclusion, building a culture of dissent in a society dominated by social media is undoubtedly challenging, but it is not impossible. In fact, fostering critical thinking, supporting independent voices, and promoting individuality can create a more diverse and dynamic cultural landscape. Fashion, as a reflection of society, can play a pivotal role in this transformation. When we celebrate personal style and slow fashion, we resist the homogenising force of social media trends. Ultimately, a culture of dissent means valuing diversity of thought and expression. And recognising that progress comes from challenging the norm.

So, as we navigate this digital age, let us remember the power of dissent to drive innovation, creativity, and change. By embracing our unique perspectives and encouraging others to do the same, we can build a richer, more varied society that thrives on the strength of its differences.

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Why Fashion Fails to Embrace Body Shape Balance

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Analysing the link between fashion, body image and inclusivity


While advertising featuring young women with ultra-curvy silhouettes is mushrooming, revealing a seeming shift towards inclusivity, it prompts us to question why fashion fails to embrace body shape balance. 

Delving into the historical narrative of the fashion industry since the 70s, ultra-slim female body shapes have been deeply entrenched. But lately, the discussion on inclusion and diversity prompted the fashion industry to widen the representation of different body shapes. Despite recent conversations surrounding inclusion and diversity, exemplified by plus-sized models, this transition remains fraught with contradictions.

Fashion and body shape: inclusivity or marketing?


For a while, plus-size women seemed to be everywhere. Despite the disappearance of plus-size models from fashion shows, many TV advertisements now prioritise promoting what they perceive as an inclusive body image.

Therefore, the question arises: are these representations truly promoting a healthy body image?
In the past, skinny silhouettes have been criticised for fostering unrealistic ideals, often leading to harmful behaviours like anorexia. But the opposite extreme is no less concerning. By featuring heavily overweight body shapes, especially to impressionable young girls, both the fashion and beauty industries may inadvertently convey the message that it’s acceptable to be significantly overweight. From a health perspective, this is far from the truth.

For the fashion industry, as well as the beauty industry, it boils down to following trends. So, they shift from one trend to another, expressing themselves through misleading marketing messages. In fact, their sole purpose is selling more clothes, shoes or beauty products, uncaring of the damage they can bring to women.

Body positivity and well-being


In conclusion, the fashion industry swings between extremes, from thin silhouettes to plus-size models, but still fails to embrace body shape balance. Indeed, it overlooks the importance of promoting a healthy body image, which is essential for overall well-being.

Furthermore, it is unsettling to observe that women are always the primary focus of marketing. And it’s concerning that we often don’t know how to respond. In the name of (fake) freedom, we become victims of the latest gimmick.

Of course, being unique involves accepting our imperfections; let’s embrace body positivity. But this acceptance should not come at the expense of our health. Balance is the key.

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Shiny Objects Syndrome: Unveiling Psychology Behind Consumer Behaviour

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Exploring the paradox: why people forget reality and support exploitation in fashion


Shiny Object Syndrome is the psychological idea where a person moves from one subject or object to the next, creating a constant distraction and a constant need for something new and exciting. This syndrome is present in the fashion industry with fashion trends, technology, news, social media, etc. 

Shiny Object Syndrome: encouraging overproduction from brands


In terms of the fashion industry, the control of Shiny Object Syndrome over society is what encourages fashion corporations to overproduce and contribute towards the abundance of textile waste and exploitation of labour. But our need for something shiny and new is costing the planet purchase by purchase. 

Unbreakable reputations despite concerning news
In April 2024, the Italian police exposed Giorgio Armani operations for using Chinese workers under an unauthorized subcontractor to make handbags and accessories. These workers were subject to unsafe working conditions and exploitation. Armani can also be traced to major water pollution scandals in China. Despite these concerning allegations, Armani maintains their reputation of being the pride of Italy and a loved brand worldwide. This contradiction is evident in other brands as well. 

The result: a vicious cycle
News and trends circulate so much that we forget the significance of events. Thus, when Armani releases their new collection we are too fascinated by the new fabrics, styles, and costs to remember how exactly these novelties were made. Thus, the Shiny Object Syndrome. Ultimately, we are showing brands that they can exploit human rights and the planet and get away with it. This must stop. 

Stopping the shiny object syndrome


Shiny Object Syndrome can reflect in many aspects of our life from relationships to our purchasing habits. If we are always searching for the next exciting thing, we will never be satisfied with what we have. 

To avoid shiny object syndrome you can:

1. Set achievable short-term goals
Setting short-term goals can divert our focus towards positivity and improvement during the week and help us work towards a greater goal. Personal motivation is key.

2. Focus on experience rather than substance and find meaning in smaller things
Spend money on experiences like dinner with friends and plan these experiences for something to look forward to. Also, find meaning in smaller things by reviewing your day and asking yourself what made you smile and how you can make someone smile tomorrow. 
When you do buy, buy thoughtfully. Invest in items where you can read about the story of the designer and feel the craftsmanship. Items that are unique to you and not just a trend.

3. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude always. Gratitude can be as simple as being grateful for a sunny day or the flowers blooming. Once we see what we appreciate, we can appreciate even more and accept a beautiful life.

Gratitude turns what you have into abundance.
Gratitude is so much more than saying thank you.
Gratitude changes your perspective of your world.

What really matters


In conclusion, brands are constantly feeding off our bad habits, not only exploiting their workers but they’re also exploiting their customers. Shiny Object Syndrome increases the profit of brands while decreasing your overall well-being and satisfaction with life. It is better for your health and for our social and economic environments to disengage from Shiny Object Syndrome and focus on what really matters to you.

✍ Credit: Post written by Joelle Elliott, an American scholar pursuing studies in Fashion at Cattolica University in Milan; currently interning with suite123.

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