contemporary culture

Milan Design Week 22: Signs Of A Recovery

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Salone and Fuorisalone: tourists and a vibrant atmosphere return to the city


Milan Design Week 22 is over, and even if the weather was too hot, it was nice to see the town alive again. Some say it was not as crowded as in the previous editions, but many tourists came for the occasion from everywhere.

When they were interviewed by the press, the industry professionals said they placed orders during the exhibition, something that has not happened for a long time. Therefore, they noticed positive signs of a recovery after the pandemic.

By the way, starting from the first editions, the events held for the “Salone del Mobile” and the “Fuorisalone” created a lively and refined atmosphere in town. Much better than the fashion week, almost underscoring that the design audience is more cultured than the fashion crowds. Which is unsurprising considering how fashion has lowered the bar so far.

Milan Design Week & Fuorisalone

Milan Design Week


However, among the places we visited, our favourite was the Flos’ location at the “Fabbrica Orobia.” Here we saw beautiful setups in a stunning multi-experience venue. Titled “See the stars again”, the event celebrated its 60 years of activity.
In order to show their outdoor lightning system, they have recreated a fabulous garden in one of the rooms. While people walked next to the plants, the lights changed colours. Amazing!

Needless to say, sustainability was one of the big topics at the Milan Design Week 22. But, of course, there was a lot of greenwashing. Indeed, same as in the fashion industry, it is clearly the marketing game of our times. You cannot sell a single pin if you don’t put a sustainable label on it.

But the first question that jumps to our mind is: how can huge events be sustainable?

What does it really mean to sell sustainability when there are no factual guarantees or clear regulations in place?

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World Ocean Day

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Voices worth listening to for meaningful change


Today is “World Ocean Day”, and it’s nice to see that we celebrate the earth or the ocean without really understanding what it means. Indeed, we discard garbage in the oceans, too.

Mario Tozzi, a geologist and renowned scientific communicator, recently wrote a critical article: in regards to climate change as scientists were not pushing enough to make people understand the urgency.

In his tv show, “Sapiens”, he said that our robbery of the planet’s resources has severe consequences. Every year, we deplete the resources available until December 31st–the overshoot day–much earlier.

Then, he added: ‘If the climate emergency is so dramatic, why aren’t we worried? First, we do not see the climate, and we cannot give it a precise connotation. Therefore, we fail to connect the consequences to the causes such as migrations and drought. We don’t see the connections. Second, we are an overbearing species based on the accumulation of resources. A behaviour that will leave someone with resources, and many others without resources.’

World Ocean Day


Moreover, to mitigate climate change, we must be willing to renounce certain things, but as sapiens, we’re not fond of giving things up!

He also shared a documentary by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, who said that if we do not act now, by 2070, 1/3 of humanity could live in desertic areas like the Sahara. And 3 billion people could not live in their homes.

We wonder, if we complain about migration now, what will happen then?

However, the two most polluting elements, which need immediate action, are heating systems and intensive farming. In the end, it is clear that our lifestyle–entirely–is not sustainable. So we find it depressing to see people who clean their conscience by purchasing sustainable labelled clothing. It looks like you can buy sustainability, and fashion is the only problem when the issue is way bigger.

These are just two strong statements Arthus-Bertrand pronounced:

“We cannot have infinite growth in a finite world.”

“We live in a world of garbage.”

Yes, even the oceans are full of plastic, so we celebrate “World Ocean Day!” What else are we waiting for?

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Fashion and Patriarchy

Reading Time: 2 minutes

How men’s taste shapes women’s style


An anthropologic examination of fashion helps us understand why men’s taste becomes the favourite one.

But is that style favuoring women’s empowerment? Or is it just the expression of man’s vision? Also, is fashion for women or against women? These are questions we should be asking ourselves.

By analysing the context in which we live, the conclusion is that societal rules, beauty standards, and fashion are manifestations of patriarchy. Yes, it doesn’t take a subtle analyst to understand that. The whole world tells a story of patriarchy because we live in a man-shaped society.

Education for a men’s world


The way women behave, talk, think and see themselves is the sedimentation of centuries of male domination. And so it is for the way women dress. Indeed, it’s not really about expressing women’s taste, but it’s about fitting in an image stitched on us by male figures. It’s a cultural moulding representing an eternal story of dominance and submission.

Women are educated–or brainwashed–to please men in everything they do. Indeed, they are a playful accessory for men. That was the female’s role in the past, and so it is now. Nothing ever changed for real. Women’s style must conform to men’s taste, or they complain.

How men's taste dominates Fashion and patriarchy


For instance, take the ’50s. Fashion during that time was all about catching men’s attention with lines that highlighted the body. That taste never went out of fashion. And if you ask a woman what style trend she prefers, the ’50s are always on top.

And so, from abortion to clothing, it seems we are glad to let men decide everything about our lives.

The idea is to question conventional rules and notions. Decontextualising fashion to remove all the layers that, century after century, were placed on us. They are just a reflection of patriarchy.

By understanding that, we embrace our freedom. Men do not define us–we define ourselves!

Women must be aware of their worth and choose what best suits them. Understanding this point is a process that leads to self-appreciation and self-awareness.

Recently (again), we heard the story of a woman who couldn’t buy a dress because her husband didn’t like it. Years of feminism for this? Really?

The question is: do you like it?

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The End Of The World Is Here!

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Ready to party?


The end of the world or the moment we have touched the point of no return is perceived differently. But these are facts, and we’re all invited to the party!

There are thoughts and ideas in the air that touch certain people, connecting and making them feel somehow similar. The environmental emergency is one of these. Indeed, a topic we have discussed many times, even before starting this blog.

And so, we were pleased to receive the invitation from Lab121 to the play “The end of the world” (script by Fabrizio Sinisi, directed by Claudio Autelli), staged at the Franco Parenti Theatre (Porta Romana district).

The end of the world!


It is the story of a contemporary Venice in a dystopic future in which, due to global warming, the lagunar city faces its last day before sinking. Well, call it a dystopic future if you wish!

The catastrophe weaves together the stories of the four characters, two brothers and two sisters. Luca, an actor (Umberto Terruso); Dora, his colleague and former fiancé (Alice Spisa); Diego (Angelo Tronca), Luca’s brother hospitalised in a mental institution; and Atena (Anahì Traversi), an environmental activist and partner of a tycoon and philanthropist.
So, in a game of brilliant intersections, global warming mirrors personal tragedies and vice-versa. And the narrative revolves around a party for the end of the world!

Indeed, the play triggers intense emotions and bitter laughter. It is a pondering on our lifestyle, a poignant, desecrating and, at times, irritating narrative on the lack of responsibility of the generations that preceded us. But ours too! People who have lived by ignoring what could have been the effect of their actions on the environment. Also, the show addresses the resistance to change in the industrialised world even when a catastrophe is tangible. Highlighting, in fact, the expression of an egoistic view, where people live avoiding any worries.

Of course, this show is totally aligns with all the posts we have written so far, even if it risks being annoying, boring or alarmist. And it aligns even with the new path that we have decided to take because of the pandemic: change. Change because life is about change, evolution, and growth. But what makes the difference is the moment you realise action is needed. Moving from words, or mere marketing, which are of little use, to tangible facts and actions.
Those little actions that, put together, can lead to something bigger.

Now the change is up to us!

Let’s celebrate!


“The Real has won
officially won
we can finally
stop fighting.
A possible catastrophe creates anxiety,
but a sure catastrophe, instead, creates joy.
Best wishes and congratulations “

Check the next dates here
And enjoy the end of the world!

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Enemies Of The Women – Afghanistan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

How the Taliban erases women from the public scene


Appalling news confirm that talibans are enemies of the women. In fact, in Afghanistan, the intent to erase women from public life is back at the centre of the Taliban’s barbaric activity.

Recently, the Taliban released a new decree which states some utterly regressive points: first, women are not allowed to travel alone for long distances. Second, women aren’t allowed to work outside the healthcare and education fields. Third, women cannot receive a secondary education.

In addition to that, the Taliban government ordered women to cover their faces in public. And you may think that the horror stops there, but it does not! If that isn’t enough, male relatives would be fined or jailed if the women go uncovered.
In other words, they are suggesting women should stay home!

So, in the end, not only can Afghan women not study and receive an education, but they must follow the Taliban dress code, which forces them to cover their faces fully.

We tend to have many things to say about patriarchy in the western world. But if in our culture, we still have to do a lot of work in order to reach gender equality, being a woman in Afghanistan is a nightmare.

For instance, how can a journalist give the news with her mouth covered? Again, this is a clear invitation for women to stay home.

As the press released the news, some male tv presenters covered their faces with face masks in solidarity with their female colleagues. And they launched a campaign on social media with the hashtag #FreeHerFace

These people are so brave that we should support them and share their cause.

No rights, no freedom, no school, no work. Nothing without their male guardian. A male guardian?!
These are acts of despicable misogyny. Troglodytic and brutal oppression which confirms that talibans are enemies of the women.

Afghan women, you are so brave! #FreeHerFace

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