Fashion & lifestyle

Takeaways from Men’s Fashion

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Decoding Fall/Winter 24 menswear & gender neutrality


Here are our takeaways from Men’s Fashion Week in Milano and Paris. Let’s decipher the latest shows and presentations in the evolving landscape of men’s fashion and genderless designs.

No age boundaries with mixed-age models


Finally, the myth of eternal youth and perfection is questioned, and the idea of making fashion accessible to all ages conquers the runways. In fact, those who appreciate concepts like quality or tailoring aren’t typically young people. While the youth are too immersed in showcasing brands, some middle-aged individuals with unique styles value niche fashion over a big logo. Addressing independent thinkers directly through fashion shows gets straight to the point.

White for winter


Trousers, blazers, coats, knitwear or shirts in candid, pure, soothing white. Not only in wool but also in cotton. A kind of spiritual take. Specifically, the juxtaposition of white cotton garments with wool blazers emerged as a modern and effortlessly cool style. Although we know it’s not easy to sell, we adore it.

Punk fusion


Punk aesthetics took centre stage with elements such as zippers, leather garments, checks, stripes, and shoes featuring chunky soles. The revival of punk style, when blended with tailored clothes, creates a sublime and edgy fusion. It seems like punk never dies!

Genderless fashion & fluid identities


Silhouettes and styles are undeniably more fluid; identities on the runways are less defined. Moreover, men’s and women’s designs coexisted seamlessly in the same shows. The sense of sharing clothes is ingrained in our DNA, and we appreciate this style. However, despite embracing genderless fashion, the question arises: why maintain separate men’s and women’s fashion weeks? The potential for unification, discussed during the challenges posed by Covid-19, seems to have dissipated. Some, like Sacai, clarified their stance by naming the show: “Men’s Autumn/Winter 24 & Women’s Autumn 24.” But what’s the point of a double women’s show for an industry that strives for sustainability? Clearly, the industry’s commitment to sustainability remains inconsistent.

Conclusion


In conclusion, in light of our takeaways from Men’s Fashion, it is clear that the industry is grappling with a paradox: actions don’t align with principles. In fact, the industry talks about timeless fashion while being a sales-driven system. Promotes genderless fashion but maintains separate shows. Ultimately, it discusses sustainability but cannot stop revealing its inconsistency. To move forward, the fashion industry needs a more coherent and progressive approach.

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Fashion for Unstable Times

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Men’s Fashion Week in an industry seeking for direction


In the past, the concept of fashion for unstable times held a promise of the future. Now, that promise is shrouded in further uncertainty, casting a shadow of disorientation upon an industry that appears adrift.

From Milano, the men’s fashion journey continues in Paris, leaving us to ponder the industry’s quest for new dynamics. In the ever-evolving landscape of the fashion system, the search for direction is more pronounced than ever.

Men’s Milano Fashion Week witnessed a notable return to the classics. However, beyond aesthetics and communication, the undercurrent of turbulence in the industry was tangible.

Fashion industry: a field in profound transformation


Brands are undergoing a thorough reassessment, especially in terms of their structures. Indeed, the fashion world, whether in Milano or Paris, is immersed in a profound transformation. Maybe not even brands comprehend the magnitude of this change. In fact, despite the uncertainty, most of them continue flooding the market with new products, clinging to the notion that quantity begets success.

However, there’s a sense of bewilderment surrounding the industry’s decisions. Take, for instance, the trend of hiring musicians as fashion designers. Yes, we are talking about Pharrell Williams. One cannot help but wonder, what is the message behind appointing a musician as a fashion designer? How does the far-west Vuitton concept align with its traditional narrative?

Among the ambiguity, some designers stand out for their attempts to convey a message through their creations. For instance, Yohji Yamamoto portrays people of a certain age or unique young individual (like Wim Wenders and Hannah O’Neil). It’s as if he’s saying, “This is my audience.” In these subtle nuances lies an attempt to redefine the boundaries of fashion and challenge the conventional norms.

Unstable times: fashion seeking for direction


Whether it’s a return to classics in Milano, avant-garde choices in Paris, or unconventional appointments in the fashion design realm, the industry is in a state of flux. And the search for direction stands out among brands that seem lost.

As we navigate through fashion in unstable times, one thing is clear: change is inevitable. However, the extent of the current change is not yet understood.

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A Shift Towards De-influencing Fashion

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Men’s Milano Fashion Week: a new direction?


In a notable turn of events, Men’s Milano Fashion Week has revealed a shift towards de-influencing fashion.

During the three-day event, we noticed a decrease in the prominence of social media influencers. This shift appeared to be an attempt to redefine the role of fashion influencers, suggesting a potential change in the industry’s dynamics.

Yet the “pandoro gate,” which involved Chiara Ferragni (read more here), appears to have prompted a reconsideration of brand strategies. So far, whether brands liked influencers or not, they felt compelled to invite them. Now, something has changed.

Distinguishing two influencer categories


Examining the influencer landscape reveals two categories:
1- traditional celebrities who attain fame through acting, music, or wealth (they are just rich, so they automatically ascend to that state).
2- social media celebrities who build their public personas through continuous self-representation. They employ tactics to grow their audience, such as the unnerving follow/unfollow, bots or purchasing followers (even fake accounts).

Historically, the fashion industry maintained ties with conventional celebrities, although navigating their involvement with different rules. However, brands seeking cost-effective alternatives to traditional endorsements contributed to the rise of influencers – social media celebrities. Most importantly, this phenomenon transformed fashion into a carnival show and, in some instances, portrayed it as a vocation for those without substantial merit.

A shift in focus at Men’s Milano Fashion Week


The recent Men’s Milano Fashion Week has showcased a departure from the influencer-dominated scene. Shows like Prada and Dolce & Gabbana shifted the spotlight to traditional celebrities – actors, musicians, and rich kids – sidelining the ubiquitous Instagram influencers. No Instagram fluff!

While the “pandoro gate” may have played a role in brands reassessing their associations, it is evident that the symbiotic relationship with social media influencers is undergoing scrutiny. Brands, once content to profit alongside the “insta-fluff” phenomenon, now appear more discerning.

We have always been curious about why people buy products based on influencer recommendations, knowing they get paid to promote these products. Essentially, people contribute to fund their luxurious lifestyles by purchasing sponsored products. Just why? Aren’t they capable of independent thinking?

De-influencing fashion: the impact on audience dynamics


The strategic decision to feature traditional celebrities over showy influencers at Men’s Milano Fashion Week revealed a perceptible transformation in the event’s ambience. The shift towards established figures lent an air of sophistication to the audience, aiming to elevate the overall atmosphere. Also, it paved the way for a revitalised focus on the garments themselves.

With the spotlight redirected from ostentatious personalities to the garments, the runway presentations assumed a more cultured and nuanced tone.

A deliberate departure from the influencer-centric narrative would contribute to reviving an appreciation for the sartorial value and creativity that often take a backseat amid the fluff of social media-driven communication.

But is this shift towards de-influencing fashion a calculated, long-term strategy or a momentary pivot? Will it extend to Women’s Fashion Week?

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Top Brands vs Fast Fashion

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Searching for value in an oversaturated fashion industry


In a world where fashion has become synonymous with rapid turnover and mass production, the line between top brands vs fast fashion is blurred. But, in this oversaturated market, where can we find value?

Top brands and fast fashion are two faces of the same coin. Indeed, they offer the same worldview, just for different pockets. The reason is quite simple: by operating within the economic framework of capitalism, fashion has become a matter of stock exchange more than creativity. In fact, it has shifted its focus from creativity and innovation to financial transactions. Transforming itself into a game of numbers, budgets and unsustainable growth.

Over the last two decades, top brands pursued the logic of perpetual renewal, a characteristic of fast fashion brands. Consequently, overproduction has spiraled out of control, leading to the evident consequences we witness today. And blurring the line between the two segments.

Fast fashion: unsustainable & unethical


Fast fashion is unsustainable and unethical. It capitalises on a business model that disregards environmental impacts and exploits individuals, perpetuating modern-day slavery. While it offers the latest trends and affordable prices, this exploitative approach comes at a significant cost to both people and the planet.

Top brands & luxury products


Interestingly, the narrative surrounding top brands isn’t all about substance. By following fast fashion timing and constant renewal of their products, top brands have stopped offering value. In fact, expensive doesn’t always correspond to a higher quality. Specifically, the correlation between exorbitant prices and superior quality is not guaranteed. Luxury products, often draped in prestigious branding, can often be nothing more than low-quality items benefitting from their labels’ reputation. Easy to sell right because of the brand. Quality is an illusion crafted by marketing.

In short, fast fashion results in poor quality, disposable items, and exploitative production systems. But, by following the same exploitative system, luxury clothing does not equate to superior quality.

A beacon of style: niche fashion


Among this very crowded fashion panorama, can we still find meaningful products?

In this labyrinth of fashion excess, there’s a beacon of hope: niche fashion. Within the cluttered panorama of mainstream brands and fast fashion giants, niche fashion emerges as a ray of authenticity through meaningful garments.

Niche fashion, unlike its mass-produced counterparts, operates on a different wavelength. It focuses on craftsmanship and uniqueness. By valuing quality over quantity, these brands avoid the pitfalls of overproduction and unethical practices.

These brands pride themselves on transparency, showcasing the stories behind their products, the sourcing of materials, and the artisans behind the scenes. In a world inundated with generic trends, niche fashion stands tall, offering individuals the chance to express themselves authentically through their clothing choices.

Most importantly, these brands contribute to a shift in consumer mentality. They advocate for conscious consumption, encouraging individuals to invest in fewer, higher-quality pieces that align with their values rather than succumbing to fleeting trends.

As consumers, it’s crucial to reevaluate our relationship with fashion. The power lies in our choices. Supporting niche fashion means endorsing a more sustainable, ethical, and genuine approach to style.

Within the fashion industry, navigating through the competing narratives of fast fashion vs top brands, our pursuit of value and meaning directs us towards niche fashion. In this space, we uncover a deeper connection between the garments we choose, the stories they tell, and their impact on our world.

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The Red Check Shirt

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The essence of rock universe #formodernhumans


Today, we introduce The Red Check Shirt by GoodNeighbors Shirts from Tokyo.

Our exclusive selection of international designers and Japanese brands combines impeccable craftsmanship with contemporary style, evident in every stitch. Of course, not everyone can discern the subtle design nuances niche brands offer. Indeed, they’re a perfect fit for those with refined taste.

Discover The Red Check Shirt


About the design
Elliott is a well-tailored regular collar shirt with a wide silhouette. In addition, one front open pocket and one side slip pocket for your mobile. The shoulders are comfortable, and the trapeze line slightly widens towards the hem. Specifically, this unisex shirt is made with delicate stitch work using 90 and 20 stitches. Also, a pocketable and portable band on the back, inspired by the obi, the kimono belt. It comes with snap buttons. So, it is attachable or detachable to your liking.
Takase shell button front closure. These shell buttons are the byproduct of the food manufacturing process, which otherwise would be wasted, making them sustainable.

The Red Check Shirt by GoodNeighbors Shirt

About the material
100% cotton: a comfortable and warm winter flannel.

About the colour 
Red base with a blue, light blue, and white check pattern. Plus, a blue band on the back.

Laundry
Easy care: machine wash, 30 degrees. Or wash by hand.

Styling tips
Infused with the essence of the rock universe, The Red Check Shirt proves to be a timeless and effortlessly cool wardrobe staple. Whether paired with jeans for a laid-back weekend vibe or layered over a slip dress or black ensemble, it effortlessly transitions from casual to office chic, adding versatility to your style repertoire.

How to purchase our selection:


Drop us an email or WhatsApp for orders or any further information. Also, you can book your private shopping experience in person or via video call.

International Shipping!
From Milano, our fashion selection #formodernhumans is available for international delivery.

Exclusive Fashion
Our selection intentionally offers limited pieces to ensure uniqueness and a sustainable approach 🖤

● Further details and prices via →WhatsApp

👉 Get yours directly from here!

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