Fashion & lifestyle

Overconsumption = Extinction

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Activism disrupting fashion shows


Overproduction is devastating our culture, and it’s directly connected to the way we consume: overconsumption. Indeed we discussed this topic in many of our previous posts. We recognise that it’s deeply rooted in our social context.

October 5, Louvre Art Gallery. When the Louis Vuitton fashion show started, an activist broke in, carrying a sign reading:
“Overconsumption = Extinction.”

The protestor represented ‘Amis de la Terre France’, ‘Youth for Climate’ and ‘Extinction Rebellion’. She marched down the runway along with the models until a security guard forced her to leave.

Overconsumption ≠ extinction, protest disrupting Louis Vuitton fashion show
Photo credit: Amis De La Terre FR


The reason for the protest? It was stated on the banner clearly. Overconsumption = Extinction.
Why LVMH? It’s understandable since LVMH is a luxury conglomerate – so to say, a profit-oriented corporation.

It’s known that corporations make profits by exploiting the market, squeezing the lemon to the max.

Luxury conglomerates & overproduction


Overproduction is the way corporations thrive. They run ever faster, renewing the range of products nonstop. Doesn’t it sound familiar with the market of mobile phones too? And in order to be able to sell all the tons of goods they produce, they push people to consume more and more – to the point of brainwashing them by playing with marketing tricks.

This protest went on after a pandemic, precisely during a fashion week in which some shifts were awaited. Even more, ‘rewiring fashion’ seemed a subject so dear to many major industry players.

If not radical changes, at least, we expected to see a little sign. Despite this, the only news was the protester disrupting a fashion show.

Is there another way to approach fashion? Or business in general? Of course – but it’s not mainstream. Also, two more facts are striking: first, people talk – a lot – but still buy fast fashion. Second, no one talks about the impact of technology, which perhaps sells more than fashion.

What we consume and how we consume makes the difference. Obviously, it’s not related to fashion only. It’s about all industries. It’s a matter of lifestyle and economic system.

Shifting your habits is the only way to avoid extinction. Hear the protest if you care enough for the future!

Overconsumption = Extinction Read More »

The Striped Tunic Sweater by Plantation

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Minimal, seasonless and timeless design from Japan


Going ahead with defining a capsule wardrobe, today we introduce: The Striped Tunic Sweater by Plantation1982.

Here, we are going to tell you more about the material and design which, at first, may look simple, yet each detail is deeply curated. Perhaps noticing details is something people are not used to anymore, though we know that some individuals have a special eye. But for those who don’t, we hope you’ll rediscover the pleasure of being more attentive, and maybe, more curious.

Discover The Striped Tunic Sweater


Made in Japan, this sweater is 100% cotton – with a soft hand. It’s easy to match, and its cosy silhouette adds an elegant touch even to casual outfits.

the-striped-tunic-sweater
The Striped Tunic Sweater
Plantation


The ripple structure is swollen, like a tube – replacing the usual rib working.
The boat neck is shallow in the vertical direction and wide in the horizontal. This design makes the neckline look beautiful.

In addition, the vertical texture of the fabric makes it difficult to pick up the lines of your body and underwear. As a result, this garment is very comfortable to wear.

The tunic sweater is ideal transitioning between seasons. But no worries, when the weather gets colder, it is easy to layer over it with a cardigan. Or a tank top or t-shirt underneath. Since the material surface is uneven, it will look great with many outfits.

The length is 168 cm, so it comfortably covers the hip line.

Now the colour: off-white. The base is off-white as a gentle cream. The stripes are mocha brown, giving an overall light and soft impression.

This product is washed to give it a unique texture. And, most importantly, you can wash it by hand at home (easy-care product).

Educating ourselves to be aware of what we buy. Taking more time to evaluate, appreciating details – is a worthy exercise.
The world is full of garbage, we don’t need more of it. Choose wisely!

The Striped Tunic Sweater by Plantation Read More »

Paris Fashion Week – En Plein Air!

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Key takeaways from the Parisian fashion shows


A couple of messages seem clear from Paris Fashion Week. Apart from the most evident fact that nothing truly has changed. The idea of renovating a system, so discussed during the pandemic, changing its outdated foundations, providing new guiding principles and deeper values, has failed miserably. That’s what fashion ruled by finance does. Forget lesser productions with better quality – this is not for corporations.

Image of Paris during fashion week
Paris

So, what are the takeaways from Paris fashion shows? 

Paris Fashion Week: SS22 trends


Nature’s calling
Sea, trees, woods. This message seemed quite strong. Indeed, many designers have set up their fashion shows immersed in nature. As to celebrate something we all missed for over a year or more. Or a desire to reconnect with our so mistreated vital element.

Clothes have no gender
We saw male models walking the runway in skirts or dresses and females in man’s suits – interchangeable genderless outfits. Not that it’s something new. In fact, Gaultier already did it about 40 years ago. But perhaps, the time is ripe now for a wider audience. 

At this point, garments have lost their traditional gender connotation. An aesthetic that, from a historical viewpoint, has been developed as a reflection of patriarchy. We understand this is a big topic. Indeed, it requires a deeper analysis, a full exploration. So we will dedicate a whole post later on. However, coming from a Gaultier influence, we always picked out men’s pieces for women or vice versa. If a garment looks good, no matter if it’s men’s or women’s. From now on, we hope for a more open and free attitude towards how clothing is perceived.

Garments are not stand-alone pieces. They become alive once we wear them. Without our intervention, clothes are empty. It’s us and our personality that completes them. 

The way we represent clothes, the way we portray them is called style. 
It’s an individual posture, the reflection of who we are. 

Paris Fashion Week – En Plein Air! Read More »

The Wide-Leg Pants by Plantation

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Supima cotton, extra-fine quality, timeless Japanese design


This week we take the chance to introduce you to another cool piece: The Wide-Leg Pants.
We picked them from Plantation, Japan. The attention they put on quality fabrics with a soft hand feel makes them unique.
This trouser is another item that cannot be missed in your wardrobe. Aiming to put together a capsule wardrobe made of quality clothing, items made to last, we pick out only the pieces we really need.

Discover The Wide-Leg Pants


Indeed, there is a specific reason for every single garment we select. In this case, fit, comfort, and coolness are the top.

Same as ‘The straight-leg pants’, it’s made of 100% Supima cotton – a soft fabric with an elegant luster like a silk blend. This classic stretch material got renewed: the brushed reverse side makes it comfortable for the Autumn / Winter season.
With its soft stretch and warmth but not too thick hand, you can wear them starting in September when the weather is still warm.

The wide-leg pants, in dark green supima cotton • by Plantation1982
The Wide-Leg Pants
Plantation


The material is comfortable to wear for its soft texture and shape. The line does not widen too much even if it is wide-leg, and it gives a nice effect of falling.

Coin pockets like jeans add that casual design detail. As it has a glossy feel, it is a piece that plays well with various beautiful styling. From informal to elegant occasions, it will blend well with your garments.

The colour is a calm dark green, with low brightness but high saturation, and it is not too flashy, so it is easy to incorporate as an accent colour.

The composition is: 98% cotton – 2% polyurethane
You can wash this item by hand.

As soon as we receive the pieces we have selected, we check the fit on different body shapes in order to be able to give you the best advice. Yes, it’s because we are obsessed with the perfect fit.

The wide-leg pants by Plantation look great on thinner body shapes, but they also suit larger sizes exceptionally well.

The Wide-Leg Pants by Plantation Read More »

A Conversation With Marc Le Bihan

Reading Time: 4 minutes

A timeless approach to fashion beyond trends and classification


Sunday morning, it was pouring hard when we reached our appointment with Marc Le Bihan – in Tortona district. Even though we made our selection the day before, we wanted to dig deeper into his profound couture universe. In a transitional era, where everything looks unstable and meaningless, his persistent artisanal contribution makes the difference.

Marc Le Bihan is a fashion designer, artist, and craftsman who creates clothes like a second skin. Indeed, his work goes beyond any classification. His conceptual creativity – manifested through impeccable tailoring, is the expression of a cultured and timeless approach to fashion that refuses trends and their transience.
Completely disconnected from commercial fashion constraints, his couture is a rare example of consistency.

Marc Le Bihan: the interview


• What does it mean to be consistent? Keeping up with your vision when the rest of the world goes in a different direction?
Marc Le Bihan: “The other direction is not my world. I do not understand it. To me, it’s a problem of society. I don’t understand the way of being, the lifestyle. That world is not me, and I can’t even think about it.
Usually, I don’t watch TV. Yesterday I watched Italian TV, and I wondered, how is it possible? Women pretend to be free, showing exaggerated lips and boobs. But in that, I only see the reflection of a man’s vision. That is not freedom. It’s the fake image of a woman.”

• The state of fashion now. How do you see it?
Marc Le Bihan: “The problem with fashion is that people only see the lights, the famous people. There is no sensibility to go further. Branded products are not luxury, not anymore. Luxury is rare, and it’s not for all.
To me, it’s not about fashion but more about doing clothes my way. So, the two roads can cross each other but not as direction to follow.”

• What do you think about social media communication?
Marc Le Bihan: “Famous people promote everything. They get paid to sell, it’s all about money. And not only for fashion. Maybe they promote a food they didn’t even taste. We live in the culture of image, not real life. People don’t live the moment, take pictures. And everything is ego-centered. Also, people have lost the meaning of quality and quality of life.
That is why I follow my path. And so, our communication is not to do any communication. Everything is too confused, there’s too much of it. We don’t have time for social media, we are busy making clothes. However, it’s not about posting a thousand things. Sometimes we post. Enough.”

White series from Marc Le Bihan SS22 collection
Marc Le Bihan SS22

Fashion, culture & sustainability


• It’s a matter of culture and education?
Marc Le Bihan: “Always. The first problem is education, for everything. The idea of accessing, through culture and education, to something higher – is dead. And I am concerned about young kids. Now they are totally immersed in this image game.”

• What do you think about sustainability?
Marc Le Bihan: “Well, I did it 20 years ago! In fact, we were recycling and upcycling uniforms and parachutes. Now, I don’t want to be a part of that circle because everybody is doing it. That’s marketing. To me, it’s more about how we consume and live. Of course, I use sustainable materials, but I don’t advertise. To claim it means being part of the system.
My idea is to keep a garment for ten years in the wardrobe, then take it out and still want to wear it because it’s timeless.
Mine is a work in progress. If a shirt is good, it’s good forever.”

A final note about couture


“Couture is sustainable by definition. In fact, there is no overproduction, no minimum orders, and no sales. We produce only on orders, and everything is handmade. Moreover, we don’t find our balance in over profit. If everybody gets well paid, we all can live. Indeed, my staff has been working with me for 25 years. Always the same people, same suppliers. We understand each other. We work like this. Most pieces are made in casa, a la maison, in our atelier.”

He smiled saying those words. Stubbornly showing a path that is a return to the essential, pure artisanal creativity.

A Conversation With Marc Le Bihan Read More »