Fashion & lifestyle

Bikini Bottoms Controversy & Questioning The Rules

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Navigating sport regulations, clothing standards, and gender norms


The Norwegian beach handball female team got fined for wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms in the European tournament match against Spain in Bulgaria. Yes, women must stick to standards which are quite sexist. Rules like these expose the deep-rooted inequalities that still shape the way women are expected to present themselves in sports and beyond.

In order to protest against the regulations of the sport, the female team wore thigh-length elastic shorts. Which, although not impeding any movement, were considered “improper clothing.” But what, then, is considered ‘proper’ clothing for women athletes?

The rules on ‘proper’ clothing for women athletes


Here is what the International Handball Federation regulations state. Straight to the point:

Tops: “…The women’s tops (a midriff design) must be close fitting…”

Bottoms: “Female athletes must wear bikini bottoms with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg. The side width must be of a maximum of 10 centimetres.”

When it comes to gender stereotypes and sexism, there is no difference from one field to another.

In sports, they measure every centimeter of uniforms. Likewise, in fashion, designers are asked to make clothes that reveal more or stick to the body, under the assumption that this is what women want. And indeed, it’s what sells more. So, it must be true. In fact, after 25 years in fashion, we can confirm that there is a specific demand for this type of clothing.

People say, ‘that is what women want.’ And indeed, many accept it—after all, if they didn’t, they’d protest. 

But finally, someone did! The Norwegian women’s hand volley team, we thank you and stand with you!

The time has come to start questioning anything.
Everything related to society standards–involving sexism, gender stereotypes and equality–demands immediate attention. Challenging these norms is the first step toward building a more inclusive and conscious world.

Stop bla bla bla. It is time to take action.

Go, ladies. Brave!

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See The Difference

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Valuing the sensitivity to go beyond


Being able to see the difference means speaking the same language. A language that goes beyond the surfaces, one that perceives the subtle nuances and understands the importance of every detail. It’s a deeper sensitivity—an awareness that values what others might overlook.

Simplicity strips away the unnecessary. Simplicity goes to the essential. And the essential reveals the true quality.
When design is lacking, simplicity is reflected poorly. It loses its power, leaving only a hollow reflection.

For instance, take a basic top, with an essential and clean shape.
Can you see the difference with a garment that apparently looks similar?
Touch it. Can you feel the material?
Wear both. Do you get a sense of the fit? How they flow on your body?
Can you feel the quality?

Good design makes that basic top a piece of perfection, turning simplicity into an art form.

Those who are aligned and share our values don’t need many explanations. Indeed, they instantly understand the message–we speak the same language. It’s all about trust. In fact, we select with great care only what truly makes sense.

Those who are curious may need some time to fully understand. But at least, they search for more information. And in that moment of exploration, a door to deeper communication opens.

Those who don’t see any difference between one garment or another don’t have the sensitvity to go further. As a result, they do not align with our vision of the world. The language isn’t the same, and without that, there is no connection.

But there’s no need to connect with everyone, nor to be liked by everyone.

A small, aligned audience is enough.

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Racism Is Not An Option

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Challenging bias for a more inclusive future


In case we need to say it clearly, racism is not an option!
Every now and then, we feel the urge to step off the carved path of the trails. Please, allow us to do that. There are moments in which just talking about fashion is not enough. We do not live in a bubble, so it’s impossible not to look at what happens around us and not be affected.

Moreover, we have always been very open to discussions in our physical boutique, and the same is true in our online community.

Paola Egonu is a great Italian athlete chosen to carry the Olympic flag in Tokyo. She also became a testimonial for Armani.
But, forgetting the fact that she is a real champion, one of the strongest volley players in the world, a group of people have found reasons to complain. Why did they consider it compelling to bring their views to the table? First, she is black. And, second, she had no problem talking about being in love with a woman.
Neither of the points is relevant to her sports abilities or has any connection to sport values. Neither is any of our business.
We should be proud of the champion she is. And that’s final.

Meanwhile, we acknowledge that in Voghera, a League safety councillor has killed a Moroccan man. The immigrant punched him, he replied by shooting him dead. In his defence, he said that the gun fired accidentally. But why was he carrying a gun? And what if the aggressor was Italian?

The reason we address these realities is simple. In short, that is not the world we want to live in.

We are promoting a community for modern humans – based on mutual respect, acceptance and understanding.

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental values.

It’s important to state it clearly: racism is not an option!
If you are racist or homophobe, this is not the place for you.

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Details Make The Difference

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Understanding quality fashion versus mass production


Although it is easy to copy high-fashion items, the difference between designer pieces and fast fashion is tangible.

With fast fashion, you get low-quality materials and poor construction, not to mention labour exploitation. Those elements change the final result completely.

By the way, it is well-known that people don’t see details.

Designer collaborations with fast-fashion chains are a way to make money by reaching a broader audience, which otherwise wouldn’t approach the brand. But what’s left of the original design? Does anyone notice that there is nothing of the original designs in those garments?

We still remember the first collaboration Karl Lagerfeld did with H&M. There was a lot of hype, so we decided to try. We bought many pieces, also some lingerie-style reminiscent of Chanel. Whenever we had the occasion, we tried on one or the other, but there was always something wrong. Pull one side, pull the other, no way to make the top, or the dress, seem decent.
The fit was terrible, stitchings and materials too. We ended up wearing some of those pieces as pyjamas.

Since we bought many items, the total amount was not small. Rethinking of it in terms of worth, did it make sense? Wasn’t it better to buy only one valuable piece, which we could wear for years? Rather than wasting money on several pieces we never wore?

Designer vs fast fashion


Indeed, that is the trick: reproducing a similar shape doesn’t mean tailoring the same construction. It doesn’t imply the same stitching ability and, definitely, not the same materials.

The quality of materials, together with the knowledge in crafting, are what make a piece of clothing look beautiful. And only expert hands can shape the proper fitting.

Change those ingredients, take out the sartorial touch, and instead of a Chanel imitation, you get a rag. Instead of an oversized dress, you get a garbage bag.

Yes, details make a huge difference.

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Cannes And The New Beauty Statement

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A Turning point in redefining beauty standards


The latest edition of the Cannes Film Festival was a remarkable beauty statement. A real surprise! Indeed, it could not go unnoticed. And not for the red carpet outfits, but because this edition marked a turning point in beauty standards. A celebration of ageless beauty.

Most of the time, red carpet outfits have no sense of style or coolness. They send one clear message only: “Please, please, please! Notice me!”

Unexpectedly, and with a high dose of bravery, this time several actresses surprised us with their wrinkles or undyed hair. They chose to be who they really are, tired of compromising. They were fierce, beautiful and effortless. What a pleasant surprise!

In one of our previous posts, we expressed the need for human faces. In an era dominated by plastic surgery, people completely lost their uniqueness, with everyone exhibiting the same features and characteristics. 

Et voilà, here it is, the sign of change! And it was so true. So impressive.

Cannes & the beauty statement


Hellen Mirren, a marvellous trailblazer, this time was not alone. Andie McDowell declared that during the pandemic, she decided not to dye her hair anymore. Jodie Foster–awarded an honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievements–looked great with her grey strands.

Finally, we saw women feeling comfortable with their age and therefore having no problem showing it.

Breaking free from conventional norms and embracing self-confident interpretations of beauty–this was the most significant message they conveyed. If men are free to age however they want, why shouldn’t we do it?

And so, a positive wave has started. We have done everything to deny ageing, but the time has come to embrace it and live it at our best. They have shown us that beauty doesn’t fade—it evolves. Beautifully human, and authentically so.

This time, more than their gowns, it was their attitude that stood out.  That was a true beauty statement.

We applaud you, great women!

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