sustainability

Exclusive Slow Fashion in Small Batches

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Good Design & Thoughtful Lifestyle #ForModernHumans


What do we do?


We offer exclusive slow fashion in small batches, carefully selected from independent international designers, with a particular passion for Japanese brands. Our selection intentionally offers limited pieces to ensure uniqueness and a sustainable approach. Indeed, to minimise waste, we limit the quantities of pieces we order. Also, we reduce packaging to the essentials. Our aim is not to accumulate more but rather to prioritise quality over quantity. So, it is not whether an item is from the current season or not, but rather it is about whether it is truly worth having. It’s about enduring value.

Why do we do it?


The traditional fashion industry model, focused on endless growth, overproduction, and rampant consumption, is no longer viable. Game over. With 2024 potentially surpassing 2023 as the hottest year on record due to human-caused climate change, the need for a different approach is urgent. We must make a change.

Who is it for?


Our approach isn’t for everyone. If you don’t see a problem with overconsumption, disposable garments, frequent flights, constantly upgrading tech devices, and so on, our offerings may not resonate with you. However, if you recognize the urgency of climate breakdown and believe in the necessity of change, you’ll find kindred spirits here.

Our selections are for those who reject business as usual and understand the importance of respecting planetary boundaries. We cater to individuals who are passionate about discussing climate change, ethical business practices, and a thoughtful lifestyle. If we fail to understand and operate within these limits, we risk heading towards extinction.
Change must happen now, not later.

Evolved fashion design must start from this awareness. A meaningful lifestyle begins here. Our exclusive slow fashion in limited pieces reflects this ethos: encouraging questions, finding solutions, and sharing meaningful ideas.

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What is the Problem with People?

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Modern Lifestyle in the Face of Climate Emergency


What is the problem with people? Why, in the face of a looming climate disaster, do they fail to take action and persist in irresponsible behaviours? This question is crucial in contemporary society.

Any serious reflection on the fashion industry, which is our focus, must consider the big picture – human nature, psychology, economics, philosophy, and more. Setting priorities and reaching a consensus on that.

“People don’t want to see” – Rupert Read


“At the end of the day, the problem is not that the people aren’t smart enough to see; it is that they don’t want to see. These people don’t want to face reality. But reality is starting to bite us.” So stated Rupert Read, an academic, former spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion, and current director of the Climate Majority Project, during a panel addressing climate emergency.

Investigating the reasons behind inaction in the face of an undeniably alarming reality, Rupert Read offers a sobering response. We seem to be heading toward the end of civilization.

However, these insights are crucial for any serious analysis of the fashion industry and the broader economic system. As we scrutinise the fashion system, revealing its outdated and irresponsible practices, we realise we are confronting a cultural issue. This issue is deeply embedded in our economic system and human nature.

For instance, consumer spending has skyrocketed because products are now designed to be disposable, necessitating continuous replacement. Despite the obvious unsustainability of this model, people seem unwilling to change their habits.

We chose to act now. That’s why we changed how we operate our fashion business: small, lean, independent, value-driven. We select a limited number of pieces – no packaging, no waste. But most don’t understand it’s an intentional radical choice. Good design, quality and fairly paid workers – therefore made-to-last products – don’t come at low prices.

Conclusion


In short, what is the problem with people? According to Rupert Read, it’s not that people don’t see; they prefer to deny reality. This denial allows them to maintain their lifestyle – shopping for cheap green-labelled garments, eating fast food, or taking frequent flights, yet opting for improbable sustainable hotels. So conscience is clear.

And you, what are you choosing to do?

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What Does it Mean to Be a Fashion Designer Today?

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Emerging Brands & Investors: Between Change and Status Quo


What does it mean to be a fashion designer today? Launching a brand in today’s fashion landscape is a complex and challenging endeavour. But most follow outdated rules, missing the crux of the matter.

Aspiring designers often invest heavily in their education, attending expensive fashion design schools. However, upon graduation, they face a harsh reality: many brands prefer to hire celebrities to design collections, capitalizing on their fame rather than nurturing new talent. Perhaps someone does the actual work while the celebrity of the moment enjoys the spotlight. But that’s what it is.

New brands & investors


So, young and brave creatives launch their namesake brand. That step demands immense hard work, effort, commitment, and consistency. But once they enter the market, these small, independent brands realize that the panorama is crowded. Very crowded. Most importantly, to survive in such a competitive world, they need financial backing.

That seems to be the foundation upon which AZ Factory launched the new AZ Academy: teaching how to attract investors in the fashion field.

So, is it all about that? If a brand finds an investor, does the journey become easy? Money undeniably helps. But it comes with its own set of challenges. When big companies invest in a brand, designers lose the creative freedom that inspired them to start their journey in the first place. Profit margins and commercial viability take precedence over creativity and individual liberty. For instance, consider the case of Martin Margiela.
After his brand was acquired by OTB Group, he found himself increasingly constrained by the demands of a fast-paced, novelty-obsessed, and hyper-communicated fashion industry. The pressure to constantly produce new collections and maintain commercial success stifled his creative vision, leading him to leave his own brand. 

Now, let’s be clear. You won’t hear us saying money isn’t fundamental when launching and sustaining a brand. But, in this specific context of deep change, we need more than that. Priorities have changed, and we cannot separate fashion from the current cultural context. Does it make sense for a well-funded brand to promote huge collections, pre-collections and showcasing hundreds of samples, encouraging overconsumption? Therefore, perpetrating the same old overproduction pattern in a world on the edge of ecological breakdown?

Indeed, we cannot understand brands, established or new, who cannot distance themselves from this dangerous thought.

Conclusion: what does it mean to be a fashion designer today?


Launching a brand today is not just about finding investors. It goes far beyond that. Being a designer in the modern world is about having a vision – envisioning the future. It involves asking oneself: What future do I see? Do I want to maintain the status quo, or do I want to wipe out everything and start something better?

Well, corporations are not interested in that. That’s why we wonder if it makes sense to search for that kind of investor. Or is it better to clench your teeth and stay small, independent and free to bring about change?

Business as usual doesn’t work. New rules, new systems, and new ways of interacting with the audience. That is what we need.

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The Drawstring Cotton Dress

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Embracing Slow Fashion #ForModernHumans


Introducing The Drawstring Cotton Dress by Aurora, from Tourin – our top pick of the week!

In a world where mass-produced fashion takes centre stage, Aurora stands out by redefining the landscape with her commitment to slow fashion. Her minimalistic design concept showcases a refreshing and thoughtful approach to style. The drawstring cotton dress is a perfect example of this philosophy, blending clean, linear shapes with elegant, casual, and sporty elements.

Aurora’s designs are versatile, seamlessly fitting into your everyday wardrobe while making a statement about ethical fashion. Embrace this modern, conceptual approach and elevate your style with pieces that reflect both beauty and conscience.

Discover The Drawstring Cotton Dress by Aurora


About the design
Tailored cotton dress featuring an elegant front V-neckline and elastic waistband with drawstring for adjustable comfort. The design point is a cross-over shoulder detail with a cut-out on the lower back. Two side pockets, under-knee length. Made in Italy, this piece exemplifies quality craftsmanship and timeless style.

The drawstring cotton dress by Aurora
The Drawstring Cotton Dress by Aurora


About the material
100% cotton. The hand is compact, dry, and fresh.

About the colour
Periwinkle: also called lavender blue or light blue violet. A vibrant hue that recalls the palette of modern artists.

Laundry
Wash by hand. Easy care product.

Styling tips
The Drawstring Cotton Dress is a sophisticated addition to your wardrobe. Pair it under a lightweight blazer and low heel for your office attire. Also, opt for flat sandals for a casual yet chic look. But it even pairs well with sneakers, offering versatility for various occasions. Experiment with accessories to personalize your style and make this dress uniquely yours.

How to purchase our selection:

Head over to our Instagram account to discover our shop (link in bio)!
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, size advice and prices via →WhatsApp

● Please, contact us for size guidance before purchasing.

🛍 Treat yourself today! Get yours directly from the suite123 shop!

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Dior in Court Administration & the Case of Luxury Fashion

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Is Luxury Fashion Sustainable and Ethical as They Claim?


Dior in court administration highlights the case of luxury fashion, bringing to light a harsh reality. Luxury brands pride themselves on labelling their products and practices as the only sustainable and ethical fashion. But the truth is way far from that high-standard patina. The reality diverges significantly from the beautiful policies displayed on their websites or the public declarations made during panels, events and fashion shows.

Luxury & sustainability: the image of dedication


Let’s take a step back. In 2019, magazines and millennials applauded Maria Grazia Chiuri for explicitly tackling sustainability. “A topic she’s grappled with privately for some time and that’s becoming a growing focus at LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the luxury conglomerate that owns Dior,” you can read on WWD.

The same WWD article notes: “The group recently bought a stake in the Stella McCartney brand, known for its green credentials, and appointed photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, founder of the Good Planet foundation, as an advisory board member. LVMH is set to unveil further environmental initiatives at a press conference in Paris on Wednesday.”

The news: Dior in court administration


Now, back to the present day. According to Reuters, “an Italian subsidiary of French luxury giant LVMH that makes Dior-branded handbags was placed under court administration on Monday, after a probe alleged it had subcontracted work to Chinese-owned firms that mistreated workers.”

Italian police conducted inspections at four small suppliers operating in the Milan area. The staff lived and worked “in hygiene and health conditions that are below the minimum required by an ethical approach.” Additionally, the workers had to sleep in the workplace to ensure “manpower available 24 hours a day.” Moreover, safety devices had been removedfrom the machinery to allow faster operation.

The current investigation into labour exploitation within Italy’s fashion supply chains is shattering the immaculate image brands use to describe themselves. Indeed, it exposes the connection between luxury brands and sweatshop conditions.

Specifically, this is the Milan court’s third decision this year regarding pre-emptive measures. In April, they accused Giorgio Armani Operations of inadequate supplier oversight. 

However, Reuters has seen a copy of the latest decision: the court stated that prosecutors alleged the rule violations were not isolated incidents among fashion companies operating in Italy, but rather a systematic issue driven by the pursuit of higher profits.

“It’s not something sporadic that concerns single production lots, but a generalised and consolidated manufacturing method,” the document said.

No comment from LVMH. Armani stated that it has always implemented controls to “minimize abuses in the supply chain.” Fun, isn’t it? Is a 2/3€ per hour pay a minimisation of abuses?

More data on investigations here:

Behind the Seams: Fashion Industry & Forced Labour

And here:

Workers’ Rights in the Fashion Industry

The case of luxury fashion


In conclusion, let’s repeat this concept once again: fast fashion and luxury fashion are two faces of the same coin. For different budgets, but operate through the same exploitative pattern of overproduction.

Is luxury fashion sustainable and ethical, as they claim? Not at all. It’s a marketing manipulation. Mass-produced garments made in sweatshop conditions are neither sustainable nor ethical. High-end brands sell a dream, an illusion of luxe. And, If quality is an illusion crafted by marketing, so is luxury. What once was known as luxury fashion isn’t really luxury anymore.

Indeed, luxury fashion has nothing to do with true luxury.

The absence of moral fabric within the industry is evident, and consumers demonstrate disregard by ignoring this issue despite the wealth of available information.

The point is: does it still make sense to support these brands?

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