sustainability

Sustainable packaging, unsustainable fashion: A broken system in a green box

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Bain & Company’s report exposes fashion’s latest eco-effort—does it go far enough?


Sustainable packaging is the next frontier for luxury brands. A recent report by Bain & Company, in collaboration with Fedrigoni Group — a global manufacturer of specialty papers, self-adhesive materials, and RFID (radio frequency identification) technologies — highlights how sustainability is becoming a real competitive edge in high-end packaging.

Sustainable packaging — fashion’s latest eco-effort


According to Luxury Packaging: Resolving the Tension Between Creativity and Impact, more than 30% of luxury packaging sales will rely on sustainable solutions within the next three years.

The report is based on a survey of over 500 companies across the luxury packaging value chain — including designers, manufacturers, distributors, and luxury brands themselves. As Bain & Company puts it: 

“We found clear signs that sustainability has risen in importance.”

Key insights include:
• A reduction in packaging size will lead the charge in improving supply chain sustainability
• Sustainable packaging revenue will grow in the next three years
• Innovation will heavily focus on advanced paper solutions

Despite the importance of the tactile experience in the luxury world, brands are becoming more conscious of their environmental responsibilities.

Final thoughts: The packaging is sustainable—too bad fashion isn’t


Of course, packaging is part of the solution. Cutting down on excess and switching to better materials is a positive step. But here’s the real question: are these companies ready to address the elephant in the room?
In case anyone missed it, the elephant is overproduction.

Because unless the industry tackles the systemic issue of producing too much, too fast, it’s just a case of sustainable packaging for an unsustainable fashion system.
The box may be green—but what’s inside remains the problem.

Ultimately, put in these terms, it leads us to say: this is greenwashing.

What do you think?
Leave a comment below and let’s talk about it — (you’ll need to register first).

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The stories behind SS25: Tension between idealism and reality

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One piece, one story: Limited items, endless conflicts


The stories behind SS25 aren’t fairytales. They’re reckonings.

The fashion industry is a circus and most people? Willing clowns. They chase novelty like toddlers chase sweets, even as the world burns. So we’re breaking ranks—no mindless drops, no garbage disguised as “value.” Just one piece, one story. In fact, every garment we curate carries weight. Because if you’re going to wear something, it better mean something.

The stories behind SS25: black and white image of a huge clothing dump with black birds flying over as background, models on a runway, two front rows with spectators. The graphic reads: The fashion industry is a circus. And most people? Willing clowns.

The conflict: slow fashion vs. the dopamine hit


Slow fashion is the only sane choice. But sanity is hardly viral — is it? People still salivate over false luxury or fast-fashion landfill fodder. Preach sustainability, then queue for the next drop. Hypocrisy is the trend that never dies.

We’ve no patience for double standards. So no half-measures, we lead with facts.

This curation is for those who actually give a damn and have an eye for good design. Those who treat clothing as cultural armour, not disposable content. For the ones who know “luxury” isn’t a logo—it’s integrity. Who understand modern humans don’t chase consumption, but consider consequences. 

If that’s not you? No offence taken. The big tops are just over there.

For the rest, this Spring/Summer 25 demands you rethink “enough”: 

  • Expect less. Demand better.
  • Fabrics that provoke more than they perform.
  • Cuts that make you look iconic, not mass-produced.
  • Zero gender, zero compromise.
  • Archive-worthy—because “new” is the oldest trick in the book.

Limited quantities. Unlimited dissent.

This isn’t just a curation. It’s a counterargument. Call us idealistic, but since when was refusing to set the planet on fire considered radical?

Ultimately, the stories behind SS25 aren’t for the masses—they’re for those ready to pick a side. And if you’re still reading? You’re likely already choosing.

So, which side is yours?

P.S. If you’re tired of the circus, ask us what’s in stock (e-mail or WhatsApp). Or don’t. The choice is the whole point.

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Seasonless garments: The art of dressing beyond the calendar

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A guide to building a wardrobe that works year-round


Seasonless dressing offers a smarter, more sustainable approach to fashion, championing garments that transcend seasonal limitations while remaining relevant and versatile year-round.

Yet, for many, the concept remains elusive. Fashion is often perceived as a seasonal affair, dictated by shifting trends and ever-changing collections. The constant demand for newness still dominates. So, items carried forward over time are not understood or appreciated. But true style isn’t about keeping up with fleeting trends—it’s about adaptability, longevity, and building a wardrobe that works effortlessly in any season.

It’s no secret that sustainability has vanished from corporate agendas. But climate change is a reality, making mindful consumption more urgent than ever. That’s why, at suite123 Milano, we remain committed to our values, advocating for fashion that respects both people and the planet—because the true cost of style should never be our future.

What does ‘seasonless’ really mean?


Seasonless garments are timeless, versatile pieces designed to be worn all year round. They are not confined to a specific trend or weather condition but instead adapt seamlessly through functionality, layering, and styling.

Think of them as the backbone of your wardrobe—reliable, adaptable, and always in style. A well-cut mannish shirt or a silk dress, for instance, transitions effortlessly from summer, worn with sandals, to winter, layered with tights and boots.

The practical magic of seasonless garments


Beyond aesthetics, seasonless dressing offers tangible benefits:

  • Cost-effective: Investing in timeless pieces reduces the need for constant new purchases, ultimately saving money and cutting down waste.
  • Space-saving: A curated wardrobe of versatile items means less clutter and a stronger focus on what truly matters.
  • Effortless styling: Thoughtfully designed pieces mix and match with ease, making getting dressed easier and more intuitive.

A deeper emotional connection: A style that grows with you


Seasonless garments are more than just clothes—they are companions that evolve with you. They tell a story of intentionality and thoughtful selection, reflecting a lifestyle that values quality over quantity. By choosing seasonless pieces, you are not merely dressing for the present moment; you are curating a wardrobe that stands the test of time. A wardrobe for life that tells the story of you.

How to embrace seasonless dressing


Building a seasonless wardrobe is simpler than it seems. Here’s how:

  • Prioritise fabrics: Choose natural, breathable materials like cotton, linen, wool, and silk, which regulate temperature and adapt to different climates.
  • Embrace versatile colours: Choose shades that complement each other, allowing for effortless mixing and matching.
  • Master layering: A single piece can be styled for multiple seasons—for instance, a lightweight blazer worn over a summer dress in spring or paired with a turtleneck in winter. Specifically, layering means adding or removing pieces depending on the weather or your own perception of it.
  • Use accessories wisely: Scarves, belts, and jewellery can refresh the look of seasonless staples, adding variety without excess.

The bigger picture: Seasonless garments are a sustainable choice


Above all, seasonless dressing is a quiet rebellion against fast fashion. Here’s why it matters:

  • Investing in garments that last beyond a single season reduces environmental impact.
  • It challenges the relentless cycle of overconsumption, encouraging a slower, more intentional approach to fashion.
  • It is not just a passing trend but a movement towards a more mindful, sustainable future.

Conclusion: Seasonless garments – A call to action


With sustainability fading from corporate agendas, the power to drive change lies with you. We invite you to rethink your approach to fashion—not as a seasonal cycle of consumption, but as a mindful, personal, and sustainable practice.

Seasonless garments are a smart, stylish, and responsible choice—one that aligns with your values and enhances your lifestyle. After all, true style isn’t about keeping up with seasons; it’s about building a wardrobe that works for you, all year round.

Ready to take the first step?
📲 Get in touch via email or WhatsApp to explore our curated selection of seasonless pieces. We’re here to help you make the shift.

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A leaner schedule at London Fashion Week

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Why smaller brands are leading the change


The luxury slowdown has led to a leaner schedule for the FW25/26 London Fashion Week, which ran from Thursday 20th to Monday 24th February. This year, numerous brands opted to drop out or reimagine their presentations entirely.

For decades, the traditional fashion calendar—anchored by the biannual September and March runway shows—has dictated the industry’s rhythm. But times are changing. While luxury giants cling to their established schedules, buoyed by corporate budgets, smaller brands are quietly rewriting the rules.

FW25/26 London Fashion Week: A leaner schedule


“Some designers are cutting costs by choosing to sit out alternate fashion weeks, showing just once a year. The fashion system of having a new look each September and March, which once tied the industry to biannual shows, has fallen away in favour of a more fluid era of vibes and microtrends.”  Jess Cartner-Morley on The Guardian

As The Guardian reports, independent designers are increasingly opting for a single annual show, prioritising creativity over relentless production. Yet, this shift isn’t merely a response to financial pressures. It’s a deliberate recalibration. A growing number of brands recognise that the ceaseless demand for newness, once the lifeblood of fashion, now feels out of step with the times. Instead, they are embracing a more considered, sustainable approach—one that champions craftsmanship, longevity, and deeper connections with their audience.

“We wanted to step back from the traditional format and create a space for meaningful conversations and shared experiences,” says Patrick McDowell, a London-based independent sustainable luxury fashion brand, who hosted a dinner at Aqua Nueva’s rooftop. “Fashion is as much about the people who wear it as it is about the garments themselves, and we’re excited to celebrate this moment with our extended family of collaborators, supporters, and friends.”

This move is a direct response to an industry that has, for years, been driven by breakneck speed. The rise of endless trends, turbocharged by social media, has blurred the lines between seasonal collections. Coupled with economic instability and the luxury slowdown, the fashion industry finds itself at a crossroads.

Redefining the fashion industry through a cultural shift


In this new landscape, where trends come and go at lightning speed and budgets are tighter than ever, smaller brands are finding strength in resisting the pressure to produce twice a year. By presenting just once, they offer something more meaningful—designs that transcend fleeting trends and aspire to timelessness.

In contrast, luxury conglomerates remain tethered to their established schedules. Their dominance thrives on spectacle and overproduction, elements deeply ingrained in the biannual format. Yet, the quiet revolution led by independent labels signals a broader cultural shift. The future of fashion isn’t about adhering to old patterns—it’s about redefining them.

Final thoughts: towards a new rhythm for fashion


In conclsuion, a leaner schedule at London Fashion Week may stem from financial constraints, but it has also sparked a surge of creativity. Far from being a sign of weakness, this shift represents a more meaningful way to connect. It’s not just about the runway itself, but about how the conversation can evolve, what it has the power to inspire, and what ideas it propels forward.

As the industry stands at this crossroads, it’s worth asking: Will the future of fashion prioritise longevity over excess? If smaller brands are any indication, the answer is already taking shape—through deliberate creativity, intentional design, and a commitment to redefining what fashion can be. Less, but better.

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Microplastics on Human Health – Part 3: Impact in Fashion

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Microplastics and fashion – Challenges & solutions


This post, the third and final instalment of a three-part series, delves into the impact of microplastics in the fashion industry, exploring both the challenges and potential solutions. It builds on insights from the November 2024 scientific outreach event, Microplastics and Human Health, where experts highlighted the pervasive presence of microplastics and their escalating threat to human health. Cultural Project by Natasha Calandrino Van Kleef; Scientific Direction by Claudio Fenizia. Promoted by the University of Milan and the Municipality of Milan.

You can read the first and second instalments [here] and [here]. Additionally, you can watch the panel discussions [here] and [here].

Now let’s step into our field, fashion.

The impact of microplastics in fashion


Dalia Benefatto from Devalia presented a compelling case on “The Impact of Microplastics in Fashion: Challenges and Solutions.” She advocated for a scientific approach to the circular economy.

The story of synthetic materials began in 1873 when New Yorker John Wesley Hyatt patented celluloid, the first artificial polymer, which revolutionised industries like motion pictures. Without plastic, our world would look vastly different. However, once plastics enter the ocean, they undergo fragmentation, breaking down into increasingly smaller particles that are impossible to recover. These particles eventually become microplastics. Specifically, it is a process that all textile and clothing materials made of synthetic fibres are subjected to.

Today, 85% of textiles and clothing are made from synthetic fibres, with polyester being the most widely used due to its low cost. While fast fashion is often singled out as the primary culprit, the entire fashion industry bears significant responsibility for global microplastic pollution. In fact, polyester is used transversally. 

Polyester, washing clothes, and microplastic shedding


Fast fashion is particularly problematic due to its unsustainable business model, which continuously floods the market with new garments made from synthetic materials. These fabrics shed microplastics in the form of fibres, known as fibrils, which are less than 5mm in size and represent a significant contributor to the global crisis of microplastic pollution.

Every year, over half a million tonnes of fibrils are released into the oceans, primarily during domestic washing. The amount of fibrils released depends on the fabric composition; the higher the synthetic content, the greater the release. A single wash load can disperse hundreds of millions of fibrils into waterways, adding to those released during garment production.

For example, jeans—arguably the most ubiquitous garment—undergo aggressive treatments such as sanding, brushing, and washing with pumice stones. These processes exacerbate the release of fibrils and toxic substances, further intensifying the environmental impact.

Circular economy and behavioural change


To address this crisis, a systemic shift towards a circular economy is urgently needed. It is essential to start new behavioral habits, to prolong the life of materials. This would replace the current disposable model of “extract, produce, and discard” with one that prioritises sharing, repairing, recycling, lending, reusing, reconditioning and renting. However, this transition must be grounded in science.

Scientific knowledge, data, and analysis are essential to creating a virtuous cycle. Starting a common knowledge will also help fight greenwashing—a practice that undermines genuine sustainability efforts. Benefatto emphasises the importance of responsibility over mere sustainability, advocating for measurable actions rather than vague claims.

For instance, a 2018 study revealed that a single wash of synthetic garments can release between 700,000 and 1.5 million plastic fibrils. Scientific bodies have also compared two types of polyester fabrics: one made from continuous filament fibres (with fibres up to 1,000 metres long) and another made from shorter fibres (around 10cm long). The former sheds six times fewer fibrils than the latter, highlighting the importance of structural composition in reducing microplastic pollution.

Practical steps: washing machine filters, fabric choices, and reducing fast fashion’s impact


Consumers can take practical steps to mitigate the impact of microplastics. For example:

  • Washing machine filters: These can capture up to 90% of fibrils, preventing them from entering waterways.
  • Special washing bags: Designed to contain synthetic garments, these bags reduce fibril release during washing.
  • Fabric choices: Opting for natural or cellulose fibres, such as cotton, wool, or lyocell, can significantly reduce microplastic shedding.

Innovative materials like PLA (polylactic acid) fibre, derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane, offer biodegradable alternatives. Similarly, biochar, a by-product of biomass, can be used to produce filter fabrics with natural antimicrobial properties.

In the design phase, prioritising durability, recyclability, and compostability is crucial. A cultural shift towards valuing quality over quantity is essential to limit fibril pollution. Ultimately, the market adapts to consumer demand, giving us the power to drive change.

The impact of microplastics in fashion – Final thoughts


Dalia Benefatto’s insights on the impact of microplastics on fashion resonated deeply, shedding light on both the harmful effects of fast fashion and the potential for positive change. Her emphasis on creating a shared scientific knowledge base to combat greenwashing was particularly inspiring.

However, the lack of an overall perspective that connects the dots across various sectors remains a challenge. For instance, Carlo Covini from Lenzing highlighted the confusion surrounding sustainable fabrics. While facing many options, consumers often struggle to identify the best choices. Imagine if clothing were limited to cotton and wool—global resources would quickly deplete. In fact, true sustainability lies in diversifying fabrics and materials, ensuring a balance between innovation and environmental responsibility. It’s not just one fabric.

In conclusion, the fight against microplastic pollution requires collective action, from scientific research to consumer behaviour. By making informed choices and advocating for systemic change, we can reduce the fashion industry’s impact on our planet and our health.

We hope you enjoyed our three-part series—comment below!

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