Activism: why do we need it?

Although frequently not understood, activism is a powerful communication tool when trying to make a change.

Why activism?

Our brains are so anaesthetized by comfort and habits that we have an altered perception. We stare like passive viewers, unable to react to the appalling occurrences flowing around us. And even if we have an idea of what is going on, perhaps we do not care. That is why we need activism: to awaken our sleepy consciences.

“The house is burning! Save the paintings!”

That seemed to be the reaction most people had when two girls, activists of the Just Stop Oil group, threw tomato soup over the “Sunflowers” – the famous painting by Vincent Van Gogh at the National Gallery in London.

The painting had glass screen protection, so it was in no danger. But the act of protest spread huge reactions and strong criticism everywhere. Comments went from anger to derision, shock or big concern. For the painting, of course. Not for our planet, not for climate change. Not even for the oil crisis and the costs people cannot afford.


These are the words the activists from Just Stop Oil said:

“What is worth more, art or life?”

“Is it worth more than food? More than justice? Are you more concerned about the protection of a painting or the protection of our planet and people?

“We are not trying to make friends here. We are trying to make change. And unfortunately, this is how change happens!”

Perhaps raising awareness and trying to make a change when no one sees the emergency or no one wants to move a finger requires strong actions. Oil crises and climate crises are connected. People cannot afford oil, and the planet cannot afford it too.

If you find yourself upset about a painting that wasn’t even damaged rather than about the ongoing destruction of the biosphere, you are part of the problem.

Dear folks, the house is burning. Are you ok with it?

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Why good design first?

Designers’ responsibility to provide the answer

Good design is everything because that is the starting point for any serious discussion about fashion. And even more when the analysis touches on sustainability.

Indeed, whenever we meet students and interns who want to know more about fashion and sustainability, first, we show them brands that focus on exceptional design. Then we can talk about the rest. And not because we aren’t involved in sustainability!

Good design first

So, why design first? Because it’s the core element where you find answers as it reflects a creative vision which gives sense to a product.
Designers who have something to say translate their ideas into their products by creating beautiful pieces that are meaningful and timeless. They carefully select materials, choose to recycle fabrics or use particular hand-dyed processes and artisanal workings. They value their employees because an ethical approach is part of their philosophy.
So their garments are rich. Indeed, you can see there’s a lot of substance in them.

Why good design
From Marc Le Bihan showroom in Milano

If brands lack design, there’s no point in developing whole collections. Therefore, sustainability matters are solved quickly: we don’t need them.

When designers have nothing to say, you will see archives looted, stolen ideas and tons of marketing labels and catchphrases. Sometimes you may even see nice garments but without a soul. Perhaps these products are easier to sell, but they have no value. So, from a sustainable viewpoint, no reason to exist.

Indeed good design is the core principle, the reason to exist, and the deep meaning of a fashion brand. Furthermore, in a phase of transition and profound change like the time we are living, designers have the moral responsibility to make meaningful products. And so, quality made to last, no overproduction, and no push to overconsume, decent wages.

The designers’ task is to trace new pathways by respecting people and the planet. Sustainability embeds in their pattern. And their designs must provide answers for an evolved lifestyle #formodernhumans

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The Pencil Dress

Today we introduce The Pencil Dress by Zucca.

It is a timeless garment you can wear for a large part of the year. The image is minimal and stylish. And although it looks simple at first glance, it is a piece rich in detail.

Discover The Pencil Dress

About the design
An I-line silhouette jersey dress with a creased effect. The exposed zipper along the centre back adds an edgy accent. Sleeveless, crew neckline, two side slip pockets and rear slit. Also, it comes with a detachable cord belt.
You can pass the cord belt from the centre back through the side pocket holes, cross once at the front and once at the back, and tie a front bow for a well-balanced tie.

About the material
Polyester jersey with washer pleats. The fabric has good elasticity and average thickness. This item is pleated by heat and pressure. Indeed, when buying a pleated garment, polyester is the best choice because the pleating never drops out.

The pencil dress by Zucca
ZUCCa dress

About the colour
Available in green, a dark tone that is easy to match with everything.

Laundry
Wash by hand – easy care.
This product can be hand washed at home in cold water. Do not iron! This item is pleated by heat and pressure. By repeating wearing and washing, the pleating could gradually disappear. So when wearing or storing, do not apply pressure for too long.

Style tips
You will have many opportunities to wear The Pencil Dress. However, a layering style is what you need in order to use it throughout the seasons. Pair it with denim or a leather jacket in mild temperatures. A wool cardigan or a long-sleeved t-shirt underneath when cold. But also a mannish blazer for your work wear.

We ship everywhere!

We are based in Milano, but we ship our niche selection #formodernhumans everywhere.

Drop us an email or WhatsApp for any further information. Also, you can book your private shopping experience – physical or via video call.
We’d love to help!

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How to change the fashion industry

A few constructive ideas and basic principles

We discussed climate change as a direct effect of humans’ actions and the fact that the fashion industry plays a role in this. Also, that it’s impossible to avoid the impact of humans on the planet.

However, a vision of possibility opens new opportunities. And so, we try to find solutions and be part of them. If we cannot avoid our impact, the challenge is implementing ways to limit it. How can the fashion system reduce its impact on the planet?

Ideas to change the fashion industry

Forget big numbers

The impact that big numbers have on the environment is much higher. Therefore, they aren’t sustainable. Never!
Brands that sell clothing or other products made with sustainable materials but produce huge quantities aren’t sustainable.

Small-scale companies

Small manufacturers, brands, and designers are the future. Handcrafted smaller productions made with sustainable materials would have healthier production chains. Also, designers would make products for different market segments, from affordable to luxury. Small is beautiful, and it gives a long-term solution.

How to change fashion retail

Small-scale retailers offering a more focused and balanced selection can be part of the solution by ordering the number of goods they need and reordering during the season if they need more. Indeed, a made-to-order basis would be the best way to dismantle the overproduction system. A pattern that asks retailers for unrealistic budgets and causes huge unsold stock.

Less quantity, more quality

Less quantity ordered by retailers means higher quality – less but better. And also selling goods during the season. So no heavy discounts and no sales, but a well-balanced system that provides value, not exploitation.

In the end, small businesses can better adapt to change and have a more controlled production chain. And we need to consider these points if we want to shift towards a sustainable industry.

Perhaps top brands will never accept a small-scale system because they wouldn’t maximise profit. Indeed, it makes capital accumulation more difficult. So it will be interesting to see how they will promote sustainability without addressing these crucial factors.

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The special ones

Discover more about fashion research

Hunting for the special ones – unique brands for people who want more from fashion is what drives the passion for research by enhancing it. Dates and exhibition places are more or less the same, but the sense of discovery is much more engaging.

In a key of less is more, exclusivity and unique garments, thoughtful design and made-to-last quality represent the new luxury for modern humans. And this is what we select for you.

Mainstream fashion and its limelight are just one part of the industry. But out of the dominant narrative, there’s a more hidden universe that you have to dig a little to find. It is a microcosm made of true passion, hard work and unconventional designs. A fascinating universe that delivers profoundly valuable garments having the feel of niche or cult fashion. Not for everyone.

By the way, more hidden doesn’t refer to the insiders but to a larger audience, the final customers. They rely on social media as the only source of information, their only bible. Therefore, their knowledge is shallow. Indeed, they are brand oriented or taken from fast fashion but lack a deeper understanding of design and quality.

Being radically different, these cult brands do not follow trends. In fact, they represent a counterculture escaping from marketing labels. And precisely because they don’t want to be pigeon-holed, classified, and placed into boxes with a trendy label stamped outside.

Most importantly, they let their products talk – with excellent quality fabrics, tailoring, artisanal workings, limited productions, and experimentation. It’s an act of meaning: they deliver beauty and uniqueness. Timeless quality and value.

Also, one more factor: almost no advertising. In fact, the special ones run away from algorithms too. Which contributes to making them more fascinating.

Do you want to know more? Keep in touch!

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