Vogue Philippines: The Beauty Of Humanity

Reading Time: 3 minutes

A brave cover story of representation fighting the myth of youth


With its April 2023 issue, Vogue Philippines celebrates the beauty of humanity. Lately, fashion doesn’t provide such a momentum of passionate engagement and genuine enthusiasm. Yet finally, we can say: this is a cover story!

Indeed, this cover goes beyond fashion. Not only is it a story of representation, but also it is a powerful challenge to modern beauty standards and the cult of youth.

A centenarian is the cover story of Vogue Philippines


Vogue Philippines’ April issue made history by featuring the oldest person ever on a cover. The woman, Apo Whang-Od–also known as Maria Oggay, is a 106-year-old tattoo artist from the Philippines. Specifically, she comes from the village of Buscalan – from the Kalinga tribe. And she is considered the oldest mambabatok. Batok is the traditional indigenous tattooing whose symbols signify strength, bravery and beauty. (Read her story here)

Vogue Philippines: the beauty of humanity
Credit: Vogue Philippines

“We believe that the concept of beauty needs to evolve, and include diverse and inclusive faces and forms. What we hope to speak about is the beauty of humanity” said Bea Valdes – Vogue Philippines editor-in-chief.

In our modern society, people are subjugated by the myth of youth, so ageing is considered a curse, something to fight as much as possible. In fact, most people invest in plastic surgery or less invasive techniques to keep their “forever young” illusion alive. But the results are quite sad.

However, this issue doesn’t relate to the fashion and beauty industries only. It’s a matter of culture. Because of patriarchy, men are allowed to age while women are not. Though men, too, enjoy plastic surgery a lot, there is a different attititude towards men’s and women’s ageing. With age, men become interesting while women just get old.
Moreover, women struggle to fit into beauty standards because that’s what men expect from them: plastic dolls in tight-fitting clothes. In fact, women accept the idea of how a woman should look based on a male perspective. And they do not even question it! Which means they are easy to manipulate.

The beauty of humanity: more than a cover of a fashion magazine


We wholeheartedly embrace Vogue Philippines’ choice. This is more than just a cover for a fashion magazine; it’s a game-changer. It tells a story of representation, as Whang-Od is one of the last practitioners of Batok tattooing. But it’s also an ode to defying ageism. This woman embodies powerful elegance. She is strong yet soulful, proud yet delicate. She is a piercing beauty!

And that is what we need to challenge modern beauty standards and embrace our life in all its stages.

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The Multicolor Knit Vest

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Unique knitwear from Japan #formodernhumans


Today we introduce The Multicolor Knit Vest by Meagratia.

It is a gorgeous piece of knitwear showing an exclusive design concept. Indeed, the image is contemporary, fresh and delicate at the same time. Add this garment to your capsule wardrobe of meaningful pieces to improve your spring-summer style. 

The creativity, refined designs and impeccable quality of the Meagratia Japanese brand will fully satisfy your passion for uniqueness. In fact, his dedication to details and finishings is incomparable. 

Discover The Multicolor Knit Vest


About the design
The sophisticated design of this vest features several types of delicate knitted fabrics. The shadow, the collection theme, is expressed by the contrasting part on the right side and the material transparency. Moreover, the colour block pattern beautifully enhances this concept. Another detail is the co-threaded fringe along the sides and hem.
V neck, dropped shoulders and loose silhouette.

The Multicolor Knit Vest
The Multicolor Knit Vest by Meagratia

About the material
Polyester 55% – Cotton 45%
The lightweight and soft hand of the material makes it comfortable to wear during the warm season.

About the colour
The vest presents a three-colour combination: a white base is mixed with a pop of teal on the right shoulder and a light blue stripe along the hem and neckline. The image is elegant and easy to mix and match.

Laundry
Dry clean only.

Styling tips
As it is a knitwear garment, you can wear it over a shirt or t-shirt, during springtime or as a top during the summer season. However, it looks good untucked, but you can try it tucked in your trousers or skirt for a cleaner image. Certainly, it will improve the clothes you already have in your wardrobe.

Do you want to shop The Multicolor Knit Vest? Find the information here below!

International Shipping available!

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

How to order:


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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The Retail Impasse

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Fashion business: therapeutic obstinacy for an almost-dead patient


The retail impasse and the problems emerging in fashion these days revolve around two main topics: late deliveries and markdown strategies. 

However, both issues are indicators of a fashion system that is basically dead, yet everyone pretends not to see it. Or they refuse to accept it. So every operator in the field is on a kind of therapeutic obstinacy for a patient that is almost gone. And which, by the way, has a huge impact on the planet.

Two main points of the retail impasse


One: many stores have received a small percentage of the Spring-Summer pieces, which makes it complicated to assemble outfits. Why does this happen? Top brands monopolise good manufacturers. So smaller brands get materials late (for the same reason) and consequently are left as the last link of the chain. Therefore, they cannot deliver on time.

Two: markdown strategies and how to get rid of the stock in excess that stores keep purchasing. Even though retailers are perfectly aware that the number of people entering a store isn’t the same as in the pre-pandemic time, they don’t stop overstocking. As a result, selling discounted items becomes more complicated. In fact, these discounts are available online and offline throughout the year, making markdowns less attractive. Furthermore, a discount is no longer the sole reason people purchase a product

In short, this excessive stock policy is harmful to the planet and business. So, we must change it.

Can we find solutions to revive the fashion business?


Solutions must experiment with new ways of operating within the fashion business.

First: a dramatic reduction in consumption. Let’s face reality: if we do not consume less, much less, we can forget to have a future. So, there’s no point in procrastinating the change.

Second: a shift to artisanal garments and made-to-order clothes and accessories, having the chance to reorder during the season. It’s about choosing tailoring over mass-produced garments, quality over quantity.

In conclusion, if we want to overcome the retail impasse, overtreating fashion with more overproduction will take us nowhere. We need a completely different strategy: it’s a matter of reducing the number of pieces while providing a higher value.

Less but better.

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EU Commission: A Plan Against Greenwashing

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Can non-mandatory rules fight greenwashing?


On March 22nd, the EU Commission released a plan against greenwashing to protect consumers from unreliable green claims. However, these new rules leave some room for interpretation, which is likely to lead to further confusion.

Environmental claims aren’t reliable

Over the last five years, we started digging deep into sustainable matters. And how tricky it is for people to understand which label is sustainable or not. That is because of greenwashing: the process of brands and companies deceiving consumers to believe they are green when they are not. Obviously, brands release fake green claims to sell more. Indeed, the sustainability business is flourishing. And perhaps, those who believe in fairy tales are happy with it!

The data on greenwashing


These are the data on greenwashing:
53% of green claims are vague, misleading or unfounded information.
40% of claims have no supporting evidence.
1/2 Half of all green labels offer weak or non-existent verification.
There are 230 sustainability labels and 100 green energy labels in the EU, with vastly different levels of transparency.

So, the new criteria aim to make green claims more reliable across the EU, protecting consumers from greenwashing. They also contribute to fostering a circular economy centered around reuse, repair, and recycling.

Expected impacts


“With certain consumers purchasing products that will be truly better for the environment, it is estimated that the impacts on the environment will be highly positive.”

Now the above statement may sound like greenwashing, too. In fact, the only “better for the environment” comes from a drastic reduction of new products and not more eco-products!

The controversial point


“However, it remains a decision of companies to include (or not) environmental claims in their voluntary commercial communications. This means that the companies can control their costs by determining the scope of the claim (if any) considering its expected return on investment. In short, the costs of substantiation are of a voluntary nature to companies as they are part of one’s marketing strategy and therefore credible estimations of the overall cost for the Union market are difficult.”

Therefore, these rules aren’t mandatory for companies. In fact, businesses have been given some leeway on how to provide evidence of their green claims. Likewise, governments will have the discretion to modify the guidelines when transposing them into national legislation.

In conclusion, without unified regulations, the EU plan to fight greenwashing won’t stop greenwashing!

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The White Shirt

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Revisiting a timeless garment for a minimal lifestyle


Today we introduce a timeless garment: The White Shirt by GoodNeighbors Shirts.

This Japanese shirt brand creates timeless pieces with an edgy touch. Its design code is innovative and conceived for a minimal lifestyle. Indeed, it provides stylish and comfortable details, but the image is quite understated. Also, born as a unisex brand, it talks to those who feel free to express their personality through style but do not care about gendered labels.

Discover The White Shirt


About the design
This shirt comes in two versions: a button-down or a mao collar. The silhouette is wide, with a comfortable fit. One front open pocket and one slip pocket on the right side for your cell phone or wallet. A contrasting rubber band along the back adds a point of graphic design. It is detachable, and you can wear it as a belt or as you like. Also, the hem design makes it look well untucked.
Takase shell button front closure. These shell buttons are the byproduct of the food manufacturing process, which would be otherwise wasted. Therefore they are considered sustainable.

The White Shirt
The White Shirt by Good Neighbors Shirts

About the material
100% cotton.

About the colour
The base is white with an orange or blue detachable rubber band.

Laundry
Wash by hand. Easy care product.

Styling tips
Shirts are seasonless. So, you can wear The White Shirt throughout the year by mixing it with seasonal pieces to make it suitable for a specific occasion. Also, the white colour is a true classic, easy to mix and match in limitless styling options. In springtime, try it underneath a cotton vest or a blazer. Unbuttoned and untucked above a tank top for your casual style. But don’t forget to take it with you to the beach!

International Shipping available!
We are based in Milano but ship our niche fashion selection #formodernhumans everywhere.

How to order:


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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