Exploring the Threads of Identity, Style, and Societal Evolution
Reaffirming the cultural narrative of fashion helps in understanding its true essence and value, which goes way beyond the social media-generated fluff. In fact, that is not the style we like.
Fashion is culture, the culture of our times. In other words, fashion serves as a reflection of culture – contemporary culture or any given one – offering insights into societal norms, values, and behaviours. From the style people wear, we can perceive women’s freedom or to what degree patriarchy rules.
Identity, Style, and Societal Evolution: The Cultural Narrative Beyond Fashion
The way we dress speaks volumes about us. From the brands we buy – which, by doing so, we endorse, championing their values; to our consumption habits and preferences. It encompasses our quest for specific fabrics, our discernment of quality and materials. And even extends to the lifespan of our purchases; the amount of waste we discard; our regard for both the labour of others and the well-being of our planet. So, through the style people wear, it is possible to read their identities and values.
The work of a designer, creating and putting out more stuff in our contemporary context, is particularly challenging. Their task is not talking sustainability but creating an exceptional design, beautiful pieces made to last and worth buying. Good design #formodernhumans intrinsically means for brands to make garments in respect of people and the planet. Less noise, more facts. And the proof of their intentions is that they are willing to make clothes in small batches. Quality, not quantity.
Reaffirming the cultural narrative of fashion aims to highlight that fashion is not merely about clothing but also about the deeper cultural currents shaping our world.
All these details and information can tell us who we are and where we are heading as a society. Fashion is culture, the culture of our times.
At the heart of our manifesto lies a simple truth: the fashion we love embodies values beyond mere aesthetics. More specifically, the aesthetics reflect the values.
Marc Le Bihan dress
The fashion we love is the reflection of independent minds, individuals who embrace a philosophy that transcends trends and superficiality. Individuals who think. In other words, fashion that captivates us serves as a mirror of autonomous spirits, those unique individuals who adopt a mindset that goes beyond the fleeting whims of trends and the shallowness often found in the industry. These are individuals who engage in deep thought, who ponder and question, and whose style is a testament to their intellectual independence.
The fashion we love is about embracing:
good design
quality materials
skilled tailoring and craftsmanship
couture in the heart
made-to-last
in limited quantities
ethical approach
respect for people
respect for the planet
In a few words, it’s about less, much less, but better. No quantity can ever replace the value of a well-made garment.
It’s a conscious choice to support brands that align with our principles, brands that make thoughtful garments. And by doing so, we contribute to making a change in the fashion industry. In other words, we contribute to a more ethical and sustainable industry.
In the end, you know what? The alternative exists! And it’s already here. Can’t you see it?
How to purchase our selection:
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 🖤
Our stance at suite123 is a quiet act of rebellion against the fashion industry’s dominant business model.
The fashion system relies on relentless overproduction and manipulative marketing strategies. Despite mounting evidence of the industry’s devastation on the environment and despite the unmeasurable fashion waste, brands keep making large quantities of new clothes. And shops continue to order endless varieties of clothing from these brands. Likewise, people keep purchasing and discarding clothes. Nothing ever changes. The only thing that changes is labels. Now, garments are labeled as sustainable just to play with illusion.
Fashion rebellion #formodernhumans
So, at suite123, we rebel against corporations that talk the talk but fail to walk the walk. And we rebel against the masses who follow the carnival barkers blindly, contributing to perpetuating a system that exploits workers. This system, in turn, depletes the masses’ rights, yet they refuse to see it. In fact, despite the information available, most people ignore it and keep supporting the very brands exploiting people and the planet.
We are not a big corporation. On the contrary, we are a tiny independent boutique that operates on a private shopping pattern. An experiment outside the norm in the fashion universe.
Our rebellion lies in endorsing thoughtful design, independent creators, and advocating for limited productions. Also, educating people and encouraging the choice of a select few quality pieces over mindless accumulation. In other words, we advocate for limited quantities of quality garments for a tiny niche of individuals who are free thinkers.
For the new year, our dedication persists in seeking creativity, good design and quality to curate a limited selection that encapsulates true essence. It’s about less, much less, but better. No gimmicks, no endless arrays of clothing, and no false claims of sustainability. Also, no carnival barkers to fill you with pointless stuff. Instead, a meticulous curation of meaningful garments, unwavering in its value.
Rather than conforming to a fashion system that screams, we thrive in quiet working. Being aware of how our model is somewhat revolutionary in an industry flattened by business logic, we persist with our quiet act of rebellion.
In a world of fashion noise, we choose the quiet revolution of mindful curation and quality over quantity.
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.
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
The work of Marc Le Bihan represents a meaningful business model. And so, before showing you his gorgeous clothes, we wanted to share again the conversation we had with him. Because it is not about standardised fashion. So, please, take time to know more, to understand the quality and the value offered.
Marc Le Bihan is a fashion designer, artist, and craftsman who creates clothes like a second skin. Indeed, his work goes beyond any classification. His conceptual creativity – manifested through impeccable tailoring, is the expression of a cultured and timeless approach to fashion that refuses trends and their transience.
Completely disconnected from commercial fashion constraints, his couture is a rare example of consistency.
Marc Le Bihan – The interview
• What does it mean to be consistent? Keeping up with your vision when the rest of the world goes in a different direction? Marc Le Bihan: “The other direction is not my world. I do not understand it. To me, it’s a problem of society. I don’t understand the way of being, the lifestyle. That world is not me, and I can’t even think about it. Usually, I don’t watch TV. Yesterday I watched Italian TV, and I wondered, how is it possible? Women pretend to be free, showing exaggerated lips and boobs. But in that, I only see the reflection of a man’s vision. That is not freedom. It’s the fake image of a woman.”
• The state of fashion now. How do you see it? Marc Le Bihan: “The problem with fashion is that people only see the lights, the famous people. There is no sensibility to go further. Branded products are not luxury, not anymore. Luxury is rare, and it’s not for all. To me, it’s not about fashion but more about doing clothes my way. The two roads can cross each other but not as direction to follow.”
• What do you think about social media communication? Marc Le Bihan: “Famous people promote everything. They get paid to sell, it’s all about money. And not only for fashion. Maybe they promote a food they didn’t even taste. We live in the culture of image, not real life. People don’t live the moment, take pictures. And everything is ego-centred. People have lost the meaning of quality and quality of life. That is why I follow my path. And so, our communication is not to do any communication. Everything is too confused, there’s too much of it. We don’t have time for social media, we are busy making clothes. However, it’s not about posting a thousand things. Sometimes we post. Enough.”
The cultural issue
• It’s a matter of culture and education? Marc Le Bihan: “Always. The first problem is education, for everything. The idea of accessing through culture and education to something higher – is dead. And I am concerned about young kids. Now they are totally immersed in this image game.”
Sustainability vs Marketing
• What do you think about sustainability? Marc Le Bihan: “Well, I did it 20 years ago! We were recycling and upcycling uniforms and parachutes. I don’t want to be a part of that circle because everybody is doing it. It’s marketing. To me, it’s more about how we consume and live. Of course, I use sustainable materials, but I don’t advertise. To claim it means being part of the system. My idea is to keep a garment for ten years in the wardrobe, then take it out and still want to wear it because it’s timeless. Mine is a work in progress. If a shirt is good, it’s good forever.”
“Couture is sustainable by definition. There is no overproduction, no minimum orders, and no sales. We produce only on orders, and everything is handmade. Moreover, we find our balance not in over profit. But if everybody gets well paid, we all can live. My staff has been working with me for 25 years. Always the same people, same suppliers. We understand each other. We work like this. Many pieces are made in casa, a la maison, in our atelier.”
And he smiled saying those words. Stubbornly showing a path that is a return to the essential, pure artisanal creativity.
The work of Marc Le Bihan: sustainable, indeed
The work of Marc Le Bihan is artisanal, creative, and independent. Though a rarity in the fashion system, it indicates a valuable business model for a sustainable future.
