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Upcycling: The Future Of Fashion

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A trend or a permanent approach towards sustainable fashion?


Upcycling seems to be the future of fashion. Indeed, this technique is one of the best opportunities to make fashion a more sustainable industry. But is it just a trend? One of the buzzwords brands use to lure attention? Or is it here to stay?

Upcycling – what does it mean?


Upcycling means taking discarded materials, re-designing and reassembling them to create a product of higher value. While recycling transforms materials into something new, which implies more resources, having a higher impact, upcycling starts with existing materials, resulting in a lower impact. Therefore, this practice represents a pattern of circularity, the heart of sustainable fashion.

A personal note: family tradition


For us, daughters of a seamstress so passionate about making clothes that she even finished buttonholes by hand, it’s not a novelty. Since we were children, we’ve had familiarity with collecting buttons, zippers, and fabrics. Pieces from existing garments that mom would reshape to make something else: beautiful clothes for special occasions or garments and accessories for daily life. Our school bags and pencil case made of deadstock denim were fantastic.

upcycling

Upcycling, background notes


A memorable example of upcycling comes from the movie industry. Rossella O’Hara’s dress, made from curtains in “Gone with the wind”, belongs to our collective imagery.

Many blogs attribute the “upcycling discovery” to this or that designer for a promotional purpose. But we cannot avoid mentioning Mr Martin Margiela. Since the beginning, his aesthetic mastered the deconstruction and reinvention of found garments, culminating in 2006 when Maison Martin Margiela Artisanal was born.

On the same line, we mention Marc Le Bihan. A big part of his work consists in searching for vintage garments, deconstructing and reconstructing them. He upcycled military uniforms from the 40s, 50s, and 60s, reshaping them into modern pieces. With Swedish pants, he created a coat; with military pull, a gilet; and with smoking pants, a long skirt. Also, he created pieces with postal bags made of heavy linen for a catwalk.

Among young designers, Marine Serre’s creativity stands out. Indeed she is doing a great job with upcycling.

By exploring fashion history, we can see that upcycling is nothing new. But what brought it to the centre of attention was the pandemic, which spread a do-it-yourself trend among young people. Most importantly, it favoured the diffusion of particular attention towards sustainable fashion.

Nowadays, many famous brands ride the wave to stay popular. Though advisable to become sustainable, a fashion industry that almost entirely revolves around upcycled garments is hard to imagine.

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Limited Number Of Pieces: Our Fashion Alternative

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Why limited quantities pave the way to sustainable fashion


The production of a limited number of pieces represents an alternative in the fashion industry. Indeed, it is a viable approach towards sustainable fashion.

It means producing much less without forcing the market to pursue never-ending growth. The purpose is to limit the impact of the fashion industry on the planet while protecting workers with decent wages. But, at the same time, offering quality and not quantity to consumers.

We are far from the scarcity principle and the fear of missing out, developed to manipulate people’s behaviour. Those patterns fake scarcity to hide a system of overproduction. Because of this massified production, the fashion system needs parallel markets, frequent markdowns and marketing tricks to encourage people to consume more and more.

The sustainable solution


Garments and accessories made by skilled tailors or crafted by artisans. In the hands of a healthier and more balanced manufacturing chain, those limited production would have a lower impact on the planet. This system includes small reorders and a made-to-order service for retailers. In the end, clients would get real quality pieces made to last rather than disposable fashion.

Unique fashion and sustainability: a limited number of pieces, our retail approach


We have reduced the quantities we buy from each brand we select for our boutique. Perhaps they are not thrilled with it, but they cannot deny there’s a new reality, so we must face it and find solutions. Even though some brands come from Japan, which you may consider less sustainable, since quantities are small, the impact is low. Microscopic compared to the fashion supermarkets like big retailers or dept. stores.

Indeed, a limited number of pieces is our commitment to uniqueness and sustainability. Specifically, we are satisfied with Marc Le Bihan, who gave the opportunity of a made-to-order service to those who appreciate his unique designs.

Ultinately, we can foster the status quo, pursuing an exploitative system, or we can explore alternatives. We chose to work for a different possibility, an evolution, a change for the better. And a limited number of pieces is our commitment to unique fashion and sustainability.

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The Layered Mesh Skirt by Marc Le Bihan

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Marc Le Bihan danseuse inspiration: unique fashion beyond trends


Today we introduce The Layered Mesh Skirt by Marc Le Bihan.

The danseuse skirt is a statement tulle skirt that will improve your Fall/ Winter style. The design inspiration goes from Degas dancers to a touch of gothic chic. It is a piece of impeccable tailoring, which is the expression of timeless fashion beyond any trend. Indeed, Marc Le Bihan‘s design refuses trends and their transience. Therefore, purchasing his clothing is a matter of choosing valuable pieces, beautifully unique and made to last. Indeed, you’ll wear them for a lifetime.

Don’t miss the interview with Marc Le Bihan here!

Discover The Layered Skirt by Marc Le Bihan


About the design
The handkerchief hemline of the skirt highlights the asymmetric silhouette. Also, three mesh layers overlap, plus lining. Tone-on-tone grosgrain ribbon emphasises the waistline. Back zip fastening. Thanks to the perfect design, the fit is absolutely flattering. Indeed the skirt falls with good fluidity, avoiding a puffy effect.

The Layered Mesh Skirt
The Layered Mesh Skirt – Marc Le Bihan

About the material
The mesh is polyamide. Lining 100% silk.
Most importantly, Marc Le Bihan dyes different colours by hand in his atelier in Paris.

About the colour
Dark red: a dark tone of red, intense and powerful. The image is sophisticated and chic. Mark Rothko, the abstract expressionist painter, frequently used this colour.

Laundry
Dry clean only. Cool iron.

Styling tips
The Layered Mesh Skirt is a unique garment that will make you stand out. You can wear it with black leather ankle boots, a wool sweater and a coat for your day-to-evening outfits. Or with a leather jacket and Converse, too. Do you have any special occasions? A Christmas party or End of the Year’s Eve? Wear it with a silk top, a mannish blazer, and elegant shoes.

Order now: International shipping available


We are based in Milano, but we ship our niche fashion 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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The Tied Shoulder Dress by Marc Le Bihan

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Unique creativity, good design, quality fabrics: the essence of timeless fashion


Today we introduce The Tied Shoulder Dress by Marc Le Bihan.

Let us start with this assumption: most of the products labelled as sustainable are not so. If you want sustainable garments, you should buy only quality items from small independent designers. Of course, these pieces are more expensive than disposable stuff. But a few quality clothes for a capsule wardrobe made to last are the only possible sustainable choice. The other option is buying vintage or nothing at all.

Indeed, Marc Le Bihan doesn’t talk about sustainability – zero focus on marketing or advertising. But it is implied in his work, which is what counts: unique creativity, good design and beautiful fabrics. He delivers timeless, special garments you will wear for a lifetime. And production is artisanal and limited.

Discover The Tied Shoulder Dress


About the design
It is an I-line long-sleeved maxi dress with exposed stitchings. A side-tied shoulder details a unique neckline.
Close-to-body design, but not too tight, makes it comfortable to wear.

The Tied Shoulder Dress
The Tied Shoulder Dress by Marc Le Bihan


About the material
The fabric is a wool blend jersey with a very soft hand. Indeed, it is comfortable and pleasant on your skin.
29% wool, 65% viscose, 6% elasthane

About the colour
Aubergine: a rich purple hue that enhances an understated luxury image. Also, you can match it with many other colours, from neutral tones to dark ones.

Laundry
Dry clean.

Style tips
The Tied Shoulder Dress shapes a flattering silhouette. It needs a slip dress underneath. However, wear it day to night by simply changing the shoes. You can combine it with Meagratia oversized blazer or the knit vest. It looks great!

We ship everywhere!


We are based in Milano, but we ship our niche fashion 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!

The Tied Shoulder Dress by Marc Le Bihan Read More »

The Asymmetric T-Shirt by Marc Le Bihan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Iconic, couture garments in limited editions


Today we introduce The Asymmetric T-Shirt by Marc Le Bihan.

It is an iconic piece of clothing handcrafted in Marc Le Bihan Parisian atelier for a niche audience. In fact, that is what Marc Le Bihan does: couture fashion, garments you will wear for a lifetime because couture is forever. 

And once you wear it, you feel it. You see how it beautifully falls on your body. Indeed, it is an example of good design for people who want something different. It is modern and timeless at the same time. Also minimal but cool.

Discover The Asymmetric T-Shirt


About the design
This couture t-shirt has a side stitching that creates an asymmetric cut revealing a ruffled effect. The silhouette, spiralling around the body, is flattering and timeless. Round neckline. Long-sleeved with wide cuffs featuring a side hole to provide a glove effect. Raw cut hemline and detailing. 

About the material
100% cotton. Specifically, dyed by hand cotton. And the texture is ribbed and very soft. So it feels comfortable when you wear it. Really, you would never take it off!

The Asymmetric T-Shirt
The Symmetric T-Shirt
Marc Le Bihan

About the colour 
Aubergine: a rich purple hue that contributes to enhancing an understated luxury image. And you can match it with many other colours, from neutral tones to dark ones.

Laundry
Wash by hand – easy care.
You can wash this product by hand in cold water. 
Please wash it separately. Cool iron it on the reverse side.

Styling tips
The Asymmetric T-Shirt is stylish but easy to wear. Indeed, you can easily match it with your clothes. It enriches your jeans or black trousers. And try it under a blazer for your work wear outfits.

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!

The Asymmetric T-Shirt by Marc Le Bihan Read More »