nichefashion

Top Brands vs Fast Fashion

Searching for Value in an Oversaturated Fashion Industry

In a world where fashion has become synonymous with rapid turnover and mass production, the line between top brands vs fast fashion is blurred. But, in this oversaturated market, where can we find value?

Top brands and fast fashion are two faces of the same coin. Indeed, they offer the same worldview, just for different pockets. The reason is quite simple: by operating within the economic framework of capitalism, fashion has become a matter of stock exchange more than creativity. In fact, it has shifted its focus from creativity and innovation to financial transactions. Transforming itself into a game of numbers, budgets and unsustainable growth.

Over the last two decades, top brands pursued the logic of perpetual renewal, a characteristic of fast fashion brands. Consequently, overproduction has spiraled out of control, leading to the evident consequences we witness today. And blurring the line between the two segments.

Fast fashion unsustainable & unethical

Fast fashion is unsustainable and unethical. It capitalises on a business model that disregards environmental impacts and exploits individuals, perpetuating modern-day slavery. While it offers the latest trends and affordable prices, this exploitative approach comes at a significant cost to both people and the planet.

Top brands & luxury products

Interestingly, the narrative surrounding top brands isn’t all about substance. By following fast fashion timing and constant renewal of their products, top brands have stopped offering value. In fact, expensive doesn’t always correspond to a higher quality. Specifically, the correlation between exorbitant prices and superior quality is not guaranteed. Luxury products, often draped in prestigious branding, can often be nothing more than low-quality items benefitting from their labels’ reputation. Easy to sell right because of the brand. Quality is an illusion crafted by marketing.

In short, fast fashion results in poor quality, disposable items, and exploitative production systems. But, by following the same exploitative system, luxury clothing does not equate to superior quality.

A beacon of style: niche fashion

Among this very crowded fashion panorama, can we still find meaningful products?

In this labyrinth of fashion excess, there’s a beacon of hope: niche fashion. Within the cluttered panorama of mainstream brands and fast fashion giants, niche fashion emerges as a ray of authenticity through meaningful garments.

Niche fashion, unlike its mass-produced counterparts, operates on a different wavelength. It focuses on craftsmanship and uniqueness. By valuing quality over quantity, these brands avoid the pitfalls of overproduction and unethical practices.

These brands pride themselves on transparency, showcasing the stories behind their products, the sourcing of materials, and the artisans behind the scenes. In a world inundated with generic trends, niche fashion stands tall, offering individuals the chance to express themselves authentically through their clothing choices.

Most importantly, these brands contribute to a shift in consumer mentality. They advocate for conscious consumption, encouraging individuals to invest in fewer, higher-quality pieces that align with their values rather than succumbing to fleeting trends.

As consumers, it’s crucial to reevaluate our relationship with fashion. The power lies in our choices. Supporting niche fashion means endorsing a more sustainable, ethical, and genuine approach to style.

Within the fashion industry, navigating through the competing narratives of fast fashion vs top brands, our pursuit of value and meaning directs us towards niche fashion. In this space, we uncover a deeper connection between the garments we choose, the stories they tell, and their impact on our world.

Top Brands vs Fast Fashion Read More »

The Red Check Shirt

The Essence of Rock Universe #formodernhumans

Today, we introduce The Red Check Shirt by GoodNeighbors Shirts from Tokyo.

Our exclusive selection of international designers and Japanese brands combines impeccable craftsmanship with contemporary style, evident in every stitch. Of course, not everyone can discern the subtle design nuances niche brands offer. Indeed, they’re a perfect fit for those with refined taste.

Discover The Red Check Shirt

About the design
Elliott is a well-tailored regular collar shirt with a wide silhouette. In addition, one front open pocket and one side slip pocket for your mobile. The shoulders are comfortable, and the trapeze line slightly widens towards the hem. Specifically, this unisex shirt is made with delicate stitch work using 90 and 20 stitches. Also, a pocketable and portable band on the back, inspired by the obi, the kimono belt. It comes with snap buttons. So, it is attachable or detachable to your liking.
Takase shell button front closure. These shell buttons are the byproduct of the food manufacturing process, which otherwise would be wasted, making them sustainable.

The Red Check Shirt by GoodNeighbors Shirt

About the material
100% cotton: a comfortable and warm winter flannel.

About the colour 
Red base with a blue, light blue, and white check pattern. Plus, a blue band on the back.

Laundry
Easy care: machine wash, 30 degrees. Or wash by hand.

Styling tips
Infused with the essence of the rock universe, The Red Check Shirt proves to be a timeless and effortlessly cool wardrobe staple. Whether paired with jeans for a laid-back weekend vibe or layered over a slip dress or black ensemble, it effortlessly transitions from casual to office chic, adding versatility to your style repertoire.

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 🖤

● Further details and prices via WhatsApp

👉 Get yours directly from here!

The Red Check Shirt Read More »

The Essence of Quality

Spotlighting Niche Fashion Brands in a Mainstream Market

In the labyrinth of modern consumerism, the line between quality and quantity is increasingly blurred, and the essence of quality is overlooked.

Brands – both big and small, compete for attention in a marketplace flooded with options. Amidst this deluge, an unfortunate casualty emerges: the capacity to discern quality.

Mainstream fashion: top brands vs fast fashion

On the one hand we have fast fashion: at the cheapest prices, quality is not a priority, as well as ethical practices. That encourages a disposable mindset where purchases are made without considering the repercussions of their swift discarding.
On the other hand, even within famous brands, a troubling trend surfaces: quality dilution. Perhaps they try to apply the principle of homeopathy to fashion! The research for cheaper production takes precedence, compromising the essence of what defines a superior product. This sacrifice leads to a paradox: a branded label no longer guarantees enduring quality or just quality.

Niche brands & the essence of quality

In this chaotic landscape, a beacon shines through: the small, lesser-known brands. These niche fashion brands uphold a different standard. Their ethos revolves not around mass production but good design. So meticulous craftsmanship, tailoring, and quality materials. A commitment to excellence and sustainable practices. However, this dedication comes with a price. Therefore, their offering is not for all. First, from a design perspective, as they promote a subtler approach, no prominent logos in favour of a more discreet or minimalist presentation. And second from the price point.

However, these brands offer a glimpse into a different narrative. One where quality triumphs over quantity, where every stitch and detail reflects an artisan’s dedication. They invite us to reconsider our approach to consumption, to reassess what truly defines value in our purchases.

In fact, to navigate this maze and rediscover our ability to discern quality, we must equip ourselves with knowledge. Understanding the hallmarks of craftsmanship, learning to identify materials and production processes, and valuing longevity over fleeting trends can guide us toward recognizing true quality amidst the noise.

In a world where fast fashion and mass production dominate, these niche fashion brands stand as reminders of the value of excellence. While their audience may be niche, their impact transcends the boundaries of commerce, urging us to recalibrate our perspectives and rediscover the essence of quality amidst the tumultuous sea of options.

The Essence of Quality Read More »

Threads of Change

Elevating Fashion with Purposeful Design and Limited Quantities

In this exploration, we delve into the threads of change, the transformative power of good design and limited quantities. Join us on a journey where fashion intersects with purpose, quality, and conscious consumption.

The British Fashion Council recently unveiled the winners of the Fashion Awards 2023, an event that celebrates the forefront of fashion and serves as a fundraiser for the BFC Foundation Charity. This gala not only spotlights creative talent but also underscores the pivotal role of fashion at the crossroads of culture and entertainment.

One of the most notable moments of the evening was the tribute to Valentino Garavani for his outstanding contribution to fashion. The celebration was marked by a spectacular fashion show featuring 24 iconic red dresses, all set against the backdrop of “An evening at the opera with Valentino.” This ballet, filmed in his hometown of Voghera, paid homage to his legacy, even dedicating the local theater to his name.
Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino’s lifetime business partner, received the award on his behalf. His interview to the Financial Times Fashion is a lesson on contemporary fashion industry.

Fashion, culture and change

In our journey through the blogging world, we’ve consistently emphasised the intrinsic connection between fashion and broader cultural themes. While this relationship might not be immediately evident to everyone, we firmly believe it exists.

Our message has been clear: fashion is not merely about an endless array of clothing and accessories. Endless catalogues with tons of options, or stores packed with clothes with the consequent need to push people to shop more and more.
Meaningful fashion, to us, embodies the principles of slow fashion, handcrafted garments, precise tailoring, and, above all, limited quantities. This approach isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s the cornerstone of sustainability within the fashion industry.

It’s crucial to distinguish true sustainability from what often amounts to greenwashing. In fact, brands or stores claiming sustainability while continuing to overproduce garments are missing the mark entirely.

However, reflecting on Giancarlo Giammetti‘s recent interview in the Financial Times resonates deeply with us. His sentiments echo the very challenges we face in today’s culture, which seems distant from this vision.

Giammetti’s words, particularly, strike a chord:

“We left because the industry changed and meetings were all about money, not design. Sales forecasts decided what got created. The conglomerates made each label work to the same model. We couldn’t launch today. If we did, we’d be doing slow fashion, inviting fewer people to buy, at the highest quality. You don’t have to be judged on the number of dresses you make. And sustainability must be everyone’s preoccupation right now.”

via Financial Times Fashion
Giancarlo Giammetti

In fact, our radical fashion proposition and business model sometimes feel demotivating in a world fixated on overconsumption. But Giammetti’s stance is a comforting reminder. Indeed, it reaffirms our belief: embracing a model based on good design, quality and limited quantity.

These threads of change are a pivotal shift towards a more conscious and sustainable fashion industry. Embracing this ethos isn’t merely a choice; it’s a statement—a commitment to crafting a better, more responsible future through our fashion choices.

Threads of Change Read More »

Queuing and luxury

Does waiting in line at fashion stores have anything to do with luxury?

Let’s reflect on queuing and luxury. Imran Amed of “Business of Fashion” has recently opened the debate on long lines outside top retailers and whether they are a valid means to convey luxury.

In fact, it’s even hard to get inside some fashion stores. But while the masses seem attracted by that, some people don’t buy it. Precisely, Imran Amed titled: “Queuing is not a luxury experience” and invites brands to rethink their strategies.

Of course, we agree with Imran Amed. Queuing outside top fashion retailers has nothing to do with luxury. Such a waste of time is pointless and makes no sense in relation to spending a lot of money.

What is luxury?

First and foremost, luxury is about exclusive designs made in limited numbers and not mass-produced items. Since all top brands produce their garments in huge quantities, they stopped making luxury long ago. Also, all high-end brands are so overexposed you can see them everywhere, which collides with the idea of luxury itself.
But why do retailers still have long lines if it does not convey luxury? It’s a marketing gimmick to get attention from newbies and mass consumers.

What are the characteristics of a true luxury shopping experience?

Quality, exclusivity, personalised service, privacy.
Specifically, when it comes to service, true luxury is when you avoid crowds. We so much believe in this concept that, about five years ago, we changed our business model. Indeed, we shifted from a physical boutique with a wide selection to a web fashion boutique providing a precise niche selection. Because we don’t need more, we need less (much less) but better. That is through a private shopping service.

suite123 – private shopping experience #formodernhumans

What does it mean? Feeling the need for something more intimate, we thought about offering a personalised shopping experience based on private appointments. In other words, you receive a unique selection made for you and delivered to you (to your home or office).

Perhaps this concept is not for everyone, but that’s the point of luxury.
Luxury is private, and it means avoiding crowds. No waiting in line, no wasting time. Indeed, queuing is not luxury!

We would not queue for no reason at all! What about you? Are you willing to wait in line to get into a luxury shop?

Queuing and luxury Read More »