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Consume Less: Embrace Less, Live More!

Reading Time: 2 minutes

How to reduce our impact on the planet


In order to reduce our impact on the planet, the solution proposed is to purchase sustainable products. So the industries believe, or so they want to make us believe.

But the truth is different. If we don’t start from the assumption that consuming less is at the base of a sustainable lifestyle, we will not make any progress.

Indeed, there’s no sustainable product, recycled or upcycled, green or bio. Or add whatever label marketing will launch to convince consumers that those products are better than others. Not a single one of these products, nor all of these labels combined, will come to our aid.

Even if they truly are better, sustainable products alone won’t change anything. Why? They will not solve the issue simply because that is not enough.

Our lifestyle has an impact on the environment, and in order to sustain it, we are exploiting the planet. Given that, will our impact on the planet be reduced if people consume tons of sustainable goods? It seems very unlikely.

Consume less: this is how to reduce our impact on the planet


A sharp reduction in consumption is the way to bring about systemic change. If we want to reduce our daily devastation, only one thing will be beneficial: consume less.

Of course, this is about all aspects of our lifestyle. So, reducing the energy and water we use, oil consumption, heating systems, planes, cars, etc. Then, of course, we will need the rest. Meaning sustainable, recycled, upcycled, green or bio.

This also means that we have the power in our hands. Indeed, consuming less requires action on our part.

No brands will ever tell us so, even if this is the only possibility that makes sense. They will continue making sustainable products, filling the world with new sustainable garbage while depleting natural resources.

Sustainability for a dying planet is meaningless!

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Bukowski Capturing The Essence Of Style

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Precise, powerful words that define true style


Bukowski on capturing the essence of style. The essence of style is difficult to define and even harder to frame it in words, yet Bukowski brilliantly found the perfect phrases capture it. In a world often dominated by fleeting trends and superficial appearances, Bukowski’s words offer a rare glimpse into what true style really means.

Thanks to Mary Portas, we have discovered the following piece by Charles Bukowski, which, she says, sums up her feelings on style. We found it absolutely fantastic, so we decided to share it here—Bukowski’s sharp words truly hit the mark. He masterfully captures its essence, not just through the actions of individuals, but through the way they live, express themselves, and even embrace the rawness of life itself. His unique perspective reminds us that style is more than just aesthetics—it’s a reflection of authenticity and personal expression.

Bukowski on style


“Style is the answer to everything,
A fresh way to approach a dull or dangerous day,
To do a dull thing with style is preferable to doing a dangerous thing without it.
To do a dangerous thing with style, is what I call art.

Bullfighting can be an art.
Boxing can be an art.
Loving can be an art.
Opening a can of sardines can be an art.

Not many have style
Not many can keep style
I have seen dogs with more style than men,
Although not many dogs have style.
Cats have it with abundance.

When Hemingway put his brains to the wall with a shotgun, that was style.
For sometimes people give you style.
Joan of Arc had style.
John the Baptist,
Jesus,
Socrates,
Caesar,
García Lorca.

I have met men in jail with style.
I have met more men in jail with style than men out of jail.
Style is a difference, a way of doing, a way of being done.
Six herons standing quietly in a pool of water, or you, walking
out of the bathroom without seeing me.”


The poem emphasises that style is a unique approach to life, turning ordinary or dangerous actions into something meaningful and artistic. Bukowski suggests that style is not common, but it can be found in unexpected places, whether in animals, historical figures, or even in the way a person carries themselves. It’s about how you do things, the essence of being distinct and authentic. From the mundane to the profound, style makes a difference, and it’s often more present in those who are unconventional or marginalized.

Although capturing the essence of style in words is no easy feat, Bukowski does so brilliantly, encapsulating it in a way that resonates deeply. We absolutely adore this piece! Not only has he gifted us with a true work of art, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of words in a world overwhelmed by superficial images and fleeting trends.

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Child Labour: Modern-Day Slavery

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The obscenity of a society that closes its eyes in the face of the major issues


Child labour is one of the most obscene issues in our society, one of those problems people don’t want to see. Even though prohibited by legislation worldwide, the number of children exploited is growing. According to Unicef, 2021 registered the first increase in two decades, with cases rising to 160 million worldwide because of covid-19.

There is a consistent number of countries where child labour is not forbidden. Poverty and discrimination are the main causes, but conflicts and the pandemic gave a big hand in spreading the situations that degenerate into this modern-day slavery.

Child labour: modern-day slavery for the western world


Exploited children produce goods that fill the stores of the western world. Or call it that side of the world where either people ignore or pretend to ignore these issues. Whether it’s having the latest mobile device or a fancy car, it’s considered better than facing the truth about the small hands that extract the materials used to make our toys.

And so, we dedicate each day to specific matters giving them the priority for that day. Specifically, the world day against child labour was on 12 June. On an annual basis, we see impactful graphics and beautiful words that end up in nothing. They just become content for social media, but nothing ever changes.

These kinds of stories are as old as the earth. So, if we aren’t able to eradicate them, but we still abuse children’s rights, we have serious problems.

There can be no true sustainability without ethical labor. And if sustainable products are a priority, addressing child labor must come first. How can we talk about sustainability when the number of children involved in production chains has increased over time?

There is an organization committed to creating lasting change, called Still I Rise. Their projects are not endless; they focus on solving specific problems in a given area before moving on to the next. Education is at the heart of their mission, and they open schools to empower those in need.
Please, check them out here and donate if you can!

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Milan Design Week 22: Signs Of A Recovery

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Salone and Fuorisalone: tourists and a vibrant atmosphere return to the city


Milan Design Week 22 is over, and even if the weather was too hot, it was nice to see the town alive again. Some say it was not as crowded as in the previous editions, but many tourists came for the occasion from everywhere.

When they were interviewed by the press, the industry professionals said they placed orders during the exhibition, something that has not happened for a long time. Therefore, they noticed positive signs of a recovery after the pandemic.

By the way, starting from the first editions, the events held for the “Salone del Mobile” and the “Fuorisalone” created a lively and refined atmosphere in town. Much better than the fashion week, almost underscoring that the design audience is more cultured than the fashion crowds. Which is unsurprising considering how fashion has lowered the bar so far.

Milan Design Week & Fuorisalone

Milan Design Week


However, among the places we visited, our favourite was the Flos’ location at the “Fabbrica Orobia.” Here we saw beautiful setups in a stunning multi-experience venue. Titled “See the stars again”, the event celebrated its 60 years of activity.
In order to show their outdoor lightning system, they have recreated a fabulous garden in one of the rooms. While people walked next to the plants, the lights changed colours. Amazing!

Needless to say, sustainability was one of the big topics at the Milan Design Week 22. But, of course, there was a lot of greenwashing. Indeed, same as in the fashion industry, it is clearly the marketing game of our times. You cannot sell a single pin if you don’t put a sustainable label on it.

But the first question that jumps to our mind is: how can huge events be sustainable?

What does it really mean to sell sustainability when there are no factual guarantees or clear regulations in place?

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Fashion and Patriarchy

Reading Time: 2 minutes

How men’s taste shapes women’s style


An anthropologic examination of fashion helps us understand why men’s taste becomes the favourite one.

But is that style favuoring women’s empowerment? Or is it just the expression of man’s vision? Also, is fashion for women or against women? These are questions we should be asking ourselves.

By analysing the context in which we live, the conclusion is that societal rules, beauty standards, and fashion are manifestations of patriarchy. Yes, it doesn’t take a subtle analyst to understand that. The whole world tells a story of patriarchy because we live in a man-shaped society.

Education for a men’s world


The way women behave, talk, think and see themselves is the sedimentation of centuries of male domination. And so it is for the way women dress. Indeed, it’s not really about expressing women’s taste, but it’s about fitting in an image stitched on us by male figures. It’s a cultural moulding representing an eternal story of dominance and submission.

Women are educated–or brainwashed–to please men in everything they do. Indeed, they are a playful accessory for men. That was the female’s role in the past, and so it is now. Nothing ever changed for real. Women’s style must conform to men’s taste, or they complain.

How men's taste dominates Fashion and patriarchy


For instance, take the ’50s. Fashion during that time was all about catching men’s attention with lines that highlighted the body. That taste never went out of fashion. And if you ask a woman what style trend she prefers, the ’50s are always on top.

And so, from abortion to clothing, it seems we are glad to let men decide everything about our lives.

The idea is to question conventional rules and notions. Decontextualising fashion to remove all the layers that, century after century, were placed on us. They are just a reflection of patriarchy.

By understanding that, we embrace our freedom. Men do not define us–we define ourselves!

Women must be aware of their worth and choose what best suits them. Understanding this point is a process that leads to self-appreciation and self-awareness.

Recently (again), we heard the story of a woman who couldn’t buy a dress because her husband didn’t like it. Years of feminism for this? Really?

The question is: do you like it?

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