sustainablefashion

A Pause in a Boiling World

/ Leave a Comment

Confronting Climate Change During the Hottest Summer Ever


After a brief pause from writing, we’re confronted with a stark reality: the world isn’t just metaphorically but literally boiling. This realisation resonates deeply with us, not only with our work in the fashion industry but also with our entire lives.

Over the past few weeks, we journeyed through Italy, from Milano to the tranquil landscapes of Basilicata. Along the way, we immersed ourselves in beautiful places, savouring the food, connecting with people, and even grappling with Wi-Fi issues that forced us to momentarily step back from blogging. But what left the most profound impression was the relentless heat. The scorching temperatures, the unnaturally boiling seawater, everywhere. This was an unprecedented experience that made the reality of climate change feel more tangible than ever.

The summer of 2024 is now officially the hottest on record.

A Pause in a Boiling World
Basilicata – Marina di Pisticci


This extreme weather is having a profound impact not only on production chains and labourers but also on consumer habits and retailers. Yet, the fashion industry remains largely indifferent to this urgent crisis. Instead of responding to these challenges, the slowdown in consumer spending and the resulting decline in brand revenues are driving the industry in the opposite direction.

According to Business Of Fashion “Sustainability teams at big brands have been hit with layoffs; some companies have watered down their climate targets; and others are deprioritising sustainability efforts to focus on growth amid market volatility.”

Faced with financial pressures, the fashion system is prioritising growth and profitability, relegating sustainability to the background. Even the industry’s outward commitment to sustainability is starting to crumble.
Are we about to witness the facade completely collapse?

And so, in this moment of pause in a boiling world, the harsh reality of climate change compelled us to question everything.

How can we ignore the effects of this climate crisis on our lives and our work? Can the fashion industry really continue with business as usual? Should we reopen our boutiques as if nothing has changed? Is it possible to approach the Spring/Summer 2025 buying season without acknowledging the profound shifts happening around us?

Moreover, should we rush into the new Fall/Winter 2024-25 season? Still clinging to the outdated practice of dividing collections by season?

These are questions we can no longer avoid. The reality of our boiling world demands a thoughtful and immediate response.

We’re Back and Thrilled to Connect with You Again!

We’ve missed you! Dive into our latest post, and don’t hesitate to reach out – we’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, feedback, or just want to say hello, we’re all ears. Let’s start a conversation!

A Pause in a Boiling World Read More »

Earth Overshoot Day 2024 & Fashion

/ Leave a Comment

Considerations for Shopping, Overconsumption and the Imminent Buying Season


August 1st marked Earth Overshoot Day 2024, meaning that in just seven months, we have consumed all the resources the planet can regenerate in a year. What does this mean for the fashion industry and our lifestyle?

The fashion industry is characterised by overproduction and excessive shopping. While brands aggressively promote overconsumption, consumers are often caught up in the desire to buy more, driven by frivolous thoughts. Only a few people consider deeper, more sustainable practices. As we enter the eighth month of the year, we have already used up the natural resources the Earth can regenerate annually. This means that from now until December 31st, we will be depleting resources that the Earth cannot naturally replenish.

Overshoot Day: Understanding calculation and global impact


Overshoot Day is calculated by determining the number of days Earth’s resources can sustain humanity’s ecological footprint. In simpler terms, we take the planet’s biocapacity – the amount of ecological resources the Earth can generate in a year – and divide it by our annual ecological footprint – the amount of natural resources humans consume in a year. This result is then multiplied by the 365 days of the year.

The ecological footprint varies by country because each nation has different amounts of resources and uses them in various ways, such as land for agriculture, water reserves, electricity, and marine areas. Therefore, each country has its own Overshoot Day.

This year, the first country to exceed its ecological capacity was Qatar (February 11), followed by Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Italy wasn’t far behind, reaching its Overshoot Day on May 19. The last countries to exceed their ecological capacity this year will be Indonesia and Ecuador on November 24, 2024.

Conclusion: Earth Overshoot Day & Fashion


Given that in just seven months we have already consumed the natural resources the Earth can generate in a year, it begs the question: are sustainable brands planning to stop their production? On what basis can we begin the buying season for fashion stores? And how can people continue to consume, travel, and live excessively while ignoring this fundamental fact?

What the heck are we doing? Perhaps, a true understanding of it should make us stop everything and pause. It should compel us to reconsider not only the fashion industry but our lifestyle as a whole.

But you can sleep well; no one will move a finger.

Earth Overshoot Day 2024 & Fashion Read More »

What Happened to Slow Fashion?

/ Leave a Comment

An Opportunity Lost in the Shadows of Rapid Change

What happened to slow fashion? As the foundations of the old world crumble, the emergence of a new one is fraught with struggles. Amidst this turmoil, we find ourselves pondering the fate of slow fashion.

Fashion industry: contradictory news

Headlines boast of growth and soaring sales for some brands, yet these reports seem akin to acts of sleight of hand, illusion games. Indeed, they prioritise the interests of banks over the stark realities that surround us. Moreover, these narratives clash with reports of top conglomerates stockpiling billions in unsold inventory.

In the relentless cycle of overproduction, an increase in output translates to a surge in revenue. However, much of this surplus finds its way to the incinerator rather than into the luxury retail.

Further underscoring the disintegration of the traditional fashion world are the ongoing bankruptcy reports. Most recently, Matches Fashion has found its place on this list. The Fraser Group, two months after the acquisition, claims the luxury e-tailer is on the brink of insolvency, a casualty of slowing demand for high-end products. Fraser laments: ‘The company systematically missed the targets of its business plan and, despite the group’s support, continued to record significant losses.’

Deciphering the destiny of slow fashion

In the wake of the pandemic-induced instability, sustainability has emerged as a cornerstone of discourse. Slow fashion, heralded as a rational solution to the problem of overproduction and resulting surplus inventory for shops, has garnered significant attention.

So, we’ve seen a lot of talks, round tables with the usual experts. Of course, by giving a voice to the same names that had caused the overproduction issue. A possible solution emerged, but after a few years of discussions on slow fashion, almost no one talks about it.

So, what happened to slow fashion? Was it just a temporary marketing strategy? Indeed, it languishes in obscurity, championed only by a handful of new brands struggling to gain traction. Meanwhile, the fashion industry remains wedded to antiquated profit models, heedless of its impending catastrophe.

The truth is, the world of fashion as we have known it has long been on shaky ground, particularly since the 1990s. But this reality holds little sway over the major players who continue to prioritise short-term profit over long-term sustainability.

Despite appearing as a missed opportunity amidst the whirlwind of rapid change, our commitment to and belief in slow fashion remains unwavering. We wholeheartedly support its principles and practices.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any thoughts or reflections you may have on this matter!

What Happened to Slow Fashion? Read More »

Hints of Sustainability at PFW

/ Leave a Comment

Are These Sustainability Efforts Credible?

On the last days of Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 24-25, hints of sustainability emerged. Yet, amidst these hopeful murmurs, recent revelations cast a shadow of doubt over the industry’s commitment to genuine change.

Stella McCartney’s fashion show opened with a call to action to save the planet. In the video, Mother Nature sends a message to humanity: “It’s About Fucking Time.” Perhaps gentle words are no longer sufficient to spur the necessary transformation. Indeed, the stark reality of increased pollution rates this year tempers our optimism.

Apparently, Stella McCartney, an environmental activist, operates through sustainable practices. In fact, the media present her as one of the brands more involved in the discussion around sustainability.

However, reports from Business of Fashion unveil staggering figures of unsold inventory weighing heavily on these conglomerates. We quote B.O.F.: “LVMH and Kering are grappling with billions of dollars of unsold inventory.”

Analyzing sustainability hints and related news

Now, let’s compare the two pieces of news in an attempt to understand more about sustainability. In this juxtaposition, a disconcerting dissonance emerges.

LVMH and Kering are the largest conglomerates in the fashion industry. LVMH owns Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Dior, Fendi, Celine, Kenzo and many more. Kering owns Gucci, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, McQueen, Saint Laurent, and more.
Despite both groups having billions of dollars of unsold inventory, they have made countless new samples for the fashion weeks. No one tried to create beautiful presentations with fewer garments. Moreover, they are ready to churn out tons of new clothes and accessories for the Fall/Winter 24-25 season.

In 2019, Stella McCartney signed a deal with LVMH group to accelerate its worldwide development in terms of business and strategy. Before, the designer partnered with the rival conglomerate Kering. So, McCartney stands at the intersection of conflicting narratives.

Can a designer embedded within a behemoth corporation, driven by perpetual growth and overproduction, truly champion sustainability? Stella McCartney’s game recalls the manoeuvres politicians play. Perhaps sustainability in fashion remains a game of optics, a veneer to placate conscientious consumers.

Conclusion: unanswered questions

The hints of sustainability that emerged at Paris Fashion Week appear diluted, if not altogether illusory. The sobering reality of overproduction and the unsolved dilemma of excess inventory force us to confront uncomfortable truths about the industry’s commitment to change.

In conclusion, lingering questions remain with us: What fate awaits the mountains of unsold garments? Will they be incinerated, shipped off to distant shores, or left to languish in forgotten warehouses? And can we truly place our trust in designers who navigate the corridors of power within colossal conglomerates?
The answers to these questions may hold the key to unlocking a more sustainable future for fashion. One grounded not in superficial gestures but in substantive action and genuine accountability.

Hints of Sustainability at PFW Read More »

The Most Exclusive Fashion in Milano

/ Leave a Comment

Independent Designers & Japanese Fashion

At suite123 you can find the most exclusive fashion in Milano and get it delivered to your door wherever you are. In fact, we meticulously curate a niche fashion selection from global independent designers. Also, with a profound passion for Japanese fashion, we ensure a distinct representation of unique Japanese designers in our brand mix.

As pioneers in discovering new and emerging designers, we pride ourselves on introducing them to a discerning audience. Independent minds who appreciate unique garments and niche fashion.

Our ethos revolves around the principle of #buylessbuybetter, offering an exclusive selection that transcends borders and fosters genuine connections.

The most exclusive fashion in Milano

Fashion values

We are ultra-careful in selecting brands that share our core values. So, we prioritise good design, high-quality materials, and skilled craftsmanship with a particular emphasis on attention to detail. Moreover, we exclusively promote brands with an ethical approach to business, valuing fair labour practices and environmental sustainability.

Above all, we prioritise designers who understand the importance of producing in limited batches, contributing to a shift towards a more sustainable fashion industry.
That is a fundamental point, assuming we don’t just want to play with marketing claims, a widespread practice nowadays.

Timeless, genderless, and ageless fashion

Our selection challenges the conventional norms of the fashion industry and societal expectations by transcending the constraints of time, gender, and age. We encourage individuality and self-expression through styles that are not bound by fleeting trends or restrictive categorisations, fostering inclusivity and empowerment for all who engage with us.

Discover made-to-last garments. Let us guide you to explore garments crafted to endure, becoming cherished pieces in your wardrobe for a lifetime.

Experience a personalised shopping service:

We will help you find the perfect pieces tailored to your unique style. At our core, we highly value your privacy in all our services.

Shopping in Milano

Even if you’re not in Milan, you can still indulge in the suite123 experience. Contact us to schedule a personalised video call appointment and enjoy our private shopping service, with the most exclusive fashion in Milano delivered straight to your door.

👉 Get in touch directly from here!

The Most Exclusive Fashion in Milano Read More »