sustainablefashion

What Happened to Slow Fashion?

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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!

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Hints of Sustainability at PFW

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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.

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The Most Exclusive Fashion in Milano

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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!

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Fashion Industry: a Dying Patient

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Why do Brands Insist on Therapeutic Obstinacy?

As the fashion industry prepares for the FW24-25 selling campaign amidst a myriad of challenges, it becomes increasingly evident that it is teetering on the brink of irrelevance, reminiscent of a dying patient. Despite being aware, industry operators persist in maintaining the status quo. This begs the question: are they awaiting a miraculous revival or resigned to an inevitable collapse?

The fashion industry operates within its own framework, dictated by seasonal trends and gender divisions. As suite123 boutique, these days, we’re accustomed to receiving updates on fashion brands, showrooms, and exhibitions worldwide for the Fall/Winter 24-25 season. Most, conveniently accessible online, minimising the need for extensive travel and promoting sustainability in our research endeavours.

Yet, it is evident that the fashion industry as a whole is grappling with profound challenges. Clearly, it’s in a state of extreme struggle. Moreover, this realisation permeates the industry, acknowledged by insiders who witness its struggles firsthand.

In such a climate, one might expect brands to conduct their business with a paradigm shift.

However, the status quo remains largely unaltered. In fact, there’s a reluctance to embrace change. No adjustments in how brands assemble, present and sell their collections. Also, no change in garment manufacturing processes, contractual agreements, or collaborative endeavours aimed at mitigating the decline of the fashion industry. No change in policies, no alternative pathways. None of that!

Brands persist in adhering to an outdated model, clinging to a production pattern characterised by overproduction. But, that production model based on overproduction has failed and proven unsustainable. Indeed, it is no longer suitable for our times.

Stagnation or evolution: can the fashion industry thrive by clinging to an outdated model?

So, the question arises: Can the fashion industry evolve while obstinately clinging to a failing paradigm? By insisting on pursuing an outdated failing model?

For genuine progress to occur, the industry must reconsider its approach, presenting a viable path forward. Therefore, move away from the unsustainable cycle of the overproduction model, corporate world, and unending growth. Adopting more sustainable and ethical practices such as producing items in response to demand, implementing made-to-order initiatives, reducing waste, and embracing circular economy principles.
In essence, the call is for a shift towards a more responsible approach to ensure the industry’s long-term viability.

As new FW24-25 season campaigns unfold, the fashion industry resembles a dying patient, teetering on the brink of irrelevance. However, brands persist in their therapeutic obstinacy instead of trying new strategies.

Perhaps it will take the complete demolition of the fashion industry for the voices advocating change to be heard. And for those trying to make a change to be finally seen.

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Couture: The Future of Fashion

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Crafting Tomorrow’s Wardrobe through Quality, Customization, and Conscious Production

On our journey to trace the future of fashion, Paris Haute Couture Week SS24 offers a chance to reinforce our viewpoint on the industry. What becomes evident is the link between couture and the sustainable paradigm needed to shape the industry’s trajectory.

SS24 Haute couture

Haute Couture for luxury houses serves as a mere reaffirmation of brand power. With an endless array of outfits, it appears evident that luxury brands – and the fashion industry as a whole – fall short of comprehending the essence of sustainability and adopting a long-term perspective.

This season, collections managed to break away from monotony. Gaultier by Simone Rocha impressively redefined the designer’s DNA, while Chanel exuded loveliness. The Gallianification of Margiela seemed finally completed. Beautiful, but no trace of Margiela anymore, if not for some tabi or the logo. Yet, it’s Pierpaolo Piccioli for Valentino, who earns the title of a true couturier, always impeccable in his superfine tailoring and magnificent creativity.

However, among the most elaborated and creative silhouettes typical of Haute Couture, more clean and perfectly tailored pieces completed the collections. Which translates into timeless, meaningful garments for everyday style. In fact, beyond the glamour, Haute Couture provides an opportunity to reflect on the future of fashion.

Couture & sustainable fashion

In its essence, couture means made-to-order garments of impeccable quality produced in limited quantities. Therefore, it inherently embodies sustainability. In this tailoring realm, quality takes precedence over quantity, focusing on the meticulous creation of timeless pieces that embody the ethos of minimalism.

Specifically, this sustainable essence of couture is a pattern that represents the future of fashion.

At its core, couture’s commitment to made-to-order garments, crafted with unparalleled quality, shatters the notion of disposable fashion. The bespoke nature of these creations allows for customization, fostering a connection between the wearer and the garment that transcends the fleeting trends of fashion.

Indeed, by opting for fewer pieces produced in limited quantities, artisanal production aligns with conscious consumption. It’s a departure from the relentless pursuit of newness. And a testament to the idea that true luxury lies in the careful curation of one’s wardrobe. Less but better.

As we trace the steps and missteps of fashion brands, one aspect becomes apparent. The future of fashion lies not in the mass production and fleeting trends but in the intentional creation of timeless pieces that endure beyond seasons. Couture serves as the vanguard and back to the past, revealing tomorrow’s wardrobe through quality, customization, and conscious production.
A blueprint for a fashion industry where sustainability and style seamlessly coexist.

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