The Weekly Collection #68
Alternative approaches to sustainability and an image from the past – fashion is ever changing, this week and always.
Leather v Faux Leather
Leather as a fabric is not going away. It’s suppleness and texture, not to mention the durability and longevity of well craft leather, makes it a product that designer keep turning to, again and again. But with greater awareness of the environmental cost of leather as well as conscious consumers avoiding animal products, leather alternatives have meant that we can continue to enjoy the material without needing to harm animals. However, we must also be aware of the toxicity of alternatives. According to a report in UK Vogue, the solvents and placticisers are not only made from fossil fuels but release toxins during their production, and few are biodegradable. While environmental certification processes do exist for faux leather, perhaps this is another reminder that the real solution is to buy less, and look for those garments which we will wear year after year, and perhaps even pass on to those who come after us.
Volcom Explores Organic Cotton
US surf/skate brand Volcom is showcasing its commitment to sustainability. In a new video, the brand is going from farm to yarn, and demonstrating why labels that indicate where a product is made don’t go all the way. Being more aware of where the textiles and threads which make up a garment are sourced from, and taking a whole of supply chain approach, may help consumers may better choices about the clothes they wear, and understand more of what goes into getting the garment to them. In partnership with CottonConnect, Volcom are highlighting the Indian farms where the base product for their clothing is produced. Watch the full video here:
A Message From Supreme’s Founder
“Our current president … does not represent the will of the people of the United States. We would like to formally apologize.” So reads the letter, titled “Apology to Paris” penned by Brendon Babenzien, the creative-director of street-wear brand Supreme. Encased in the SOS installation and pop up in the Galleries Lafayette in Paris, the message from Babenzien speaks for many in the US fashion industry, who have seen their country’s leader take a backwards step in its commitment to dealing with global warming via withdrawing from the Paris Agreement.
Fashion As An Escape From Censorship
In Berlin’s Frendeskreis Willy-Brandt-Haus, a new exhibition will open on June 6 that will showcase East Germany’s premiere fashion magazine. Entitled Sibylle, after its founder, the magazine provided an outlet for photographers, writers and models during the GDR years, and was able to evade an otherwise staid publishing landscape through its coded messages and photography. Speaking with Berlin-based magazine Sleek, cover-girl Grit Seymour noted, “Nothing was an obvious protest but people would understand what you were getting at.” Unbound from consumerist compulsions, the magazine included sewing patterns for the featured designs rather than fashion credits. For more info, head here: https://fkwbh.de/begleitendeveranstaltung/vernissage-sibylle.
SALES: Luisa
What: Pop up sale
When: Saturday, April 27, 10am – 7pm – Sunday, April 28, 10am – 5pm.
Where: Sydney Hilton Hotel, Level 4, 488 George St
Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/281167712796299/
SALES: Natasha Gan
What: 70 per cent off new arrivals
When: Until May 10
Where: Online
Details: http://www.natashagan.com.au/
