This Week in Fashion

Edition 3

Afghanistan Libre Campaign – Timothée Chalamet

Whoever said that celebrities must remain restricted to movies and music? Full-time sensation and part-time actor Timothée Chalamet just started a collaboration with fashion designer Haider Ackermann, creating a limited edition drop that will support the NGO Afghanistan Libre, working towards rights for women and children in Afghanistan. They both conceived a hoodie with the phrases “silent soldier” and “a common thread” across the chest, surrounded by a blue paint spatter and an Afghan woman in the centre. 100% of the profit will go to the organisation, representing a tangible aid to all people who live in that country. The cynical would say that it’s only a publicity stunt for the actor and his latest movies, wanting to have a bigger role in the fashion industry, but in my opinion each component of the star and celebrity system should employ popularity and notoriety, exploiting social media’s visibility to forward causes. The Afghan question has been in the spotlight for months and is expected to remain so, and the region could benefit greatly from the international helping hand.

Brand worth knowing: Cariuma

A better future for people & the planet, intertwined with timeless, more comfortable and sustainable collections of sneakers: such are the pillars of Cariuma, a label founded by David & Fernando directly from Brazil. Being openly responsible in a social perspective and creating original, trendy and comfy trainers, Cariuma represents a constant evolution. It takes active part as a B Corporation member and the label also specialises in sneakers to surf and skate. One of its latest models has been the bamboo shoe IBI, made with bamboo knit, sugarcane outsole, vegan insole and recycled plastic (from water bottles). Pretty innovative for a pair of trainers! The label carries out well-targeted marketing activities, collaborating with well-known brands- one of its latest campaigns has involved Pantone and its new 2022 colour (the Very Pery shade).

The Fashion Revolution Movement

Research, education, collaboration, mobilisation and advocacy: these are the main ingredients for a durable fashion industry in the long term. A more sustainable, fair and ecological system doesn’t concern only a single individual, but the entire society. I’ve heard far too often that people feel fashion is superficial and useless, only focusing on physical appearance and exteriority. In its fullest potential, the fashion sector could take away poverty from millions of people, providing decent living and a reduced disparity between countries. The Fashion Revolution is a real-life movement, supporting the preservation and safeguarding of the environment and valuing people involved in the fashion sector as well. Who made my clothes? is a famous campaign working towards consumer awareness, about the clothes they’re wearing. Fashion indeed is the result of variables like gender equality, economic growth and decent work, climate action, responsible consumption and production, so I refute the argument that fashion is not only about appearance.

Fashion Revolution is one of the most effective and successful organisations which is making a positive change in the fashion industry. Putting together events, fanzines, useful resources and focusing on policy, industry and cultural changes, this movement is giving rise to change- one I hope is permanent.

Mushrooms, what a passion!

Not only the perfect ingredient for a tasty risotto, mushrooms are making their way into the fashion industry, representing 100% organic material and an original motif for patterns and prints. Gaining traction with brands like Gucci, Iris Van Herpen, Pangaia, Stussy and Marc Jacobs, mushrooms have been playing an extremely interesting role in the last two years in the fashion sector.

Apparently mycelium, which is the vegetative root of fungus, is ideal for multiple uses ranging from plastics to packaging materials to plant-based meals, including nature-based fabrics for apparel, shoes and handbags. It’s also excellent for forming leather-like materials without involving any animal, resulting in a lower carbon cost during their production compared to traditional leather derived from fauna. Simply put, it’s way better for the environment, and we can avoid killing animals. Need I convince you more?

Written By: Asja Scaramozzino [Brand Relations & Outreach]