All misfortune has its bright side and the current economic climate is no exception because it is forcing us to rethink many concepts that we have taken for granted. So far high levels of consumption seemed reasonable because, -among other things- it was one of the legs that held western economies. However, for some time now, slow movements are emerging suggesting a change in our unstoppable spending pace.
Fashion is probably the best reflection of our consumerist excesses. Nowadays we do not buy based on the quality and utility of the things we can get, but on quantity and the amount of social status it will provide.
Being more aware of the way we shop is easy if we make the effort, and there are two tips that always work: not buying impulsively and making lists by eliminating those things that we deem unnecessary. Also, be selective with your wardrobe; worshiping each of the pieces it contains is more satisfying, making the ritual of wearing something much more simple and fun.
The resources of the Earth and the human race are not infinite, therefore sensible spending is vital to ensure the continuity of the planet. We must change our mentality being aware of this fact: consuming more does not necessarily mean a better life.
Source : Allure-Allure & El Fasionista (drawing)
After 15 double espressos, everything still seems slow to me…Says Max on seesmic. Follow the discussion here
In the last few months, the adjective “economic” has almost always been followed by the word “crisis.” Apart from the economic aspect, however, a period of crisis also brings about far-ranging changes in society. For instance, economists refer to The Kondratiev Cycle.
For some time now, we’ve been seeing signs that attitudes are changing and the Slow Manifesto is a good example.
At the inauguration of the Slow Gallery spotlighting the Nissan Cube (a.k.a. “the slow car”), we could not help but notice the variety of trends on display. The most important insight here is probably that that the slow trend is not only big on the fashion scene (slow wear / slow fashion) but in design (slow design) and art (slow art, slow music and slow photographie) as well.
Suddenly from Magnus Engsfors on Vimeo.
A sign of the times or economic necessity?
The fact remains that brand communication is always changing.
In the 1980s, an automobile was desirable because it could go fast.
In the 1990s, automotive comfort and safety were selling points.
The late 2000s are seeing some advertisers tailor their communication to fit the slow trend, the concept of sustainable development or simply our awareness that the world’s resources are not unlimited.
On the fashion scene, a rejection of fast fashion is coming through loud and clear in articles by bloggers like Julie or Florence.
In a way, slow fashion is a declaration of independence from the seasonal cycle imposed by fashion brands. Some people just don’t get it: you don’t have to throw out half of your wardrobe because yellow is the colour this spring! What about you? What are you waiting for? It’s time to sign the Slow Manifesto!
Read this post in french original version on enmodefashion.com
Part II of the interview (part I and video here)
CP: Many of my friends are completely crazy about your bags (you know that) and you have a good visibility and a big fan club on the internet, especially on blogs. Do you read some of them?
JD: Not a lot because I don’t have the time. Some times, the girl in the office shows me the blogs and I’m really amazed. It is funny but at the same time I don’t understand how people can spend time writing about a bag. It makes me laugh a lot, but it is another world for me. I’m really pleased. It is interesting because sometimes you get really positive or really negatives things. It is interesting because it comes from people who say what they think. So it helps me to build the collection, but I don’t have that much time to spend on the internet.
CP: Slow wear seems to be the next big thing, many small labels were invited to the last Prêt-à -porter Salon. Do you think that a new designer can start without being ethical?
JD: I don’t know, it is hard to say. There is no rule to begin. If there was a rule everybody would use the same rule and everybody would have the same way. I don’t know if it helps or not. I don’t know if they are obliged or not. I don’t think so yet, but it will come. Now, the problem is that with all the economical pressure we have, it is very hard to launch a new label. I’m really lucky I began ten years ago. Since the day I began to now, there not many designers that came out, because of economical problems it becomes really hard to launch a new label. I was lucky.
CP: Is it more expensive to produce bio-friendly products?
JD: No. It is not more expensive. I’m not paying my leather more than anybody else. Nothing is more expensive, if you just take care.
CP: It is a false idea.
JD: Yes, it is a false idea. Bio things are simple, it is just the material you are using which is bio. After, you just do what you want. It is more about using different metallic pieces that cost a lot of money. So if the leather costs a little bit more you have to be careful about what you are using inside the bags to keep a normal price. So no, I don’t think it costs more money to do it.
CP: Do you consider slow fashion as a sort of luxury? You create objects for the duration, for a life span? You buy a bag for ten - fifteen years, it is a luxury because you buy one thing and you transmit it to your kids.
JD: That’s what I’m dreaming to do. We are trying to work that way, I’m always saying to my clients just buy one bag and keep it for years. But the pressure of society makes people change the colour of their bag every season. I wish one day they will keep it for ten years, which is not going be good for my business, but I don’t care! I’ll go to the South of France and I’ll make cheese.
CP: Is there a men’s line scheduled?
JD: No, all my friends are asking me and some times I do bags for my friends but I’m not interested in seducing men!
CP: What about the future? A come-back in the apparel?
JD: I don’t know, it is always the same problem. I would love to make dresses again but I don’t want to be eaten by the fashion business. I love it and I want to continue to love it. It is good to be far away from it because it helps me to keep dreaming, and I need to dream to be able to create. If I’m too much into that business I don’t dream anymore. When you see the reality you don’t dream anymore. So I’m trying to stay far away from it to be able to dream and to create. That is very important to me.
CP: You are like a rebel
JD: No, I’m not a rebel. I’m just someone simple who is trying to do his job. I’m not looking to be a star otherwise I would have played in movies. It is not my job to be famous; my job is to work with people and to work with my hands. I’m just trying to follow my way.
Read the french version on his blog : www.lemodalogue.fr
