“Remain true to yourself,
and your philosophy.”
: Giorgio Armani.
As the latest Fashion Shows appear online,
I love to take some time
and muse over some of the collections.
To see the fabulous examples of workmanship,
and the beautiful creations
drawn from the designers’ imagination.
Not to forget some of the incredible backdrops
to showcase the collections.
On February 23rd, I noticed that Giorgio Armani
had decided to show his AW20/21 collection
without an ‘in-real-life’ audience,
due to health concerns regarding the Coronavirus.
Having been to Milan a few days earlier,
researching materials at the Lineapelle Trade fair,
I decided to self isolate for a couple of weeks.
No symptoms thankfully.
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AHEAD OF THE CURVE
I watched the show, via their website,
and the collection as was elegant as ever,
beautifully crafted, and continued his flavour
of timeless quality and longevity.
The decision to close the doors
apparently divided opinion among the intended attendees.
Personally, I thought it was a brave
and responsible decision on Armani’s part.
Putting the health of his audience
above the attention that their presence could create.
Ahead of the curve in the industry, the country,
and maybe the world.
And in retrospect,
probably shouldn’t have been the only one.
…
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It got me thinking how the Fashion Industry
might change going forward.
I could sense that the effect might be similar if the world
were taking the subject of Climate Change
as seriously as Greta Thunberg.
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THINKING GLOBALLY, ACTING LOCALLY
If all shows were shown via the internet only?
Or only locally based journalists attend?
Is there a way that buyers can ‘virtually’ view
the drape of the dress,
or the detail in the seam?
Reducing the amount of people in the industry
flying between 3 or 4 cities and
therefore reducing the carbon footprint
may only be a minor percentage change,
but the statement would be huge.
And maybe the stress of travelling would be less?
Could influencers promote businesses
more local to them, in their locality,
rather than flying half way round the world
to promote businesses elsewhere?
Yes, the process of buying collections
would have to change,
but many wise minds have said in the past
that “change is a good thing.”
And many aspects of the World needs to change,
not just the Fashion World.
It could be an area that the Fashion industry
is truly leading the way.
Ahead of the curve.
While many of the collections are breathtakingly beautiful,
wonderfully handcrafted,
and created with a positive mindset
that inspires people to dream…
It’s in times like these,
it’s a sharp reminder that life itself
is an incredible gift,
and that life and time are the real luxuries.
I’m a believer in Vivienne Westwood famous quote
“Buy Less, Choose Well.
Make It Last.
Quality, not quantity.”
Of “Thinking Globally, Acting Locally”.
Of using materials close to the source of manufacture.
And being mindful of the trail
behind the creation of materials and products.
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WE CAN BE MORE
Looking forward, to how we can be after this pandemic,
I’m also thinking how could I,
in addition to being mindful of the materials
that I use in my shoes,
and where they come from,
but also how can I be more mindful
in HOW I source them?
I don’t know the answers,
but I do think if we consume less,
we can BE more.
We can do this together,
even if it is at a distance.
…
“People usually consider walking on water
or in thin air a miracle.
But I think the real miracle is
not to walk either on water or in thin air,
but to walk on earth.
Every day we are engaged in a miracle
which we don’t even recognize:
a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves,
the black, curious eyes of a child—
our own two eyes.
All is a miracle. … “
: Thich Nhat Hanh
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Heels worth wearing. Stories worth sharing.
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Thank you for reading…
and if you feel so inclined,
please share with a friend
who may come to mind.
…
Have a beautiful night.
Anthony Stoker
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