India and fashion: what point is sustainability at?
When we think of India, we imagine traditions, colors and craftsmanship, but do we connect it with sustainability? What if this is where one of the keys to a greener future in fashion lies? In this episode, we discover the lesser-known side of a country that might surprise us about India’s contributions to the spread of more sustainable fashion. We talk to Sulakshana Chemudupati, our collaborator at Dress ECOde as a sustainable fashion consultant. She has worked for 15 years in the fashion retail industry as a design professional with successful mainstream brands in India and the UAE. We completed an MBA in sustainability management together, that’s where we met.…
At the Hemp Museum to discover the history, traditions, techniques and curiosities of an extraordinary fibre
“I want to dress all in hemp,” said Totò. Those were the times when advertising urged people not to let a precious fiber, Italy’s “green gold,” disappear. This is how Glenda Giampaoli, Director of the Hemp Museum in the municipality of Sant’Anatolia di Narco (Perugia), in Valnerina, takes us to explore the fascinating world of hemp. With her, in this episode of the podcast we learn many curiosities about a plant that has historically been fundamental to the textile industry and discover why Italy, once a world leader in the production of this autarchic fiber, saw a decline at a certain point. You will be surprised by Glenda’s stories about…
The Gentle Revolution of Slow Fiber
In this episode we meet Dario Casalini, founder of Slow Fiber, the project created in collaboration between Slow Food Italy and some virtuous Italian textile companies. Dario tells us about the need for a “gentle revolution” to counter the fast fashion model, in a context in which the economy shifts wealth from many to few without actually creating well-being for humanity. Slow Fiber wants to positively change the paradigm of production, consumption and, therefore, the perception of textiles. Today, in fact, we find ourselves immersed in a consumerist and fast-fashion lifestyle, as Dario states. Slow Fiber uses a series of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to evaluate the companies that join…
Tackling Textile Waste in Europe – Germany, France and Italy under the loop
Textile waste has become an increasingly urgent environmental issue in Europe and globally, fuelled by the rise of (ultra) fast fashion and the increasing volumes of discarded clothing. The European Union faces a significant challenge, with approximately 6.95 million tonnes of textile waste generated in 2020 — averaging around 16 kg per person. Of this, only 4.4 kg per person was collected separately for reuse and recycling, while 11.6 kg per person ended up in mixed household waste. On average, a whopping 82% of textile waste was post-consumer waste, household and non-household sources combined, followed by an additional post-industrial waste (17%) and pre-consumer waste, accounting for 1% (European Environment Agency,…
The fashion of reuse enchants Frasso Sabino: the most awaited upcycling show
Frasso Sabino, a charming village in the province of Rieti, once again hosted an event that blends creativity and sustainability: the fashion show featuring outfits made from recycled materials. This annual event is not only a celebration of creativity but also a powerful ecological message: nothing is thrown away, nothing is wasted. Every year, Frasso Sabino welcomes us with a setting carefully decorated with reused scrap materials by the Pro Loco Frasso, helped by friends and volunteers. This year, the wind-swept fabric scraps, a textile monument reminiscent of the “Venus of the Rags,” mannequin chandeliers, and wardrobes serving as doors strongly emphasize the theme of sustainable fashion. In the picturesque…
Revitalizing Europe’s Green Fabric: The Future of Hemp and Flax (Linen) Production
Amid a growing movement in sustainable practices, Europe’s textile industry is revisiting its roots in hemp and flax (linen) production. These natural fibres offer a blend of environmental and economic benefits, from reducing carbon footprints to reviving local economies. In this article we will explore the resurgence of these fibres across Europe. Historical Significance and Current Landscape Hemp and linen have been present in human civilization for thousands of years, with evidence suggesting linen use dating back as early as 30.000 years ago in Georgia, making it the oldest known textile in human history. In ancient Egypt, linen was so highly valued it even served as a currency and…
Transforming Fashion: Embracing Made-to-Order Models for Sustainability
The fashion industry, once synonymous with creativity and expression, now grapples with its own demons: overproduction, environmental degradation, and ethical concerns. As awareness of the harsh realities of fast fashion spreads worldwide, an increasing number of voices are advocating for change. In this evolving landscape, the emergence of made-toorder business models offers a ray of hope—a chance to fundamentally transform the fashion industry. The Dark Side of Fashion Fashion’s current trajectory is not just concerning—it’s downright alarming. The relentless production of clothing by fast fashion large corporations, not only overwhelms landfills but also poses a significant threat to our oceans, our communities, and our collective conscience. The sheer volume of…
Penalties and advertising ban: France stops fast fashion companies
The French National Assembly has unanimously adopted the bill aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry, which will have to continue its legislative process in the Senate. Intended to curb “fast fashion”, the text provides: the ban on advertising for the sale of clothing at rock-bottom prices the decision to define fast fashion based on a set number of items placed on the market annually an enhanced environmental penalty to make fast fashion products less attractive Furthermore, companies that sell disposable fashion online will have to display messages near the price on their website that: raise awareness of the environmental impact of their products; encourage sobriety, reuse,…
After Mylo, the “leather” from mycelium, also Circulose, the textile fiber from recycled cotton, stops
Last year, the company Bolt Threads decided to put Mylo, an innovative “leather” from mycelium, on hold, despite the support of large brands such as Adidas, Kering and Stella McCartney. A couple of weeks ago, Renewcell, the renowned manufacturer of Circulose, had to file for bankruptcy despite significant support and partnerships gained in the industry. The pause of Bolt Threads and the failure of Renewcell, two major players in sustainable fashion, raise questions about the fashion industry’s effectiveness in supporting innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact. Renewcell Renewcell is a Swedish company known for its technology that recycles cotton T-shirts and jeans destined for landfill into a new material, Circulose,…
Mango and brands’ investment in clothing rental
In March 2023, the online press reported the investment of the fast fashion brand Mango in clothing rental. In fact, the large fashion company has started a pilot test called “Mango Renting” to enter the rental business, investing in the La Más Mona platform. With this initiative, the Spanish clothing giant offers customers the opportunity to borrow a limited selection of its garments: 40 items updated monthly, with prices ranging from 30 to 36 euros. You select the dress, choose the delivery date and schedule the collection within 4 days at the original delivery address or another chosen by the customer. Mango started this pilot test with the aim of…
