Silk waste between innovation and sustainability: interview with Cosetex
Silk is synonymous with luxury and glamour, but did you know that it can also be an innovative and environmentally friendly material? In the new episode of our podcast, we interviewed Silvio Mandelli, CEO of Cosetex, a company with over 120 years of experience in the recovery of silk waste. Cosetex has revolutionized the industry by transforming what was once considered waste into new opportunities: natural padding, high-quality yarns and collaborations with the denim world. Silvio tells us about the environmental benefits of silk, such as its ability to capture CO2 and the fact that it does not produce plastic microfibers. But what does “silk waste” really mean? How did…
Fashion and sustainability regulations: risks, sanctions and opportunities
It is not enough to create products in a greener and more ethical way. There are other steps needed in fashion and textiles to gain people’s trust, show commitment to sustainability and avoid sanctions and fines. In view of the new regulations, we discuss this with lawyers Camilla Gentile and Isabella Carantani of the law firm Close to Ius, with whom we are organizing a dedicated workshop: Sostenibilità e Normative Tessili. Isabella supports companies in adopting targeted legal solutions for the ethical and transparent management of business practices, specializing in industrial property, environmental and social sustainability and transparent communication. Camilla focuses on legal advice in the area of sustainability and…
Cultural Appropriation in Fashion: A Guide to an Ethical and Sustainable Fashion System
Fashion often draws inspiration from different cultures, but when it happens without recognition or financial compensation, it risks slipping into cultural appropriation. It is essential to distinguish between appreciation and appropriation: while the former implies respect and recognition, the latter involves the use of cultural elements without consent, mainly for profit. In essence, cultural appropriation refers to the act of borrowing, imitating or adopting elements of one culture by members of another culture, often without understanding, attributing or respecting the meaning and cultural context of those elements (Chumo 2023). The use of indigenous symbols is growing, but without due respect. Pham and Nguyen (2018) analyzed the phenomenon in fashion magazines…
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…
