I often think, what is style? When faced with the question, how would I put in words? I guess the first things that come to mind are that style is what we wear, style is fashion, style is a sense, which you either possess or don’t possess…
But truly, it’s so much more than that. I consider myself lucky. Having had the chance to live in three fairly different places in Europe and having gained the experience from each of these places, I have become who I am. Firstly, the cold and darker north, then changing for the more antiguous and grey London, and finally settling in the warm and light Mediterranean coast. Having spent my life in three very distinct places, I feel I’ve gained some valuable perspective on style, and what it signifies for me.
What I see as most striking, is the idea how one’s surroundings really do influence style. While I strongly believe that style is something that can live quite independent of time and place, I do think that our surroundings do play quite a significant part in our personal style.
What we wear, how we dress and how we carry ourselves is a real representation of who we are, where we belong to, and where we come from. I can say this because I feel it’s a very accurate conception for me, personally. I think that by having spent my life in various settings, I’ve gained and created my own style. How much or little that is to do with external influences remains another topic, but without a doubt, I am who I am, and I look the way I look, due to the journey in my life.
Humanbeing are like sponges. We absorb the smallest things around us, whether consciously or subconsciously. And for me style is exception. Style is an output of something we experience internally, something that we feel, think, and what we ultimately create. So that’s why I think we should try to get to grabs of our inner selves in order to know who we are, and let our styles do the talking.
Photo by Ekosystem.org.
Orsola de Castro design
What does ethical style mean to you? Organic and natural fabrics and materials? For me it meant just that until I discovered and started learning more about ethical, eco-dressing. Now I would probably characterise it as something in the lines of style with a caring twist.
I think one of the biggest problems with today’s highstreet fashion is the compulsive attitude of designers and retailers to sell, sell, and sell, and to make people consume, consume and consume. It’s a never ending cycle that keeps turning as long as consumers keep endorsing highstreet fashion and the speed at which it changes.
Patchwork pieces by Orsola de Castro
Through self-study on ethical fashion designers, I can say that I’ve gained an understanding of what style is, and what ultimately constitutes to possessing it. It’s not about buying as much as you physically can, and it’s definitely not being the first one swiping your credit card as the season’s new items hit the stores. No. It’s about feeling comfortable with how you look and what you’re wearing. Moreover, it’s about knowing that the product, or in this case garment, is worthy of you and what you believe in.
On the catwalk of Orsola de Castro
I want to share with you some lowdown on a fashion designer who makes eco-friendly fashion, and who has caught my attention in the best possible sense of the word.
To those not familiar with designer Orsola de Castro, she is the founder of the brand From Somewhere, which makes clothes out of recycled offcuts of luxury materials. Her collections are cool, feminine and very unique, in my opinion. Not only does she focus on creating clothes from recycled materials, but she also supports people with different disabilities throught her proceeds. A true humanitarian at work.
“I’m taking the concept of up-cycling – remaking something to a superior value – to the high street. I’m designing two collections for Tesco with another eco designer by taking leftovers from the factory in Sri Lanka where Tesco produces its clothes. As well as recycling fabric I’m concerned with helping individuals. All our clothes are made in the Cooperativa Rinascere in Vicenza which helps rehabilitate disabled people and people with mental health problems.”
What everyone should do, is to buy clothes with a true desire and need. Avoiding impulse shopping can go a long way. The more I practice what I preach, the better I feel. I tend to buy classic items which don’t go out of fashion. And by not buying new clothes all the time, I’m actually able to make more considered purchases in which I tend to invest slightly more, just to insure quality and long-lastingness. For those eager to make clothes, and those who have a flare for tailoring, why not start sewing? There couldn’t be a finer way of creating your own style than by making your own clothes or tuning existing ones.
