Author: Igor

  • By Signe, Sustainable Danish Fashion

    By Signe, Sustainable Danish Fashion

    As a Danish fashion brand established in 2015 by Signe Rødbro, By Signe is dedicated to creating honest and feminine easywear for the independent and creative woman. This is achieved through an honest design process that uses high quality materials while reducing the environmental impact during production.

    www.bysigne.com

    For most of her life, Rødbro didn’t see herself going down this current career path. That was until she went to university and realised “reading books forever” was not her thing. The would-be fashion brand owner then dropped out of college and enrolled instead in an old-fashioned tailoring school. It was during this time that she decided she needed to be a fashion designer. After graduating, she further pursued fashion design at a university in Spain.


    Image credit: By Signe

    Rødbro started the brand in order to prove that apparel can be made exclusively in Denmark. In fact, all of By Signe’s clothes are made under one roof, from designing, to producing, all the way to finishing. This way, the team has full control over the quality of the brand’s clothes and requires no complicated transportation costs. In contrast, other popular fashion brands often outsource their production, designing clothes in their headquarters, manufacturing them in one country, and then adding finishing touches in another.


    Image credit: By Signe

    As for its sustainability aspects, Rødbro felt it important to create something she could vouch for. By Signe’s founder has a huge conscience, and is well aware that the fashion industry is the one the top polluters in the world. Rødbro explains that contrary to popular belief, working with an environmental agenda doesn’t make the creative process any more difficult. It actually makes it more grounded. Thus, her brand joins the minority of fashion labels that ensure eco-friendly and ethical practices from start to finish.

    With its honest process and minimalist approach to design, By Signe has seemingly mastered the Danish concept of hygge. It is an idea that has no direct English translation. However, Lottoland state that some words associated with hygge include “pleasant atmosphere” or “cosy feeling.” Over time, it has evolved into other concepts like “security,” “peace,” and “home welfare.” By Signe most vividly incorporates hygge in how the brand focuses on its clothes’ warmth and cosiness by using natural materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and natural dyes.


    Image credit: By Signe

    In Rødbro’s interview with Savant Magazine, she explains that while By Signe strives to appeal to everyone, Rødbro herself takes inspiration from “women who are more art than beauty.” With this, she hopes to create healthy and comfortable garments for the natural woman in modern society.

    With her creations, Rødbro wants audiences to know how the team makes an effort in visualising other people in their clothes. In the design process, she imagines how a particular garment will move or feel on a woman’s body. The Danish fashion designer thinks about details like where the stretches and tightness will be, because it’s actually these little things that can have a great impact on a clothing item’s cosiness.

    Overall, By Signe is a brand that wants its wearers to be happy and comfortable in their skin with pieces that are ethically made and not harmful to the environment. Another eco-friendly fashion brand worth taking note of is Zampa, which you can check out here on The Future Positive.

  • Your guide to Genoa

    Tucked away in Northwest Italy and enjoying a beautiful crescent coastline, Genoa is a historic port city that played a central role in Italy’s maritime trade for centuries. Today, it remains a strong economic centre but has also become somewhat of a tourist attraction with its stunning piazzas, historic bronze fountain and towering opera house. Its portside location makes it easily accessible by ship, and it is one of the many stops you can make on an MSC cruise.

    It also has plenty for nature lovers. Thanks to the beautiful undulating hills which provide a dramatic backdrop to the city, hikers and bikers can hit the trails amongst the olive groves and return in time for an authentic Italian feast in the evening. The best thing about Genoa is that there’s something for everyone.

    History

    To learn a bit more about Genoa’s fascinating history, begin at the Palazzo Ducale, the city’s beating pulse. Once you’ve wandered around a bit and enjoyed a coffee and pastry, you’ll begin to understand the square’s political and historical significance. Surrounding the square are celestial buildings that belonged to centuries past. You can even take a look around the opulent rooms and courtyards that were enjoyed by royalty and high society.

    Then it’s time for the old town and historic district where you’ll find Medieval architecture, old chapels tucked away up cobbled streets and ancient markets that are still in use today.

    Culture

    Genoa is alive with culture that can fill an entire weekend’s itinerary. Home to one of the most impressive aquariums in the world, Genoa Aquarium is one of the largest and most biodiverse in Europe, meaning that you can see more species than you could ever hope for.

    And Italy isn’t Italy without art. The Palazzo Rosso is where you’ll find one of the biggest collections of Renaissance and Baroque pieces, each one grander than the last. Finally, Mercato Orientale is one for the pleasure seekers; a festival of delicious smells, bright colours and old traditions, this is an authentic look into Genoa’s cultural heart.

    Nature

    Those who are on the lookout for an adventure holiday, spellbinding trails are only a short ride away from the city centre. The surrounding hills offer exquisite panoramas, the like of which you won’t get in the city, that overlook the ocean and the historic city.

    If you don’t want to venture too far from the centre, head to Parco delle Mura which is built on the ancient city walls and offers an escape from the city’s noise.

     

  • Branded Duffle Bag – The Game-Changer in Brand Promotion

    Promoting a brand requires a combination of many strategies. While digital platforms have become very popular, the use of branded products is still quite effective. Therefore, any business can use branded items such as branded duffle bags to tell as many people as possible about their products. 

    Are branded duffel bags a game changer in brand promotion? Well, yes, and there are numerous reasons for this. This article will share more insights on why businesses and organizations should consider using branded duffle bags as promotional items.

    What Is a Branded Duffel Bag?

    Many people know what duffel bags are because they are commonly used to carry fitness gear. They are large bags with one main compartment and a shoulder strap. As such, they provide a large side surface where companies can brand their name, logo, or slogan.

    A branded duffel bag is commonly used by health, fitness, and sports enthusiasts, making them effective in promoting businesses and organizations that are related to these areas.

    How to Design a Branded Duffle Bag

    Now that you know what a branded duffle bag is, you can take advantage of this effective brand promotion product. Since it is a big bag with a high cost to buy and brand, a business might decide to partner with a bag retailer to sell its branded bags.

    So, how do you design one? First, consider the needs of your target users to make a functional bag that will compel users to carry it. Also, consider your theme colors to ensure that they are factored in when customizing the branded duffle bag.

    The most important thing is the branding message. According to experts at RocketBags, a company that sells branded and custom bags, a combination of your business logo and name is very common. However, there is no limitation on how to use it. Others add a website or a marketing slogan. 

    Benefits of Using Branded Duffle Bags to Promote a Business

    Deciding to use a branded duffle bag as a promotional item has many benefits. Let us look at the most common ones here.

    • Brand exposure and visibility – Every business would like to be known by as many people as possible. One of the best chances to make your brand known is by using branded duffle bags. Users will let as many people as possible know about your business as they carry these bags around. 
    • More brand reputation – Do you want people to appreciate your brand as superior? Just use a branded duffle bag made of high-quality material with stylish designs and functionality. This is definitely a game-changer in your business. 
    • More customer engagement – Including the company website and social media platforms triggers more interest in people, and this increases traffic and engagement. 
    • More customer conversion and sales – The ultimate goal of using any marketing strategy is to increase sales and profits. Using branded duffle bags increases conversion because people associate your brand with quality. Eventually, your profit margins will increase dramatically.

    Final Words

    From the above insights, it is clear that branded duffle bags are a game-changer in brand promotion. You need good planning to design, buy, and give them out to users. You are most likely going to sell them, but ensure that you provide value for money so that as many people as possible can use them.

  • Beckie Parker’s New York City

    Beckie Parker’s New York City

    Beckie Parker is a British knitwear designer who has been living in New York City for the past 5 years. During this time, she’s worked for two iconic NYC-based brands, DKNY and Helmut Lang, and is currently the senior sweater designer at Rebecca Taylor.

    Beckie is constantly inspired by the technical craft side of knitwear, her love of art, fashion and the energising city she calls home. That’s why we asked her to share with us some of her favourite places in New York City.

    www.beckieparker.com


    Portrait by Yolanda Leaney

     

    10 Ft Single By Stella Dallas

    As a designer I’m constantly inspired by vintage knits, it’s a great resource for concept inspiration, stitch and construction ideas. Stella Dallas is a treasure trove of vintage and worth a visit for some unique finds. Not only do they have a great knitwear selection but they also have great denim and vintage dresses.

    Condé Nast Library

    Located on the 31st floor of One World Trade, this library has one of the most stunning views of any library I’ve been to. It houses the Vogue archive and is full of editorial and design inspiration. Publications date back to the 50’s from Italy, America, France and the UK. Stan, the senior librarian, is also just a fantastic and knowledgeable man to talk to while you are there. It costs $50 for the day and requires you to pre book but it’s definitely a memorable research experience.

    1 World Trade Center

    AP Café

    New York City does an amazing job at embracing multi-disciplinary spaces, it’s something I’ve seen grow over the last few years. AP Cafe was near my old apartment. It’s a favourite place of mine for breakfast (their mushrooms on toast are a lovely thing) and a great place to work from. In the last year it has become a more dynamic space with a back room being used as pop-up shop spaces for emerging fashion brands and dance parties at night.

    420 Troutman Street, Brooklyn

    Judd Foundation

    The Judd Foundation has kept the artist and architect Donald Judd’s live/work space in SoHo as close as possible to its the original condition as he left it. I find it an inspirational space to spend time in and see how he curated spaces. His thoughts on the relationship between objects and how we interact with them in a space I’ve always found interesting. It’s a great introduction to his work and to see other artist’s work, including Dan Flavin, as well as an opportunity to see a preserved example of a traditional New York loft from the 19th Century. Look out for the drawing evenings they do there too!

    101 Spring Street

    Metrograph

    Metrograph is a cinema/restaurant/bar with an old-time feel. It specialises in screening archival and contemporary films that are unique, and has a beautiful bookshop too. I like going here as it makes the cinema experience feel curated and special again, and also the perfect place to grab a late night drink.

    7 Ludlow Street

    The New Museum

    New York has so many amazing museums with a constant rotation of new exhibitions. The New Museum—as well as having beautiful views of the Lower East Side from their sky room—always has very contemporary and relevant exhibitions.

    235 Bowery

  • The Mysterious Ways Your Body May Be Telling You Something

    The human body is an incredible machine. From our brains to our beating hearts, every part works harmoniously to keep us alive and well. But when something is off, our bodies have ways of letting us know. A persistent toothache, for instance, could be a sign of a cavity or other dental issue. If you live in Raleigh, NC, and are experiencing dental problems, there are many qualified dentists in the area who can help get your smile back on track. check out this dentist in Raleigh nc for more information

    Subtle symptoms can point to monumental changes happening within. A nagging backache, a fluttering heart, or queasiness after eating may signal greater forces at work. Our bodies whisper to get our attention, hoping we’ll listen closely.

    For women, few life changes compare to the wonder of pregnancy. The creation of new life transforms a woman’s body and soul. Pregnancy connects women to the generations who’ve come before through a timeless ritual.

    But how do you know if you might be expecting? Pregnancy symptoms arise in sneaky ways during early pregnancy. Spotting these subtle clues takes awareness and a woman’s intuition.

    Tuning Into Your Body’s Wisdom

    A woman’s body has an inner wisdom that deserves respect. For millennia, women have relied on natural cycles and signals to understand their health. Before fancy tests and labs, they had to trust their own senses.

    Today, we’re accustomed to turning to doctors for answers. But listening to your own body builds self-knowledge that supports your wellness. Paying attention to symptoms and patterns allows you to get to know your unique rhythms.

    Seeking medical advice is wise when you suspect pregnancy. Doctors can run tests and confirm. But before racing to the clinic, pause first. Check in with your body and spirit, which may already be sharing valuable information.

    Hints Appearing Within and Without

    Few realize how early the body can indicate pregnancy. Long before a positive test, subtle symptoms arise. Your body sends up trial balloons, testing to see if you notice. The signs are different for each woman and pregnancy. But some common themes exist.

    Often, the first pregnancy indicators show up around week four. That’s just one week after a missed menstrual cycle. Fatigue and breast tenderness frequently appear first. Also, nausea, sensitivity to smells, and food aversions may pop up.

    Later, around week six, more noticeable symptoms emerge. These include missed periods, spotting, bloating, mood swings, and abdominal cramping. Evidence builds, though uncertainty still clouds the picture.

    Not every symptom manifests for every woman. Like a fingerprint, each pregnancy presents a unique pattern. Tracking symptoms against your regular cycle can illuminate when something’s different.

    The Power of Intuition

    Women’s intuition is no myth. Research shows women’s brains process information in both hemispheres, allowing greater intuition. This helps explain why women often sense changes in their bodies before hard evidence exists.

    Intuition may detect pregnancy through subconscious signals you don’t even register. Your body picks up on small hormonal and chemical shifts. Then it transmits this data as a gut feeling or mood change.

    When intuition speaks, practice non-judgement and patience with yourself. Write down suspicions and dreams that feel meaningful. Over time, a larger message may emerge from the mix.

    Preparing Body and Soul

    Suspecting pregnancy fills some with joy and others with fear. Any major life change can stress even the steadiest among us. Making room for all reactions allows peace to emerge.

    The weeks after conception are a sacred time. Even if pregnancy remains uncertain, speak to your body with care and gratitude. Thank it for the signs it’s sharing. Ask for guidance to understand the messages.

    Consider natural remedies to nourish your body and spirit. Gentle yoga, meditation, and soothing teas fortify from within. Long walks in nature and journaling provide clarity. Prioritize rest and self-care as you wait to learn more.

    When symptoms suggest pregnancy, our bodies are just doing their job. They’re designed to adapt and support new life, even when it surprises us. Honoring its wisdom eases the journey, wherever it leads.

    So next time your body whispers, listen up! It may have an amazing secret to share. Sinking into its signals with an open heart allows your highest path to unfold, one day at a time. The answers you seek are already within. You simply have to tune in.