Category: Fashion

  • sisu socks: Empowering Women

    sisu socks: Empowering Women

    Founded by Andrea Babic, sisu socks is a Berlin-based brand dedicated to telling stories of powerful women who have changed the world, one pair of socks at a time. We chatted with Andrea to find out more about the idea behind her label, how she works with women charities and the challenges she has faced.

    We’ve also partnered up with sisu socks to offer our readers a giveaway in which you can win a pair of sisu socks of your choice and a consultation with Andrea so you can ask her anything you want regarding starting your own business or project:

    ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

     

    Can you tell us about yourself? Why did you start sisu socks and why did you decide to focus on socks?

    My name is Andrea but I prefer Dre. I’m a big hearted, small-footed women-empowerment enthusiast and fighter for equality. You may not find me growing out my body hair and screaming “fuck the patriarchy” in protests on the street, but I found a more creative way to fight. Having been born in Bosnia (and travelled across the world to emigrate to Canada), I still carry that Balkan strength within me. Every generation in my family has been through war(s) – including me. I was born with strength pumping through my veins. It’s natural for me to continue to fight for something.

    I started sisu socks on International Women’s Day (March 8th) 2019 as a tribute to all the women in the world who don’t see their own light often enough. The sock designs are inspired by the stories of badass women and with every pair purchased on our online shop, we make a donation to a women’s empowerment organization.

    Why socks? Creative socks are dope, they let you show a small bit of your personality. I’ve been obsessed with funky socks since I was a kid, I used to write on those plain-ass white socks with marker and even if they were covered by my shoes, I knew. It was my little secret. I used to make bracelets from the cuffs of socks once the sock was too torn up to use, haha! I’ve honestly never told anyone that before. As I’m answering these questions that came to my mind – what an awesome flashback!

    What made you connect your brand with the stories and lives of inspiring women? 

    I’ve always been passionate about helping women rise above the level they thought they deserved to be at. I wanted to help them see their true worth. I loved listening to their stories and being there for them. I was always inspired by badass women. I found solace in strong female characters in books, in music, in movies, in my everyday life. I wanted to be them so much so that I became my own version of them.

    I think every woman can be an inspiration to someone, every woman has been through something and every woman fights with inequality – whether they want to admit that or not. I believe that sharing these stories will change at least one person’s mind. I believe that sharing these stories will positively influence at least one person to think differently… to step outside of their life and realize: hey, we’ve got this inequality here and something needs to be done.

    We need to stand up for women and help them rise, and not drag them down when they start to climb. The way you treat a woman is a reflection of you. If you are strong and confident in yourself, you will see that a woman’s success is nothing to be afraid or jealous of but, rather, lifting a woman up means that an entire community will benefit. A ripple effect, you might call it.

    Can you tell us a little bit more about the women charities you work with?

    Currently, I’m working with Terre des Femmes here in Berlin. It was a really incredible feeling being invited by Frau Stolle, the Managing Director to come and meet her and her team. As my brand is new, of course she wasn’t expecting hundreds and thousands in donations from me but she supported my cause and really showed her enthusiasm.

    Terre des Femmes stands up for a just world, in which girls and women have the right to live freely and with dignity. Their projects focus on some very tough topics such as: domestic violence, female genital mutilation, honour crimes and trafficking. They not only have projects within Germany but they partner with international organizations to help women worldwide.

    In the meantime, we have worked on another project together – I helped them produce their own sock design that they will be launching this Christmas! So excited!

    My goal is to also find some smaller German women’s organizations to support in the future. The more socks sold, the more donations made, the more women who are supported. In other words: look cool, give back, support women, BOOM!

    What are some of the main challenges you’ve faced when starting your business?

    Time, baby, Tiiiiiime. I’m not the first or last to say that but time is something I can never find enough of. I think one of my regrets was not finding a co-founder to share tasks, brainstorm or be in this fight together with. With a mission like mine, there is just so much to do and in order to make it successful, I need more people to manage everything. Running a business by myself also requires a lot of creative energy, always trying to find new ways to reach out to people, make ends meet, reach new audiences, find new events, improve products… Creativity comes in all shapes and forms.

    A lack of time also comes from not being able to set and organize priorities well all the time. There are so many things that seem important to me so I struggle as a business owner to prioritize my focus. Sometimes it’s what’s going to make the business grow, financially’, sometimes what’s going to have the biggest impact on as many women as possible. Sometimes it’s even simple: which woman should I focus the next collection on.

    What advice would you give to someone who also wants to start their own project?

    Realizing that I can’t do everything on my own and swallowing my pride and asking for help was the best decision I ever made. Learn from my mistakes, figure this out sooner than I did.

    I think if we’re talking about creativity here: don’t only focus on the tangible output of that creativity. Don’t ignore that times are changing and so too must a business’ or project’s purpose. We have to start redefining our ‘why’ and focusing less on just making cash. Of course, this has to be a part of it but there are other aspects that are often ignored. Ask yourself these questions before you begin:

    How can I give back to the world that has blessed me with everything I have?
    What issues are important to me? Can I integrate them into my business?
    Is this out of passion or out of necessity? Choose passion.
    Can my business or my project impact the lives of others?

    And lastly, this is for the ‘internally-but-not-externally’ creative people. I have always had a creative mind but I haven’t necessarily been able to physically show that with my own hands – whether that’s graphic design, painting, making jewelry or fashion etc. I know I am not alone.

    If your inner creative is screaming at you to do something with your creativity but you don’t know how – there are other ways to channel your creative side and to express yourself in ways that show that side of you. I can be that shining example for you, it’s possible.

    How do you see sisu socks growing over the upcoming months? Can you share some of your plans with our readers?

    I want to continue to tell more stories, to produce more sock designs so that more amazing women from history can be brought into the spotlight. I want my feminist socks to be a subtle way for all feminists to express that side of them – without necessarily screaming out the world what they believe in.

    I want to have a whole sisu socks range of products – not only socks. This holiday season i’ll be introducing sizes for teens and feminist greeting cards focusing on “badass German women”. Eventually, buttons and other smaller and accessible items too.

    In the future, I want to be more on the forefront and connect with women one-on-one through women-empowerment workshops and offering digital products: downloadable PDFs, mini e-books, educational videos, newsletters, etc. that focus on celebrating women and sharing their stories.

    Photos by sisu socks

    www.sisusocks.com

  • Travelling to Svalbard with Parajumpers

    Travelling to Svalbard with Parajumpers

    Adventure, tradition, culture, exceptional pursuits and extreme professions all meet in the latest project from Italian luxury outerwear label Parajumpers. The combined creation of Ape S.P.A. and designer Massimo Rossetti, Parajumpers has just released ‘Stories’, a travelogue that tells stories of  lives outside the ordinary in the remotest corners of earth.

    To find out more about this project, we spoke with the label about the inspiration behind the campaign and the character we can meet in the first video.

    www.parajumpers.it

    The chosen destination for the first story is Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago located just 1,000Km away from the North Pole. Here is where nature can be experienced at its most extreme, with extensive white landscapes, incredible wildlife and the contrasts between the midnight sun during summer and the long, polar nights in winter.

    Its inhabitants embrace isolation and enjoy an extraordinary lifestyle, thanks to its enticing mix of 51 cultures, sense of community and eerie beauty.

    Wiggo Antonsen, a local taxi driver is the protagonist of the first story. He came from the mainland in Norway and has no intention to leave any time soon. In this video, we discover his story as he take us on a ride around Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard.

    Can you tell us more about how Parajumpers started and what was the inspiration behind it?

    The luxury outerwear brand was inspired by the men of the 210th Rescue Squadron, who are highly trained to execute extreme recoveries in the wildest, most remote and hostile corners of the globe. Designer Massimo Rossetti developed the product, drawing from military uniforms, firemen’s gear and the technical functionality of accessories such as backpacks. Each Parajumpers’ collection closely references hardware, with the removable metal hook that is a brand signature being developed from a quick release Parachutist hook. Parajumpers’ perfectly fuse style and function, paying close attention to developments in technological advancements and intelligence of construction.

    Why did you choose Svalbard?

    Svalbard became a natural choice for this season of Parajumpers Stories as it is an area of great beauty and also true conditions to highlight the performance levels of the Parajumpers’ product.

    The Parajumpers Stories speak of lives outside the ordinary, lived in the remotest corners of earth where powerful forces of nature make everyday survival a challenge. Longyearbyen is the largest settlement and administrative centre of Svalbard. Once an active coal-mining town, it is now better known for its university, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, as a base to see breathtaking glaciers and the Northern lights, and for scientific research. As such a unique area we were blown away by its beauty.

    How did you come across Wiggo and his story?

    Whilst we were working on the Stories campaign, we came across a lot of interesting characters. Wiggo Antonsen, was one of these and we chose to feature him as the introduction to the campaign as he has such an appealing narrative and vibrant personality.

    Wiggo is a local taxi driver and sightseeing tour operator, who told us that the best part of Longyearbyen are the people and the sense of community. “In this town, we are 2,304 citizens, but we come from 51 different countries” he says. “What I like best about this place is the combination of peace, no stress and no crime”.

    In Svalbard there is virtually no such thing as a “local” inhabitant. Like Wiggo, who came from mainland Norway over a decade earlier, many have left behind more hectic lives for a chance to live in the icy north. It is an enticing mix of cultures, religions and beliefs that makes it uniquely colourful and inclusive.

  • Layering 101: Staying Comfortable in Changing Weather

    Layering is an effective strategy for adapting to changing external conditions, making it easy for you to add or remove your clothes as needed. This, in turn, allows you to have a greater sense of control over your body temperature. The concept of layering works by trapping and insulating air between each layer. The trapped air, then, creates a barrier that helps retain body heat in colder conditions and allows heat dissipation in warmer weather. Layering clothes, in short, is a tried-and-tested approach for adapting to unpredictable or fluctuating weather.

    Here are some guidelines to consider when layering clothes and accessories for optimal comfort and adaptability:

    Choose a Moisture-Wicking Base Layer

    A well-layered set of clothes starts with a moisture-wicking base that acts as the foundation for comfort. Fabrics like polyester or merino wool—materials that efficiently draw moisture away from the skin—can help keep you dry and prevent that uncomfortable clammy feeling. Consider starting your layer of clothes with a seamless, moisture-wicking base beneath a casual shirt. This offers a clean, stylish look as well as ensures that your body stays dry. With a moisture-wicking base on, you’ll have an easier time regulating temperature throughout the day.

    Add an Insulating Layer for Warmth

    If you’re dressing up for colder conditions, keep yourself warm by adding an insulating layer that traps heat close to your body. This layer can take on the form of a fleece or down jacket that offers excellent insulation without adding unnecessary bulk. How about slipping into a sleek down jacket before you put on your favorite coat? Do the same for your bottoms by wearing knee-high hosiery underneath your dress and boots. Such additions to your outfit not only complement your style but also provide you with an extra layer of coziness, allowing you to tackle chilly temperatures with ease and confidence.

    Embrace a Windproof and Waterproof Outer Layer

    Shield yourself from the elements by using an outer layer that is both windproof and waterproof. Look for a stylish shell, such as a jacket with breathable membranes, to prevent overheating. If you’re planning to go out and it looks like it might rain, don a sleek rain jacket with adjustable cuffs and vents. The jacket adds a touch of fashion to your look and ensures that you stay dry and comfortable, even when unexpected showers come your way. The windproof feature of the outer shell further enhances your protection and prevents you from being affected by wind chill. 

    Personalize Your Look with Versatile Accessories

    No one said you always need to sacrifice your sense of style to protect yourself from the elements. You can always elevate your layered look by personalizing it with accessories. Use versatile accessories such as scarves, hats, and gloves that add flair while offering practicality. If your jackets are mostly solid colors, for instance, you can use a patterned scarf to introduce a pop of color to a neutral-toned outfit. A well-chosen hat, meanwhile, can keep you warm and also serve as a fashion statement. 

    Ensure Adjustability for Climate Control

    If you’re anticipating unpredictable weather while you’re out, make sure to select clothing with adjustable features such as zippered vents, cuffs, and hoods. These features allow you to effortlessly adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day. Wearing a versatile jacket with zippered vents that you can open during a brisk morning and close up as the day warms up is a smart choice, especially if the temperature in your area tends to change rapidly. 

    Focus on Proper Fit for Comfort

    Achieve both style and comfort by focusing on a proper fit for each layer. Avoid overly tight or loose clothing, as this can compromise the layering’s effectiveness. Consider trying out a well-fitted thermal layer beneath a tailored sweater. A combination like this can effortlessly maintain a streamlined and polished appearance, and the layers can work together seamlessly to offer optimal insulation and freedom of movement.

    Prioritize Footwear with Functionality

    Your feet also need to be properly insulated. It makes sense, then, to choose footwear that combines style with functionality. Adding waterproof and insulated boots to your ensemble will provide you with adequate protection against the elements while keeping your look on point. How about wearing stylish ankle boots with a waterproof finish that seamlessly pair with your layered outfit? These boots can effectively keep your feet warm and dry while making you look good at the same time. 

    Test Your Layering System in Real Conditions

    Ensure the effectiveness of your layering system by testing it in various real-world conditions. Take your ensemble for a spin in different weather scenarios to fine-tune your clothing choices based on practical experiences. Try strolling through a crisp autumn day or navigating a sudden downpour as you wear your outdoor attire. By exposing your layered outfit to diverse conditions, you can identify any adjustments that you need to make in the face of similar situations in the future. 

    Embrace Breathable Fabrics for Active Days

    Aside from being great for unpredictable or changing weather, layered outfits can also be quite useful for days when you have to travel or move around a lot. If you’re planning to run a lot of errands or exercise, opt for materials that facilitate moisture management, such as lightweight merino wool or technical fabrics. 

    It might also be a smart idea to go for a breathable, moisture-wicking shirt and a lightweight insulated jacket for a day of hiking or outdoor activities. This combination ensures that you stay comfortable and dry, even as your activity level fluctuates.

    Layering your clothes is an effective strategy when you’re looking forward to shifting temperatures, changing seasons, or trips to places with diverse climates. Keep the above mentioned guidelines in mind when you’re planning to layer your own clothes to ensure that you can achieve a balance of comfort and style no matter the weather.

  • 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.

  • Zampa

    Zampa

    Founded by Bárbara Mayer, Zampa is an Argentinian womenswear brand based on the production of garments made of noble materials and manufactured using fairly traded practices through artisan partnerships.

    Bárbara was born in a small town in the Argentinian Patagonia spending most of her childhood surrounded by wool producers and she inherited her passion for handmade textiles from her grandmother. Inspired by her roots and after studying Fashion Design at University of Buenos Aires, Bárbara started Zampa with the objective of showing the process behind the manufacture of garments: from raw materials to final products.

    Zampas’ ethos reads “Natural fibres are created by the planet, not made by humans”. Inspired by nature, the human body and their interaction, Zampas’ garments are made of noble materials such as raffia, cotton, linen and merino, llama and alpaca wool. According to Bárbara, “all these materials have their own identity, characteristics and express a particular message. So that the product is cosy and warm in a poetic way.”

    Bárbara aims to learn from textile traditions, through the artisans and producers she works with in order to generate clothes and objects with history. Her garments tell stories – from the materials and their connection to nature to the design itself – and are manufactured with the idea of creating pieces that aren’t governed by fashion trends, designing a revolutionary product with a strong identity.

    www.zampapatagonia.com