MUST HAD X FASH REV LAB

THE ART OF UPCYCLING: WHEN CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS INNOVATION

Even before participating in Fashion Rev Lab, on May 5th 2022, we were well ready to soak in that compelling atmosphere and enjoy the highly stimulating environment: we had already discussed that the difference between ‘waste’ and ‘refashioned items’ is only a matter of perspective.

“Become an active citizen through your wardrobe” - Livia Firth

We had learnt the value of rescue, the value of regenerate, the value of revalue; we had recognized the power of creativity and innovation to give back beauty to already existing clothing and textiles; we had realized how important it is that environmental sustainability works in tandem with social sustainability, because only if they are aligned with one another, dignity of both the People and the Planet can be guaranteed; we had understood that social change is a path built on the concrete actions of responsible humans and in order to transfer the culture of sustainability, it is necessary to work comprehensively, including both bottom-up (consumer) and top-down (governamental) processes of dissemination of information.

We were all equipped with the essential instruments to benefit from this moment of gathering and fruitful conversations about Circular Fashion. 

FASH REV LAB AT D-HOUSE URBAN LAB BY DYLOAN

Fash Rev Lab was a special occasion for discussing ethics, circular fashion and how technology in the manufacturing industry can help empower responsible behavior. 

The event saw the participation of Hon. Emma Pavanelli, Senator and Member of the Environment Commission of the Senate of the Republic of Italy, who, along with Marina Spadafora, Fashion Revolution Italia Country Coordinator, held a talk and provided with updates about efforts and governmental progress in terms of social and environmental justice: Hon. Pavanelli reported in fact that the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Transition is working on the legal framework, in order to draw up precise guidelines that entrepreneurs might rely upon. 

Also, Marina Spadafora underscored that the Fashion Industry (especially Italy, equipped with a strong know-how about textile waste regeneration) is even paving the way, building a virtuous path and standing out as ‘example’ for the rest of the market. 

D-house Urban Lab by DYLOAN, The location of the event, was particularly fitting, an added value mentally and physically: D-house is in fact an as innovative as traditional reality for meetings, special events, workshops, training, R&D - on an international level - whose aim is bringing innovation to the manufacturing industry and generally  the world of fashion.

 

“As consumers, we have so much power to change the world by just being careful in what we buy” - Emma Watson

 It was a special occasion for Must Had too, to show the beauty of upcycling and refashion: Must Had spent the entire Thursday (May 5th, 2022) evening at the 1st floor of the D-house Urban Lab by DYLOAN (in Milan) exhibiting the upcycling techniques and creations of its refashion brands. 

Another (finally) physical opportunity to show the excellence of uniqueness, tell brands’ stories and make visitors experience, in front of their own eyes, the art of craftsmanship - upcycling especially - and the warmth of traditions. 

Must Had welcomed Culo Camicia, the underwear brand that turns old shirts into boxers; Emina whose founder, Giulia, Italian anthropologist and craftswoman, works with indonesia local traditional techniques of textile design; Francesca Marchisio, from Reggio Emilia, that creatively repurposes and embroiders deadstock, used garments and fabric leftovers; Silent People, which reinvents accessories and handbags starting from pre-owned military materials; La Guardarobiera, a visible mender transforming wounded clothes into a uniquely and exclusively detailed garments; Glovetoo founded by an Italian artist and designer who creates hand-painted vintage gloves and raincoats inspired by vintage photographs and illustrations, influenced by japanese art and surrealism; Operamia, whose owner Camilla, handpaints on vintage garments inspired by the nature and eastern motifs; Peekaboo that produces Made in Italy handcrafted and decorated sustainable jewelry made with wasted aluminum can tabs; Skinsbelts eco-project upcycling old climbing skins into belts and dog collars; Laboratorio Luparia, an artisan family atelier that rescues, collects and hand-paints high-quality pre-owned cashmere sweaters; Atelier Florania, a collective of under30 designers from Milan that upcycles discarded materials with a unique solar-punk style.

“Clothes could have more meaning and longevity if we think less about owning the latest or cheapest thing and develop more of a relationship with the things we wear” - Elizabeth L. Cline

 When the event is over, what can we bring home with us? Above all, human connections - hints, advice and suggestions that the physical contact of ‘meeting’ allows. 

The real value of gathering in one place at the same time it's human interactions that can happen and thanks to which we can learn, educate ourselves, explore new horizons and grow: human connections, dialogue, cross-cultural conversations, they push that kind of ‘battle of ideas’ boosting creativity and innovation; by exchanging and sharing ideas all of us face and get in touch with different worlds and representations that offers food for thought and ignite brain activity. 

Entertaining talks with people we’ve never met before or whose background differs from ours plows the fertile land to develop lateral approaches, think standing from an unusual point of view and see our life, our habits, originally and more consciously. 

Meeting new individuals, new cultures - it can merely mean local cultures, nurtured by regional diversities of Italian traditions - bring a focused attention to our personal behavior within society achieving that crucial level of awareness that lets us embrace - finally - the culture of sustainability: this is the concrete starting point for Circular (individual) Behavior that Close(s) the Loop.

“Buy less. Choose well. Make it last” - Vivienne Westwood