future
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Sustainable start-up knitwear innovation ‘Unmade’ is changing the way we make our clothes, by giving the opportunity for people to take part in the journey of their garments, from the concept to the finished piece. Unmade is transforming traditional manufacturing methods by putting the customer at the centre of the creation process. The brand aims to make their customers more aware of the work, creativity and time that goes into creating a quality made product, and encourage them to commit to a long-term relationship with their clothing, Based at Somerset House, the unique start up collaborates with creatives and customers to create one-off knitwear designs using quality yarns, wools and cashmeres. Introducing their original system of co-creation, Unmade invites people to design their unique garments through digital interaction Allowing them the freedom to manipulate the patterns and colours of their design, before having it made (and hand finished) right there and then on one of their in-house, state-of-the-art knitting machines. Translating their garment from digital form to real life.
www.unmade.com
“By enabling people - and brands - to ‘print’ clothes to order, the whole process of clothing manufacture can be reconfigured. Unmade will never produce anything that nobody wants. Tamsin Blanchard
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Turn your phone tapping mindlessness into soothing scrolling mindfulness with the new app, Pause. Overwhelmed by stress, founder Peng Cheng realised he needed to be the solution to his issues, by handling his own healing process. Together with digital design studio Ustwo, he developed an app that gives you the tools to combat stress and anxiety, wherever you are. With more and more people seeking out digital products to help them disconnect, and a growing desire to adopt a slower paced lifestyle. There’s never been a better time to pause. The £1.49 app is based on the ancient principles of Tai Chi. Pause gives the user an immersive experience by encouraging them to focus their attention on a calming circle. By slowly and carefully moving the circle around the space it starts to build and eventually fills the screen with a comforting hue and peaceful music. If at any point you go too fast or too slow, the circle fades, helping you regain focus and achieve serenity in minutes. With an increasing amount of apps claiming they can offer a quick fix for a fast paced lifestyle. Cheng cuts through the noise by offering an app that actually helps people to discover their own power to effectively relieve stress, as well as introducing a new perspective on the relationships between the web and wellbeing, showing that technology has the positive use of direction instead of just distraction.
download it from the app store
“Studies show that clothes bought on the high street are worn an average of only four times before being thrown away - products need to have a meaning and a story to tell. NJAL’s young designers recognise the responsibility in creating such fashion, items with a story and an experience that they want to share.” Stefan Siegel
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break the rules, not the bank Not Just a Label is the world’s leading online platform for showcasing and nurturing today’s pioneers in contemporary fashion. As well as promoting emerging designers through their site, they also sell clothing on their online store, helping people to discover the next generation of innovators, and support independent design. Now, they have added an additional section to their shop, to prove that designer clothing doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. NJAL have created an edit of distinctive, edgy and affordable pieces for under £100. Yes you read that right, one hundred pounds. Meaning you can give your wardrobe an update of beautifully designed, quality garments and accessories that also benefit the future of fashion. It’s a win – win. Our favourite pieces include the cool and contemporary 2-Layers Knitted Rib Skirt by Nudite, the stunning Emerald Koveset Shirt by Muslin Brothers and the elegant Disco Ring by Luz Ortiz.
www.notjustalabel.com
silence the noise finery’s forever pieces
See the collection online at: www. finerylondon.com and exculsively in Selfridges.
Patagonia is back with their annual Worn Wear European tour, travelling through 50 cities within Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands and the UK. The Patagonia team are on a mission to make clothes last a lifetime, by offering a free repair service on garments (from any brand) and teaching people the skills to ‘fix their kit’. From stitching a button to replacing a zip, the Worn Wear tour aims to illustrate that repair is ‘not such a radical act’, especially in such a throwaway culture, and by fixing something that would otherwise be left for landfill makes a greater difference than you might think. The Worn Wear program celebrates the stories we wear, and Patagonia wants to “empower its customers to be owners, not just consumers”. The brand strives to keep clothing in circulation for as long as possible, and encourages people to invest in garments that are built to last, which is why Patagonia’s products have a lifetime guarantee. According to UK recycling group WRAP, by keeping our clothing going for just an extra nine months, we can reduce our carbon, waste and water footprint by 30%. So whether you need a ripped lining replaced on your favourite jacket, or want to learn how to sew a stich or two then Patagonia have it covered. If it’s broke, fix it.
Check out tour dates at: www.patagonia.com
“I thought all the technology was making me more connected because I was in touch with my friends all over the world and really tapped in, but actually it was the opposite. The technology was making me less human and less connected with myself and absorbing me into this cyberworld and I still feel like that.” Kate Unsworth
Not only does Finery want people to feel amazing and confident in their clothes, but they also want to have fun with fashion with their ultimate goal to put the excitement back into shopping. With the launch of their six item edit, Finery is rejecting fast fashion and fleeting trends and instead focusing on pieces to truly treasure and last forever. The brand believes that “design integrity and quality are essential” when it comes clothing, and strives to make modern and sophisticated clothing that is accessible in price but doesn’t compromise on quality.
the worn wear tour
“It’s great to be able to celebrate style that transcends seasons rather than a trend for today.” Nicki Bidder
Online-only womenswear brand Finery has collaborated with six inspirational power women to create a contemporary capsule collection called ‘Forever Pieces’. Working with the likes of Senior Fashion editor of AnOther Magazine and stylist Agata Belcen, well-respected playwright Polly Stenham, former Editor of Dazed and Confused turned PR guru Nicki Bidder and more. Together with Finery, they have produced a unique collection that is driven by design, detail and definition, with each collaborator creating their ultimate wardrobe staple.
Founded by Kate Unsworth, innovative ‘one part studio, one part lab’ Vinaya, designs wearable technology products with a purpose. They believe that technology has the immense ability to elevate our existence, but often ends up distracting us from real life. Striving to re- access the role that technology plays in our lives, the company operates at the intersection of fashion and technology to bring you products that help you to respect your digital space. Our society is addicted to smartphones, with the average user checking their device 221 times a day. Our digital dependencies have led us to be less productive, less patient, less empathetic and overall less happy. This inspired Vinaya to create a line of beautifully designed jewellery, that promotes ‘productivity, tranquillity and wellbeing’. The collection, titled ALTRUIS, is a selection of rings, necklaces and bracelets that connect via Bluetooth to your devices. The wearable tech pieces filter through your notifications and send subtle vibrations, to alert you of your most important messages, while keeping your phone out of sight and helping you engage in real human connection. Vinaya explore neuroscience, philosophy, psychology and mindfulness and research into concepts that cultivate their product development. Taking inspiration from innovation, minimalism and sustainability, their studio seamlessly integrates technology into our lives, giving us the ability to prioritise our push notifications and help us create a balance between our online and offline worlds.
www.vinaya.com
words Emily Reid