Ethics & Alterations

What you wear should literally feel good. Fabrics that are kind to the skin are always important, irrespective of the price tag. There’s an obvious reason why people living in the 17th and 18th centuries got so carried away with silk imports; their skin probably looked better than when rubbing against potato sack cloth or metal armor 24/7. Three centuries onwards, however, the silk remains but the accent has definitely shifted to bio-friendly textiles -- as I have pointed out on here many times before. Ethical fashion is the concept that promotes fashion as an environmentally and socially beneficial business, meaning the industry should tighten the garter belt from eco (-processed) fabrics to social security. As Yang continued to explain, C&A has been using biological cotton, which even now only accounts for one percent of total global cotton production, in its collections since 2008. Thirty percent of its 2013 spring collection consisted of the skin-, eco- and socio-friendly fabric.

When you enter a brand new market, adjustments are necessary; from store design to collection, from LV to H&M. “Duh” some may think, but it is especially true when it comes to China. Just look at how many up- and-comers are here one day and gone the next. Applied to C&A, Yang pointed out that even though many of these affordable chain stores have a bright future ahead of them in China, there is the need for constant progress and expansion (area-wise or city-wise; let’s not forget about China’s 2nd tier cities which barely see any foreign brands chasse-ing down the street). Even though the store design may appear slightly more Western to the Chinese clientele, to the more trained eye it is, in fact, hanging by an outdated thread. There is the need for renovation, especially given the smoldering competition of the usual chained suspects literally lurking around every corner of every shopping street. Unfortunately, this type of renovation requires the patience of a Chanel haute couture seamstress as it needs to be done bead by bead, store by store. But, as every true explorer knows, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Fashionistas United:

Orange may have been SO Spring 2012, but in 34 degrees you can wear any color your red heart desires!

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