Are you in symbiosis with your clothing?
The story our clothing tells and the story we tell through our clothing.
If someone wanted to see inside my closet, I'd probably feel the request was too personal. Yet, I go to my closet every day, dressing to face the world. It's the prospect of looking behind the closed door of my closet that scares me. I used to put on clothes, living the story of my garments without giving much thought to it all.
What I realized is that I need to be in symbiosis with the items in my closet. I need to know what did I become part of and does it feel right to me? Not to the outside trends and expectations.
Because once we're dressed, we become a part of our garment, and the garment becomes a part of us.
When our story and values align, there's nothing more comfortable. So, we are sharing some garments with a story to wear. Maybe they are the right fit for you, maybe not.
(1) Zerobarracento: Allows for a relaxed approach to life through versatility, modularity and fluidity.
Milano, Italy
ZEROBARRACENTO is an Italian brand that creates zero-waste silhouettes that celebrate the personality of those who wear it. Wearing Zerobarracento will make you forget about your gender, age or time. Seasonless garments are designed for longevity and based on an idea of connection and durability.
The brand’s mission is nothing less than “do not be scared to express your self.”
(2) Angry Pablo: Focusing on the lifestyle element that we love
London, UK
ANGRY PABLO is a hybrid brand that redefines what it means to be a cyclist and focuses on the lifestyle element.
“I guess you could say that the character Pablo is a light-hearted critique of how serious the cycling industry has become. We wanted the character to be both intriguing, and to an extent, tongue-in-cheek,” says Jago, one of the brand’s creators in our niche cycling read.
The character Pablo is only angry figuratively. In fact, he’s actually based on a friend of Jago’s who is possibly one of the most relaxed people he knows.
(3) Olderbrother: Celebrating the quirky singularity of life
Portland, USA
OLDERBROTHER is a playful, eco-sustainable, naturally dyed, gender-neutral contemporary collection from Portland, Oregon, for the slow fashion revolution. Bobby Bonaparte and Max Kingery are the duo behind the brand, who aspire to make pieces that have a life of their own, pieces that are meant to communicate craft and meaning.
(4) Cruba Berlin: Creating clothing not only for the human body, but also for its movement
Berlin, Germany
CRUBA strives to combine art and functionality. Each design is approached in three dimensions, as you would a sculpture. This artful approach of creating clothing, not only for the human body, but also for its movement, triggers designer phantasies in the studio.
Mira, designer and founder of CRUBA, in her own words:
“I try to be a storyteller through my work. That is probably what got me into fashion in the first place. I love watching people. I remember as a kid looking at women’s shoes peeking out from under the doors of public bathroom stalls and trying to imagine/design the outfits that could match them.”
What's on our wish list …
Lasercut puzzle pieces of Softshell fabric (SOFTSHELL) or Scuba fabric (SCUBA). They are put together by hand like a puzzle, without the need for stitching or glue. Each puzzle piece in your design can be replaced, which makes it a durable design.
We love Felt, especially for their jewelry (those color combinations!), but they also create interior accessories, art pieces, handbags and furniture. Their atelier in the Jordaan neighborhood of Amsterdam, is a creative playground where talented individuals challenge their own creativity. By working with less stock by focusing on made-to-order wholesale orders, and engaging in repurposing projects, Felt minimizes waste to the very minimum.
So, if you find yourself in Amsterdam, stop by — whether to buy something or simply to be inspired by this creative space. And if you're as lucky as we were, you might even meet Jeason, one of the co-owners, and have a friendly chat.
What we are reading right now
Talking about fashion, the summer issue of SeeAllThis magazine covers it all in its artistic way. "Why we wear what we wear" and "Forecast” about what the future holds for fashion are two articles that kept us thinking and talking for days. Btw, there's an interesting story behind the coat on the cover of this issue — you can read it on their Instagram page.
What's on our to-go list
Exhibition "STITCH!" by Meta Struycken, at EENWERK gallery in Amsterdam, until July 30 (by appointment in August).
An installation of 90 miniature clothing objects, where Meta presents a contemporary interpretation of domestic craft techniques that have been used for centuries to repair and reuse clothing. Her message? Let's re-evaluate our wardrobes, care for our clothes, and cherish them.
Have a great summer ahead.
Andrea & Petra
NIKA is an independent magazine created out of a longing for more niche in our lives. We want to show you the way outside the mainstream — to a lifestyle that resonates with your soul. Join us on the search for all things niche.