Linda-Mai is a French-Vietnamese ethical designer based in Ho Chi Minh City, whose childhood memories of witnessing water wastage in her second homeland, France, inspired her to create her own brand. Behind the humble hues and preen prints at first sight, LMP reveals us a deeper cultural heritage behind her detailed craftmanship — SS16 particularly speaks of exotic patterns and paints powerful pictures of travels to foreign, faraway lands. Expect LMP’s collections change as fast as a camera roll of your ‘fashion travel journal’, encompassing the enigmatic heritage of joyous journeys around the world. If you haven’t thought through your summer’s one-way ticket yet, come admire closer.
Read MoreA Californian Activewear Brand Not Based on Lies: Salt Theory Co.
This summer’s go-to surf and activewear label, Californian Salt Theory Co, pairs exotic, customised illustrations with durable fabrics made from recycled bottles. Savant had a casual chat with Jillian Bennett, Californian surfer and sustainability activist, whose personal story combining passion for surfing, illustration and travel has made dreams of her very own eco-activewear label come a tangible reality. On a rainy Friday afternoon in London, she welcomed us to get a glimpse of her wonderful world, under sustainable sunshine.
Read MoreSaying The ‘Yes’ Word…To Honest Beauty: JYB Cosmetics
Belgian brand JYB Cosmetics has brought their take on bio-organic skincare to the market circa 2014, and adamantly operates on a 100% transparency policy ever since. Savant peeked into their world of organic oils and earthly blends, and discussed the allure of today’s traceable beauty with Gauthier Berlemont, brand’s Marketing Director in United Kingdom, at Fofolles World Pop-up weekend held in Chelsea, London. JYB — that’s miraculous, nourishing skin food in sexy packaging, all the trimmings. That’s the formula of honesty in a bottle, and no witchcraft.
Read MoreSlow Food Movement Taking Over in Tartu, Estonia: Aparaat & Barlova
Historically, Tartu is somewhat notorious for its café traditions. The university town attracts young crowd from all over the country and abroad, so cafés have long served as socialising places for the youth. My grandmother would tell me stories about she and her friends enjoying fresh pastries at Café Werner before heading to lectures as a favourite pastime. Werner has been around since 1882, making it one of the oldest cafés in Estonia. Many Estonian writers and artists gathered there to play chess, read poetry, and of course, drink coffee. But times have changed and so has café culture. People’s lives have grown faster and it seems like we have simply lost connection with time to enjoy an indulgent drink or sit down for a chat.
Yet amid the hectic day-to-day life in today’s Tartu, there are those who choose to enjoy the little moments. Whether we are sipping coffee at a quaint local café before heading to work or venturing into a new hip restaurant at the creative district for lunch break, we try to embrace a slower lifestyle. And the city responds to the yearning. A new wave of cafés, bars and restaurants with sassy names are popping up all over the town, and we’re excited.
Read MoreObra Gris — ABC to Sustainability
Think formless, floating shapes and strictly sustainable unisex power-dressing… — the characteristic lines fuelling Obra Gris’ seasonless staples, designed to unite all your urban necessities. Hanna-Amanda dialogues with Oscar Fruiz Schmidt, Creative Director of the Costa Rican fashion house, about his vision on zero-waste principles du jour.
Read MoreAll We Need To Know About Ethical Lingerie? Woronstore!
“Less is more” means more than just words to Anya and Arina WORON, Danish designer duo paving their way through crafting the ‘Wonderbras' of ethical design. The sisters’ namesake lingerie brand includes everyday basics to suit all women’s needs - from soft brasto yoga pants to bodysuits and tops, proving that what’ s underneath can be sustainable, too.
Read MoreLast Day of Magic
Under the spell of the city, reconnect the magic of existence — you are rooted, grounded, yet remarkably free. Don't trade the inner wanderer for logic and obsessive order; let your soul get lost in the depths of play. Revive the intact and wild — hear, feel, smell and taste the world through the unspoiled eyes of a child.
Read MoreIm Gegenteil: The First Online Dating Blog on a Go-Slow Mission
Smartphone dating apps are a thing of the past as the Berlin-based Im Gegenteil unites love seekers with a more personal approach.
Read MoreFinal Touches
Before we hurriedly prepare for the daily comings and goings, we shouldn't forget to look after our clothes. The joy of ironing, of folding and buttoning, of polishing the sandy shoes, of fixing the prim stretches of a collar. Durable fabrics - in black, in navy, in white - help to preserve the longevity of an item. The slowness of dressing.
Read MoreDiarte: A Childhood Comfort Zone
For S/S15, Spanish eco couture label Diarte assembled architectural lines with touches of masculine flamboyance. The devil is in the details, and Diarte’s powdery palettes surely elevate the wearer’s sense of self.
Founder Ana Diarte’s aching memories of childhood trips to Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, curate us through Diarte’s creative expedition this Spring.