~photo by Al Smith, Fashions by couture designer Connally McDougall
With the recent pulling of big box retailers out of Canada comes further confirmation that bigger is not better and that mass production is harmful to the local based economies of the world. It also opens up the conversation about a new direction that I have seen coming for a long time – that is, people want to go back to what is original, unique, or exclusive, even custom. The bulk-buy mentality limited quality and has made everyone appear to dress the same – many of us in black outer wear or dark colours to almost neutralize our image. Variety but on higher level of quality will produce originality in what we put on (wear), the styles, the colours, and how unique it is to our personal path of discovery. For example, finding items when we travel, or meet a local fashion designer.
~photo by Al Smith, Fashions by couture designer Connally McDougall
Solopreneurship has been on the rise also and contributed to this movement toward exclusivity and quality products and services. This has increased also with more women developing their own ideas into popular businesses and connecting within their communities. In our generation we are also seeing more support for this by their male partners and it has been transforming the shift and access to both men and women making these ideas and dreams come to fruition. Examples would be new organic perfumes, handmade clothing by local women & men or groups, original jewelry and locally grown herbs into teas – all becoming ways to get something unique to share and build community. Creation and necessity are the mother of invention and new inventors and creators are born everyday – it’s inspiring to say the least!
~ photo by Al Smith, for Vic42, clean cosmetics creator Melodie Reynolds of Elate Cosmetics.
Inspiration for this Threaditorial Blog was from this article….
Link to designer fragrance making a come back at Bergdorf Goodman (NY proper).