In a fast-paced city where rapid consumerism is the norm, the topic of slow fashion is fast gaining momentum in Milan. Close to the hearts of many women of MWN, this passion was brought to life through ‘Metamorphosis’ - a sustainable-fashion editorial that highlights how community is the catalyst for the change we want to see in the (fashion) world. This creative collaboration is the perfect runner-up to Candice Lam’s & MWN’s screening of ‘Microplastic Madness’ this month.Discover how women of MWN are uniting on a collective mission to turn mainstream concepts of fashion on its head - and offer up a better alternative for both people & nature.
Written & photographed by: Sydney Duncan (founder of ethical fashion brand Sydney Duncan)
Metamorphosis
Confronting Plastic Pollution Through Fashion
Featuring Madonnina Scarf, Botanical Waste Dyed Oyster Gown (Sydney Duncan)
Featuring the Metamorphosis sustainable fashion editorial, a collaboration by MWN members Candie Lam (model/actress), Hazal Kurtuluş (accessories designer), Paula Lewis (activewear designer), and Sydney Duncan (womenswear designer).
From Microplastics to Mindful Fashion
Featuring repurposed wood rings (Likapa Design), Rodin's Inferno Scarf (Sydney Duncan), Sienna Low Back Monokini (Planc Style), blazer, earrings (vintage)
In the light of the upcoming Fashion Week, our community member Candice Lam will be hosting an intimate screening of Microplastic Madness (join us on September 21st), a critically acclaimed documentary which follows a group of fifth graders from Brooklyn, New York, as they investigate the impact of plastic pollution on their community and the environment.
This might not be the type of advocacy you’d expect from a fashion industry professional like Candice, who’s been featured across publications like Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Italia, and Elle. However, the harrowing effects of plastic pollution are in fact one of fashion’s most pressing issues today, with synthetic textiles wreaking havoc on our planet’s ecosystems.
The Slow Fashion Revolution Brewing within MWN
Featuring repurposed wood rings, Summer'35 Scarf, repurposed wood hair needle (Likapa Design), Rodin's Inferno Scarf (Sydney Duncan), Sienna Low Back Monokini (Planc Style), blazer, earrings (vintage)
In the Microplastics Madness documentary, students unite to take action by advocating for reducing plastic use.
Within the Milan Women Network, several of our members are doing the same, united under the collective mission to inspire a healthier and more equitable fashion industry.
As individuals, we can only do so much, but the power of community -
Milan Women Network’s cornerstone value - is the catalyst for incredible collaborative potential.
Behind the Lens: Metamorphosis –
A MWN Community Fashion Editorial
Featuring repurposed wood rings, leather braceletts (Likapa Design), Rodin's Inferno Scarf (Sydney Duncan),
kimono and earrings (vintage)
Our fashion editorial, Metamorphosis, is set along serene Lake Como in Lecco, Italy. It symbolizes the meeting point of four women from diverse corners of the world—the Philippines, China, the United States, and Turkey—who have come to Milan to start new chapters in their lives. Together, we visually delve into the significance of our transformations as women, entrepreneurs, and artists, while exploring our philosophies on sustainable fashion.
The shoot features unique pieces from the designers’ individual collections; accessories hand-carved by
Hazal Kurtulus using reclaimed wood for her brand Likapa Design, activewear crafted from recycled PET by
Paula Lewis at Planc Style, botanical-dyed dresses and Tencel scarves made with eco-friendly dyes by me,
Sydney Duncan, alongside curated vintage and borrowed items - each piece showcasing the rich diversity and creative potential within sustainable fashion, photographed by me and modeled by actress, model,
and sustainability advocate Candice Lam.
With a crisp, elevated style, the photos capture the essence of new beginnings. The editorial represents a shedding of the excess to reveal what’s most authentic and essential —both in fashion and in our personal transformations.
For our documentary screening host, Candice, that new and more authentic beginning meant reclaiming her power and influence as a fashion industry figure. A trained actress, Candice unexpectedly stumbled into modeling after moving to NYC several years ago, an opportunity which propelled her career in exciting ways. However, though appreciative of where it’s taken her, she felt a growing misalignment with the industry's values - particularly the horrific environmental impact of fast fashion.
Featuring repurposed wood rings, leather braceletts (Likapa Design), Rodin's Inferno Scarf (Sydney Duncan), kimono and earrings (vintage)
The Shocking Truth About Fast Fashion
Since the dawn of the industrial revolution, the urge to create more, faster has poisoned the human race, the fashion industry being one of the worst offenders.
Fast fashion (companies like Shein, H&M, and ZARA, to name a few) prioritises rapid production and low costs, typically at the expense of quality and ethical labor practices. Under this business model, disposable consumption is encouraged, leading to increased waste and devastating environmental degradation as garments are quickly discarded. Not to mention the exploitation of industry workers - primarily women of colour in lower income countries - where poor working conditions run rampant and the value of craftsmanship is totally undermined. In Bangladesh, for instance, a country which has become infamous in recent years for its contribution to the fast fashion industry (think back to the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse of 2013 which killed 1,134 people and left thousands more injured) a garment worker is expected to earn an average of €106 per month for working 10-12 hour days, 6 days a week, for a total of 60-72 hours of work per week. A living wage in Bangladesh is estimated to be €176 (FashionUnited,Fair Labor Association).
Environmentally, the situation isn’t much different. One of the most alarming statistics about fashion’s environmental impact is that the industry produces over 92 million tons of textile waste each year, which ends up in landfills or is incinerated. Textile waste is projected to increase by 60% by 2030, potentially reaching 148 million tons annually (Circular Online, Fashion Revolution). Even our favorite luxury brands are culpable, with household names like Burberry and Louis Vuitton found guilty of incinerating unsold garments postseason in an attempt to avoid “devaluing” their brand’s high end standing (Vox).
It’s startling realities like these which propelled Candice into advocacy, including actively seeking collaborations that not only educate on the issue, but that also uplift independent slow fashion brands.
The Power of Slow Fashion - How Supporting Independent Brands Can Transform Fashion's Impact
Featuring Summer' 20 earring and Fall'41 Necklace (Likapa Design), Madonnina Scarf (Sydney Duncan), skirt and shoes (borrowed)
While the startling truth is that the fashion industry has proven detrimental to both the environment and human rights, it is also true that this doesn’t have to be our reality. The key is to consume less, and with a more mindful eye.
A few ways to consume more mindfully include buying second hand, participating in clothes swapping events
(keep on the lookout for MWN’s next one!), as well as supporting smaller independent brands whose values align with your own - commonly called “slow fashion brands”.
When you choose to support independent slow fashion brands over billion dollar fast fashion corporations, you are actively voting with your dollar. You are voting for quality over quantity - pieces that are actually built to last.
You’re voting for a lighter environmental impact, transparency, human rights, women’s rights, and, the icing on the cake, you’re supporting small businesses - maybe even one in your local community!
You’re Invitation to
Microplastic Madness - A Must-See Documentary
Featuring Madonnina Scarf and Botanical Waste Dyed Oyster Gown by Sydney Duncan
By uniting our voices and resources, we amplify the impact of our individual efforts. The collaborative spirit within the Milan Women Network exemplifies the power of collective action, making even the most daunting challenges that much more manageable when we come together. Our combined efforts not only drive awareness, but also foster meaningful solutions, turning our shared vision of a sustainable future into tangible results.
We are excited to invite you to member Candice Lam’s special screening of Microplastic Madness on the evening of September 21st, marking its Italian premiere, and featuring newly transcribed Italian subtitles by community member Alessandra Amenduni. The screening will be followed by an engaging panel discussion with the director, offering invaluable insights into the impact of plastic pollution and the urgent need for action. The event will be an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of this critical issue, connect with like-minded individuals who are committed to sustainability, and explore ways we can collaborate to make a difference over an eco-theme Potluck!
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to forge a path towards a more sustainable future.
You can get your tickets for the screening HERE!
For More on Our Editorial Collaborators
Candice Lam
Instagram: @iamcandicelam
Eco-Project: @eco4elements
Eco-Publications: Harper’s Bazaar Cover, Global Garbs, Flanelle Magazine
Hazal Kurtuluş
Instagram:
Fashion brand: @likapadesign
Multidisciplinary work: @lotherion
Website: Likapa Design
Paula Lewis
Follow: @planc.style
Website: Planc Style
Sydney Duncan
Instagram:
Fashion brand - @sydneyduncanco
Photography - @captsydney
Website: Sydney Duncan
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