The New Breed Meet Lydia, Bianca and Constance — a
Transcription
The New Breed Meet Lydia, Bianca and Constance — a
The New Breed Meet Lydia, Bianca and Constance — a new generation of cultivated creatives that define the #modernvagabond THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL A bi-annual magazine by Vagabond Shoemakers SPRING & SUMMER 16 Contributors Contents Being a Modern Shoemaker Page 3 In the Atelier: The Art of Shoemaking Page 5 The Edit: Cherry Picks Page 7 Style Basics: Sartorial Essentials Page 9 Nicole Walker Serge Leblon Make it Last Once you’ve crossed roads with freelance stylist Nicole Walker, you’ll never forget her face. With a platinum blonde bob and blood red lips, Nicoles signature look is as recognizeable as her work. Known for her original and quirky style she bravely makes the most inconspicious combinations work as if it was the most natural thing in the world. In this journal she has styled all the campaign images and chosen her favourites from the collection on pages 7-8. Belgian photographer Serge Leblon originally studied cinematography in Brussels. From there, he began a career in photojournalism, principally working in the Middle East to cover the war in Lebanon. Growing tired of being a reporter, Leblon started a project on ’formalisation and incommunicability’ and a subsequent editorial project for The Face led to further work for prestigious ublications including Dazed & Confused, i-D, Self Service and Purple. After years of experience working for magazines like Swedish Elle and Rodeo, Emma Elwin and Lisa Corneliusson founded the online magazine Make it Last dedicated to make sustainability less wholesome and more sexy. By raising awareness on initiatives such as Vagabond’s non-animal shoe collection the editors work to make sustainability as inspiring as it is important. Lydia Graham Bianca O’Brien Constance Power As a model and actress with an unconvential, gender-bending sense of style. Lydia is a master of changing and capturing characters. With a rare kind of beauty that demands a second look. With raven-black hair and piercing green eyes, the tomboy exudes both confidence and fragility at the same time. Model, dancer, actress, author, magazine editor, art curator, the list of creative roles Bianca has played is seemingly endless. After relocating from London to now reside in Paris the young cosmopolite is building a creative life liberated from physical things in search of ultimate freedom and variety. Constance, who rather prefers to go by her nickname Connie, considers creativity to be her very purpose. To an ever-changing beat, she is an artist with a musical expression as convincing and eclectic as her off-beat sense of style. The New Breed: Bianca, Lydia & Constance Page 11 Sports Redefined Page 25 Vagabond Atelier: The Non-Animal Collection Page 29 The Edit: It’s In The Bag Page 31 Make it Last: The Future of Fashion Page 33 EDITOR IN CHIEF Marie Nilsson Peterzén Published by Vagabond Shoemakers Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior permission from the publishers including all logos, titles and graphic elelments. All rights reserved Copyright 2016 by Vagabond International. W W W.VAG A B O N D . C O M CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Serge Leblon, Christian Högstedt, Frankenstein Studio, Oliver Knauer ART DIRECTION Frankenstein Studio COPY EDITOR Jimmy Guo 2 THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 Being a Modern Shoemaker Ever since we founded Vagabond, it has always been important to do everything ourselves — being the only way to assure quality in each step and every detail. After more than 20 years in the business, I can confidently say we have a genuine knowledge for making shoes. The process itself has always thrilled me, the mere challenge of it is perhaps what intrigues me the most. So many things need to fit together; the look, the lines, the comfort and wearability. Since we make every style from scratch, each design is a challenge. However, once I see the outsole and a last fitting together in harmony, it’s a fantastic feeling. Beside the love and craft you see in the final product, we also put great effort in making our production more sustainable. Consciousness about our fashion consumption is becoming widespread and while being proud of what we have accomplished so far, we are also humble towards the challenges ahead. Our first venture into making non-animal shoes using alternatives to leather, is our limited collection of Non-Animal Collection, which I am happy to announce for Spring 2016. Having this story of craft and passion to tell, I felt the times are right to let our customers all over the world get to know us better. The result is what you’re holding in your hands, the very first issue of The Shoemakers Journal. This is what we stand for, our story and why we take such pride in our products. I hope you’ll enjoy reading the story of Vagabond, the world of shoemaking is such a thrilling place. MARIE NILSSON PETERZÉN C O - F O U N D E R A N D C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R 3 T H E VAG A B O N D D E S I G N S T U D I O THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 In the atelier In the atelier The Art of Shoemaking Material Focus ”We see inspiration everywhere, film, architecture, music, people. But to really get started for a new season, we visit museums or art exhibitions. ” — MARIA OLANDER , CHIEF OF DESIGN Have you ever wondered how a Vagabond shoe is born? It all starts in Varberg, inside the one-of-akind design studio/workshop where Maria Olander, Chief of Design and her team conceive each collection from scratch. Here, she takes us inside the atelier telling the story of a shoe being made — from idea to finished product. 2. The Outsole Next, the last is paired with the outsole, which is developed parallel to the last. The combination of these key elements create the look, trend factor and comfort. For spring, we’ve been obsessed with sporty-looking outsoles and how they completely change the look and feel of a classic shape. Then, the upper is designed, this is done parallel to developing materials. This could be fabric or leather and we make sure to get just the right colours and finishes we want. 3. Prototyping A mock-up prototype is then assembled in our workshop. The process is very hands-on and we test the prototype’s ability to hold the shape and wear. After all, a shoe is meant to be worn and walked in so ensuring durability is an extremely important step for us. Having skilled craftsmen working in-house is a huge asset for us and at this point we can cut, construct and make alterations right in our workshop until it gets perfect. 4. Production Once we have a prototype we feel happy with, the design team and production technicians will travel with it to the factories. Apart from our own factory, we work with very few external factories with whom we have long-term collaborations. Either case, our technicians stay on-site during the production of the sample collections, making sure everything turns out just like we want to. Into the Groove Modern Minimalism Red, coral and pink shades are used to create a colourful addition this season where natural leather and earthy colours dominate the colour spectra. Pure and simple. Here, soft leathers in neutral shades such as almond, toffee and light grey. Suede is a key material for the look, creating a soft and subtle look for dressier shoes. Sartorial Essentials New Originals For the guys, we’ve been working with classic, natural leather in a range of cognac and saddle. Black is less important for men’s summer shoes so we’ve instead focused on a wide range of blues. Navy is a key colour this season. We continue our sporty subcategory, with the futuristic, sporty ballerina, as a key look. Here we present our scuba material and match it with elastic details. This direction also holds gender-neutral sport styles, clean uppers matching the spring outfits of many. And that’s about it. With all this work and love behind its creation, the Vagabond shoe can finally start its life with a wearer. And that is really when it all begins. The collection starts with our design team defining the season’s main themes. For spring summer 2016 we’ve narrowed it down to four main moodboards of which the designers begin to sketch. 1. The Last The design begins by creating the last. It is the last that define the silhouette and shape of the shoe as well as how it fits the foot – this is most important aspect to get right. Each season one of Italy’s very best lastmakers come to work with our team, helping us in the constant strive for perfection. We do actually create a lot of crazy pieces in our studio that we can’t sell but it gives us a lot of inspiration. 5 6 THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 The Edit Cherry Picks The truth is... well, we all have favourites. Our own list of favourite styles would be far too long to feature in this spread. So, we asked stylist Nicole Walker to select her best shoes of the season. ”A pair of smart, dressy loafers keep you on your feet from office to evening.” ”Swap stilettos for a chunky sandal this season– comfort doesn’t compromise on style.” DARIA, PLATFORM SANDAL AYDEN, HIGH FRONT BALLERINA LEA, HIGH HEEL SANDAL CLARA, SUEDE LOAFER GAIA, LEATHER SANDAL JAMILLA, SUEDE PUMP CONNOR, WHITE SNEAKER NOOR, WOOD SANDAL LINHOPE, SUEDE LOAFER ”Ditch the flip–flops to stride proud in sleek leather styles.” FUNK, LEATHER SANDAL CONNOR, GREY SNEAKER 7 ”Butter-soft leather is draped for an interesting take on the slide sandal. These will look equally amazing on the beach as in the city.” NATALIA, LEATHER SANDAL NATALIA, LEATHER SANDAL 8 THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 Style Basics Sartorial Essentials For a man, the hair and the shoes are what define your first impression. Make sure you get the latter right with these must-have evergreen styles you’ll be wearing this spring and beyond. STYLIST’S TIP Invest in classics that last, season after season The Classic Brouge - Mario The Penny Loafer - Linhope This all–round classic is a must have for every well-dressed man. Suitable for all but the most formal of occasions — they work just as well with rolled–up jeans, chinos or a suit. Calling all modern dandies –the suede loafer manages to look incredibly elegant and relaxed at the same time. Make them your go-to shoe for keeping it suave all summer. The Casual Derby - Belgrano The Suede Oxford - Mario This masculine staple gets an updated touch with contrasting soles. They really go with everything, and adds a subtly modern twist. Wear them with anything but socks. Sandy-beige suede only gets better with a bit of patina. Wear yours with cropped trousers, rolled-up jeans and top off with crisp shirting. VISIT OU R ON LIN E SHOP FOR FU RTHER DETA ILS A B OU T STYLES ETC. 9 10 THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 The New Breed–Multi-talented and brave: Lydia, Bianca and Constance represent a new generation of cultivated creatives that redefine what it means to be a #modernvagabond. THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 Lydia Graham As an actress with an unconvential, gender-bending sense of style. Lydia is a master of changing and capturing characters. INSTAGRAM @ohliydiagraham P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y S E R G E L E B L O N , S T Y L I N G B Y N I C O L E WA L K E R 13 LY D I A W E A R S C I N T I A S N E A K E R THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 ”After all, nobody’s original, no matter how hard you try to be.” character. Because speaking in front of new people is much scarier. There’s less room to be embarrassed or afraid to make a fool of yourself and you really have to become someone you’re not. 20 year-old Lydia Graham has the kind of rare beauty that demands a second look. With raven-black hair and piercing green eyes, the tomboy exudes both confidence and fragility at the same time. An ambiguity that might just be her greatest strenght. Describe yourself with three words. I’m quite stubborn, cheeky and easy-going. What makes a good actor? I think it’s someone who’s really getting into the role. Method acting really shows on the screen, you can’t just do it half-heartedly. Is acting very different from modelling? It’s a lot harder. Though models typically do move on to acting, speaking is such a hard thing to do in things that they never could have done ten years ago. This is of course really good but it’s also intimidating. Though it inspires me and makes me want to be as good as them. Where will you be in five years? Hopefully, still in London, I love London. Maybe I’ll have a nicer house than what I’m living in today? I still want to keep doing both modelling and acting. What do you do to kill the nerves? Sometimes, you’re just on a roll. When I started taking acting classes I was asked to improvise and while I dreaded the idea of it in the beginning. I found my confidence as soon as I started doing it. Even though I’m constantly working in front of the camera I have a bit of stage fright. I need to remind myself that it’s actually really fun and that kicks the anxiety. That’s the best bit. What does it mean to be a modern vagabond to you? It describes someone that hops from city to city, constantly travelling. All my friends are like that. Everyone is from everywhere so, in a sense, more or less, everyone is a modern vagabond these days. Nobody stays in one place anymore. Describe your style? My style is simple but refined. I like boyish things, mixing them with girlier pieces. Tailored trousers with a tee, or a cutesy dress with chunky boots, a clash of masculine and feminine always looks nice. How would you describe the creative vibe in London? Right now, it’s all very 90s. Almost in a chavvy way, but still very cool. What does creativity mean to you? Being creative is expressing your personality and inspiring other people. After all, nobody’s original, no matter how hard you try to be. Everyone is always inspired by something or someone else. Being creative is about showing your own personality but also making it your unique style. How’s it like being a young woman in the creative business? The competitiveness is tough, there are so many women in this industry now and that’s very empowering. Girls are doing new LYDIA’S LOOK Sports Redefined High-tech sports shapes meet unconventional detailing for shoes that provide a modern contrast. CINTIA The Scuba Sneaker KASAI The Breezy Weave 16 LOLA The Sports Sandal THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL Bianca O’Brien The multitalented writer Bianca is a cultured minimalist who refuses to let physical things weigh her down. INSTAGRAM @iambiancaobrien P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y C H R I S T I A N H Ö G S T E D T, S T Y L I N G B Y N I C O L E WA L K E R 17 SPRING & SUMMER 16 THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 ”A modern vagabond is a wanderer for modern reasons. Exactly what I am, actually.” Model, dancer, actress, author, magazine editor, art curator, the list of creative roles Bianca manages is seemingly endless. Having moved from London to now reside in Paris she keeps herself busy in the hub of Europe while keeping her hands free of material items. What do you exactly do? I’m right now in the process of writing a book. I also write for different magazines, sometimes it’s about a topic, sometimes it’s an interview and sometimes I get commissioned to write a synopsis or a monologue for a short film. I write ideas for other people but also keep a lot for my own projects. I once used to be a dancer so I also do dance and choreography. I tend to do both sides of the coin. I do directing and I do acting since I’ve studied film. I’ve worked as a model but also as a casting director, I do art curations for charity, I edit a magazine about art and photography. But mainly I just lie in bed watching movies and reading, it’s important research. Of all your occupations, what do you enjoy the most? I’d say writing. I started dancing four years old, and I love it but it’s easier to write every day for a purpose than to be dancing. The same goes for directing and for art curation. Do you have a greater vision with all your work? Yes, it has always been about a bigger picture. That’s also why I do such a variety of things but somehow it all does fit together. My goal is to end up in a situation where I can work and each week is doing something that’s wildly different but in fact is not. A bit like what Tilda Swinton does. One day, you might be doing theatre and the next be writing or producing choreography or perhaps writing a screenplay. I like the idea of building a situation where I can live and create things worth reading and watching. And to wrap myself up in all the reasons why. Though in the end I just do it, it’s all better than doing nothing. What challenges do you face being in the creative field? Definitely making enough money to finance your next project. When you start out, all the best options that come along have no budget. So It’s a struggle to survive until you bring in the big bucks. What do you miss being away from home? My books, I grew up surrounded by books and I’ll always have it that way. I used to put books down the back of my headboard as a child. I did this because of two reasons. Firstly, I worried my mom would get rid of books I’ve read, I always wanted to keep them for future references. Secondly, I thought it would be good for my mind to sleep with books I liked around my head. I believed there would be some kind of creative osmosis while I slept. What does creativity mean to you? People tend to differentiate between people who work in the creative field and those who work in the “normal” industry. I’ve discovered that there are creatives in every type of industry. For example; being a farmer doesn’t mean you’re not creative. There are just different forms of it. For me, it’s just something I can’t avoid, albeit life would be easier to live without thinking in a creative manner it’s something I have to do everyday or else I wouldn’t function. It’s a way for me to purge things and stay relaxed. The only thing I find difficult is being my own boss. You’re sometimes willingly lazy and other times you overwork. There’s nothing restricting you. I’ve tried more “normal” jobs but ended up becoming introvert, feeling depressed and difficult to be around. It’s something I have to do every day. What do you do when you’re feeling homesick? There was a time when I was addicted to travelling and wouldn’t stay anywhere for more than a couple of weeks. Even in the same city I would move because I got bored of taking the same metro, using the same key, cooking in the same kitchen ... I got to a point where I would be on the go so much that I was relinquishing any item. I didn’t want to bring anything with me. At some point I had to prove to myself that I could stay in one place and finding joy in having a home. Still, my home is inside of me, wherever I go I feel at home, it doesn’t matter if a place is ugly or the most beautiful. To me it’s equally interesting. The ”modern vagabond” title suits me, being a wanderer but for modern reasons is exactly what I am actually. BIANCA’S LOOK Reduced to Perfection Clean, refined and reinvented – Echoing the present-day requirements of comfort and uncomplicated style. B I A N C A W E A R S PA U L A DAISY The Stretch Shoe AYA The Slingback Flat 20 NATALIA The Leather Sandal THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 Constance Power To an ever-changing beat, Constance is the artist with a musical expression as convincing as her off-beat sense of style. INSTAGRAM & SOUNDCLOUD @itsconniesworld P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y S E R G E L E B L O N , S T Y L I N G B Y N I C O L E WA L K E R 21 C O N S TA N C E W E A R S N O O R THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 ”My music is an expression of my emotions at a time” who rather prefers to go by her nickname Connie, advices on solitude and considers creativity to be her very purpose. Never minding the struggle it takes to make it in the music industry. Tell us about your music? My music that’s out now is very soul/electronic but the stuff I’m working on is becoming more punk and indie rock. What does creativity mean to you?Creativity to me is basically my whole purpose. I feel like I was born to create. Everyday I write songs and think about how a video could work to a song. It’s an expression of my emotions of a time. How is London as a creative? Being creative in London is very testing, which I like. There are ups and downs but you see new things all the time. You’re always inspired and I can always find something to write about. What’s the hardest part about being an artist? Staying focused, you need to have a space where you just can let things unravel and not be distracted by external things. Especially being young, I always have friends wanting to hang out or go out. This has made me super-introverted at times but when I’m in the mood I can be very outgoing and happy. It depends on the people I’m around. Being a young woman working in the creative business what are the biggest challenges? The biggest challenge probably is to not only be a woman in everything I do. I often get pidgeonholed as a ”female something.” But instead, I’d rather just be seen for my art rather than my gender. Most people have a blind eye even before they listen to my music, just because they’ve judged me by appearance. What advice would you give to other creatives in your age? To spend more times by themselves. Little things, like grabbing a meal or going to the cinema. You can really learn what you actually like without compromises or feeling awkward about someone else. It’s one of the most important things to do as a young person and once you come of age you already know your yes or no’s. Learning to say no is a hard thing as a kid but by doing this you can learn what isn’t for you. You’re really keen on fashion, how would you describe your style? Right now I’ve changed my hair so it’s going a bit 90s. I think my generation views fashion by taking more interest in individuals rather than say, a collection. It’s inspiring when people know who they are and are able to express it on the outside. When someone dares to be original and you can tell it’s coming from a pure place. People respond to that because they want those confi- dent qualities as well. If I see someone wearing something they’ve created themselves and it’s very unique then I’ll feel inspired. I’ll go: “damn I wanna be able to do that myself” or get something similar that fits me. What does “modern vagabond” mean to you? Someone who’s travelling around, just floating. It’s pretty much me right now – no fixed address. Floating from one friends house to another trying to stay above water and just be happy. It’s such a hard thing to live without structure or any cemented place in your life. How’s the future looking for you? If you are to dream. I’d definitely like to be doing a world tour within the next five years. Having a really nice house with a dog would be great too. CONSTANCE´S LOOK Into the Groove Vintage-inspired platform styles is set for a comeback this spring with stacked-wood heels, suede and a natural colour palette. C O N S TA N C E W E A R S N O O R IVY The Chunky Sandal KALEY The Elevated Derby 24 NOOR The Wooden Sandal THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 Sports Redefined The lines between formal and casual are blurred more than ever and the clash between sports and tailoring define a new, easy attitude. P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y C H R I S T I A N H Ö G S T E D T, S T Y L I N G B Y N I C O L E WA L K E R B AG N O 2 8 26 THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL CO N N O R W H I T E S N E A K E R 27 SPRING & SUMMER 16 JEREMY CUPSOLE SNEAKER THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 Introducing Vagabond Atelier the Non-animal Collection Vagabond Atelier is our forum for innovation & creation. For these collections, our ambition is to work on less commercially driven ideas, daring ourselves to try something new. Here, we are free to discuss shoe fashion from perspectives such as sustainability, material innovation and design. The goal is to reach new, unexpected heights in our design and production. Faux-Leather Replacing leather with synthetic alternatives is a challenge, especially to ensure comfort and style. We’ve chosen a PVCfree, fabric-backed polyurethane option that has a convincing look and hand feel. Cork To cushion the inner sole and provide a comfortable and breathable wearing experience replacing leather is a challenge. Here, synthetic options are usually uncomfortable to wear. Natural cork however, shapes itself according to the wearer and lets the foot breathe. Glue All shoe production requires extensive use of glue. While this is usually made of by-products from the meat and fish industry. We have taken the initiative to develop our own glue completely free of animal origin. DARIA Platform Sandal CASEY Platform Sneaker NOOR Wooden Sandal CASEY Platform Sneaker Finish Even polishing and shining the shoes is a process that requires different alternatives. Beeswax and lanolin is replaced with a plant-based waxes instead making sure the shoes have just the right finish and sheen. Our first Atelier collection is made using purely materials of non-animalic origin. This is our initiative to experiment and use more sustainable materials, offering an options to vegan customers. All while keeping the same fashionable look and comfort Vagabond is known for. T H E AT E L I E R C O L L E C T I O N W I L L O N LY B E AVA I L A B L E O N L I N E A N D I N S E L E C T E D VAG A B O N D S TO R E S . 29 30 THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 The Edit It’s in the bag The world consists of two kinds of people; those who carelessly fit their essentials in a miniscule bag and those who tirelessly drag around their entire lives in it (including their kitchen sink). Basically, the perfect bag depends on who you are, here are our favourites for any occasion. Mini-me The petite cross-body style has given the evening clutch a real good run as the number one party option. After all, shouldn’t your hands be busy holding so much else than a bag at a party? Saddle up! The rich cognac hue of this saddle bag looks as timeless as it is versatile. Big enough to fit your must-haves and a little more, this is the perfect everyday size. The shopper tote BAG NO 66 BAG NO 65 With its super-simple styling, the shopper bag is roomy enough to fit a good deal of stuff while still being easy to carry — in your hand or under your arm. The messenger bag is a great everyday option that comfortably carries on the shoulder. BAG NO 48 AND 71 The messenger The backpack Decidedly un-glamorous, the utilitarian cross-body bag makes an unexpectedly cool option for clubbing. Could a bag be as practical as it is stylish? The truth is: once you go backpack, you never go back. 31 BAG NO 28 BAG NO 59 BAG NO 36 The anti it-bag. 32 THE SHOEMAKERS JOURNAL SPRING & SUMMER 16 Make it Last The future of fashion An eco-conscious mindset is becoming the norm rather than exception, and it doesn’t imply compromising on fashionability. Every little thing matters: this is not a side issue — it’s the fundamental future of fashion, says Emma Elwin and Lisa Corneliusson, editors and founders of editorial platform makeitlast.se. Here, they give their four best tips for a more sustainable style. 1. Identify your best 10 items and take it from there! More than a few of us are probably familiar with a vicious thing called a fashion craving; that intense must-have impulse when seeing something new and exciting. Riding through those initial feelings of not being complete without this item is a good idea. Give yourself time to consider; is this something I’ll wear for a while, or do I just crave that look of the season? One way of finding out is to identify your most used clothes; the go-to pieces. When investing in something new, consider if it fits into that lineup. That way, you’ll start building a wardrobe that lasts. 2. Consider not only styles but also materials. It’s easy to get caught up on a specific style, but if it doesn’t make you feel comfortable, or last for longer than the first wash, it’s really not worth it. Considering the material often gives you a clue about the garment’s production process. Tracing every step of the production is hard and often the “made in” tag doesn’t mean much. There are so many stages of production; sourcing, spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, embroidering, assembling, finishing and it’s rarely done in one place. Nevertheless, choosing environmentally responsible materials — whether natural or synthetic and tracing their production chain will definitely give you a better idea of whether the garment is worth the investment. Needless to say, knowing about every single part of the production process is such a bliss — you’ll wear the piece with pride. 3. Take care of your clothes and shoes— they need love just like us. Clothes, and shoes in particular, last longer if they’re given love and care. Natural fibres like wool and cashmere are better off aired-out or spot-cleaned than being washed. In fact, over- 33 washing is a common mistake. This not only wastes resources but also wears on the clothing. When it comes to shoes, let them rest and polish as instructed. Make sure to protect leather from drying out by regularly conditioning the leather. If the shoes get soaking wet, stuff them with crumpled-up newspaper and let them dry naturally. Also, repair instead of replace, either yourself or with your local tailor or cobbler. It’s fantastic what skilled craftsmen can do to seemingly worn out pieces. 4. Buy vintage, rent or borrow from a friend. Going to a once-in-a-lifetime event? Skiing for the first and possibly the last time? Consider options to buying new. Find a more original dress in a second-hand store or use one of those sites renting out designer pieces (yes, they exist!). Or perhaps you know what you want to wear anyway — and it’s right in your friend’s wardrobe. That goes both ways, share and don’t be selfish about your wardrobe! Maximum use is a good thing. If you’re dealing with high-quality fashion, a little wear and tear usually only makes the clothes even better and more comfortable. Makeitlast.se is an online magazine dedicated to sustainable fashion. The site indulges in products and projects that have the planet and the people in mind when producing or consuming fashion. Because it makes sense — and because it’s more inspiring! N ATA L I A L E AT H E R S A N D A L EXPERIENCE THE WHOLE COLLECTION AT VAGABOND.COM #MODERNVAGABOND