On Ethicalista are many the chances to talk and discuss Sustainable Fashion. Many the events, seminars and shows to promote and advertise about this growing direction fashion is taking. Day by day Sustainable Fashion is permeating shopping areas, so is no surprise to find interesting and pleasant examples in a place like the Navigli in Milan where, since many years, fashion and design meet the city in a very accessible way.
The Navigli are well known for the lively atmosphere one can feel through out the day. Mostly pedestrian, full of cafes, bars and restaurants that at night occupy large part of the road with tables and chairs. Many the artisan and antiques shops on both sides of the Naviglio Grande, one of the only water channels left open in town.
If you are planning a trip in Milan have a nice walk on the Naviglio Grande, both banks offer lot of inspirational finds, especially in the late afternoon at “Aperitivo” time. Then you should not miss:
L’Hub – Ripa di Porta Ticinese 69 – is a fantastic space where craftsmanship, tradition and education get together to offer products, ideas, courses and more. On one hand you can find beautiful fashion, or get inspiration and tutorship to realize some project, on the other you can start your trip into tailoring taking you “license” – a series of lessons at different levels to learn how to cut an sew – or simply rent a machine by the hour. Of course there possibilities and the offers of l’Hub are far more, from vegetable dyeing courses to the selection of printing wood blocks from the Zucchi Collection. Only a visit can really explain this place.
L’Orlo del Mondo – Ripa di Porta Ticinese 47 – is a unique place for brides to be, here esthetics and Fair Trade really find on of their best unions. They propose a large selection of bridal gowns made with handloom silk and tailored in India from Italian design, all this in full respect of Fair Trade principles.
Superfly Vintage – Ripa di Porta Ticinese 27 – was born from passion in research and to those styles from the 50’s till the late 70’s with special attention to music, cinema and attention to details.
Made in the Shade – Ripa di Porta Ticinese 53 – probably one of the only places in town where to find Toms Shoes and their fantastic “Buy One Give One” initiative, and the style and comfort Swedish Hasbeens.
Reruns Strascé – Ripa di Porta Ticinese 21 – is another vintage shop, very well known not only in town, mentioned even on the New York Times. Messy, overloaded but always surprising.
Meet 2 Biz – Alzaia Naviglio Grande 14 – is something in between a showroom, a concept store and a temporary shop. What for sure is one of the largest showcases of interesting, innovative collections of young designers work in Milan. A place where creativity, recycling, fashion and sustainability find real expression. Among the many brands present, extremely interesting the work of: Laboratorio Procaccini Quattoridici – nice and simple line of clothes made with reclaimed fabrics and garments realized by a social cooperative working with mentally disabled people; Alf Re-ctiation – belts and other stuff from unusual recycled materials; Mnmur – bags and accessories from recycled bicycle tubes; GarbageLab – bags and accessories from recycled advertisement PVC boards.
Here is a Google Map of Ethical Shopping in the Navigli area in Milan.
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