Minimalist fashion is the declination of a sustainable lifestyle that mainly focuses on the quality and essentiality of versatile and neutral clothing items, useful for multiple occasions if combined in the right way, against the compulsive purchases typical of fast fashion .
Minimalism was born as an artistic movement between the 50s and 60s of the last century. It theorizes the simplification of shapes and lines with clean traits, in combination with neutral colors and typically industrial materials. It is not only an artistic theory, but a real revolutionary philosophical current that develops from these ideas that then influence the various sectors of society: from architecture to design, from music to fashion, up to food and a well-rounded lifestyle.
This social revolution finds its vital core in the opposition to the ever-increasing consumerism that characterizes the Western world: minimalism tends to the natural simplification of every aspect of everyday life, eliminating everything superfluous that hinders human well-being. It places its attention not on the consumption of goods but on values, experiences and social relationships.
In fact, those who support minimalist ideas believe that moving away from attachment to consumer goods makes the mind more productive and aware of the surrounding environment, far from excessive stimuli that increase stress levels.
The principles of minimalist fashion
It is thanks to the work of contemporary writers and bloggers that the experience of minimalism is becoming increasingly popular and is also spreading into the fashion industry, becoming able to satisfy needs not only of simplicity, linearity and taste, but also of ethics and sustainability, embracing the individual needs and different contexts that characterize consumers.
Minimalist fashion takes up the concepts of the broader movement and reworks them:
- Quality : Minimalist pieces are made from high-quality materials and are designed to last. Choosing long-lasting pieces reduces the need for frequent purchases, thus decreasing the overall environmental impact of the fashion industry.
- Essentiality : The minimal style focuses on a wardrobe reduced to a few essential and versatile items that can be easily combined with each other, reproducing a variety of outfits and looks. T-shirts, trousers, sweatshirts, shorts, dresses and shirts with simple lines are often preferred to items with complicated structures.
- Neutrality : White, black, gray, beige and blue are classic colors for minimalist clothing. A neutral base to which you can add touches of brighter colors that are able to highlight the natural harmony of the body.
- Sustainability and ethics : Minimalist fashion promotes the use of sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, linen, silk and recycled fibers that offer a long list of benefits and comfort for both the consumer and the environment. The well-being of the environment and workers in the fashion industry are fundamental points for minimalism that places great importance on green certifications and transparency in every phase of production of the garments.
OWN clothing reflects the principles of minimalism in every way: clean and simple lines, neutral and bright colors, made from high-quality and certified organic natural fibers.
Not just fashion, practical actions in everyday life.
Minimalist theory extends beyond the wardrobe and can be applied to other aspects of daily life, especially time and waste management. The concept of owning only what is essential and significant finds wide application in everyday practicality and has several points of contact with the zero waste strategy which is based on: rejection of everything that is superfluous, including disposable products ; reduction of the quantity of products used with a view to quality and reuse of the same; recycling of raw materials and composting of organic materials.
Other minimalist and zero waste behaviors include choosing loose products and foods, repairing items that are not in optimal condition, reducing the use of electricity, gas and water by using energy-efficient appliances, exchanging items and clothing with friends or through charities.
In conclusion, minimalist fashion represents a social revolution that goes beyond aesthetics, embracing values of sustainability, ethics and awareness. This lifestyle invites us to make thoughtful choices, reduce waste and focus on what is essential, helping to build a more sustainable society.