You and me

Editorial #34

Article

No. 34 • June 2024

text: Nicole Ex

Fig 1. Nicole Ex and Lidewij Edelkoort | Photo: Romain Lienhardt

Rompers on the washing line, freshly ironed crisp white shirts, soft jumpers for a chilly evening, jackets to shield us from the weather, and the joy of an apron for the kitchen or garden. Clothes. They are such everyday possessions that we tend to forget what they do for us: conceal our nakedness, grant us an identity, lift us up, seduce, or keep us hesitating miserably in front of our wardrobes. But, even in our wardrobes, change is needed. Fortunately. For we have far too many clothes and, often without realising it, we clothe ourselves mainly in plastic. Anyone who has experienced the pleasure of wearing natural fibers knows that this is not how it should be.

Our guest curator, Lidewij Edelkoort, believes the fashion industry is struggling to innovate. But, there is a solution, she says, and that solution is you and me. This entire exuberant issue is an invitation to look at your wardrobe differently. To thoughtfully curate it and take care of it as you would an art collection (p. 68). Lidewij Edelkoort offers all she has – her knowledge and persuasiveness, her writing talent, her visual editing and educational skills, her love of Georgia O’Keeffe and passion for Paris – in this deeply personal dossier bursting with predictions, lessons, tips, remarkable people and unique small fashion labels. An invitation to change course once and for all.

– Nicole Ex
founding editor