I’ve been a bit MIA these past two weeks thanks to the avalanche of unexpected interruptions that come with having two kids. You never really know what the week will throw at you—or when you might end up in a hospital! Everyone’s fine, thankfully. So, let’s dive into today’s lineup of ‘cool things to explore in your free time’ 😎

Inside the Last Fabric Flower Factory in the United States

This one made me feel nastalgic. There is something about mutli generational family run businesses that touches my very core. Places like this one carry more than just legacy, they preserve craft, but more than anything they show us the beauty of excelling at the “one thing”. Besides that, its so damn beautiful.

Here is a short film from M&S Schmalberg Flowers, the the last fabric flower factory that uses the same techniques to create flowers as they did when they opened in 1916. Warren Brand shares the story of how this rare artisanship has been passed down over the course of 108 years. 

Fashion Education 101 🤓 

Issues we don’t like to face, but should care about.

Used clothing is choking Ghana 💔 

I’ve recenlty made a TikTok on “How Ghana became fast fashion’s dumping ground”

Ghana imports around 15 million pieces of secondhand clothing every week, primarily from Western countries and China. Unfortunately, a significant portion—about 40%—is low-quality and unusable, ending up as waste.

This surplus piles up in landfills, spills into rivers, and washes up along the coast, causing severe environmental issues like pollution and marine damage.

While this flood of used clothing generates economic activity and job opportunities for many Ghanaians, it also overwhelms local waste management, which can’t handle the volume of discarded textiles (Deutsche Welle).

Donating clothes often comes with a “feel-good factor,” yet few know the reality behind it. Many people treat donations as a dumping ground for stained, ripped, and unwearable clothes.

The takeaway? Consider others when we buy and donate, understanding how our actions affect others on this planet. The people of Ghana shouldn’t have to bear the burden of our privilege and ignorance.

Do people in the “West” wash their clothes? 😱 

The reality for workers producing ultra-fast fashion goes beyond poor working conditions—they often see our relentless consumption as deeply degrading. There’s a disconnect between the speed and scale of our purchases and any sense of responsibility for what we’re buying, or even whether we’ll wear or wash these items. Sound shocking? It’s just the unfortunate truth.

Listen to this story, it’s bound to move you.

@fashionmaverick

this story is hardcoded in my brain 🧠 #fastfashion #fashion #fashiontiktok #fashionwaste

3 fabulous designers, making fabulous things, just in time for winter 🥶🧊❄️ 

1. Warm Hugs Only

Two lovely Ukrainian ladies from Warm Hugs Only. Their pieces truly feel like someone is literally wrapping you in a hug—stylish AF, trend-defying, and made on demand. The perfect creatives to support, if you ask me!

2. Carmsim Bow Tie & Co

This shop was such a gem of a find! I stumbled upon it during my recent trip to Lisbon and had to stop when I saw my absolute dream boater hat—in the most stunning colors.

If you're looking for a wool hat for Autumn/Winter, they have quite the selection at amazing prices!

3. Yan Yan Knits

BRB, totally fangirling over this one. I’m absolutely obsessed with this brand! Who said premium knitwear has to be basic?

Founded by former Rag & Bone Director of Knitwear, Phyllis Chan, along with Hong Kong designer Suzzie Chung, YanYan is all about thoughtful, design-driven pieces that blend modern and traditional elements.

This duo makes it clear that knitwear can be anything but ordinary.

At last, some music 🎵 and book 📖 recommendations.

Atlas of AI

“The hidden costs of artificial intelligence—from natural resources and labor to privacy, equality, and freedom.”

Honestly, this makes my blood boil. Reading this book opened my eyes to how little I truly knew about tech’s impact on our planet. It was a powerful reality check that sparked something in me, pushing me to be more vocal and proactive about the often-hidden damage that so-called 'innovation' can cause.

Thieverry Corporation – Live Perfomance

You can never go wrong with TC. Raw talent. Music filled with so much passion. Gives me shivers every time.

Till next week, Mavericks.

Stay curious,

Bella