Thinking about reducing waste and reusing materials, our latest mix tape from DJ Rick is constructed entirely of edits, samples and remixes. Proving that if you look in the archives and dig up the hidden gems - whether that’s fabric, or audio - you can create something pretty special. Have a listen, and if you like it, share it... keep it circulating. LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD: MIX TAPE O4 - CIRCU...

“Closing the loop” is widely seen as the future of a more sustainable society. A closed loop system is one where products are designed, manufactured and used so as to circulate within society for as long as possible.  In fashion this includes designing durable and biodegradable or recyclable clothing, re-using and reducing waste through repairs and customer take-back programs, and up-cycling ex...

Outsourcing, lack of transparency, and long, complex supply chains mean that big brands sometimes don’t actually know who is making their clothes let alone what the conditions are like for the workers.  Smaller brands can more easily form close partnerships with their producers which can lead to a whole lot of good stuff, not least having clearer sight of the environmental and human impact of t...

Transparency eliminates secrecy and holds brand accountable. If you could see how some of the clothes you buy were made, you wouldn't buy them. I know the same is true for some of the stuff in my wardrobe. Even wardrobe pieces as simple as a tee shirt are the product of a complex supply chain which has an impact on people and on our planet at every stage. Unfortunately fashion supply chains are...

ECO-FRIENDLY materials are non-toxic to people and the environment as well as being biodegradable or recyclable. They don’t necessarily have to be natural fibers (produced by plants or animals), some synthetic fibers (produced by humans) can also be considered good for the world. Also, and confusingly, not all natural fibers are eco-friendly. It’s all about their overall impact on people and th...

How do a DJ duo deal with isolation? We asked Amsterdam DJ’s Homecooking - Rey Adrade & Leonidas Diamantis - about how they are staying connected and creative during the current situation. To many people W.F.H. means spending days on end in Zoom meetings. But what does W.F.H. mean to a DJ duo, and how have you managed to stay connected? L: We talk a lot. We analyze records we love, constan...

Aniela Parys is a project based on the revival of sustainable clothing manufacturing, photography, artist collaborations.  From their Barcelona studio they design with a focus on local sourcing and production, and sustainable fabrics. Aniela Parys is also the name of the designer and founder of the brand, we chatted to Aniela to find out a bit more about them. If you had to describe Aniela Pary...

MAKE are a Cardiff based brand taking a unique and imaginative approach to fabric-first, zero-waste design using deadstock materials.  We chatted to founder, Sam Osborne to get to know a bit more about MAKE; where they've come from, the drive behind what they do today, and what the future holds. If you had to describe MAKE in 2 words what would it be? Progressive – Agnostic. What inspired you...

Everyone is handing out tote bags like they are disposable. But what about the impact they make on the world? Making a cotton tote uses up resources like water and energy and puts chemical fertilisers and CO2 into the world. If you look at the lifecycle impact, you would have to use a tote bag 173 times to match the carbon footprint of a plastic bag. (*)  Everyone we know has stacks of surplu...

We've got some tunes to lift your mood at home courtesy of the first PARO Mix Tape from Jack Dolo. It's upbeat, eclectic and brings the good vibes, just like PARO STORE. Have a listen, have a dance and share the love with your mates. Listen on soundcloud: PARO MIX TAPE 01 W/ JACK DOLO

At PARO we love good design. For us, this means awesome products that: 1. You connect with; 2. Have great functionality and aesthetic; 3. Make a positive impact on the world. It’s estimated that the choices made during a product’s design phase dictates more than 80% of its impact on the world. We only stock brands who prioritize reducing this impact in their design process. Some people call thi...

Sustainability has become a bit of a buzzword these days, and is often used without really knowing what it means. As a designer, sustainability is highly nuanced and considered hundreds of times throughout the design and production process - from patterns, to material choices, and where and how to produce. Inevitably this also means making choices and deciding where to focus. There is no “right...