Ethical fashion in Calabria: the history of Cangiari, a brand of handmade clothes with organic fabrics

CANGIARI ETHICAL AND ARTISAN FASHION –

I saw a beautiful women's clothing collection, in wool and silk, made in one of the most troubled areas of Italy, in the heart of Locride, a region gripped by organized crime and youth unemployment that exceeds 75 percent. The brand of these clothes is called Change which in the Calabrian dialect means precisely "Change." And it's a real change, not just economic, but also in lifestyles and production models. Designer clothes Change They are all made of natural fabrics, organic wool, broom and cruelty-free silk (with the cocoons processed by saving the silkworm); they are made using hand looms and reproduce the shapes, designs, and patterns of ancient Greek and Byzantine weaving. A miracle in poor Calabria.

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CANGIARI'S SUSTAINABLE, SOCIAL AND FAIR FASHION –

Even more surprising is the path taken by the women di Change To achieve success. The first step was decisive, thanks to the push and support of Monsignor Giancarlo Maria Bregantini, Bishop of Locri-Gerace, who worked tirelessly to support the project. Then came the creative director, Paulo Merlin Andersson, a former designer for major fashion brands, and well-known collaborators in the fashion world, such as Marina Spadafora. The result: today Change It is a company that employs 100 people, all with permanent contracts, and has a turnover of almost 5 million euros per year.Not only that, the cooperative has joined the social consortium. Goel (a biblical name which indicates “he who redeems himself”), chaired by Vincenzo Linarello, which brings together, among other things, companies of organic farmers, restaurateurs and responsible tourism agencies. A true production system based on non-waste principles and a great opportunity for the entire region..

(The images in the gallery are taken from the Cangiari's Facebook page)

TO KNOW MORE: Fashion is increasingly ethical, with more Italians choosing animal-free clothing and accessories.