New archaeology points towards Laver’s thesis

*A big thanks to reader Chris W. for sending this article my way. Archaeologists think they have found confirmation that early “modern” humans — but seemingly not Neanderthals — adorned themselves with polished shells (http://theconversation.com/decorated-snail-shell-in-a-cave-in-iraq-could-be-evidence-of-paleolithic-bling-79380). James Laver is one of my favourite writers and is known for stating that the earliest clothes were likely shells…

Ermenegildo Zegna: Close to Max Scheler

Ermenegildo Zegna is a menswear company rich in history (http://www.zegnagroup.com/storia_e_sviluppo/la_storia/inizi) and one committed to the welfare of its workers.  As a family run business, combining craft and vertical integration, it comes close to Scheler’s idea of the estate discussed at V&R Chapter 5. Reaffirming its couture sensibility, but with offerings at a number of price…

Brunello Cucinelli x veneration

My previous post commented upon the habit of Italian fashion houses to defend the heritage not only of their brands but more broadly their country. Regular readers know that Cucinelli tops my list of most ethically managed fashion houses.  His company is a fine example of Scheler (see V&R Chapter 5) and Burke’s moral thinking.…

Edmund Burke x Italian fashion houses

Averse to revolution, Burke famously argues that civilization requires the handing on of its past to the future.  Italian fashion houses take this charge very seriously (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/22/fashion/fendi-sculpture-rome-giuseppe-penone.html?smid=tw-nytfashion&smtyp=cur&_r=0).  Italians are leaders in teaching that heritage is not the enemy of the new.

Dior Archive: Edmund Burke Approves

Signature design companies are investing in archives: Apple, Jaguar, Bulgari, and Dior are just some of the companies reengaging with their heritage (see http://www.ethicsoffashion.com/apple-bows-burke/).   This is a good article about the Dior archive (https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/bof-exclusive/marking-70-years-of-dior-with-a-new-strategic-archive?utm_source=Subscribers&utm_campaign=a0933ffd51-dior-tktktk-miroslava-duma-s-fashion-tech-lab&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d2191372b3-a0933ffd51-417297929).   Burke — but also Scheler — believes that moral and civilisational development must defer to the established manners of…