There is undeniably a new age of creativity and purpose in the fashion industry, with a call to action on sustainability. E D G E fashion intelligence, an international platform, takes a step forward to look at fashion from an intelligent, artistic, and practical perspective. The website, EDGExpo.com, provides a magazine-style look at the paradigm shift from irresponsible, excessive production and consumption to one of environmental and ethical consciousness, cultural sensitivity, and storytelling.
Fashion Intelligence: What is It?
Fashion intelligence is a collection and manifestation of data, reports, resources, narratives, and ideas of the changing paradigms and value proposition in the fashion industry; aligned with an anthropological, cultural, and ecological study that documents historical and modern transformative events.
[Photo: Culture Osmosis | Designer, Maital Levitan | Photography: Simone Ammendola]
Claiming a unique space in contrast to traditional fashion media, E D G E fashion intelligence (EFI) conveys how we as a global society value fashion. Collecting and presenting data, stories, interviews, and ideas on a path forward, with a better future for the industry; EFI is more closely aligned with an anthropological and responsible study of fashion than to the frivolous reputation the industry is known for, with principles of artistic value, cultural significance, and sustainable practices. EFI stimulates our thinking on why it matters to see fashion as a substantive form of art [and why contemporary fashion should be exhibited in museums], why it matters to understand fashion’s power in transforming cultural and individual identity, and why it matters to participate and educate the industry and public-at-large when it comes to sustaining earth’s resources.
E D G E takes fashion from being a superficial, surface-level idea and transforms it into a very cerebral concept and experience.
West Coast art dealer Irving Blum, famous for taking a chance with Andy Warhol when no one understood his artwork, once said, “artists that effect change, real change, are so few and far between, are so incredibly valuable, they cannot be replaced, they’re unique. You have to adore these people. They contribute so much to the culture. They are the culture.”
E D G E, the acronym of Emerging Designers Get Exposed, represents a powerful collective of designers who are making waves in the creative landscape. They possess a keen cultural awareness and are determined to showcase their work as true art. Eschewing the mass-production mindset, these designers produce exclusive, sought-after creations that provoke intellectual discourse, prioritize environmental sustainability, and carry profound significance. Their storytelling through design encapsulates the zeitgeist of our time—addressing social changes, the climate crisis, and the importance of preserving traditional methodologies.
How to Navigate EDGExpo.com:
Take a look at the category Sustainable EDGE and be informed on designers, brands, and global initiatives that are making the case for a circular fashion economy. Sustainable fashion is a big topic and as you tour the website, you’ll find vetted resources, reports, and links documenting this massive topic. With periodic updates, we’ve done the homework for you.
Many emerging designers are finding their voice in composing relevant collections of unmatched storytelling of the times we live in. A capsule of designs that make you pause, reflect, and appreciate fashion as an art. You can find their stories in EDGE Radar.
EDGE Afropolitan showcases the contributions of fashion creators from the African diaspora. As articulated by designer Maryanne E. Mokoko, a naturalized American with Cameroonian heritage, “One does not need to be of Black descent to be Afropolitan; one merely needs to possess a profound appreciation for Afro culture.”
Are you a numbers person and want data on industry forecasts, statistics, and best practices? EDGE-ucation is a great source plus some unknown facts can be found in “Fashion Unknown Fact” articles, and the popular FAQ series responds to frequently asked questions and guide for further research. If you just want to indulge at looking at fashion on the runway, yet be educated on why these collections matter, Look at EDGE showcases our uniquely curated designer collections from all parts of the world.
EDGE Remembers encompasses narratives that merit attention. These narratives highlight the historically and contemporarily underrepresented figures in fashion history, whose contributions remain obscured or overlooked. “A Study of Eight, The Untold American Story” serves as a prime example of such stories, focusing on pioneering Black fashion creators and influencers. This literary examination was broadcast on NPR’s “Here & Now”, and (printed hardbound) is in the Library of Congress General Collections.
Rhonda P Hill, founder of E D G E fashion intelligence, curator, and publishing editor of EDGExpo.com.
Images: Culture Osmosis, designer Maital Levitan. Photography: Simone Ammendola, Stylist: Stefania Pelliccioni, MUA and Hair: Cosimo Bellomo, Model: Martina J for Nur Model Management.
Maital Levitan, who holds a master’s degree in Alta Moda Haute Couture from Accademia Costume & Moda, Rome, Italy, used leftover (deadstock) couture fabrics of silk, wool, cotton, jacquard patterns, and lace from some of the main fashion houses in Italy. Culture Osmosis was constructed sustainably with intent to leave no waste.
Click here to read the interview with featured designer, Maital Levitan.
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