To slow down and realign. These are the opportunities that the current crisis is suggesting to the fashion world. During this “forced break”, the entire fashion system must acknowledge the need for change.

Starting with Giorgio Armani’s open letter to the website WWD, it has become clear these days that a “careful and intelligent slowdown” is the only way out. To overcome this moment, fashion must find, along with the institutions, the answer to some questions that have become crucial. Such as how to respond to next-generation consumers who, in addition to the image effect, are increasingly asking brands: What lies behind the product we are buying?

In this context, at Schmid we are doing our part, supporting the quality of our products and service. Over the years we have always designed “classic” collections, which have never given in to consumer-driven fast fashion. What is more, we were one of the first companies to anticipate in our industry the search for ecofriendly products and fabrics.

The economic crisis is challenging even the most stable fashion houses. A natural selection process will ensue and only those who have something to tell will find the right way ahead.

In this period, Schmid has put a lot of effort into protecting a production model made up of many local artisans. That is why today, just like in the past, we are able to meet our customers’ needs in terms of quality but also of flexibility. We are ready to support them for any type of production.

If we all do our part, rethinking production and meeting commitments, this approach will drive Italy’s comeback as a nation and creative force. By creating partnerships, collaborating and adopting new strategies, the fashion business will be able to grow again, yet with a partially new work model. This is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to review consolidated and somehow outdated systems and imagine new ways to design, produce and sell.