"The State of Nature": Emerging designers reshape tomorrow’s fashion

In the vibrant setting of the Beyond the Noise space at Premiere Classe, a talk hosted by Mixte Magazine captivated the audience with an audacious theme: how the new generation of designers is reshaping fashion by reconnecting with nature and craftsmanship.

Moderated by Mixte Magazine’s editor-in-chief Antoine Leclerc-Mougne, two renowned designers, Louise Marcaud and Luca Bauer, shared their perspectives on the future of sustainable fashion.

Rethinking Nature in design


How can fashion draw inspiration from nature to reinvent its creative processes?” Antoine Leclerc-Mougne opened the discussion with this essential question.

For him, the new generation isn’t merely following trends; they’re forging a direct connection with nature while highlighting artisanal skills. Fashion needs to be approached through a societal lens: “We use fashion to address social issues and promote values close to our hearts, like sustainability and simplicity.”

Luca Bauer: Nature as primary inspiration


Jeweller Luca Bauer, based between Marseille and Paris, builds his work on a deep commitment to the environment: “Sustainability isn’t an option; it’s an obligation,” he declared. His jewellery, crafted from recycled and locally sourced metals, pays homage to microscopic life, particularly mushrooms and mycelium.


On the creative challenges he faces, he said, “Working with sustainable materials imposes constraints, especially in sourcing precious stones.” Bauer also shared the difficulties he encounters when collaborating with major luxury houses, where production demands often overshadow ecological considerations: “It’s a real challenge to integrate sustainable practices in a world where deadlines and profitability take precedence.

Louise Marcaud: turning constraints into creative strength


Louise Marcaud, a designer of deconstructed suits, uses deadstock fabrics to create unique pieces. She shared her family background, marked by a culture of repair and reuse, which shaped her approach: “The idea of recovering and reusing materials has always been a part of me. My father was a cabinetmaker, and I grew up in a culture of recycling and repurposing.


She also spoke about the challenges of sustainability: “Using deadstock imposes limits, especially on a larger scale. But I enjoy turning these constraints into a creative strength.” For Marcaud, the key lies in building a direct relationship with her clients, who value craftsmanship and support a slower approach to fashion: “Sustainability requires rethinking how we create and consume, but it also brings us closer to our audiences.”


Youth at the heart of the sustainable revolution


For these designers, sustainability is essential, but it demands constant reinvention. “We must continue promoting transformative solutions and encourage more responsible consumer habits,” concluded Luca Bauer. Louise Marcaud added, “It’s essential to champion artisanal skills, which are too often overlooked, especially with the rise of digital technologies.


Returning to nature and more authentic methods, they believe, is the path forward to reshape fashion and its environmental impact. Both designers agreed that this shift needs to happen on a human scale: “To return to a state of nature in creation, we must also return to a state of nature in our human connections, in our ways of producing and consuming,” said Louise Marcaud.


Fashion in the midst of transformation


This talk highlighted the growing commitment of young designers to a more environmentally respectful and artisanal fashion industry. These exchanges demonstrated that sustainability is no longer just a trend but a necessity. “Creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand, provided that humanity and nature are at the heart of the process,” concluded Antoine Leclerc-Mougne

Yann Jobard

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