An evening of conversation between Dr. Mila Burcikova (Centre for Sustainable Fashion) and Dörte de Jesus (The Lissome magazine) accompanied by Mila’s exhibition ‘Life in Clothes’ and the launch of The Lissome’s latest issue ‘Love Ethic’. We talked about re-connecting with natural seasons through Mila’s Life in Clothes Almanac, nature-based narratives for fashion in an article and photo story inspired by Mila’s research, and The Lissome’s gentle yet radical vision of conscious creation in divisive times. The conversation was hosted by Hardeep Kaur (The Architecture of Contemplation podcast).

Life in Clothes is three-year research on the interconnections and parallels between fashion-making and farming practices. The Life in Clothes Almanac is Mila’s micro-scenario for a deeper understanding of fashion and agriculture at the smallest end of the scale – designer-maker practice and gardening. Drawing on historical farmer’s almanacs, following the flow of seasons in her studio and the gardens attached to it, Mila explores how fashion centres and priorities are shifted when fashion is truly grounded in nature and a rural space.

The theme for The Lissome’s 4th issue, Love Ethic, is a tribute to bell hooks’ iconic work, All About Love, and ponders love as a powerful antidote for our challenging times, in and beyond the realms of fashion.