Cangiari, “Beauty is different”, is the new ethical and social fashion brand originated from the social responsibility mission of GOEL, a Consortium of social co-operatives in the south of Italy that struggles against the mafia, and gives work to disadvantaged people (convicts or former convicts, people with addictions, disabled individuals, people with mental disorders, jobless women and youths, people and families in difficulties and migrants).
“Cangiari” means “changing” in the dialect spoken in Calabria and Sicily. “Changing” as a transitive (the world) and reflexive verb (oneself), but it also means bringing change into the fashion system. The logo completes its meaning: in mathematics stands for dissimilar, different, and expresses the will and the commitment to innovate, to stand out. Each garment is, in fact, a metaphorical envelope that contains a message to the wearer about human rights, fairness, participation, common good, lawfulness, ecology, and nonviolence.
The claim “Beauty is different” is supposed to promote reflection on how “fair”, as well as “beautiful” is each individual’s dignity, socioeconomic fairness, respect for the environment, participation and nonviolence. Cangiari favours the use of organic natural fibres, thus combining research and innovation with utmost respect for the eco-system. The collections are in the process of being certified by the Istituto per la Certificazione Etica e Ambientale (ICEA) according to the criteria defined by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): “the certification of ICEA – states Paolo Foglia, responsible for organic textile sector – takes into account three main objectives: minimizing environmental risks; achieving an efficient use of natural resources; promoting social justice. Fashion and equity can gain a profound relationship and enhance each others potentiality”.
Sponsored by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana and tutored by entrepreneur Santo Versace, Cangiari collection will be presented in the frame of Milan fashion week on February 25th.