Of course I love shoes, but…
Obsolescence and zeitgeist are the enemies of our plan for a respectful use of the world’s resources. A world that should consist of the quality and longevity of products, with values such as responsibility, long-term thinking and action, reliability and common sense. Products with a story that have something to tell, were allowed to experience something more than the throwaway society of the consumer world allows them to do.
Fashion in particular is the most glowing example of shortening the accepted seasonal lifespan. Society shouldn’t be surprised, it creates these cycles and teaches people to appreciate the new and to dismiss the existing. This applies to products as well as relationships. Something new is better than maintaining what already exists.
Virtues are dismissed as old-fashioned, although they are particularly characterized by their wealth of experience.
I see myself as a protector of these values and stand for quality and durability. I like products that are timeless and represent these virtues. Old cars, clocks, guitars, furniture, clothes and of course shoes.
The throwaway society is no coincidence. In 1924, the most successful light bulb manufacturers met in Geneva and discussed limiting the lifespan of light bulbs to 1000 hours. This opened the door to the planned consumer and obsolescence society. The Phoebus Cartel went down in history, although it was discovered in 1942, the built-in expiry date had long since become a permanent economic institution.
A lightbulb fought back; it has been burning in fire station 6 in Livermore, near San Francisco, since 1901.
And, may I introduce? This is Pepe!
all the best, piapelle
