A selection of urban pieces for everyday superheroes, fighting against environmental issues – with a holistic approach to sustainability values thanks to the synergy with C.L.A.S.S.
After being rewarded with the 2021 C.L.A.S.S. Icon Award, Portuguese brand Duarte is ready to present its Spring/Summer 2022 collection developed in collaboration with C.L.A.S.S. ecohub. The streetwear designer Ana
Duarte has worked in close contact with the Milanese hub in order to create a 40 pieces collection where the approach to materials, suppliers, new business models and communication include and support a holistic view of the sustainable values aligned with style, performances, look and touch and Duarte identity.
The inspiration behind this collection is the superhero Tadao – Ana Duarte’s dog – which is the World Keeper fighting against the environmental issues generated by mankind. Like a guardian of sustainability, it battles against these modern monsters: Smog
Man, Fire Man, Deforestation Man and Wave man, who respectively represent the issues of air pollution, climate change, forest destruction and water overconsumption.
The collection is made up of 20 outfits. Majority of them are unisex, apart from some small specific details linked to sizes or ergonomics. Hints of bright red and mustard yellow coexist with denim, grey and pale azure tones, simultaneously blending in with the colorful prints.
Accents of black – used in inserts or as piping – emphasize the outline of the garments. The different textures of the materials contribute to create a sense of movement, further enhanced by the unique patterns.
All the garments’ prints are exclusively conceived by the designer, following each collection’s inspiration: this time, they recall urban landscapes and the appeal
of big metropolis.
Ana Duarte is part of a new generation of designers with a new approach to sourcing and making. Her research goes into different kind of business models to fit her responsible innovation and style needs at the same time. This is the reason why in her collection we can find an amazing and unique combination of organic, recycled, Back in The Loop, innovative materials that represent the right choice for the look, touch and performance she’s looking for.
These solutions are cool yet respecting people and the environment in full traceability with certified and sometimes even circular solutions. Working with components from various sources and business models requires a certain expertise and a particular sensibility. Both elements are found in Ana Duarte’s design solutions and in her responsible interpretation of streetwear.
