OTTOBRE design® autumn 4/2021
Hi all readers,
Already in spring we decided that the theme of this autumn issue would be “Togetherness” because we wanted to rejoice in the small yet significant things we’ve learned during the past year. While the virus and its variants have been making their way around the world, we have curled up in our holes like little creatures and focused on taking care of our nearest and dearest. It has indeed been quite a job to cope with remote working, remote learning, remote grandparenting and remote socializing with friends. However, the general atmosphere of empathy has helped to alleviate the frustration; we are all in the same boat after all. We have also learned to be a little gentler toward each other and perhaps toward ourselves too.
One of the pros of remote life is that we’ve grown to appreciate little things in life: the tranquility of hazy mornings when the others are still asleep, a message from a long-distance friend, a beautiful stone that one’s child found outside, or an offer for help from an unexpected source. We’ve got to know our neighbors better than before and had time to engage in the lives of our family members. Home has become our safe haven and a true base, instead of being a place where members of the family occasionally meet. We’ve had time to ask each other “How are you” and “How are things” and really mean it, and also to encourage people to elaborate further after their routine reply “Fine, thanks”.
Since we haven’t been able to meet people indoors, we’ve taken walks and hikes with families and friends. Indeed, what could be better than sitting on a rock or tree stump in the forest, eating sandwiches and sipping coffee from a thermos mug in good company. We’ve also witnessed the joy that even brief face-to-face encounters between people of different ages can bring.
The concept of clothing has also changed. Casual, stretchy and comfortable clothes that are easy to put on seem to be fit for almost any occasion now. And when you go outdoors, an anorak or a parka is quick to slip on top of them. Layering has become popular again. Therefore we designed various practical jackets and outerwear pants for this issue, together with easy indoor clothes for preschool and school. There are also a couple of designs for adults.
Hopefully you’ll find a little time to sit at your sewing machine…
Wishing you a serene coming autumn,
OTTOBRE design® team