Houdini, the circular sportswear company committed to timeless, minimalist designs, recently issued a spirited challenge to global event attendees. This summer, Houdini launched the Live Large With Less Challenge, asking the community to spend their entire summer using only 10 garments. The sportswear brand wanted to prove that the world does not need more clothes. We need clothes that can do more. A life full of adventure and experiences does not have to come at the cost of a large environmental footprint. Now, Houdini extends the challenge to all participants of the New York Climate Week, September 19-25, as well as the upcoming fashion weeks in London, Paris and Milan.
Already since Houdini’s foundation in the early 1990s it was important not to start a company just to sell stuff, but to fill a function or solve a problem. Following this spirit, the new challenge is simple: Spend the week using only 7 garments encouraging creativity for the “outfit of the day”. Attendees should share their experiences and connect with other participants on social media using #LiveLargeWithLess. The challenge has been picked up by numerous media outlets, including the New York Times Open Thread newsletter by well-known fashion editor Vanessa Friedman .
Functionality and versatility have always been cornerstones in the Houdini design philosophy. Their clothes are designed to work for all aspects of an active life. Technical materials combined with a timeless, minimalistic form create garments that work just as well among mountains and forests as in art galleries and office buildings. Houdini’s goal is to enable a lifestyle where you can do more with less, living life to the fullest with a smarter, smaller wardrobe. This is reflected by Houdini CEO Eva Karlsson’s pack list, which you find here.
“While the world of fashion introduces what’s next, the disturbing impacts of climate change will be front and center in New York,” Eva Karlsson, Houdini CEO, says. “This is about significantly altering our collective mindset and asking those actively engaged in climate change and the world of fashion to take those first important steps.”
With this in mind, Houdini follows a checklist that new garments must pass before production: does this product deserve existence; is it easy to repair; is it durable enough for their rental program; is anything added that isn’t needed; is it fit for sharing, repairing, remaking and reselling; and does it have a next life solution?
Houdini launched its first circular garment in 2006 and 85% of the collection is fully circular. The brand shares details on its circular design and manufacturing on Houdini’s website and The Planetary Boundaries Assessment.
