Celebrating Love, Tata Christiane Style, by Lara Serlin
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Tata Christiane is shifting the narrative surrounding this *ever so slightly* commercialised day. We will be celebrating Valentine’s Day as an inclusive occasion open to everyone, regardless of relationship status or gender. It’s time to respin the historical tale to honour all forms of love – romantic, platonic, familial, and self-love, as well as committing to a deeper love for our planet. In our designs and values, we embrace diversity, sustainability, and encourage individuals to express themselves authentically, free from societal expectations or constraints.
Level up Your Valentine’s Day with sustainable gifts
Valentine’s Day is often associated with romantic gestures like gifting flowers, chocolates, and jewellery. However lovely these gestures are to receive, they can feel cliché, tailored to a heteronormative demographic, and short-lived. With sustainability at the core of our brand, we take pride in utilising upcycled materials, giving new life to discarded fabrics and textiles, and transforming them into fashion-forward pieces that are both unique and eco-friendly.
From chic dresses to handmade accessories, each piece is a testament to our commitment to sustainability. What better way to express your love than by supporting brands that share your values? You’re not only investing in quality, stylish pieces but also contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry. It’s a win-win.
Add some love to your life with these sustainable picks
With these pieces, you will wear your heart on your sleeve (literally!). Check out our other pieces in the collection From The Desire To Be My Other.
7 ways you can celebrate love consciously this Valentine’s Day
- Choose sustainable gifts: Opt for gifts that are ethically sourced, eco-friendly, or made from sustainable materials. Look for items that support local artisans, promote fair trade practices, or have minimal environmental impact.
- DIY gifts and cards: Get creative and make your own gifts or cards using recycled materials or items you already have at home. Stay tuned as we will be announcing workshops shortly, offering you the opportunity to sign up to a DIY project to create eco-friendly gifts and learn crochet techniques.
- Donate to Environmental Causes: In lieu of traditional gifts, consider making a donation to environmental organisations or causes that are meaningful to you and your partner. Giving back to the planet can be a meaningful way to celebrate love while making a positive impact on the world.
- Plan eco-friendly activities: Instead of traditional Valentine’s Day activities that may generate waste or consume resources, plan eco-friendly outings or experiences. Consider activities like hiking in nature, visiting a local farmer’s market, or volunteering.
- Cook a sustainable meal: Prepare a special Valentine’s Day meal using locally sourced, organic ingredients. Choose recipes that minimise food waste and support sustainable farming practices. Consider incorporating plant-based options to reduce the environmental footprint of your meal.
- Practice Gratitude: This is the ultimate form of self-love and fills you with appreciation for what you do have in your life, rather than what is lacking.
- Support Sustainable Brands: When purchasing gifts or planning activities, support brands and businesses that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Look for certifications or labels indicating sustainable practices, such as Fair Trade or Certified B Corporation.
Where Did This Day Come From?
It is always interesting to look into the history of where certain traditions came from and why we celebrate. Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind this day of love and explore how Tata Christiane infuses its own unique perspective into this tradition.
St. Valentine, the namesake of this romantic occasion, is believed to have been a Roman priest who lived during the third century AD. The details of his life are veiled in mystery and legend, but one popular narrative suggests that he defied Emperor Claudius II’s decree forbidding marriage for young men, believing that unwed soldiers made better fighters. Despite the risks, Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret. Another tale speaks of him sending the first “valentine” greeting to a young girl he fell in love with while imprisoned. Before his execution, it is said that he signed a farewell message to her, “From Your Valentine,” a phrase that is still used in cards today.
Just as St. Valentine’s actions defied societal norms, we challenge the conventional narrative by advocating for a love that extends beyond just one person but the greater planet. After all, Philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The universe is in us,” implying that our body is a universe in all its vastness, complexity, and interconnectedness.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s redefine what it means to love. Let’s make it a day not just about flowers and chocolates but also about mindful consumption, sustainable living, and fostering connections with each other and with our planet. Let’s remember St. Valentine’s courage to defy norms and his belief in the power of love to overcome adversity. And let’s embrace our vision of a world where love knows no bounds and we cherish each other and the planet we call home.
Lara is a Berlin-based freelance writer, originally from London. With a background in marketing, she’s spent the last 10+ years working on everything content-related. She can usually be found hanging out with her dog Freddie, training for a marathon, or traveling to warmer places. She’s open to collaborations with brands or individuals, & can be contacted via email or LinkedIn.
