Flood Swings: The Universal Code of Music
By Elmar

I’ve always believed music is more than sound; it’s a code—one that’s written deep in every soul on the planet. You might wonder why I’m saying this. After all, I’m not a singer. (No joke, my voice is like a cat caught in the rain.) But it turns out, music doesn’t really care about that. Because music, my friends, doesn’t need lyrics or a perfect pitch to hit you where it counts.

Just take a look around. From humans to birds, to the rhythm of leaves in the breeze, there’s music flowing everywhere. Ever notice how animals respond to music? They don’t understand words, but they catch the vibe. Play a song, and even the dog will perk up, curious. Music speaks in waves, rhythms, frequencies. It’s something they feel, something we all feel.

One second of a sound and a single look can say more than five books. Seriously—ever catch someone’s eye just as the beat drops? That look holds stories, feelings, history. Music says the things we struggle to put into words; it’s the wave that rolls through and pulls us into something bigger.

And here’s where it gets a bit trippy: Everything, from sound to light to atoms, is made of waves. So, music isn’t just something we listen to—it’s something we’re built from. Think about that next time you feel a song hit you right in the chest, or when you catch yourself moving to a rhythm you didn’t know you knew.

So, yeah, music is the code of humanity. It flows through everyone, no matter where they’re from or what language they speak. It connects us to each other, and to something bigger. And I’m not saying you have to be a singer to get it (thankfully, for people like me).

Ride the waves, feel the rhythm, and don’t stress the small stuff. After all, we’re all made of music—even if I’m not a singer.

All-Over Prints: A Love Letter (With a Plastic-Wrapped Twist)

By Elmar

Let me tell you something: all-over print designs are like music to my eyes. They’re bold, expressive, and unapologetically loud—just like my favorite beats. When you slap a killer design on every inch of a hoodie or tee, it’s not just clothing; it’s art you can wear. But here’s the kicker: the magic of all-over printing often comes wrapped in something a little less magical—plastic. And man, that’s where my rhythm skips a beat.

The Polyester Parade

All-over print clothing mostly rides on polyester’s back. Why? Because it’s the star player in sublimation printing, where dyes become part of the fabric itself. The result? Vibrant colors, seamless designs, and a buttery-soft feel that doesn’t crack or fade. But here’s the shadow under the spotlight: polyester is made from plastic.

Sure, they tell us it’s “recycled” polyester—like turning old plastic bottles into fashion-forward threads is some kind of superhero move. Sounds great, right? But dig deeper, and the story starts to unravel.

The Recycling Mirage

I’ve done my homework. Turns out, most of this “recycled” polyester doesn’t come from the post-consumer waste we toss into our blue bins. Nope. A lot of it comes from pre-consumer or industrial scraps—stuff that factories were already recycling to save costs. Companies rebrand this process, slap a green label on it, and call it sustainability. Clever, right? But let’s be real: it’s just business as usual dressed up in eco-marketing.

And those “recycled plastic bottles”? Here’s a little secret: there aren’t enough bottles in the system to support the amount of recycled yarn being sold. Rumor has it some companies are importing brand-new plastic bottles just to chop them up and call them recycled. Technically, they’re not lying, but it’s a classic case of smoke and mirrors.

The Dirty Truth

Even when recycled polyester is legit, it’s still plastic. And plastic doesn’t just disappear—it breaks down into microfibers that sneak into waterways every time you wash your clothes. So yeah, recycled or not, those threads aren’t exactly doing Mother Earth any favors.

So, What’s a Designer to Do?

Look, I get it. Polyester is the bread and butter of all-over prints. It’s the only fabric that can handle the bold designs I love without looking washed out or cracking under pressure. But if we want to keep the vibe alive without trashing the planet, we’ve got to demand better. Here’s what we can do:

1. Call Out the Scams: Let’s stop pretending “recycled” polyester is some golden ticket to sustainability. Transparency matters.

2. Push for Post-Consumer Recycling: We need infrastructure to recycle what we’ve already used, not just factory scraps.

3. Mix It Up: Biodegradable fibers like organic cotton or bamboo could step into the spotlight for designs that don’t require sublimation.

Finding the Balance

Am I giving up on all-over prints? Not a chance. They’re my jam, my go-to, my canvas for creativity. But I’m not afraid to ask for more. I want those jaw-dropping designs on fabrics that feel good and do good. Because let’s face it: art shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet.

So here’s my pitch to the industry: Give us fabrics that let us shine without making us choose between killer looks and a livable future. Until then, I’ll keep rocking my all-over prints—with an eye on what’s behind the label.

Let’s ride this wave together. High-quality, planet-friendly prints? That’s the groove I’m ready to roll with.

While everything is made of waves, not all waves are the same.
—Elmar