2040
We have now fully repurposed the shopping centre into an eco-community and co-working space dedicated to fashion and craftsmanship. A proof of the power of sustainable urban regeneration. The once-vacant shopfronts now buzz with activity. The mills are housing a diverse array of workshops, educational spaces, shops, services, and community gathering areas. Customers are more visitors who come here to relax.
The government's mandatory use of sustainable agriculture practices to allow the import of natural fibres has revolutionized the textile industry. This pivotal policy has not only reduced the environmental footprint of textile production but also spurred innovation and revitalized local economies.
We had been supported by Retuna a Swedish project that created a shopping centre focused on recycling, created in 2015. As well as the French initial Ikos who also based their development on recycling.
2035
In 2035 The Mills School program started, nurturing a new generation of textile artisans and environmental awareness. The program's immersive curriculum, combining hands-on training with theoretical, equips learners with the skills and knowledge to navigate the new industry.
The same year indoor farm, inspired by Albini's Vertical Indigo project, was operational. The era of urban agriculture allowed technological evolution in vertical aeroponics, maximizing crop yield while minimizing resource consumption. The farm produces sustainable dyes for textile production and serves as a living laboratory. We had partnered with the project “Whole” which was created in 2021 a dyes garden in Paris, educating on natural dyes and technics.
The quotas implemented in 2025 have successfully guided the textile industry towards a more balanced and sustainable approach. The Quotas are now restricting even more the importation of Synthetic fibre. Which encouraged a shift towards natural fibres and more local ones.
Production has slowed down and Luxury brands that were suffering from the fashion calendar had agreed on a new agenda for fashion shows. Now the fashion week lasts a little longer because we have more emergent designers. Most importantly, shows are no longer spread around the city, a few places are elected and each day the shows are held in the same place. The mills are on the list, and we hosted 2032 Spring Summer, we had 7 shows in one day, We had 3 runaways, one in the garden, one inside on the main floor and another one in the art gallery.
2030
Between 2025 and 2030 The Mills' old parking has undergone renovation, emerging as a hub for both small-scale artisan production. It accommodates a diverse range of equipment, from traditional hand looms to cutting-edge digital printing machines. This versatility empowers textile entrepreneurs to realize their creative visions while adhering to sustainable practices. Equipment for wood manufacture is going to be available in the coming years.
The famous law restricting the importation of garments has further strengthened, now synthetic fabric importations are limited. This measure serves to protect the domestic textile industry and incentivize the development of local, sustainable alternatives. This law is similar to the “ACCORDS MULTIFIBRES” which stopped in 2005, after this date we have seen an increase in importation and loss of production in Europe.
This previous restriction led to a new interest in ethical sourcing of raw materials, Hecho por Nosotros has developed a platform connecting producers designers and consumers. The AI played also a role in helping sort our ethical interests with the Sourcing Playground tool
Development of local fiber production also grew interest since 1083 made jeans out of French-grown and Recycled cotton launched in 2024.
More visitors came each year and many events led to the idea of having a bigger and more permanent art gallery to present work from local and non-local artists or collaboration. This space is also a great opportunity to host bigger events.
Transportation got back in our minds, but we did not have the personnel power to change the thing, did we? Well, we had to vote for a new Mayor and one of the candidates had a program for transport and pollution reduction. Its plan was to make public transport more accessible and in a larger area since car users were coming from small towns outside Paris. New bus road, train project. The fastest implemented project was a carpool system, which has been democratized since with spontaneous carpool stop stations (Like the French Covoit’ici).
2025
The implementation of quotas for both synthetic and natural fibre-based garments has marked a significant step towards a more balanced and sustainable textile market. These quotas have effectively curbed the overproduction of synthetic garments, reducing the environmental impact of the industry.
Housing regulations have effectively safeguarded the nature and affordability of the neighbourhood surrounding the Mills. Strict rent control measures have prevented displacement, allowing the original residents to continue living in their community and enjoy the benefits of the revitalized Mills.
Workshop owners have embraced the spirit of knowledge sharing and collaboration, as mandated by the Mills rules. They must offer classes and/or open their ateliers to the public. Fighting the loss of knowledge and encouraging vocation to young visitors.
Small-scale local production was at the heart of the project, low-priced rent for the atelier spaces, helped local artisans and entrepreneurs to join. Making them contributors to the economic and social vitality of their neighbourhood.
we had opened our Ressourcerie since “La Réserve Des Arts” was on a temporary lease in a warehouse nearby they agreed to join us and install their textile resources at the Mills
We were looking at the future of transportation since our garden is close to a huge busy road, it was loud and caused a lot of air pollution. A law announced in 2022 was to ban the sales of the new thermic car after 2035. It was a step, but it was a little far away, the Olympic Games in 2024 showed us our public transportation was not sufficient. The new Mayor of Paris decided to follow the restriction of car circulation already existing and strengthen it, around 2027 individual cars with thermic engines had a tax to be allowed to circulate in Paris area. It led to protests and debate.
2023
We started with the community garden at the Mills. In the beginning, residents were a little hesitant, but after the first spring, they saw the potential. We have a variety of organically grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs, fostering a sense of connection to the land and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Workshop spaces have become available at affordable rates, providing a nurturing environment for creative expression and entrepreneurial ventures.
Inspired by the project of “La manufacture Berlier” in the heart of Paris and “la Caserne” as well as the many “Tiers-Lieux” around Paris like la Cité Fertile
The Mills started its transformation into an incubator for innovation, empowering individuals and contributing to the sustainable textile landscape.