CULTURE CLUBBING 01 SOCIAL FEED

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE URBAN EXPLORATION #3 Since the Soviet government was ousted in 2003, the Georgian capital of Tbilisi has undergone a renaissance, giving birth to a thumping cultural scene, with food and music taking centre stage. This is our guide to 24 h

The main thoroughfare of Shardeni Street, littered with shops, bars and restaurants, caters mainly to tourists. But for a truly authentic experience, local bar owner and journalist Will Cathcart suggests the House of Khinkali in the old town. ‘ Khinkali’ are fat dumplings stuffed with meat and spices, and they’re the best way to start a big night, he advises: “Georgians tend to party over traditional food. They are gregarious people defined by their hospitality – be respectful and you’ll be received with open arms.”

When is a T-shirt more than just a T-shirt? When what’s printed on it makes it a tool for change. Fashion’s humblest staple has a long history of political posturing (some might say virtuesignalling), and as we live through the most tumultuous political environment for a generation, fashion and style have linked arms once more.

“What makes T-shirts with political slogans so effective is that you can’t not read them,” says Katharine Hamnett, the British designer who, since the ’80s, has used T-shirts to champion myriad causes, from the fight against climate change (Save the Rainforest) to safe sex in the wake of the Aids crisis (Use A Condom). “The large, clear lettering catches your eye and makes you think, question and hopefully do the right thing.”

This year slogans have featured significantly on T-shirts just about everywhere – from low-key, DIY brands to high-end designers. Cynics might wonder what concern multimillion-pound fashion businesses have with agit-prop dissent, but Hamnett is clear: “Protest is cool again,” she says. “Brands are realising that because their customers care about certain issues, they need to look as if they do, too.” Solidarity, brother.