Girls are aware of beauty standards by age three, study finds
The value of personal attractiveness is established much younger than you might think. But what does this mean for girls growing up in an image-obsessed era? We check our appearance around 38 times per day. That pastime was once reserved for mirrors, and now extends to every reflective surface...
Current in Fashion + Beauty
Are beauty pageants still exclusive?
Beauty pageants in the UK have had a rebrand. The stereotypical image of women parading around in bikinis, smiling until their cheeks hurt and answering some variation of ‘how would you achieve world peace?’ feels increasingly outdated. Today, pageantry sells something different. Confidence. Advocacy. Charity. Entrepreneurship. Empowerment. Contestants have platforms, careers,...
Vinted users complain AI is causing unfair suspensions
The resale app is the latest platform facing backlash for its use of automated tools. Thousands of Vinted sellers have said they were suspended unfairly or permanently banned after automated fraud detection deemed them to be using the app inappropriately. The BBC reported that several users feel the platform’s integrated...
Can we stop dressing celebrities in looted ancient artefacts?
Zendaya is the latest star facing backlash for her red-carpet fashion choices – this time sporting a pair of ancient Iranian artefacts to promote Christopher Nolan’s latest film The Odyssey. Only a handful of stars have the fashion world under their thumb quite like Zendaya (and her trusty stylist Law...
OpenAI has launched its own… merch?
The parent company of ChatGPT, OpenAI, has launched its own merchandise brand, which includes hats, tees, tote bags, socks, and even a glowing green basketball. Despite online criticism, stock appears to be selling well. OpenAI has unveiled its first public merchandise brand, Supply Co. Its new line of products includes...
Opinion – The outrage over Olivia Rodrigo’s dress is disturbing
Criticism over the singer’s babydoll-style dress is a projection of misogynist and perverted hypersexualisation. But the women targeted by this kind of backlash are still framed as the villains. When Olivia Rodrigo stepped out on stage in a sweet babydoll dress, I’d never have guessed it would start an internet...
Should the Met Gala still be celebrated in 2026?
With war raging around the world this year, should we still be lauding celebrities for their expensive outfits and elitist parties? As costs soar and wealth inequality widens, it feels harder to engage with it all, especially given the Met Gala’s insistence on billionaire endorsements. The Met Gala is back, folks, with all the usual celebrity appearances and outfits making their annual rounds across social media. Regular attendees like Rihanna, Jay...
Vinted sales surging as Gen Z continues to thrift
Second-hand shopping has boomed amongst younger generations, and platforms like Vinted are reaping the rewards. It’s no secret that vintage fashion is on the rise. Whether it’s retro-inspired silhouettes on the runways, or an affinity for individual style to rival trend culture, we’re increasingly turning to pre-loved pieces. The growth of second-hand shopping has been particularly prevalent amongst Gen Z, a demographic that has grown up against a backdrop of environmental...
Why Gen Z is leaving luxury fashion on the shelf
High-end brands are failing to resonate with younger customers. What does this mean for the future of fashion? For luxury fashion brands, Gen Z are a confusing bunch. They have money to spend (with many of their cohort approaching the latter end of their twenties, and a healthy bunch splurging on frivolities like bespoke tinned fish and £25 smoothies), exposure to brand mythologies, and a desire to express themselves through...
What is a ‘swag gap?’
TikTok’s latest colloquial term ‘swag gap’ refers to couples or partners who have an obvious difference in aesthetic and style choices. Could you be part of a ‘swag gap’ couple? TikTok has graced us with another new slang term, this time focusing on couples and their outfit choices. Yes, really. A ‘swag gap’ relationship refers to a partnership in which one person makes significantly more effort to look good than...
