Barbie launches its first doll with hearing aids
A huge step forward in disability representation, Mattel’s latest collection is a notable effort to celebrate a much broader view of beauty. In 2019, Mattel unveiled a range of gender-neutral dolls to reflect changing social landscapes as the world continues to celebrate the positive impact of inclusivity. A year later, in...
Current in Fashion + Beauty
Are white celebrities ‘retiring’ a Black aesthetic?
A recent article by ‘Dazed’ suggests famous white women, most notably the Kardashians, have abandoned the Black aesthetic they’ve appropriated for the past few decades. But can racial and cultural identity be reduced to a ‘look’? And does the white monopoly over global beauty standards show any signs of...
Opinion – we should approach compostable beauty with caution
With greenwashing tactics increasingly difficult to navigate, environmentally conscious consumers remain sceptical when faced with new sustainability buzzwords adopted by brands pushing cosmetics and skincare products. As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, so too do the companies eager to generate revenue in the age of hyperawareness. Though it isn’t...
Are ‘reef safe’ sunscreen brands simply another example of greenwashing?
The term ‘reef safe’ is not regulated, meaning any sunscreen brand can include the phrase on its product labels. What does ‘reef safe’ mean and are these claims greenwashing? If you’ve been keeping up with skincare trends, SPF for your face and body are likely near the top on your...
Perfume makers are leaning into gender-fluid scents
Perfume brands begin to pull back from focusing on gender-orientated marketing, as women tire of being told to smell like a precious flower and men reject tree-like scents - and some just want a wonderful mix of both. I might only be speaking for myself when I say this, but...
Lionfish-derived leather alternative heals ecosystems
After witnessing how lionfish have devastated populations of Florida’s native tropical species, a team of diving enthusiasts figured out how to solve the problem: by inventing a new sustainable material. In recent years, the fashion industry has faced increased pressure to become more eco-conscious. The ever-worsening climate crisis demands...
SHEIN launches purpose-driven clothing line
The notorious fast fashion offender has announced a new collection it claims is made entirely from responsibly-sourced materials to help consumers invest in people and planet. Ah, SHEIN. The Amazon of the style realm that’s renowned for profiting off unsavoury labour practices while contributing significantly to the climate crisis. One of the most notorious (and popular) fast fashion offenders, it’s repeatedly come under fire for stealing and...
Beauty takes a stand against anti-abortion laws
Over 60 brands have signed a joint statement in support of reproductive rights. Called ‘Don’t Ban Equality,’ the initiative seeks to show corporate solidarity with womxn’s health. Earlier this month, a Supreme Court document indicating the abolition of the Roe V Wade bill was leaked to the public. For almost fifty years, it has ensured that American womxn have had a right to abortion without government interference. The draft opinion, however, showed...
Is the concept of anti-ageing beauty dying out?
The beauty industry is oversaturated with products that claim to turn back the clock on our appearance, but is the rejection of growing older being replaced by new values? Scan the descriptions of pots and bottles shelved inside any beauty store and it’d be difficult to suppress the feeling that you have several new skin problems you didn’t know about priorly. The most pressing issue of all, according to various product...
Why we must cut our new clothing purchases by 75%
If you favour human and environmental wellbeing over the ever-growing consumption of throwaway fast fashion, switching to a smaller wardrobe may be your only option. Regardless of how tempting it is to buy into the flurry of new aesthetics, cores, and microtrends that flood our feeds, there’s no ignoring the catastrophic impact it’s having on our already suffering Earth. While dressing up is a sure-fire way to boost our moods and...
