Exploring the complexities of ‘the lipstick effect’
Are we buying things because they help us to express ourselves, or because we believe we deserve a little treat for dealing with the demands of capitalism – or both? A little while ago Thred’s brilliant Jessica Byrne wrote about the long-term financial ramifications of ‘little treat’ culture. This...
Current in Industry
Levi’s net-zero action plan gets scientists’ seal of approval
In efforts to cut company emissions and pollution by 2050, the denim brand Levi Strauss & Co. has announced its new climate transition plan detailing its road to net-zero. It’s no secret that the fashion industry is now one of the world’s most unsustainable, with textile waste, pollution, and greenwashing...
LFW ban on exotic animal skins criticised by experts
Scientists from one of the world’s leading conservation bodies have condemned London Fashion Week’s decision, warning that it’s ill-informed and that exotic animal skins are often far more sustainable than alternatives such as leather and synthetic materials. Amid continued protests against the use of exotic skins (think snake, crocodile, and...
New California law requires companies to recycle unwanted clothing
The legislation intends to reduce the amount of textile waste going to landfill. California is widely considered a harbinger of progressive legislation, leading the charge in areas from emissions control to consumer privacy. The state’s latest step is a decisive push against textile waste. Under a new law, manufacturers of...
Digital clothing tags pose a solution to fashion’s sustainability crisis
Garment care labels could soon be a thing of the past as some environmentally conscious brands and retailers pivot to using QR codes for better supply chain transparency. Unless you have the patience of a Buddhist monk, then chances are you’ve cut (or more likely torn off in a...
The Met Gala’s latest theme is timely and necessary
The Met Gala’s 2025 theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, marks a rare moment of clarity for an event more often consumed by its own pretensions. After years of abstract, at times baffling, themes – Camp and Heavenly Bodies come to mind – next year’s Met Ball will focus on the history...
Tesco is introducing a ‘product passport’ for its clothing
The high street giant is taking steps to ‘boost supply chain transparency with new sustainability rules’. According to reports, British supermarket Tesco is introducing digital ‘passports’ for all of its clothing products. With a simple scan of a QR code printed on each item, users can access detailed information about a product’s materials, manufacturing process, and - most importantly - environmental impact. The initiative arrives as the EU prepares to...
Shein reveals child labour cases at suppliers
Fast fashion giant, Shein, reports that it found two cases of child labour in their suppliers last year. Fast fashion is already a hot topic of controversy, with it being a massive contributor to unnecessary trends and having immense climate impacts. The industry has the second-biggest consumer of water. Concerns of fast fashion exceed its poor climate contribution, however. A complex yet massive question is whether fast fashion is ethical...
What is ‘underconsumption core’ and is it a positive trend?
The latest internet micro trend sees young people celebrating a life of minimalist spending habits. But is this a sign of progress, or proof of overconsumption’s preeminence? Should being frugal be a trend? Well, according to social media, it kind of is. The rapid trend cycle that has come to define the last decade has seen everything from ‘blokette-core’ to ‘brat-core’ dominating our cultural zeitgeist. But the latest obsession amongst young...
This company offers discount vouchers in exchange for clothing donations
Trashie, a US-based start-up, is aiming to reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfill each year. Through its initiative, those who donate their unwanted garments to the company will receive $30 back in the form of discounts and vouchers. Would you be more inclined to donate unwanted clothing if you received something in exchange? With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to rage on globally, I’d argue most people...
