Opinion – the Met Gala is officially washed
C-list celebrities gaining entry, underwhelming outfit choices, and a totally tone-deaf theme — is it time to admit the Met isn’t what it used to be? If it feels like you’ve blinked and it’s the annual Met Gala again, don’t be alarmed. The last was rescheduled due to a well-known...
Current in Industry
Opinion – the concept of ‘clean’ beauty is a myth
The ‘clean beauty’ industry has boomed in the past few years, and continues to rise as consumers prioritise ‘non-toxic’ and ‘chemical-free’ formulas. But if our bodies are composed of chemicals, why do we avoid them in our skincare? Nowadays, the words ‘clean’ and ‘beauty’ seem entirely synonymous with one another. TikTok...
Underwear brand Parade expertly encapsulates Gen-Z’s values
Not only is the company committed to using sustainable materials and delivering products designed for everyone, but a recycle and reward program is already underway. Tired of buying underwear that’s focused more on aesthetics than comfort? Worried that all the underwear you’ve ever owned is piling up in some landfill...
Buy now, pay later providers are propping up fast fashion
Making shopping easier than ever, these addictive services are designed to encourage overspending. This poses a significant issue in the face of our current climate crisis. Since the start of the pandemic, 23% of 18- to 24-year-olds have turned to buy now, pay later services (BNPL) when shopping online. Designed to...
‘Make do and mend’ is the hottest new eco-friendly trend
Gen Z, the very demographic most devoted to throwaway fashion, understands the importance of wearing an article of clothing many times to justify its environmental cost. For this reason, the repair revolution – an integral part of the industry’s push for sustainability – is well underway. Resale, rental, regeneration –...
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...
Luxury fashion looks into developing lab-grown fur
Livestock-free replacements for conventional animal-based materials are all the rage these days. That’s why LVMH is attempting to create a plastic-free, sustainable alternative to fur using keratin, the main protein in hair. Big news in the luxury arena: high fashion that’s suitable for vegans. Yep, you heard that right, the designer side of the industry is starting to make bids towards adopting more eco-friendly practices, with LVMH leading the charge. Trust...
Ralph Lauren’s new campaign sparks cultural divide
The new collection pays homage to Black American collegiate style and has led to a debate about appropriation online. Its team of creators have stepped up to defend it. When you think of Ralph Lauren, you probably think of carefully knitted jumpers tied around the shoulders of white women at Sunday brunch or the tiny embellishment of a jockey on the chest of private school boys at the pub. Ralph Lauren...
Shein vs Zara: proof that fast fashion is truly ruthless
The Amazon of the style realm stands accused of copying its retail rival after dozens of images were shared on social media showing virtually identical garments from the two outlets. Here’s why this paints a terrifying picture of the Earth’s future. A year ago, I asked where we were in the ongoing fight against fast fashion after seeing numerous headlines touting its demise. Almost a year into the...
The problem with ‘TikTok made me buy it’
TikTok has quickly become a breeding ground for the ‘haul’ mindset, whereby overconsumption is widely encouraged by brands and influencers who’ve forgotten that the planet is struggling with our shopping habits. In the post-pandemic digital age, it’s not surprising that most of us prefer to shop online instead of hitting the high street and dealing with the public. Appealing for numerous factors – convenience, accessibility, and time-saving...
