How tech is helping people with ‘normative discontent’
New research shows that unreliable body image perception is far more pervasive than initially assumed. Fortunately, state of the art digital therapy to tackle this is in the works. If you criticise your appearance every time you see your reflection – even in the smallest way – or feel...
Current in Style
Can sustainable fashion exist at the Met?
The 2022 Met Ball was a show of sustainable fashion, with guests wearing an array of up-cycled materials, vintage looks, and small-name designers. But with all the stigma burgeoning around the event, has the Met established itself as a tone-deaf distraction from fashion’s biggest sins? In-case you missed it, the...
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...
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...
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...
How ‘Period TikTok’ is normalising menstruation
More and more young people are claiming TikTok – which is rife with tips, tricks, product recommendations, and relatable content about that time of the month – provides better period education than schools. Though the average woman menstruates for 2,535 days of her life (that’s seven years total of pads, tampons, ruined underwear, cramps, and red rivets of womb lining), stigma surrounding our menstrual cycles prevails. This is most evident in...
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...
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 encourage overspending, these schemes have emerged as the ‘new normal’ for young, cash-strapped consumers, who are enticed by the option...
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...
