Balenciaga’s Paris sneaker and the problem with the ‘poor aesthetic’
Balenciaga’s latest creation is the stuff of nightmares – a £1,290 shoe that looks like it crawled straight out of a Wes Craven movie. But perhaps the scariest thing about these trainers is that Balenciaga thought it reasonable to launch them at all, co-opting a controversial ‘poverty aesthetic’ to...
Current in Style
How reading can improve our mental health
Warmer weather and longer evenings are finally here. A welcome respite from endless winter days, summer is often seen as a chance to get outside and focus on our mental health. And while it may not involve much physical activity, reading a book in the sun may be just...
Opinion – it’s time to stop makeup shaming
Makeup has been around for thousands of years and is truly multipurpose. Today, it’s used for multiple forms of expression. Does wearing makeup mean giving in to mainstream beauty standards, or is it a form of empowerment? Let’s discuss. The debate surrounding makeup is becoming as blown out of proportion...
Gen-Z TikTok account Rag Report dominating app’s fashion corner
An account called Rag Report operates solely on TikTok and prides itself on being a magazine inspired, collaborative fashion project. Stumble upon Rag Report’s account on TikTok and you’ll find an online domain rich in fashion knowledge, comprehensive style archives, and all things clothing-related, created by and for Gen-Z. Getting started...
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...
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 rapid, substantial change, and the pandemic has forced brands to halt their operations and reassess long-term priorities. As a result, we’ve...
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 flu virus and occurred a mere 6 months ago in mid-September. As such, celebrity stylists were left with a short time...
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 has seen the rise of the ‘clean girl’ trend, whose proprietors are slicking back their hair, combing their brows,...
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 site halfway across the world? Don’t get your knickers in a twist, there’s now a lingerie company that’s centred around everything...
