The future looks fluid: genderless fashion explained
Throughout history, brands have operated in an industry dictated by two genders. With 27% of Gen Z consumers now identifying as non-conforming, is this about to change? When Harry Styles graced the cover of Vogue last year wearing a gown, passionate conversations around masculinity and gendered dressing were instantly sparked. Representing...
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Wigs are booming despite a steep ethical price tag
The desire for authentic human hair wigs is growing rapidly thanks to pop culture, but the flashing lights of the red carpet are blinding consumers to the dark secrets of the hair trade. Outside of the Black community, wig-wearing among white women was almost exclusively reserved for fancy dress parties,...
Is bio-engineered fashion a future solution for ocean microplastics?
Scientists and fashion designers are working together to create clothing using food and drink, meaning plant-based alternatives to environmentally damaging fabrics could be coming very soon. Clothing made from synthetic materials currently dominate the fashion consumer market, with over 60% of clothing produced being made from plastics rather...
Glossier renews Black-owned business grant program for second year
There is no shortage of Black owned brands within the beauty industry. However, funding for these businesses is severely lacking. Glossier is supporting Black entrepreneurs at the pre-launch, start-up, and growth stages of their beauty business venture. Last summer, the rapid resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement prompted companies...
Fast fashion retailers accused of cultural appropriation
Mexico’s ministry of culture has claimed that Zara, Anthropologie, and Patowl wrongfully made use of designs created by the country’s indigenous communities. A number of fast fashion retailers – namely Zara, Anthropologie, and Patowl – have come under fire lately for using patterns distinctive to Mexico’s indigenous Mixteca population...
A small step for China, a huge leap for cruelty-free
As of this month, imported ‘ordinary cosmetics’ will no longer be required to test on animals in order to be sold in the Chinese market, which is the second-largest in the world. In a landmark move, the Chinese government has just revised its cosmetics regulations, waiving mandatory animal testing for...
Post-lockdown cosmetic procedures are on the rise
As lockdown lifts, cosmetic doctors are seeing a rise in demand for face-based treatments. With more time to look at ourselves in mirrors and computer screens, is this a trend that’s here to stay? Over the last year of lockdowns we’ve spent a large portion of our time indoors, being forced to stare at reflections of ourselves on Zoom calls or FaceTime. At the same time we’ve also been isolated...
Asda joins the pre-loved fashion fray
The retailer is set to begin selling vintage garments in 50 stores across the UK as pre-loved fashion moves from niche to mainstream. As an industry reliant on constantly updating lines, styles, and trends offered up every single season, fashion has always been incredibly fast paced, working at breakneck speed to meet consumer demands. Its requirement that the supply chain functions at an unhesitating rate has not been kind on the...
Are celebrity skincare brands a detriment to the industry?
The beauty industry has ramped up its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint in recent years. However, celebrities have begun capitalising on Gen-Z’s increased interest in skincare, posing threat to the progress made by longstanding brands. If you’ve been paying any attention to the beauty industry lately, you’ve probably noticed an extreme uptick in celebrity skincare lines on the market. Gone are the days where you’d spot your favourite actress...
Levi’s targets Gen Z with new sustainability campaign
The ‘Buy Better, Wear Longer’ initiative serves as a call-to-action for Gen Zers, urging them to reuse, repurpose, and reduce their consumer footprint. Levi’s – one of the fashion industry’s biggest names and a long-time pioneer of sustainability – is on a mission to raise awareness about our collective responsibility to tackle the environmental impact of clothing production and consumption. Launching Monday, the denim brand’s new multi-platform global campaign (their...