Self-care wasnβt originally intended for the self
Self-care has become an exercise in intentional self-indulgence that plays itself out in compassion fatigue and treat-yourself culture. Instead, we ought to look to the origins of the self-care movement: a community project and an act of resistance through solidarity. Hello there, and welcome to your nighttime routine. By now,...
Current in Style
Bianca Censoriβs body is still making people uncomfortable
Kanye Westβs wife has become somewhat of a living mannequin. But her controversial clothing is raising questions around autonomy and the politics of the female body.Β Bianca Censori was relatively unknown when she began dating, then quickly married rapper Kanye West. The Australian architect and model has since become a...
Are young people really more vain than older generations?
Several older journalists have been making the argument this week that Gen Z are vainer than their parents were at a similar age, but can you blame them? In an era of constant external pressures and smartphone cameras, the demand to be appealing has never been more overwhelming. Another...
PrettyLittleThingβs βquiet luxuryβ rebrand is confusing consumers
The brand known for its bubblegum pink unicorn aesthetic is adopting a more grown-up look as it claims to be moving βaway from fast fashionβ. But will its products and practices live up to its new image? Itβs the brand millions of us bought as students with little disposable income,...
Millie Bobby Brown pushes back against overly-critical press
The Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown has responded to media criticism of her appearance, rightfully likening her treatment to bullying. Millie Bobby Brown has clapped back at recent articles and stories discussing her appearance, describing it as not journalism but βbullyingβ instead. She has been doing the rounds over...
The Louvreβs first-ever fashion exhibition is arriving next month
It may have taken 231 years, but Parisβ iconic Louvre Museum is finally hosting its first-ever fashion exhibition this March. The Louvre in Paris is one of the world's most famous museums, boasting a collection of over 600,000 objects of which 35,000 are artworks. Visiting each of the museumβs 400 rooms...
Walking really can change your life
If youβve been feeling stuck lately, the answer might be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.Β Iβm embarrassed to admit that the best thing Iβve done for my mental health recently has been the same thing most toddlers master by their second birthday. But here I am, aged 27, and walking has completely changed my life. Like a lot of people my age, Iβve felt like...
We need to talk about βAlmond Mumsβ
How the fascination with our mothersβ diets has permeated social media and changed the way we think about food.Β There are few social trends as pervasive as the βalmond mumβ. Sheβs slim, sheβs usually wearing yoga leggings, she shops at Whole Foods. And according to the thousands of videos featuring self-proclaimed βalmond mumsβ on TikTok, we canβt get enough of her. The term βalmond mumβ traces back to a viral moment...
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 β or both? A little while ago Thredβs brilliant Jessica Byrne wrote about the long-term financial ramifications of βlittle treatβ culture. This is the term given to the current trend of buying yourself 'a small reward in the midst of lifeβs challenges.' People...
What are the hidden meanings of First Ladiesβ inaugural outfits?
In light of US President Trumpβs recent inauguration, letβs review the history of First Ladies inaugurations outfits and what they really foreshadowed about their partnersβ presidencies. Between seventy-three and seventy-nine days after a presidential election a president-elect takes the presidential oath of office, otherwise known as their inauguration. This is a massive political event in the US and globally with big politicians, activists, and the general public all tuning in. Although all...
