Are Shoes Made from Recycled Plastic Truly Sustainable? (+ 6 Eco-Friendly Brands)
Even if you wash your take-out containers thoroughly, there’s still a high chance they wonât be recycled properly. In the United States, only about 9% of plastic produced gets recycled. While we often view recycling as a simple step toward a greener planet, the reality is that thereâs much confusion surrounding it. Thankfully, numerous NGOs, businesses, and nonprofits are stepping up with new solutions to our growing plastic crisis, which stretches from disposable containers to our footwear. Over recent years, shoes crafted from recycled plastic have taken significant strides. But is this truly a step forward? And are these recycled shoes just another form of greenwashing? While shoes made from recycled materials can indeed be more eco-friendly than their conventional counterparts, they are far from a flawless solution. ‘Sustainable’ shoes still end up in landfills, and are typically made from only partially recycled components (more on that). Though the issue is complex, itâs important to note that recycled shoes aren’t all bad. Keep reading to discover what’s worth celebrating, what still needs improvement, and how to choose better alternatives. What Are Recycled Shoes? Shoes are crafted from a wide array of materials, such as rubber, natural substances like leather or cotton, […]
Business Professional Style That Commands Respect Without Compromising Your Personality
Elevate your work wardrobe into a powerful reflection of your personal brand by mastering the essentials of business professional attire. Begin with foundational investment pieces — a perfectly tailored black blazer, crisp white button-down shirts, and well-fitted trousers in neutral shades form the core of a wardrobe that demands respect. Blend timeless cuts with modern details to enhance your professional image while showcasing your individuality through elegant accessories, carefully chosen color schemes, and unexpected texture combinations. Today’s professional woman understands that business dress codes aren’t about uniformity — they are a visual language conveying confidence, expertise, and creativity. Whether leading meetings in the corner office or presenting virtually, your attire should work as hard as you do, opening doors and leaving a lasting impression before you even speak. The Cornerstones of a Business Professional Wardrobe Investment Pieces That Pay Off Constructing a professional wardrobe means making smart investments in key pieces that will endure over time. Certain power dressing essentials justify their premium price tags. A tailored blazer in classic black or navy tops the list. Opt for quality materials such as wool blends that hold their shape, and consider professional alterations for a flawless fit. A designer leather handbag that […]
K-Beauty Box Magic: Your Monthly Gateway to Korean Skincare Secrets
Discover the enchanting world of K-beauty through specially curated subscription boxes that deliver Seoul’s most sought-after skincare secrets directly to your home. As Asian beauty box trends continue to reshape the beauty industry, these monthly collections guide you through advanced ingredients, innovative formulas, and revered Korean skincare traditions. Whether you’re a devoted K-beauty follower or new to this transformative skincare philosophy, subscription boxes offer an accessible and exciting way to explore products tailored to your skin’s specific needs. From deeply hydrating essences to potent sheet masks, every carefully chosen item brings you closer to that coveted glass skin radiance while unveiling the innovations behind Korean beauty. What Sets K-Beauty Boxes Apart? Carefully Curated Korean Innovations K-beauty subscription boxes act as your exclusive ticket to Korea’s latest breakthroughs in skincare and beauty. Each month, these thoughtfully assembled collections highlight revolutionary ingredients and cutting-edge formulations, often showcasing products that become global sensations before hitting wider markets. From fermented extracts and probiotics to unusual ingredients like snail mucin and centella asiatica, these boxes immerse you in the forefront of Korean beauty science. What truly distinguishes these boxes is their knack for spotting emerging trends early on. Whether it’s the iconic glass skin look, the […]
How Ethiopian Fabric Patterns Are Shaping the Future of Modern Fashion
Ethiopian fabric patterns go beyond mere decoration—they are vibrant narratives of heritage, resilience, and creative innovation that continue to reshape the landscape of contemporary fashion. From the delicate geometric designs of the Habesha kemis to the vivid color schemes found in traditional Tigray textiles, these fabrics have significantly influenced the infusion of Eastern aesthetics into Western style. Today’s designers are breathing new life into these age-old motifs, reinventing them as modern expressions that honor cultural preservation while pushing fashion forward. Whether featured on high-fashion runways or inspiring urban streetwear, Ethiopian patterns serve as a compelling example of how cultural authenticity can harmonize with modern sophistication, proving that true style transcends eras while respecting its origins. The Rich Legacy of Ethiopian Textile Art Enduring Patterns and Their Symbolism Ethiopian fabric designs are rich with symbolism, each pattern carrying deep cultural stories woven over centuries. The distinctive tibeb pattern, characterized by diamond shapes, embodies unity and communal ties, reflecting Ethiopian social values in a visually striking way. These dynamic geometric patterns appear in both traditional and contemporary fashion, offering meaningful style choices for those drawn to heritage. The key pattern, with its intricate interlocking shapes, represents the unbroken link between past and present. […]
The Power of Fashion in the 21st Century: Diversity, Sustainability, and Innovation
Fashion’s influence on the world today is undeniable, shaping trends, attitudes, and even the very fabric of society. The fashion of the 21st century is far-reaching, impacting not just the way people dress but also influencing home decor, makeup, and global attitudes. Just like the cultural upheavals symbolized by the ‘flower power’ movement in the 1960s, fashion today continues to serve as an agent of change, molding personal identities and shaping cultural landscapes. Fashion’s Evolution in the Modern Era Championing Diversity and Inclusivity The fashion industry has made significant strides in embracing diversity, moving away from traditional norms and celebrating all body types, ethnicities, and ages. Today, designers understand the importance of representing global audiences by creating collections that resonate with a wider variety of people. This push for inclusivity isn’t just about appearances—it’s a movement toward real-world representation. The rise of body positivity and gender inclusivity has prompted the fashion world to expand its scope, recognizing the need for a more diverse representation in clothing, beauty, and accessories. The Shift Toward Sustainability In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a pivotal concern in the fashion industry. No longer focused solely on aesthetics, fashion today incorporates environmental and ethical considerations. With […]
Modern Sari Exhibition to Arrive at Birmingham Arts Centre
A traveling exhibit showcasing modern and innovative saris, including designs made from denim and steel threads, is set to arrive in Birmingham this June. The Offbeat Sari exhibition will be displayed at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) from June 28 to November 2. The exhibit features nearly 60 saris from the last 15 years, including a replica of a foil-like garment designed for Lady Gaga, saris worn by a women’s vigilante group in India, and those worn by a skateboarder in Canada. Reimagining the Sari Priya Khanchandani, the lead curator of the show, pointed out that in the UK, the sari is often seen as something worn for special events or by older generations. However, she emphasized that it is not limited to these occasions. According to Khanchandani, the sari is a dynamic garment that continues to evolve, with many younger women experimenting with new designs. Showcasing Diversity The exhibit is the result of collaboration with London’s Design Museum and will be the only other stop in the UK after its success in Birmingham. Some of the notable pieces include a luxurious sari worn by Lady Gaga, designed by Mumbai-born fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani using foil jersey fabric. Another highlight is […]
Waldorf Astoria Unveils Signature Candle Blending History and Modern Luxury
As you step into the stunningly renovated Waldorf Astoria New York—set to reopen on September 1st—you’ll immediately notice a warm, woody fragrance with subtle hints of whiskey. This scent captures both the essence of Old New York and its contemporary revival, where dark wood tones and touches of gold evoke a sophisticated, club-like atmosphere beloved by city dwellers. Once you catch this inviting aroma, you’ll likely head straight to the front desk to inquire about taking some home. Officially named 301 Park—a nod to the hotel’s iconic address—this fragrance is available as a candle and diffuser, designed to bring the Waldorf’s unique ambiance into any space. A Collaboration Rooted in the Roaring Twenties In partnership with Fueguia 1833, the hotel crafted a scent that pays homage to the 1920s. Founder Julian Bedel described 301 Park Avenue as “inspired by the golden age of music,” aiming to evoke the intimate feel of a private Cole Porter concert. This tribute reflects the hotel’s rich cultural history, conjuring images of cocktails shaking in the legendary Peacock Alley Bar and glamorous champagne-gilded ballrooms hosting unforgettable parties. The fragrance is destined to become a timeless symbol of New York’s golden era. Balancing Tradition with Modern Elegance […]
Kenvue Appoints Amit Banati as New CFO
Kenvue Inc., the parent company of Neutrogena, announced on Friday that Amit Banati will assume the role of chief financial officer, effective May 12. Banati will replace Paul Ruh, who will stay on briefly to ensure a smooth transition within the U.S.-based firm. Responsibilities and Experience As CFO, Banati will oversee Kenvue’s finance and strategy divisions, aiming to drive profitable growth and enhance shareholder value. With three decades of experience in finance and operations within the consumer products industry, Banati previously served as vice chairman and CFO at Kellanova (formerly Kellogg Company). His career also includes leadership roles at Kraft Foods (now Mondelez International), Cadbury Schweppes, and Procter & Gamble. Career Highlights At Kraft Foods, Banati was president for North Asia and Asia Pacific strategy, managing the Cadbury-Kraft integration in the region. During his tenure at Cadbury Schweppes, he was president of the Pacific region, responsible for Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Singapore, and also served as CFO of the Asia Pacific division. At Procter & Gamble, Banati held various finance positions over nearly 15 years, eventually becoming CFO for the ASEAN, Australia, India, and Singapore region within the Health and Beauty Care division. Leadership Perspective Thibaut Mongon, CEO of Kenvue, […]
E.l.f. Beauty Broadens Its Retail Presence in the Netherlands and Belgium
E.l.f. Beauty is expanding its retail presence in Europe by launching its products in major drugstore chains Kruidvat and Trekpleister in the Netherlands and Belgium. Starting from May 26, E.l.f. products will be available in 776 Kruidvat and 183 Trekpleister stores across the Netherlands, along with 271 Kruidvat locations in Belgium. Additionally, customers can shop online through kruidvat.nl, kruidvat.be, and trekpleister.nl, with E.l.f. Cosmetics launching on May 26 and E.l.f. Skin following on June 2. Partnership with Kruidvat and Trekpleister Christine Cassidy, Vice President and General Manager of International Operations at E.l.f. Beauty, expressed enthusiasm about the new collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Kruidvat and Trekpleister to bring E.l.f.’s high-quality products to an even broader audience of beauty and skincare lovers in both the Netherlands and Belgium. Since entering each market, we’ve experienced incredible support from our community, and this expansion will help ensure our products are even more accessible.” Gaining Popularity in the Region Since its arrival in the Netherlands in 2021 and Belgium in 2023, E.l.f. Beauty has garnered a loyal following. Iconic products like the Halo Glow Liquid Filter, Power Grip Primer, Halo Glow Beauty Wands, and Glow Reviver Lip Oil have quickly become viral […]
Unilever to Construct Cutting-Edge Fragrance Facility in the UK
Unilever, the global FMCG leader, is set to build an advanced £80 million fragrance facility near Liverpool, which will transform its longstanding site in Port Sunlight. The facility is expected to be completed by 2027, though some of its operations will commence earlier. This project forms part of a broader £300 million investment in research and development (R&D) across the UK over the next two years. The new center will house a fragrance research lab, a compounding unit, and a series of testing suites, as reported by The Times. Innovative Technology Integration The facility will leverage state-of-the-art robotics to blend fragrance oils, while Unilever’s expert perfumers will collaborate with artificial intelligence (AI) to create new scents. Richard Slater, Unilever’s Chief R&D Officer, emphasized the importance of fragrances to the company’s product range, stating: “As one of the largest buyers and users of fragrances globally, they are essential to the performance of our products and the way consumers perceive them.” Strategic Partnerships with Leading Fragrance Houses Despite the significant investment in the new facility, Unilever will maintain its ongoing partnerships with major fragrance companies like DSM-Firmenich and Givaudan. The announcement of this investment was made last year, although the specific location was […]