TREND

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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, 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 […]

Helena Rubinstein, the renowned skincare brand, announced on Wednesday that supermodel Adriana Lima has been appointed as the latest face of the luxury beauty label. This new collaboration marks an exciting milestone for the brand, emphasizing its avant-garde approach while aligning with Lima’s incredible journey to inspire and empower women. Lima, a Brazilian model with over 20 years of experience, has appeared on countless magazine covers and catwalks. She is widely recognized for her long-standing role as one of the original Victoria’s Secret Angels. At 44, she continues to dominate the fashion world, and her partnership with Helena Rubinstein is set to redefine beauty standards. The Vision Behind the Partnership In a statement, the L’Oréal-owned brand revealed that this partnership will not only celebrate Lima’s unique path but will also serve as a platform to empower women worldwide. Lima herself echoed the brand’s values, referring to Helena Rubinstein’s famous quote: ‘There are no ugly women, only lazy ones.’ Lima explained that achieving greatness requires discipline, preparation, and self-care—values she shares with the brand. A Legacy of Innovation Founded in 1902 by Helena Rubinstein, the beauty brand has a legacy of creating scientifically advanced and highly effective skincare products. Some of its […]

A bead from the 6th century, the Conta de Cerveira, which is tied to the Germanic tribes that established kingdoms on the Iberian Peninsula between the 5th and 8th centuries, is being reintroduced as a piece of wearable heritage. The northern Portuguese town of Vila Nova de Cerveira, where the bead was uncovered during an archaeological excavation in 1985, is launching a collection of gold and silver earrings inspired by the original artifact. These exclusive replicas, which are also available in gold-plated versions, are being offered through local jewelers and can already be pre-ordered. The Bead’s Historical Significance The Suevo-Visigothic Conta de Cerveira bead, dating back to the 6th century, is a testament to the Germanic tribes that ruled the Iberian Peninsula during the early medieval period. It is now part of the town’s heritage collection, having been securely stored in municipal archives for many years. Vila Nova de Cerveira, known as the “Village of the Arts” due to its international biennale and vibrant creative community, is breathing new life into this 1,500-year-old symbol. Under the guidance of Mayor Rui Teixeira, the town is preserving this historic relic while adapting it to a contemporary context. Reviving Heritage Through Design The earrings, […]

Recent studies show that UK shoppers are returning to a spending mindset, as confirmed by a new report. However, they are more discerning and will only spend if the price is right, focusing on making thoughtful purchase decisions. The Evolving Spending Behavior Cardlytics, an advertising platform that analyzes spending data from over 24 million UK bank accounts, states that consumers are now more cautious after a period of post-pandemic adjustment. The platform’s latest findings reveal that spending growth is primarily happening in sectors such as fashion and beauty, driven by a preference for quality, convenience, and affordable indulgence. Shoppers Are More Value-Driven The State of Spend: Retail Report suggests that consumers remain active, but they are applying more scrutiny to their spending choices. The study examined consumer behavior across three key categories: retail, grocery, and household items. The findings highlight a shift towards value-driven shopping in fashion and beauty, as well as more cautious grocery purchases and selective spending on household essentials. This shift presents challenges for brands, which must adjust to changing consumer priorities. Fashion and Beauty: The Bright Spots When it comes to fashion and beauty, the report points out that high street fashion and beauty categories continue to […]

Zara McDermott, the TV personality behind the Rise brand, has launched a new collection of athleisure and summer fashion, marking its in-store debut at New Look after gaining popularity online. The collection, available both in-store and online, builds on the brand’s best-selling athleisure essentials, featuring versatile leggings and tops designed for active, on-the-go lifestyles. New Collection Features Vibrant Styles The latest drop adds a vibrant, feminine touch to the Rise brand’s aesthetic, with a color palette that includes the season’s trending butter yellow, complemented by shades of sage green and pops of soft pink. These colors bring a fresh, lively energy to the brand’s signature look. Stripes play a key role in this collection, featured in items like oversized boxy shirts and matching short co-ords, along with coordinating scrunchies. The collection is available in sizes 8-22 in stores and sizes 8-18 online, with prices ranging from £22 to £45. Commentary from Zara McDermott McDermott, known for her appearance on Love Island, expressed her excitement, saying, “This is our third drop, and it’s definitely the most vibrant one yet. We’ve brought back our super-soft scuba fabric in new styles, elevated our activewear with fresh cuts, and introduced striped shirt and short sets […]