TREND

A recent study on Europe’s luxury and high-end sector reveals its vital role as a €986 billion economic engine, driving job creation, tourism, and craftsmanship. The report, commissioned by the European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA), highlights that the luxury sector accounts for 5% of the EU’s GDP and continues to stimulate economic growth, safeguard cultural heritage, and promote excellence globally. Carried out by Bain & Company for ECCIA, the report also emphasizes Europe’s leading role in the global market, holding a 70% share in the global luxury sector and 80% in personal goods. However, the outlook is clouded by challenges such as tariffs and trade uncertainty. Despite these external pressures, the sector sustains approximately 2 million jobs across Europe, with concerns raised about the future workforce, particularly the difficulty in attracting and retaining skilled artisans. Claudia D’Arpizio from Bain & Company commented, “European luxury goods remain dominant in global markets, with impressive performance over the past five years and a strong growth trajectory. This success is rooted in the sector’s resilience and its ability to seize emerging opportunities.” She added that luxury and high-end goods constitute 11.5% of Europe’s total exports, but their importance transcends mere economic value. Luxury: […]

During the annual Garter Day ceremony, Kate Middleton and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, demonstrated a heartfelt and enduring bond, capturing the attention of royal observers and the public alike. A Celebration of Tradition and Family The event, which showcases centuries-old British royal traditions, also serves as a stage for the close-knit relationships within the royal family. Kate and Sophie’s warm interactions highlighted their genuine friendship and mutual respect, underscoring the strong ties that exist beyond formal duties. The Annual Trooping the Colour Each year, the Trooping the Colour parade celebrates the reigning monarch’s official birthday with a grand display of military precision. This event, eagerly anticipated by the public, featured King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton, all dressed impeccably, reflecting the royal family’s united front and dedication to duty. Royal Family Moments on Social Media Recently, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—took over their parents’ Instagram account to share a heartfelt Father’s Day message, bringing a touch of familial warmth and modernity to the royal narrative. Emerging Style Icons and Royal Events At Royal Ascot 2025, Harriet Sperling emerged as a fresh style icon, with her cream-colored outfit drawing admiration from […]

For anyone familiar with my work—whether through Naked Beauty, my various content, or our conversations online—you’ll know how passionate I am about beauty, identity, and the art of storytelling. From the beginning, I’ve believed in the power of self-expression through hair, makeup, fashion, and fragrance. It’s more than just appearance—it’s about culture, communication, and personal identity. So, I’m overjoyed to announce my new role as Chief Content Officer at Refinery29. This is a full-circle moment for me. Refinery29 was one of the first platforms that truly resonated with me when it came to beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. It wasn’t just about the trends—it was intelligent, culturally aware, and boldly creative. For two decades, Refinery29 has been at the forefront of storytelling that emphasizes identity, emotion, and self-expression. I’m deeply honored to help lead the brand into its next era. My Journey So Far For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to fashion and beauty. What started as a childhood dress-up drawer evolved into a fashion blog called The Glamorous Eccentric in high school. But for me, it was never just about getting dressed—it was about crafting a narrative. Even as a child, I’d direct elaborate Spice Girls […]

The playful and quirky Labubu has become more than just a toy craze—it’s at the heart of a cultural shift. With its fluffy body and cheeky grin, Labubu has found a place in the lives of adults, including celebrities like Blackpink’s Lisa and Rosé. This mischievous, elf-like character, designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and marketed by Pop Mart, has emerged as a symbol of the ‘kidult’ movement, challenging traditional views of adulthood and play. The Rise of the Kidult Movement The term ‘kidult’ refers to adults who embrace their playful side, refusing to let societal norms dictate when fun should end. This isn’t about avoiding maturity, but about integrating fun and whimsy into adult life. Research from market firm Circana predicts that by 2034, kidults will make up one-third of all toy sales in the EU. Meanwhile, the Toy Association in the US reports that 49% of American parents still engage with toys as adults, often to relive childhood memories. Labubu fits perfectly into this cultural trend, not merely as a toy to collect, but as a tiny companion offering joy and a moment of respite from the demands of adult life. The Psychological Appeal: Nostalgia and Relaxation So, […]

Louis Vuitton has docked a remarkable new installation in Shanghai’s bustling Jing’an district. Named The Louis, this striking three-story flagship store, located just off Wujiang Road, stands out with its metallic Monogram-clad exterior, stacked like an oversized trunk formation. From a distance, it resembles more of a vessel than a conventional retail space. Exploring The Louis The entrance to this unique space is an immersive archway made of Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram canvas trunks, leading visitors into an extraordinary experience. Inside, the store extends beyond just retail, creating an immersive journey that blends cultural exhibitions with luxury. Visionary Journeys Exhibition The ground floor of The Louis opens with the “Visionary Journeys” exhibition, a collaboration with architect Shohei Shigematsu and architecture firm OMA. The exhibition spans two levels and explores the rich history of Louis Vuitton, highlighting key themes like fragrance, literature, sport, and travel. The design of the exhibit emphasizes the feeling of movement through various ‘transitional’ spaces, with one section pairing archival perfume bottles alongside contemporary fragrances, and another showcasing custom trunks made for athletes and writers. The Second Floor Experience On the second floor, the retail experience flows seamlessly into the exhibition. Here, collections for both women and men […]

The Louvre Museum in Paris has initiated a global design competition, inviting architects from around the world to submit ideas for a new gallery dedicated to the Mona Lisa. The museum aims to alleviate overcrowding and create a tranquil environment where Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece can be appreciated without the usual throngs of visitors. The Vision for a New Space Amidst record-breaking tourist numbers and staff walkouts, the Louvre has turned to design experts to help address these challenges. On June 27, 2025, the museum announced a €270 million design contest for a new entrance and a purpose-built gallery for the Mona Lisa, as part of a larger five-year renovation plan estimated to cost €400 million. The Project’s Purpose French President Emmanuel Macron has called the initiative a “New Renaissance.” The goal is clear: reduce congestion at I. M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid entrance and protect the museum’s vast collection, which draws nearly 9 million visitors annually. The new entrance will be located at the museum’s eastern Perrault Colonnade and must seamlessly integrate with the 17th-century architecture without clashing with it. Mona Lisa’s New Home The Mona Lisa will be moved to a new, spacious 33,000-square-foot underground gallery beneath the Cour […]

Japanese fashion brand Needles has teamed up with eyewear specialist Factory900 for an exciting first-time collaboration, blending traditional craftsmanship with unique design. This debut capsule collection focuses on the art of eyewear, showcasing the skills of artisans from Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture—famous for producing some of the most intricate frames in Japan. The Collaboration At the heart of this release are two new sunglasses styles that embody the distinct character of Needles alongside the technical precision of Factory900. The model “RF-064C” features an asymmetrical diamond pattern across its clear acetate frame, casting light in unusual ways. In contrast, the “RF-170” takes a more classic approach with a round shape and a delicate metal inner rim that adds subtle sophistication. Signature Craftsmanship Both models are crafted in transparent acetate, with a rich purple hue that Needles is known for. To allow wearers to adjust their style, six different lens tints are available, ranging from cool smoked gray to warm amber, offering versatility without compromising the frame’s translucent beauty. Available Now This exclusive collection is available for purchase through the Needles webstore, where fashion-forward individuals can get their hands on these exceptional pieces of eyewear.

Gigi Hadid’s new collaboration with Havaianas introduces a nostalgic beach capsule just in time for summer. Having recently joined the brand as a global ambassador, Hadid now takes on the role of creative director for this vibrant new line. The collection embraces retro charm with flip-flops featuring sunset-inspired prints, evoking a sense of dreamy beachside vibes. Creative Collaboration with a Vintage Touch As a self-proclaimed ‘beach kid,’ Hadid’s personal connection to the collection shines through. She shared her excitement, revealing that her 15-year-old self would have been thrilled to be part of this iconic brand’s creative process. The capsule’s campaign captures a vintage pin-up aesthetic, transporting classic glamour to a sunny beach backdrop. The Collection Comprising four distinct flip-flop designs, the Gigi Hadid x Havaianas capsule reimagines the classic Top and Slim Square silhouettes with Hadid’s artistic input. Each pair showcases ocean wave and sky motifs in soft hues of orange, yellow, lilac, blue, and green—a color palette reminiscent of a vintage postcard. Adding a personal touch, Hadid’s signature appears on each sole. The packaging, reflecting the collection’s retro theme, features illustrated boxes adorned with beachy elements, a custom hanger, and a collectible postcard. Launch Event The capsule was officially launched […]

Jaguar, the renowned British luxury automaker, has unveiled its first electric concept car, the Type 00, marking a significant step forward after its controversial rebrand that sparked widespread debate. In a statement released Tuesday, Jaguar described the Type 00 as a bold new physical representation of the brand, highlighting the company’s ongoing transformation. The car was showcased at Miami Art Week, where it drew attention with its distinctive design. Design and Features The Type 00 boasts a long bonnet (or hood in American English) paired with a fastback silhouette, complemented by striking 23-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle is available in two eye-catching colors: Miami Pink, which reflects the Art Deco surroundings of its debut location, and London Blue, a nod to the brand’s British roots. Mixed Reactions Despite its futuristic appeal, the Type 00 has sparked mixed reactions. Some online observers praised its sleek look, while others criticized it harshly, with one comment stating the car was “beyond ugly” and predicted poor sales. While this model is purely conceptual and will not be mass-produced, the reactions reflect the polarizing nature of Jaguar’s new direction. Brand Transformation Jaguar has announced that it will become an electric-only brand, focusing exclusively on luxury vehicles. […]

For over a decade, a broad range of “sunscreen truthers” on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have propagated the belief that sunscreen causes cancer. Since the pandemic, these conspiracy theories have intensified across social media, embraced by groups from vegan anti-vaxxers and bro-biohackers to MAHA and QAnon followers. Despite their differences, they share two core traits: a fear of chemicals (chemophobia) and the conviction that sunscreen is harmful. The Extremist Conspiracy Network Beneath mainstream social media lies a darker realm of extremist platforms with minimal oversight—like Trump’s Truth Social, known for amplifying conspiracies, and 4Chan, infamous as a hub for hate and violence. Here, far-right and far-left factions merge in what researchers call a “diagonalist” intersection, united by the belief that all power is rooted in conspiracy, including sinister anti-sunscreen narratives. According to a 2024 Orlando Health Cancer Institute survey, one in seven young adults under 35 believes sunscreen is more dangerous than the sun. Meanwhile, studies attribute the surge in skin cancer diagnoses over the past 30 years largely to increased sun exposure, excessive tanning, and indoor tanning practices. Dr. Neil Johnson, a physics professor at George Washington University who studies misinformation, explains that extremist social media platforms […]