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Has Emily in Paris Inspired a New Era of Parisian Fashion?

Has Emily in Paris Inspired a New Era of Parisian Fashion?

Emily in Paris continues to make statements across the globe. Whether it be for its humorous drama, famous Parisian sights or trend-setting fashion, the Netflix show knows how to get its audience talking.

As we follow the life of Emily Cooper on her adventures in Paris, actress Lily Collins continues to dress to impress. From bold colours and neon hues to quirky accessories, season 3 has not disappointed when it comes to bringing Parisian style into the limelight.

In fact, to celebrate the premiere of the newest installment of American-French drama, Dubai gave the show a warm welcome with an exclusive Emily In Paris runway, filled with show-inspired signature looks by designers like Nadine Kanso and Ilyes Ouali.

According to the shows leading costume designer, Marylin Fitoussi, the newest season’s looks have certainly started conversations amongst Gen Z and Millennial viewers. 

“If 50 per cent of the people loved the show and 50 per cent hated it, that means we provoked some kind of a reaction. What I did was not neutral. You can like it or hate it, but it was a real statement,” said Fitoussi.

The question is, has Emily In Paris bought french fashion back into the mainstream? Let’s have a closer look into the defining style statements of season 3 and reveal what this could mean for the fashion scene in 2023. 

An Era of Expression

This season of Emily In Paris was all about expression. Rather than dressing to impress, we saw the characters dressing to express their emotions throughout the episodes. 

A prime example of this comes from Emily herself in the first episode of the latest instalment. During her nightmare on the top of the Eiffel Tower, we see Emily say goodbye to her hot pink feather frock and hello to a more sophisticated silhouette as she moves from her old agency to Sylivie’s new Agence Grateau.

Her dramatic fall in pink represents the “death of old Emily and her style”, says season 3 costume designer Fitoussi. “It’s saying goodbye to pink, a way of saying ‘let’s go with another colour now.”

In fact, the whole season sees a shift in style expression. From Sylvie’s Dior numbers to Alfie’s signature sunglasses that you can order online from Eyeglasses.com – they have a big selection to choose from. As the characters develop, their styles continually evolve to represent their current positions on the show. 

Using fashion as a form of character expression is something the show does well, especially when it comes to inspiring viewers to do the same, according to Nadine Kanso, founder of Bil Arabi, a Dubai jewellery brand.

“Lily Collins’ character, Emily, breaks away from the conventions. Confidence is vital, and more so when it comes to fashion as you are showing your character, especially if it is bold and unapologetic,” she comments. “When it comes to Emily, her style has a great variety on the show, so one can choose what resonates for them.”

Is Parisian Style Back in Fashion?

Emily’s signature looks have also soared on social media. The question is, have they brought french fashion back into the mainstream?

Social media has been responsible for bringing Parisian style back onto the runway in the last decade. From Brenton stripes to the newest French it-girls, Caroline de Maigret and Ines de la Fressange, Parisian pieces are most definitely in.

Emily In Paris has only sped up the adoption of french fashion amongst Gen Z. On TikTok alone, #frenchgirlstyle has surpassed over 47 million views since the release of season one. 

“Emily in Paris is colourful, bold and a lot of fun. The looks are not only on top of the trends but also extremely wearable, especially if you like to go all out,” says Farhana Bodi, star of Netflix’s Dubai Bling. “It has made a lot of impact on the younger girls, particularly Gen Z. They love experimenting with bold colours, mixing prints and statement accessories.”

Inspiring a Future of Upcycling & Accessible Fashion

One thing Emily In Paris did trial in season 3 was an introduction to retro fashion. As Gen Z and millennial viewers move towards a more environmental future of fashion, the hit show continues to inspire a future of upcycling, according to costume designer Marylin Fitoussi.

“For the past seven years, I’ve been pushing upcycling and recycling. We only buy new if something is needed the next day and can’t be delivered in time,” Fitoussi states. “For Season 2, I decided my challenge would be to combine a couture piece, Dior or Balmain, with a young designer, with a vintage piece, with something you would find at a store like H&M or Zara.”

With this style guide in mind, Emily In Paris promotes fashion that is accessible to its viewers, which could be why it’s become so popular. Using their platform to prove that high fashion doesn’t need to cost the earth is a great way to get an audience to recreate the show’s signature looks.

The question is, what signature styles could we see make an appearance in season 4? We’ve had Emily’s Hepburn-inspired bangs and Sylvie’s classic elegance, but could the next season be time to open up conversations about the male fashions scene?

SEE ALSO: You’ve Been Framed: The 10 Most Famous Glasses in TV & Film

The Weird and Wonderful from This Year’s Met Gala

The Weird and Wonderful From This Year’s Met Gala

One of the biggest and most iconic fashion shows, the Met Gala, returned on Monday night following a year’s absence, showcasing high-quality and flamboyant fashion on a night featuring a star-studded celebrity line-up.

This ball, which was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and delayed this year due to more concerns about the virus, was co-hosted by singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, tennis star Naomi Osaka, actor Timothée Chalamet and poet Amanda Gorman among a number of worldwide stars.

Those attending including a number of internet influencers, YouTubers and TikTok stars as well as singers, actors and sportspeople. Some of the biggest stars who attended included Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Frank Ocean, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Serena Williams and Maisie Williams.

The Met Gala is held to promote and raise funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute based in New York City.

This year’s theme for the gala was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” as we saw an array of outrageous and usual outfit designs on the red carpet.

When discussing the topic of American fashion, Andrew Bolton from the Costume Institute told Vogue that young American designers have focused on “diversity and inclusion, as well as sustainability” as they have attempted to shape fashion more environmentally friendly in regard to the type of clothing they produce.

“The American fashion community has been supporting us for 75 years, really since the beginning of the Costume Institute, so I wanted to acknowledge its support, and also to celebrate and reflect upon American fashion,” Andrew Bolton said.

One of the most talked about costumes from the night unsurprisingly came from American personality, Kim Kardashian. She entered the ball in a look which could be seen from a horror movie. Dressed in all black, covered from head to toe. Her look was designed by the creative director of fashion house Balenciaga and was certainly one of the most bizarre costumes of the night which definitely had social media talking.

To view all of the costumes from each celebrity from the 2021 Met Gala, click here.

SEE ALSO: Back to School Fashion

j crew

J Crew Files for Bankruptcy Protection

Fashion firm J Crew has filed for bankruptcy protection, making it the first big US retailer to do so amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The retailer announced that its parent company, Chinos Holdings, had filed for Chapter 11 protection in federal bankruptcy court for the Eastern District of Virginia. It is the first major retailer to fall during the coronavirus pandemic, but given the economic situation in the United States, J Crew probably won’t be the last.

Under the terms of the Transaction Support Agreement (“TSA”), the Company’s lenders will convert approximately $1.65 billion of the Company’s debt into equity. They are also providing about $400m of fresh financing to keep J Crew’s operations afloat.

“This agreement with our lenders represents a critical milestone in the ongoing process to transform our business with the goal of driving long-term, sustainable growth for J.Crew and further enhancing Madewell’s growth momentum,” said Jan Singer, Chief Executive Officer, J.Crew Group in the statement. “Throughout this process, we will continue to provide our customers with the exceptional merchandise and service they expect from us, and we will continue all day-to-day operations, albeit under these extraordinary COVID-19-related circumstances. As we look to reopen our stores as quickly and safely as possible, this comprehensive financial restructuring should enable our business and brands to thrive for years to come.”

Next Steps

The Company has filed a series of customary “first day” motions with the Bankruptcy Court seeking to maintain its operations during the restructuring process to help facilitate a smooth transition into Chapter 11. Its 500 stores have been closed by the pandemic and some will not reopen.

 

See also:

88rising Announces Livestream Festival, ASIA RISING Forever

‘One World: Together At Home’ Raises $127.9 million for COVID-19 Crisis

Aliens Exist? — The Pentagon Releases UFO Videos

Why Are Eco-friendly Choices for Our Environment Important?

Earlier this year, as the Midwest was plunged into its coldest weather on record, on the other side of the planet, wildfires raged in Australia’s record-breaking heat. This is weather in the age of extremes.  It’s clear that an answer to climate change is needed at a policy level. While acts like the Green New Deal that propose economic stimulus programs aiming to address climate change are being met with the tired mantra of “we can’t afford to do it,” a louder voice is finally starting to answer in response: we can’t afford not to. Outside of politics, individuals can make small changes in their personal lives that will support a healthier planet and environment.

College News takes a look at the impact of a few industries on the environment and what we can do about it.

Fashion’s influence on the environment

Fashion’s harsh impact on our environment cannot be denied, and its negative effect is further amplified by consumers prioritizing price over ethics. When is the last time you were at a fast fashion retailer and considered what your purchase would mean to the environment?

You probably thought about the price, the trend, the places you would wear it and maybe considered the cost-per-wear.

But did you consider the amount of water used to manufacture that garment? The emissions created from transporting that garment from overseas? The chemicals and dyes used to give that garment its color How many pieces just like yours that will end up in a landfill in a matter of months?

The next time you’re indulging in some retail therapy, take a moment to consider the full life that item has lived before it found itself in your hands.

What can you do?

Participating in the second-hand clothing economy is likely the easiest way to reduce your footprint. If sifting through Goodwill bins isn’t quite your thing, there are many curated second-hand retailers where you can shop online and in person for gently used, on-trend pieces.Whatever you do, keep your clothes out of the trash.

According to the EPA over 16 million tons of textile waste were generated in the US in 2014 alone. Over 10 million tons of that ended up in landfills. If pre-loved clothing just isn’t your jam, you can become a conscious consumer of new clothing as well. Take a couple of minutes to research your favorite brands and take a look at their stance on sustainability.

Many brand are making the move towards sustainable manufacturing practices.

Technology

Technology may seem eco-friendly—it saves time, paper, energy and transportation; however, with most of us updating our gadgets as soon as they are released, more tech waste than ever is being generated.

According to The Balance Small Business, only 15 to 30 percent of tech waste is recycled. Twenty to 50 million tons of tech waste is generated worldwide every year, which amounts to over five percent of the municipal waste stream. Seventy percent of hazardous waste is deposited in landfills. And tech waste is expected to increase by eight percent each year.

What can you do?

Whenever you upgrade your technology, recycle your out-of-date tech. Many office supply stores and community centers host recycling drives for used tech. If your tech is still functional, it’s worth trying to trade in when you are buying your new tech or take to a reseller platform to sell your gadget directly to its new home.

Pollution

If you look around, you’ll see waste everywhere in the environment. According to Rubicon Global, the average household in the United States produces over four pounds per day of trash and over 56 tons per year. Forty percent of the world’s total waste is produced in the United States despite the country only making up five percent of the world’s population. Six hundred and forty pounds of solid waste is produced by the average college student annually. Ninety thousand pounds of waste will be left behind by the average American for future generations.

What can you do?

The easiest way to create a change within our environment is by creating less waste in our daily lives and responsibly disposing of the waste we do create. In addition, we can try to help clean up the waste created by others. Next time you see a piece of trash on the ground, do your part for the planet and dispose of it responsibly. Every piece of trash kept out of the environment adds up to reduce our negligent waste on this planet.

This article was originally published in the spring edition of College News.

See also: It’s World Bee Day and We’re a-Buzz

Sustainable Gems for Graduation Day

Dress Dapper to Graduate Your Style

Image Courtesy of Dapper Classics.

We’ve all heard the saying “dress for success.” We’d like to offer another piece of advice: “Dapper is in the details.” If you want to set yourself up for success after graduation, you can’t afford to overlook the details. Fortunately, Dapper Classics has you covered.

Our Story

Dapper Classics was launched following a conversation between a father and a son about the limited options for stylish, American-made dress socks that wouldn’t sag or bunch upon wears. Fred and Harrison started knitting a solution to the problem in 2012. In the almost, seven years since, we have purchased five knitting machines and expanded our offerings to include Made in USA neckwear and trousers.

The Dapper Difference

Through our commitment American manufacturing, we’ve partnered with experts in their crafts. Our socks are knitted at a third-generation family mill in North Carolina, our neckties are handmade by a team of artisans in New York, and our trousers are hand-tailored at New York factory with nearly 100 years of tailoring expertise. All Dapper Classics products are made with the details in mind.

Dressing Like A Grown-up

Our socks are knitted with linked toes for additional style and comfort. Available in cotton, merino wool, and cashmere in over-the-calf and mid-calf fits, our socks keep you looking good all year-round. Dapper Classics entered the “sock game” around the time workplaces started trending toward the casual. Now more than ever, people are using their socks to express themselves and have a little fun with their office attire. Our wide range of styles – from solids to skull and crossbones – offers something for everyone.

Whether you prefer bold or traditional footwear, you’ll want socks you can count on as you embark on the daily grind of the “real world.” Going sockless looks like you forgot to finish getting dressed up and athletic tube socks and cheap dress socks won’t get the job done. Dapper Classics socks are made to stay up all day long. When you’re wearing our hosiery, you can focus on your work and forget about having to constantly reach down to pull up your socks. You can also cross your legs in confidence knowing that doing so won’t reveal sloppy bunched up socks and exposed skin – an embarrassing faux pas you’ll want to avoid at work and when you’re out socializing.

Classic Styles For Organized Appearances

For those times at work when you need to dress your absolute best – interviews and important meetings – our neckwear can help pull together your look. Our silk, cotton, and linen ties are designed with classic style in mind, making them easy to wear with your staple shirts and suits. Pair our ties with complementary socks for a well-coordinated look that will definitely be noticed. Pairing our neckwear and hosiery is also a winning formula for formal events outside of work. Well-stocked sock drawers and tie racks will have you ready for weddings – which you’re sure to be invited to following graduation – and community events.

Moving beyond accessories, our hand-tailored trousers are well worth the investment if you’re ready to get serious about dressing like a grown-up. Competitively priced, our pants come unfinished for custom tailoring. Dapper Classics trousers come in two fits – slim and classic – and a range of colors and fabrics. Our cotton chinos, linens, hopsacks, and lightweight wools are ideal for the months following graduation. And our heavier wools, donegals, and moleskins will get you through the fall and winter.

More Than A Wardrobe

As nice as Dapper Classics socks, ties, and trousers are, they’re more than just quality goods to add to your wardrobe. Every product we make comes with a story – the story of a small family business committed to supporting other American jobs. When you shop Dapper Classics, you’re participating in that story.

Discover Dapper Classics’ best sellers and new product arrivals at www.dapperclassics.com .

See Also:

Making A Fashion Statement 

Life Lessons After Graduation

 

Sustainable Gems for Graduation Day

If a scene from the film Black Diamond comes to mind when you think about gems, you’ll be glad to know that this is not an image you need to associate with the pearl industry.

Most gemstones are non-renewable – the supply of gems like diamonds is finite and won’t be replaced in our lifetime, while many mining sites cause a lot of ecological damage.

But, the pearl industry is different.

Pearls: Nature’s Gems

Pearls are the only gems that are produced by living creatures; they are organic, created inside living mollusks. They’re also renewable – one mollusk can produce multiple pearls at a time and the mollusks themselves can also reproduce. It only takes a few years for pearls to form, in stark contrast with diamonds, which take between 1-3 billion years to be created.

Oysters are remarkably sensitive organisms, which makes it extremely important that the water and surrounding areas are clean and healthy, otherwise the pearls won’t grow. A pearl farmer who cares about the long-term health of his farming operation must use environmentally-responsible farming practices to produce high-quality pearls now, and for decades to come, unlike with other gemstones where the future of the environment is hardly a concern.

Formerly, pearls could only be found growing wild in nature, and they were extremely rare – only royalty and the extremely wealthy could afford them. But today, most pearls you can buy are cultured or produced on pearl farms of which about 95% are produced in China, which is also where our flagship product, Edison pearls are cultivated.

What Are Edison Pearls?

Edison Pearls are the brainchild of Zhan Weijian, president of Grace Pearls located in Zhuji, a town in the Zhejiang Province in east-central China. The first cultivated pearls were farmed successfully in 1916, admittedly of low quality, and over time the quality has improved tremendously and could even be compared to the quality of natural pearls. But Edison Pearls took the industry to a whole new level when they were introduced to the market in 2010.

What makes Edison pearls so unique is that these pearls are smooth with intense luster, they’re almost perfectly round, they come in sizes of up to ¾ of an inch and there are a wide range of different colors available such as: purple, pink, bronze, dark gold, and champagne.

When asked why he chose the name, Zhan Weijian said that “Thomas Edison, for all his intelligence, could not invent pearls or diamonds.”

The superior quality of Edison pearls put them in a class of their own. And what makes them even more remarkable is the fact that they are surprisingly affordable. Women throughout the world are now able to afford pearls of superior quality in any shape, size, and color they prefer.

Our Trade-In System: Recycle Your Old Jewelry

At Timeless Pearl, we’re committed to helping women look beautiful and feel confident with a wide range of charming jewelry designs that reflect her inner beauty and personal style.

We’re also committed to the environment and our impact in the community. We only partner with suppliers who follow sound sustainability practices in their pearl farming operations.

But we’re now taking our commitment even further. We’re introducing a new trade-in system where you can exchange your old pearl jewelry for something new and depending on the quality of the used jewelry, you can get up to 80% back on your purchase price.

It’s simple. You just complete the trade-in application form on our website to receive a return label, you’ll then post the old jewelry to us, and once we’ve inspected the jewelry, you’ll receive a cash back coupon via email which you can then use when making your next purchase.

Take a Stand on Graduation Day

We invite you to take a stand for women and the environment on your graduation day – and beyond. With over 400 different styles, you’re bound to find something to your liking.

Visit timelesspearl.com to make a statement on graduation day.

 

At Timeless Peal, we sincerely hope to make you 100% satisfied with your pearl jewerly purchase. Our mission is to make handcrafted luxury timeless pearl jewelry affordable to everyone, and at the same time promote environmental sustainability and our love of pearls.

Wear a Tie

Put down That Hoodie and Wear a Tie Instead!

T-shirts and hoodies are great, but sometimes college events require a tie. Fortunately, it’s possible to look sharp on a college budget. Here’s how to wear a tie and dress for those dapper college events.

Fraternity or group events

Classic two-color striped ties are perfect for fraternity or other organization events. These ties stand out, especially when an entire group wears the same tie. Standard ties, skinny ties, bow ties, socks, suspenders, pocket squares. Striped ties come in a wide variety of styles and color combos, so it’s easy to match group or college colors.

Class presentations

Giving a class presentation or thesis is about more than quality content. Impressions count. No fidgeting, make eye contact, avoid saying ‘like’ or ‘um’ and don’t wear distracting clothing. Even if it’s not required, it’s a good idea to skip the joggers and instead put on chinos or slacks, a button-down shirt and wear a tie. Plaid or geometric pattern ties are great neutral designs that won’t distract the audience. (A neon-colored tie or bold novelty print, on the other hand, would be a distraction.) Since it’s important to look at ease in front of an audience, choose a tie style that’s comfortable. This may be a slim 2.5-inch tie or a contemporary 3.25-inch tie.

Formals

Hopefully, it goes without saying that college formals and semi-formals require you to wear a tie. Whether this tie is worn with a tux, suit or simply a dress shirt and slacks varies from school to school. Definitely ask around to find out the level of formality expected.

If a tuxedo is suggested, a black bow tie and black or white pocket square is traditional. If wearing a suit, either a necktie or bow tie is acceptable. Though optional, adding a pocket square is a nice touch, too. Paisley, tone-on-tone stripes or textured solid ties are great for formal events. For those with dates, the tie should coordinate with her dress. This isn’t prom, so it’s not necessary to perfectly match a solid tie to the dress color. However, a pattern tie in similar colors is a great choice.

A dress shirt and slacks allows the most flexibility. A necktie or bow tie will do, but it doesn’t have to coordinate with a date’s attire. Unstained, unwrinkled and proportionate for one’s body type is what counts.

Sometimes, the fraternity, club or organization hosting the formal will have custom ties made for its members. These ties are typically worn with a suit or dress shirt and slacks, not a tuxedo. However, if given a tie to wear, check to see if there is an additional dress code. (Suit color, shirt color, etc.)

Job interviews

As senior year winds down, the job search begins. Landing a job interview is a huge accomplishment, so it should go without saying that this is not the time or place to dress casual. In fact, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed at a job interview. A dark-colored suit paired with a conservative necktie (i.e. 3-inches to 3.5-inches wide) are the most appropriate choices. Tie colors shouldn’t vary much from navy blue or burgundy in solid or subtle designs.

Wear a tie for graduation

Graduation is a time to celebrate. And that means looking good, even if a cap and gown is covering an outfit for most of the day. Give one last hurrah to the alma mater with a solid or striped necktie or bow tie in college colors. Novelty ties relating to one’s major are perfect for graduation, too. (Yes, math, teacher, engineering, lawyer, doctor ties, etc. are a thing.) Or, shop smart and purchase a pattern tie that can be worn to a new job post-graduation.

Tiemart, Inc. is an online neckwear and accessory retailer located in northern Illinois. The company specializes in budget-friendly ties for any occasion, from fashionable everyday attire to group wear and formal events. Shop www.tiemart.com for affordable neckties, bow ties, socks, suspenders, pocket squares and more.

Streetwear

Voice of Insiders Streetwear

Redefining modern streetwear and conveying a new freshness to the “jungle” of fashion.

Unless you’ve been camping out in the actual jungle for the last several years, you’d have noticed that technology and fashion have started to blend together in new ways. In fact, probably almost everyone you know has a Fitbit (which started with a bracelet and has now branched into apparel) or Apple Watch (which did a collaboration with Hèrmes to create luxurious leather straps for the timepieces) or some other kind of wearable device that can measure heart rate, calories burned, and a wide array of other metrics. And the appeal of such devices is easy to see. Sure, a watch tells time, but why shouldn’t it do more for us? The Fitbit and Apple Watch do indeed, do much, much more.

But, why confine such obvious benefits to simply accessories? While a watch is a great accessory, not all of us prefer or choose to wear one. However, putting on clothes before we head out the door every day is not an option for any of us, it’s an obligation. “No shirt, no shoes, no service” still applies in most or all public spaces, so unless you happen to live in a nudist colony, you may want to keep reading.

Some brands offer clothing made from high performing textiles. These special fabrics have properties far beyond what fibers like cotton, linen, silk and wool can offer. Benefits of these textiles may range from anti-wrinkling, quick drying, antibacterial, light-up/color-changing, antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, water repellant, UV protection, temperature regulating, and might offer the wearer energy return and even support the treatment of injuries. While some of these streetwear technologies are more gimmick-y or just for fun, some of them are really incredible. For example, Outlast, a technology originally developed by NASA for use in spacesuits on account of its temperature regulation properties, is now used in products like bedding, apparel, footwear, seating and beyond. Another amazing technology we discovered is called Celliant, which originally had a variety of uses for aiding performance, recovery and sleep on account of its proprietary infrared energy technology, but is now also being used in a multitude of different products, including fashion garments!

Modern streetwear

Although the number of fashion brands that have discovered the benefits of using technologies like Outlast and Celliant are still few, there’s no doubt that performance textiles being used in clothing is going to be a huge trend. One brand that’s ahead of the flow and combining fashion and function in a way we’ve never seen before is the NYC-based performance streetwear brand, Voice of Insiders. Voice of Insiders was founded in 2016 with a mission to seamlessly fuse technology and fashion and a vision to re-define modern streetwear and convey a new freshness to the “jungle” of fashion. Their simple, yet thoughtful designs are comfortable and wearable, yet elevated at the same time. We can see their Energy Zip Dress pairing equally well with sneakers for running errands during the day or with a strappy sandal for a night out, and the Energy Track Pant can take you from the basketball court to dinner, just pop on a jacket (like their Double Zipper Aviator Jacket) and you’re good to go! All pieces feature technologies like Outlast and Celliant and each one comes with a tag detailing the unique benefits of each individual piece. For example, the Transformable Down Filled Parka is a true 2-in-1 piece, with a water and wind repellant shell that zips off, showcasing a down filled jacket underneath. The piece is also breathable and packable! Voice of Insiders’ collection is the ideal capsule wardrobe for someone who wants to do a lot with a little and who believes that clothes should do more than simply look good.

You can find performance streetwear from Voice of Insiders online at www.voiceofinsiders.com and use code “INSIDERS” for 10 percent off your order. You can also check out what they’re up to on Instagram @voiceofinsiders.

Animal Fur

Faux Real: End of Animal Fur

Historically, animal fur has been synonymous with the world of luxury fashion. But, in an until recently unprecedented stand, some major luxury fashion brands have pledged to ban fur from their lines once and for all.

The relationship between high-end luxury fashion brands and animal ethics groups has been fraught for decades. However, recent years have seen a rise in major fashion houses and designers denouncing the use of animal fur, marking a monumental victory for animal rights. Some American cities are also taking an independent stand to diminish the retail of the product. San Francisco voted to ban all sales of fur within its limits in March of this year. An historical moment for the city, this new legislation will go into effect January 2019. 

A worldwide stand against animal fur

There is no doubt that fur as clothing is drenched in the glitz of showbiz history. Adorning Hollywood starlets and wealthy clientele alike, female glamour was once defined by a mink coat. If recent years are anything to go by, however, this antiquated approach to style is getting the overhaul animals deserve, and its effects can be seen around the globe.

Norway, which was once the world’s largest producer of fox fur, has committed to phasing out the country’s fur farms by 2025. The Nordic country follows in the footsteps of the UK, Germany, Austria and Croatia, who have all prohibited fur farms. What’s more, according to the Financial Times, 850 retailers globally are now registered as Fur Free Retailers.

“Fur? I am out of that. I don’t want to kill animals to make fashion. It doesn’t feel right”—Donatella Versace

High time, high fashion

The Versace family’s eponymous brand joined the ever-growing list of fashion houses to eradicate fur products from its lines. Head of the family Donatella Versace said earlier this year, “Fur? I am out of that. I don’t want to kill animals to make fashion. It doesn’t feel right.” We’re with you there, Donatella.

Major Italian fashion house Gucci announced its move to eliminate animal fur from its label back in 2017 from its Spring 2018 line onwards. Any remaining fur stock, they said, would be auctioned with proceeds given to animal welfare charities. “Being socially responsible is one of Gucci’s core values, and we will continue to strive to do better for the environment and animals,” said Gucci president and CEO Marco Bizzarri at the London College of Fashion in October 2017. “Gucci is excited to take this next step and hopes it will help inspire innovation and raise awareness, changing the luxury fashion industry for the better,” he added.

According to the Financial Times, fur products in Gucci’s line account for just €10 million of their €6.21 billion worth. A change in consumer behavior also prompted the fashion titan to change course. With the rise of vegetarianism and veganism among millennials (the brand’s main consumer base), sales for animal products were likely to decrease anyway.

Not long ago, accessible luxury fashion brand Michael Kors also hopped onto the faux fur bandwagon. “Due to technological advances in fabrications, we now have the ability to create a luxe aesthetic using non-animal fur,” said Kors himself, following a statement that the company would join others in cutting the use of animal fur from its brand.

John D. Idol, chairman and chief executive at Michael Kors, said in a statement, “This decision marks a new chapter as our company continues to evolve its use of innovative materials.”

Is the future faux?

The concept of replacing animal fur with fake fur has been met with mixed reactions. While it undoubtedly eliminates the possibility of animal slaughter, some have argued that the material’s production is harmful to the environment and not as sustainable as we’d like to think. The principal materials used to make faux fur—including acrylic and polyesters—are made from non-renewable products such as coal and petroleum which deplete the Earth’s natural resources. Mark Oaten, CEO of the Fur Trade Association, said, “Fake fur requires the extraction and fractionating of petroleum, as well as the subsequent conversion into fibers and mass manufacturing into products. These are not only incredibly energy-intensive but also produce a lot of extremely unpleasant chemical compounds.” But is this argument against faux alternatives enough to slow the momentum gained to banish animal fur and encourage fur-aesthetic lovers to buy real?

While commitments to a fur-free future have made a powerful political statement, fur farming is still a major cash cow with the global fur industry estimated to be worth a staggering $40 billion. For now, though, the formidable solidarity between fashion houses renowned for their lavish excess, independent boutiques and countries around the world who are stepping into a cruelty-free future together shows that compassionate fashion is—for want of a better word—“in”.

$200m

is the value of mink fur industry each year

Source: truthaboutfur.com

Further reading: Making a Fashion Statement

Studying Abroad

10 Things You Should Know Before Studying Abroad

Studying abroad can be one of the most eye opening and life changing events in a student’s career. It’s exciting and filled with new experiences, which can also be a bit daunting. Here’s the top things you should know before studying abroad, and how to prepare for your trip.

1. Take responsibility for the safety of your belongings and have a backup plan.

Studying abroad may be the first time you’re really traveling solo for a long period of time. This means that you don’t have the safety net of your parents there to take care of big things like lost or stolen luggage. Have all your bags clearly marked with your name and email address, and store important names, phone numbers and copies of your passport in secure cloud storage.

Research what common crimes there may be in the area, such as pickpocketing techniques and purse theft so that you can be more aware, and invest in practical bags like this Anti-theft Waterproof Travel bag from Arden Cove. With features like slash resistance, locking zippers, RFID-blocking material and waterproof materials, you will be protected from purse slashers, thieves using scanners, pickpockets and unpredictable weather!

 2. Research the country you are traveling to.

Everyone has stereotypical ideas of people in other countries, but they’re often not true. Be more open and sensitive by learning about the culture and customs before you land. What is the common etiquette of people who live there? How do they act in public? How do they dress? By learning these things and practicing their customs, you have the chance to gain another perspective by looking through their eyes. Also check out travel.state.gov to see the “Safety and Security” advice for the country you are going to. Whatever happens, Arden Cove Travel bags can help keep things organized and secure.

3. Learn a few key phrases before you leave.

Knowing some phrases will come in handy if you meet someone who doesn’t speak English, and almost everyone will appreciate the fact that you took the time and effort to learn their language as a guest to their country. If you have the time to, taking a language class before and during your time abroad will really help you become conversational. If you’re serious about improving your language skills you’ll have to put in a lot of time studying and practicing, so don’t be shy!

4. Pack light.

You might be tempted to pack everything you might ever possibly need for the duration of your study abroad, but the truth is you will probably never actually need most things. Prioritize items that will realistically need and a few emergency items like a basic first aid kit. You’ll be thankful when you’re not trying to roll two luggage bags and a duffle bag though a packed train station. The Arden Cove crossbodies are also great to keep all your essentials like credit cards and cash handy and safe.

5. Have a budget in mind.

Learn the local currency and the conversion rate to US dollars so that you don’t spend blindly and blow through your budget. Make sure your credit card doesn’t come with any crazy international fees and call your bank ahead of time so that they won’t flag it as suspicious international transactions. While you don’t want to carry a ton of cash around with you, make sure you have enough to get through the day and lock up the rest somewhere safe.

6. Use your student card to get discounts on things like transportation, accommodations, and entertainment.

Every time you have to pay for tickets for a museum or show, it doesn’t hurt to ask if there’s a student discount. This will help you stretch your budget so you can travel and do more! Arden Cove purses have built-in wallets so save a card slot for your student ID.

7. Prepare to be a bit uncomfortable.

You can pack an eye mask, ear plugs, and an inflatable pillow to save yourself some restless nights. But you’ll never know what will happen when you walk into the dorm, stay at a hostel, or nap at the airport.

8. Challenge yourself to try new things.

You’ll be introduced to a ton of new foods and ways of living, so be open and receptive to trying new things. Even if a dish’s ingredients sound strange or unsavory, you’ll never know until you try, and it might even grow on you. Enjoy these moments of surprise when studying abroad and wonder as they may be some of the highlights of your journey!

9. There are always going to be tons of things you want to explore right outside your door, but you do actually have to study and do your classwork.

Some programs may be easier than others, but remember that the whole reason you decided to study abroad is to take classes at a foreign institution. At the same time, you should take advantage of your surroundings and not just stay cooped in your room cramming for tests. Find a balance between doing your school work and going out to learn about this new place you are in.

10. You’ll probably get lost a lot when studying abroad, and that’s OK.

From bad GPS signals to misunderstood directions, you’ll probably wander in the wrong direction more than once. Don’t panic and take your time to figure it out, even if you need to ask for help from a stranger. Perhaps it’ll be how you’ll stumble upon your favorite place in the whole city. Remember that despite even if you had a bad day, you got lost, or made a mistake, you’ll learn that you can figure it out.

 In the end, your study abroad trip will be whatever you decide to make of it. It’s up to you to decide what you want to experience, and to design the trip in a way that’s most meaningful to you. Have fun and enjoy! It’s your chance to step outside your comfort zone and live your own adventure.

To have more piece of mind, pick up an Anti-theft Waterproof bag, which will protect your belongings from purse snatching and slashing, pickpockets, electronic theft, and sudden downpours. Shop ArdenCove.com to purchase your travel bag today.