While all of us were still recovering from the metaverse hype, Apple just in time launched its first augmented-reality headset, the Vision Pro, at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, on Monday. In the ever-changing landscape of cutting-edge technology, this is not just another fancy innovation, but introduces a whole new world of “spatial computing.” Apple’s Vision Pro embodies a decisive step towards the future, set to revolutionize the fashion industry.

With a sleek black and grey design, priced at $3,499, these glasses offer wearers an immersive experience in both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Equipped with eye and hand tracking, voice control, and a dial similar to the Apple Watch, this device opens up new possibilities for various industries. Let’s explore how the fashion industry and experts view this development and its implications for the future.

As Tim Cook, the visionary CEO of apple, envisages it, the Vision Pro is no ordinary gadget- but like Apple’s other products, its revolutionary. Just like Mac revolutionized personal computing and iPhone forever changed the mobile game, the Vision Pro aims to transport us into the realm of spatial computing, enabling us to experience both augmented reality and virtual reality content, seamlessly integrating digital elements into user’s real-world environment.

During the WWDC, Apple demonstrated with exciting possibilities of integrating this high-tech in our everyday life. Users can dive into immersive movies or video games, capture mind-blowing footage of the real world, engage in virtual meetings and calls, and witness mesmerizing 3D digital content overlaid onto their physical surroundings, which can bring new dimensions to storytelling and shopping. Fashion brands can envision broadcasting fashion shows or offering interactive 3D product experiences, revolutionizing the way consumers engage with their offerings.

While Apple wasn’t the first one to combine the digital and physical worlds through headsets and smart glasses, tech giants like Metaverse and Google and companies like Magic Leap, Snap and others have already worked on this vision, indicating some sort of blend between the virtual and physical spaces, but none of them had really made it big in the mainstream. However, Apple, known for stirring up the market with its irresistible gadgets, had sparked trends in various product categories before such as the iPod for MP3 players and the iPhone for smartphones, is gearing up to make its mark again when its iconic headset becomes available in Apple stores early next year.

Fashion brands have been closely following the augmented reality movement around the globe, as it has the potential to transform the industry by bringing digital clothing into the mainstream. However, unlike Meta, which showcased its vision for fashion in this exciting new realm, the presentation focused majorly on possibilities of brand experiences. The company announced partnership with Disney to transform the magic of Disney’s films and series into mind-blowing immersive experiences.

While fashion wasn’t explicitly mentioned in the presentation, the collaboration with Disney further sets the stage for fashion brands to join forces with Apple and leverage intellectual property to breathe life into their creations in extraordinary ways. As fashion brands strives to captivate audiences and offer one-of-a-kind interactions, partnering with tech giants like Apple would become a game-changer. These collaborations would allow fashion brands to harness Apple’s high-end technology to craft immersive fashion moments that transcend boundaries. From virtual runways in captivating digital realms to interactive shopping experiences influenced by beloved Disney franchises, the sky’s the limit.

Brands are going all out in the virtual realm, with Gucci’s mind-blowing experience in Roblox, Burberry’s mobile shark game, and the fashion industry’s captivating escapades in Decentraland during the Metaverse Fashion Week. These bold moves demonstrate how brands are fearlessly embracing the digital space to go beyond their usual offerings and captivate audiences. It’s an exhilarating fusion of fashion and the External Reality (XR), where brands are pushing boundaries and immersing themselves in a new digital frontier to engage with the next generation of consumers. Through these interactive experiences, fashion becomes more than just a garment; it becomes an immersive journey that blurs the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

While Meta collaborated with Ray-Ban for their smart glasses venture, Apple’s fashion partner is the luxury fashion house Hermès. Apple, with its undeniable prestige, has taken the lead in the AR realm, showcasing a sleeker and more refined experience compared to its competitors.

The substantial price tag implies that this is a technology designed for a select few with a taste for luxury.

The new gadget undoubtedly opens a new realm of exciting possibilities for fashion brands and enthusiasts but with its steep price point, the initial applications of the headset appear to be geared towards the luxury sector. Luxury brands could use the headset as a valuable tool for enhancing internal processes and product creation, rather than a consumer-oriented device. Utilizing digital environments, they can test and develop products before physical samples are produced, leading to cost savings and reduced material usage. These brands have been embracing technology, leveraging data, blockchain, and refining their supply chains. Moreover, the headset holds potential for reaching VIP clients through personalized concierge services, extending the luxury shopping experience into the comfort of their homes. Major companies like LVMH and Kering are expected to develop concierge features for the Vision headset, encompassing their entire brand portfolio. This could be a means to bring the immersive Gucci Garden experience to life in physical stores. While the hefty price tag may deter the average consumer, luxury brands, extended reality (XR) enthusiasts, enterprises, and gamers are likely to be the first to embrace this groundbreaking technology.

One of the most exciting prospects it holds for the fashion industry is the potential for virtual shopping experiences, runways and fashion campaigns and integration of digital clothing in our physical world. Industry experts anticipate that fashion brands will embrace the opportunity to showcase their designs in the metaverse created by the Vision Pro glasses.

The boundaries between physical and virtual fashion are blurring, offering new avenues for creativity and self-expression.

Apple has a proven track record of merging technology and style seamlessly, evident in their successful ventures like the Apple Watch. The Vision Pro glasses have the potential to become not just a technological device but also a fashion accessory. As fashion brands explore ways to integrate their designs with the glasses’ aesthetics, we may witness exciting collaborations and fashionable accessories that enhance the overall appeal of wearing these cutting-edge glasses too.

Fashion brands will definitely be watching closely on how spatial computing develops and what it unfolds for this industry. To achieve widespread adoption, Apple must prioritize affordability, user-friendliness, comfort, and captivating content. Fashion brands and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the dawn of a new era, where technology and style coexist in harmony.

The post Revolutionizing Fashion: Apple’s Vision Pro Unleashes Limitless Style appeared first on Fashion Law Journal.

While the victims have been recognised and the families have been informed, Police investigation is underway. The police authorities have taken the fashion show organizer and the individuals responsible for installing the ill-fated lighting truss into custody. This shocking development comes as they are being questioned intensively, aiming to uncover the circumstances leading to the catastrophic collapse. The police have registered a case, while the body of the deceased model has been sent for a post-mortem examination, revealing the gravity of the situation.

The weight of this tragedy cannot be understated, as it sends shockwaves throughout the fashion community and beyond. The loss of Vanshika Chopra, a vibrant young talent with a promising future, leaves a void that will be deeply felt. The severity of the incident underscores the urgent need for answers and justice in this distressing case and raises a very alarming issue of the safety and security of models in the fashion industry.

Legal Implications and Accountability Surrounding the Devastating Incident Unfold

The potential legal ramifications are significant, as various stakeholders may be held accountable for their roles in ensuring the safety and security of models. This include examining the responsibilities of the event organizer, venue owner, stage construction team, and equipment suppliers. Negligence or failure to ensure the safety of the participants could result in serious legal consequences for those found responsible.

Additionally, contractual agreements, insurance coverage, and adherence to safety regulations will also play a crucial role in determining liability. The severity of the incident further underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures within the fashion industry. The well-being of models should be a top priority, with strict adherence to safety protocols and regular inspections of event infrastructure. It is crucial to ensure that venues, equipment, and supporting structures are maintained in optimal condition to prevent avoidable accidents.

“A model can be construed as a consumer under the 2019 Act and her legal heir can initiate consumer proceedings for both the defective truss and deficiency in services in installation of the truss, in addition to breach of model contract with the organiser. Under the 2019 Act, the truss owner/manufacturer can face imprisonment for not less than seven years and 10 Lakh as a fine.”, says Subhash Bhutoria, a Lawyer closely working with Fashion Industry.

Tripti Dabral, A Fashion Runway Model says, “As someone in this industry, I find it necessary to discuss the legal aspect, particularly the absence of contracts. Despite the existence of rules and regulations, many individuals choose not to comply with them because they fear it would jeopardize their source of income. In the realm of fashion shows, organizers typically neglect to have models sign any agreements prior to their participation. This is primarily due to their desire to maximize profits through unscrupulous means, rather than compensating models for their hard work.

Furthermore, safety within the Indian fashion industry is frequently disregarded. Incidents can occur anywhere and at any time, but it is the responsibility of the organizers to be accountable for any negligence or mishaps.”

“This unfortunate incident underscores the importance of implementing liability for such incidents in the fashion industry. The collapse of the iron truss resulting in the death of a young model and injury to another individual raises serious concerns regarding safety measures in the industry. The organizers, as well as those responsible for installing the lighting truss, should be held accountable for their actions.”, says Anuj Kumar, Founder of Fashion Law Journal.

Drawing parallels to the Rana Plaza incident, this tragic incident serves as a wake-up call, prompting the industry to re-evaluate existing safety practices and implement more stringent guidelines in this industry. The loss of a young life highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures to protect the models who bring life to the fashion world. Both incidents underscore the pressing need for industry-wide reforms to prioritize the well-being and protection of those involved in fashion and garment production. It calls for a collective effort from designers, manufacturers, event organizers, venue owners, and all stakeholders to ensure the highest safety standards are upheld.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in the fashion industry and emphasizes the necessity for heightened vigilance to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved. The entire industry now stands united in grief, resolved to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring in the future and remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of models.

The post Holding Accountable: Assessing stricter Liability in the Wake of the Fashion Show Tragedy in Film City appeared first on Fashion Law Journal.

Weddings, the timeless ceremony celebrating love and togetherness, have an extensive and intricate history dating back centuries. However, what truly captivates every attendee’s memory is the bride’s exquisite wedding dress.

Be it a fashion faux pas or the most beautiful ensemble, the wedding dress remains an unforgettable hallmark that resonates with the couple and guests alike for years to come.

Just like any other trend, wedding and wedding dresses have undergone a significant evolution, reflecting the ever-changing fashion world. Gone are the days of frilly, high-necked corseted gowns, replaced by the jaw-dropping silhouettes, and stunning embellishments, sleek and simple to glamorous and glitzy.

Gone are the days of frilly, high-necked corseted gowns, replaced by the jaw-dropping silhouettes, and stunning embellishments, sleek and simple to glamorous and glitzy.

Just like any other clothing item, wedding dresses have adapted with the times, mirroring the latest trends in contemporary fashion catering to the fierce and fabulous 21^st gen aesthetic today.

Origins of the wedding dress

Historians say that the idea of wearing a unique garment for weddings goes way back, with Chinese folklore being the earliest known origin. Legend has it that a princess wore a phoenix dress and crown, which brought her good luck and strength in marriage. Even today, Chinese brides prefer a striking red gown with a phoenix tail as a symbol of good fortune.

Silk wedding robes in Korea and Japan were used in different styles based on the dynasty and season, but they were always full of bright colours, perfect for royalty.

While the concept of marriage dates to ancient civilizations such as Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria, the idea of weddings being a romantic affair is more recent. Historical analysis of paintings featuring Assyrian artifacts, including Edwin Long’s 1875 interpretation, suggests that women would dress in draped white or cream garments to be auctioned off in a market-like setting, with the less desirable women assigned to “commoners.”

In ancient Rome, brides rocked braided hairstyles and veils in shades of deep yellow, while Athenian women wore violet and red dresses held by a symbolic girdle that the groom would loosen after tying the knot.

Wedding dresses in 19^th century Britain

There’s a popular theory that the tradition of wearing a white wedding dress comes from the ancient marriage-market custom, but it’s just as possible that it gained popularity during the Victorian era, where it was associated with purity and virginity. White dresses were a status symbol at expensive British weddings in the 1400s and 1500s, but it wasn’t until Queen Victoria’s wedding in 1840 that white gowns became the norm in the western world. Though costly and hard to maintain, white dresses became the go-to for brides looking to make a statement on their big day.

Fun fact: Wedding dresses didn’t always have to be white. It wasn’t until 1840 when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert that white became the go-to colour, symbolizing purity (although the rich had already been wearing white before then).

Queen Victoria’s wedding dress set the standard for modern bridal fashion. Her gown featured a cinched waist, a voluminous skirt, and layers of ivory lace, and this style became the norm for wedding dresses. Bridesmaids also followed suit and it was common for the bride and her squad to wear similar dresses, possibly inspired by ancient Roman folklore that believed wearing similar clothes would confuse evil spirits.

As we moved into the Edwardian era, wedding dresses got a bit more stress-free. The ladies were all about those loose, delicate gowns made from dreamy fabrics. High necks, ruffles and long sleeves were still in, but they also started rocking some seriously fancy headpieces and bouquets. It was all about feeling confident and comfortable, no longer feeling the pressure to fit into one rigid ideal of the “perfect” bride.

Queen Victoria’s white wedding dress in 1840 is often credited with popularizing the white wedding gown, which has since become a staple of Western wedding fashion.

1920s

Wedding dresses today take cues from past styles but have evolved quite a bit. A century ago, in the 1920s, wedding dresses were all about royalty vibes. With women’s right to vote, gowns shifted from heavy ballgowns to lighter, straight lace and silk dresses. Iconic designer Coco Chanel even shook things up with a daring new style: a short wedding dress with a long tulle train. When it comes to collecting vintage bridal haute couture, there’s one iconic brand that reigns supreme: Chanel.

Brides in the 1930s kept it simple.

The tough times of the Great Depression and the looming shadow of World War II definitely had an impact on wedding dress styles. Dresses became more understated, with closer-fitting silhouettes, longer hemlines, and flowing trains. Brides cared about making the most out of their wedding ensembles. They would pick dresses that could be dyed and worn later on. If buying a new dress wasn’t an option, they would simply wear their nicest one. Unlike today, it was harder for women to imitate the fashion of movie stars. While they may have been more affordable, they still had that royal elegance and classic white hue that we all know and love in a traditional wedding dress.

Since money was tight, most women wore their fanciest dress they already owned to their weddings.

Simple wedding dress amidst war time

Wedding dresses in the 1940s and 1960s

In the 1940s, women’s fashion was split into two eras – wartime and post-war. During the war, rationing led to simple designs and reusing dresses, but after the war, the New Look by Christian Dior emerged and brought with it a stylish and feminine approach, which was perfect for the boom in weddings after the troops returned home.

In the early 1940s, wedding fashion was limited by the war, as rationing affected both food and clothing. Brides of modest means had to settle for practical dresses due to the scarcity of resources. It was a tough time, but creativity and resourcefulness were still on display. Women wore their best clothes or altered versions of their husband’s suits, in line with the “make do and mend” mindset of the time.

Photo by Pinterest: 1940’s Bridal Fashion amidst world war

Queen Elizabeth got married to Prince Phillip in 1947, after the war was over, but the country was still dealing with rationing and a gloomy mood. To avoid looking too extravagant, Elizabeth opted for an ivory silk and pearl dress that was simple compared to the dresses worn by previous royals. Her dress became an inspiration for romantic brides who wanted to look youthful and feminine, featuring delicate touches like embroidered flowers or a shorter skirt.

In 1947, Christian Dior debuted his line of clothing called “Corolle”, which became known as the New Look, and it brought a fresh change to women’s fashion. The collection emphasized the female form with tighter waists and fuller skirts, taking advantage of the increased availability of fabrics post-WWII. This style of fashion remained popular throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, and it influenced the design of many wedding dresses during that time.

The silhouette of the 1950s was revolutionized by French designer Christian Dior’s “New Look” which included his signature hourglass suit featuring full skirts with pleats, cinched waists, padded hips, and relaxed shoulders.

Getty Images: Christian Dior 1950s “New Look”

While in 1950s ball gowns were everywhere.

Long ball gowns made a comeback, and designers began using pearl and crystal appliques to add some sparkle. Some brides even ditched the classic white dress for more colourful options in pretty pastel hues. It was all about making a statement and standing out.

Wedding dresses in the 1950s were all about big, poofy skirts, perfect for twirling around on the dance floor. The strapless trend became popular as a rebellion against the more conservative, covered-up styles of the past.

But not all brides were ready to go sleeveless just yet. “It started off slowly,” explains the fashion historian Urshel, “Because it was still seen as a little bit risqué.”

In the 1950s and 60s, wedding dress fashion took on a more playful and flirtier vibe. Full skirts were still in style but they were shorter in length. Some brides were all about that traditional look, going for long and full dresses but keeping it fresh and young by going off the shoulder or strapless.

By the 1960s, modern styling was in vogue with brides opting for everything from long trains and sleeves to short mini dresses.

The 1960s marked a shift away from traditional white wedding dresses, with brides embracing bright colours like canary yellow and playful designs such as coat dresses and practical getaway outfits made from cotton. Dresses with floral and metallic details were all the rage, while veils tended to be short. Brides ditched the bulky ball gowns of the ’50s and opted for slimmer “column” dresses, with some choosing dresses that were a mix between a ball gown and a column dress.

(Toni Frisell/John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum)

Photo: Elegancepedia.com – Audrey Hepburn wedding dress 1954 designed by Pierre Balmain

Wedding dresses from 1970s-1980s

The 1970s had two totally different vibes going on: one was all about the flowy and bohemian look, while the other was more about clean and corporate styles. Celebs were rocking two-piece suits, while royal fam and musician muses were all about those long, graceful dresses with puffy sleeves and cool headgear.

Then, the 80s came in and wedding dresses were all about big ball gowns in white and cream shades. Princess Diana was a total trendsetter with her ivory silk wedding dress that had poufy shoulders, a lace V-neck, and a 26-foot train. It is arguably the most iconic gown worn by a royal bride. The 80s were all about the Bohemian vibe, featuring square necklines, batwing sleeves, and empire waists. Even though women had been moving away from traditional hoop skirted silhouettes, Lady Di brought it all back with her huge taffeta dress when she got married in 1981. With 750 million people watching, she totally owned the “more is more” look of the 80s with oversized bows, lace, and puff sleeves. It was totally a fashion moment!

Wedding dresses in the 1990s – 2000s

Back in the ’90s, women were wearing all kinds of wedding dresses, but they were usually all about that white colour scheme. Some brides went for a modern approach with tight gowns, while others kept it classic with off-the-shoulder bodices, sweetheart necklines, and ball gown skirts. While the hair was big but dresses were more minimalist and simpler.

Then, when the 2000s hit, strapless dresses were the new hotness. They still had that traditional mood with full skirts and long trains, but they also showed off a little skin with the collarbone and shoulders on display. But just like in the ’90s, some ladies went for more unusual styles, like tight dresses or short frocks. After so many years of back-and-forth, western wedding dresses were basically perfected and brides knew if they were more of a big-skirted or laid-back kinda gal.

In 1990, Vera Wang was slaying the game by opening her first bridal boutique and making strapless, figure-hugging dresses the ultimate wedding dress vibe. She paired these dresses with slicked-back up-dos and silver accessories, making brides everywhere drool.

While wedding dresses had been on fashion show runways since the ’50s, they really started to blow up in the ’90s, with big names like Calvin Klein, Versace, and Oscar De La Renta all showing off their signature occasion dresses.

Latest in Bridal Fashion

The latest trend in bridal fashion is all about combining vintage vibes with a modern twist. Wedding dresses now come in an endless array of styles and designs, with many brides opting for custom-made gowns to ensure a truly unique look. The focus is on creating something that is both timeless and on-trend, with nods to the past and a fresh, contemporary feel.

As society becomes more accepting and diverse, wedding dresses are also evolving to reflect individual style and expression. With more people embracing same-sex marriages, civil partnerships, and feminism, there is no longer a standard way to do bridalwear.

The focus is now on wearing what makes the individual feel special, whether it’s a caped-jumpsuit or a matching suit. Bridal blogging and online communities have emerged to help non-traditional brides find their perfect outfit, with sites like Rock N Roll Bride, Love My Dress, and Nu Bride showcasing that tradition can look different across cultures. The fashion industry is also following this trend, with high-street brands offering affordable wedding attire that caters to various body types and budgets.

ASOS has stepped up its game by offering a variety of Indian-inspired bridalwear to acknowledge that there are different wedding dress styles beyond the typical Western tradition. The COVID-19 pandemic may have also influenced the shift, as more couples opt for minimalistic outfits to match their scaled-down ceremonies.

“Bridal wear has become all about individual expression, with everything from caped-jumpsuits to matching suits being embraced as long as it makes the wearer feel like a star.”

Like any fashion item, there are still some styles that dominate the wedding dress scene. Last year, pop star Ariana Grande tied the knot in a Vera Wang dress and a bow-topped veil that would have been perfect for a glamorous 60s bride. Princess Beatrice also wore a vintage dress for her private 2020 wedding, passed down to her by the Queen and updated with chiffon sleeves from the 70s. No matter what era we’re in, bridalwear will always appreciate the charm of “something borrowed”—a custom as unique as the love it represents.

References:

1. “The Evolution of the Wedding Dress,” Joel & Son, https://www.joelandsonfabrics.com/uk/the-memo/fashion-and-inspiration/the-evolution-of-the-wedding-dress
2. Jess Edwards, “This is how much wedding dresses have changed since the 1900s,” Cosmopolitan (2015), https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/news/a37408/wedding-dresses-evolution-infographic/
3. Jenessa Williams, “A history of wedding dresses,” Reader’s Digest (2021), https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/a-history-of-wedding-dresses
4. Chloe Pantaziand Amanda Krause, “How wedding dresses have evolved over the last 100 years,” INSIDER (2020), https://www.insider.com/wedding-dress-every-decade-evolution-2017-4

The post The Evolution of Wedding Dress: History and its Cultural Significance appeared first on Fashion Law Journal.

Compared to the last year neutral tones, this year has seen more bolder colours and fresher looks. To some extent the current style reminds me of the 90s fashion trends, but the classic styles have been modified to fit our comforts into oversized clothing and loud colours.

Here are the trends that ruled 2022 and gave us the perfect opportunity to upgrade our aesthetics.

Oversized Shoulder Pad Blazers

An 80s inspired oversized boyfriend blazer has dominated the 2021 fashion without any doubt. Pairing it with a more fitted piece like leggings, a straight-leg trouser, leather shorts or a fitted skirt underneath gives out a very ultra-modern style. The blazers in colour of powder blue, charcoal or neutrals gives an effortless chic aesthetic. Hailey Bieber, Megan Fox, and Ciara have already set their mark for this season. They were also recently seen in the Fall/Winter 2021 collections of Burberry and Gucci.

Black face masks

Face masks have been one of the highly product for this year. It has become the new normal so why not make fashionable. The black sleek mask offers a stylish way of protection and matches almost any outfit you wear, giving a very chic and classy look has also been very much in trend. One has the choice of opting either a simple black surgical mask or a silk fabric mask or something with embellishments for a touch of fancy. There are limitless styling opportunities that come along with this face-covering keeping you extra and safe.

Y2K Fashion

Who does not remember the iconic closet of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Paris Hilton, and screen legends like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and Regina George of Mean Girls! It’s the inspiration from their closets that act as the gateway to the best Y2K looks of 2021. It has been a mainstream trend for this year, and we thank the last two decades for this. This trend has been widely embraced by the Gen-Z and is very much prominent in the Instagram and Tiktok culture. Y2K fashion brings back everything bubble gum pink! From metallic jackets to teeny-tiny bags and lots of other juicy couture. We’re talking hot pink everything!

Crochet Tops

Crotchet Fashion is basically having a major moment. Delicate embroidery and crocheting were prominent trends of the ‘70s. Designers have taken inspiration and added a colourful and reimaged technique to the crochet aesthetic. Brands are taking a timeless approach by making unique eco-friendly handcrafted designs. Almost every show had a bright accent in the form of a crocheted tunic, top or dress.

Cropped cardigans

This is a very vintage-inspired trend that screams contemporary fashion in every way. It was kicked off by high brands like Alessandra Rich and LoveShackFancy, but was quickly copied by Zara and Forever 21, and other fast fashion brands.

Regardless, you can put out a very cute outfit just by pairing a skinny knit with your favourite jeans or a slip skirt and maybe add a leather jacket. Of course, boots and chunky loafers are also great accompaniments for it.

The styles range from a basic button-up to embroidered, embellished, or printed knit, so there’s pretty much something for everyone.

Vests & Shests

One of the most comfortable and fashionable clothing items of 2021 has to be vests. The outfit combination of styling it with a pair of leather pants is everywhere. It is easy enough to pull this outfit but at the same time it puts together a very fashion-forward look. Even a plain white tee styled with a vest ensemble a casual vibe. Styling vests just add more fun and flair to your fit. Top models like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid have always fascinated us by turning basic wardrobe staples into, a fashion must-have. Now, the crowd is all about Shest- wearing vest like a shirt, i.e., not in its traditional way of wearing. Shests are definitely hot in trend right now and would stick around this year’s end.

Nylon Prada-style bags

Introduced by Miuccia Prada in 1984 is now making a radical statement in 2021. As stated earlier, the ‘90s fashion is making a comeback in different forms, so is this celeb approved shoulder bag.  The Dior ‘Saddle’ and Fendi ‘Baguette’ bag made a major comeback, and everyone fell in love with those tuck-and-go arm candy. But it’s in trend because of the utility and the chic look it gives while tucked cleanly under the arm. It perfectly adds the needed sophistication to any outfit you wear. Seen on the top players of fashion, Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber, Elsa Hosk and so many others.

References.

1. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a34778125/fashion-trends-2021/
2. https://www.thetrendspotter.net/fashion-trends-spring-summer-2021/
3. https://www.vogue.in/fashion/content/supermodel-approved-shoulder-handbag-trend-celebrity-inspiration-where-to-shop
4. https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/new-colour-clash-rules

The post Fashion trends of 2022 appeared first on Fashion Law Journal.

There is a simple but unavoidable truth beneath the glitterous face of the fashion industry giants: exploitation of textile labourers. During the Covid-19 pandemic, big market players like Nike, and TJX saw their stock values rise by up to 11%, on the other hand, textile workers in the developing nations saw an average 21% decrease over the same time period. It becomes blatantly obvious that textile laborers are being exploited in this developing world in order to make that t-shirt you just bought $.10 cheaper to produce. It is a shame that the consumers choose to turn a blind eye to these questionable labour practices as long as they continue to purchase their products. This situation right here is a human rights catastrophe. 

According to Penelope Kyritsis, director of research at the Worker Rights Consortium, “labour abuse is baked into the supply-chain model championed by garment companies.” And a recent report found luxury brands are amongst the worst offenders. Workers’ rights advocates have warned that the global fashion and retail industry’s reliance on outsourcing and intricate, globalised supply chains for producing quick-turnaround goods at low cost has allowed forced labour to flourish. They claim that major fashion brands profiting from the model seem reluctance to change. The group also found that the biggest luxury brands in the world are among the worst offenders when it comes to tackling the worst types of exploitation in their supply chains, with an average score of 31 out of 100. 

French luxury goods company Kering (owner of Alexander McQueen and labels like Gucci) scored 41 out of 100, while LVMH, the owner of brands like Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton, got 19 out of 100. Prada, the Italian luxury fashion house, scored a dismal 5 out of 100 on KnowTheChain’s benchmark, and its rating has gotten worse over time. While these findings are striking but they aren’t surprising to the workers’ rights advocates. 

Two years before, individual working in garment factories in Bangladesh that supply prominent global brands made headlines after clashing with police in a weeks-long strike over low wages. The news came shortly after workers at Topshop’s Leeds distribution centre walked out of work in protest of the “meagre wages and exploitative contracts” used by the British fast fashion giant, and about six months after 500 garment workers in Myanmar participated in a massive strike demanding that their employers observe Thingyan, one of the biggest and most widely observed holidays in the country.

Luxury and high fashion firms at the top of the fashion totem pole have not been immune to labour unrest. According to the NGO China Labor Watch, Marc Jacobs, Coach, and Michael Kors came under criticism in March 2018 after up to 100 workers in one of its suppliers’ factories embarked on a “massive walkout to protest suspected sub-standard and illegal working conditions.” South Korean-owned Guangzhou Panyu Shimen Handbag Ltd. Co has been accused of failing to pay its employees a salary in accordance with local laws; as WWD reported at the time, “its workers have gone on strike over back pay owed and are campaigning to receive a monthly base salary of 3,500 renminbi ($553) during production-low seasons.”

In Korea, employees of Chanel outposts went on a brief strike the same month to protest the long hours and low pay. In a statement released in March 2018, a spokeswoman for the Korean Federation of Service Workers’ Unions said, “The current strike reveals the desperation of workers in the services industry.” “Department stores may appear opulent and sophisticated, but the sales clerks who work there endure long hours for meagre pay. This is the state of the country’s cosmetics market.

And yet, media outlets around the world report that a number of brands, including adidas, H&M, Gap Inc., and Lacoste, have been linked to allegations of forced labour in mass detention facilities in China, where it is alleged that ethnic Uighurs and other Muslim minorities are tortured and made to work. According to the Guardian, “Global fashion brands source from Xinjiang so extensively that a coalition [of more than 170 human rights and trade groups] estimates that it is ‘virtually certain’ that as many as one in five cotton products sold across the world are tainted with forced labour and human rights violations occurring there,” meaning that “virtually the entire (global) apparel industry” – high fashion and luxury names, included – “is tainted.”

The aforementioned cases of labour exploitation, which continues to run rampant in the global fashion industry, raise the question: why do fashion giants across the globe continuously fail to clean up their acts? 

The current legal system makes it difficult for companies to contribute to the solution, even when customers, investors, the media, and their employees repeatedly demand it. One of the greatest issues is that businesses need to have more control over their supply chains if they want to end labour exploitation. However, companies run the danger of tremendous legal liabilities if they exert more control over their supply chains.

The countries where these brands are headquartered – whether it be Spain, home to Inditex, the parent company of Zara, or Sweden for H&M, or France for the majority of the brands owned by LVMH and Kering—need to re-evaluate their legal frameworks in order to bring about real change in the world of fashion. To be specific, in order to encourage companies’ direct involvement in labour issues inside their supply chains, the current liability regulations must be changed.

Know and show’ supply chains

More generally, organisations in the sector must be able to “know and disclose” their supply chains, according to Weber. To do this, they must map out their supply chains and publish the identities of all of the suppliers they are collaborating with.

Unhealthy working conditions thrive in nations with lax labour laws and enforcement, but many fashion brands with headquarters in Europe and the US continue to attempt to disavow liability for what occurs further down their supply chain, according to Chloe Cranston, business and human rights manager at Anti-Slavery International, who spoke to Al Jazeera.

Cranston used the example of commodities produced in China’s Xinjiang province utilising forced labour from the Uighur Muslim minority.

A recent Amnesty International study included first-person testimony and detailed the widespread detention and systematic torture of Uighur Muslims residing in China. Some of the allegations include Uighurs being “compelled to live and work in a factory” and forced labour.

Through the purchasing of yarn or cotton, for instance, “almost the entire fashion business is implicated in Uighur forced labour,” Cranston claimed.

The fashion sector still has a long way to go to guarantee it is not complicit in the crimes against humanity suffered by Uighurs, despite some progress being made in this area over the past year, according to Cranston.

She emphasised that since fashion and retail companies wield significant corporate clout, it is their duty to make sure that their interactions with vendors, labour unions, and other stakeholders promote fair working conditions for all parties involved in their supply chains, from those who gather raw materials like cotton to those who spin them into fabric in factories.

Consumers shouldn’t have to exert extra effort to ensure that their purchases are free from slavery, according to Cranston.

What will it take to create change?

Brands are in a bit of a Catch-22 scenario in this regard. As things stand, brands are rarely held accountable when a supplier or subsidiary in their chain violates the law (and as a result, brands restrict integration). The issue from the brand’s perspective is that if they aggressively take charge of their supply chains, they are likely to lose any of their legal protections. This holds true regardless of whether the control is being used to further their own self-interest (more effective supply chains) or the goals of activists (better labour practices).

Following the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy, numerous European businesses signed a safety agreement designed to shield Bangladeshi workers from hazardous working conditions, which led to the resolution of this conundrum. A few Australian and American fashion companies baulked at signing the agreement due to concerns about potential future liabilities.

We must first acknowledge the complicated environment in which brands operate in order to persuade them to improve their supply chains and put an end to worker abuse. In the current climate, it is frequently safer for brands to stay out of labour disputes and to cover up behind “monitoring” and “audits” conducted by third parties. However, in order to make real change, we must figure out how to turn what are currently dangers of action into incentives for change.

The post Fashion Industry Giants and their failure to fix labor exploitation appeared first on Fashion Law Journal.

As the industry’s prime illustration of the commercial potential of ethical, sustainable enterprises, McCartney is one of the most outspoken advocates for environmental issues in the corporate world. The company’s policies, underlying business model, and its brand message are all influenced by sustainability.

On October 15, 2018, The Stella McCartney Cares Foundation, a breast cancer charity, was introduced. McCartney has a very personal connection to the cause because she lost her mother to the disease in 1998. The foundation runs a giveaway program for post-mastectomy bras. The bras are given to women in need all over the world through hospitals in the UK and the foundation’s website. The organisation also promotes environmental education, research, and awareness-building as it relates to the environmental impact of fashion. 

The brand has always been vocal towards breast cancer awareness. For its seventh annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign 2021, McCartney partnered with Netflix’s hit show “Sex Education” to raise breast cancer awareness. 

The campaign titled, ‘Toilet, Teeth, Tits’ aims to encourage people of all ages to regularly perform breast self-examinations during their morning routines. The campaign also features exclusive t-shirts. For each T-shirt sold, the Stella McCartney Cares Foundation will donate one Louise Listening post-mastectomy bra. 

Normally, a limited-edition lingerie set is part of the Stella McCartney’s Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, but for 2021, ‘Toilet, Teeth, Tits’ T-shirts will take its place. The T-shirts are made of pale blue organic cotton and have sporty front and back graphic features as well as heat-reactive dye that becomes pink when touched, cheekingly reminding ladies to check their breasts. 

Figure 1 image courtesy of Stella McCartney

Alongside the t-shirts, comes a two-minute comedic, informative sketch starring Stella McCartney and actors from “Sex Education,’’ including Aimee Lou Wood, Chinenye Ezeudu, Sami Outalbali, Mimi Keene, Chaneil Kular, and Simone Ashley. The sketch aims to dispel breast cancer myths and educate young people about the value of self-examination. An educational material is also available for download in addition to the video.

Stella McCartney commented on the initiative in a statement, saying: “Breast cancer is an awful disease that has caused so much suffering to women and families around the world, including my own. I am proud to partner with a global service like Netflix and the amazing talent of Sex Education so that our Breast Cancer Awareness 2021 campaign can reach people everywhere.” More than ever, we need humour, and I’ve always thought fashion benefits from humour. We are now employing it as a tool to educate individuals of all ages to check their breasts, particularly younger ladies who might not be aware they should or who skipped mammograms during lockdown.

The post Stella x Sex Education: Breast Cancer Awareness 2021 appeared first on Fashion Law Journal.

Fashion is a tool that has been used time and again to portray power, style, and most importantly the individuality of a person. Fashion isn’t just the new trend, or the celeb style or the designer clothes, it’s more like a substance used by people, time immemorial to find themselves in those clothing, to develop their very own style and taste, and to embrace their originality, and personalities.

But Fashion is also so much more than individualism. It amalgamates our culture and represents where we come from. It helps in showing what (Triplett, 2020) we stand for and even aids us in holding high our faiths and values, like hijab, turbans, burqa, even cuffs which are now worn as fashion accessories. So, Fashion is also used as an expression, and honestly, everyone regardless of their gender or sexuality should have the right to choose their way of expression. 

The fashion of any country is the very essence of the presence of what is and what has been, of modernity and mentality, and most of all, of the homely figures. Exploring the social and political realm, it can narrate a story of the evolution of garments, fabric, and designs. India’s neighbor, Afghanistan had a vigorous and vibrant fashion in the 60s and captured the essence and beauty of its time.

Showcasing how the dynamic and free society was back then, this article sets forth an ex post facto world to put on the table, the hidden gem, that is, Afghanistan’s lost glory through its fashion.

Fashion timeline of Afghanistan through the ages

Afghanistan has been mostly known for wars, oppression, and rigidness in accepting modernism and freshness. But there was a time when Afghanistan slowly and gradually began to embrace a more progressive and unorthodox society that was also inclusive of women. The time was before the Soviet Union invasion and the birth of the Taliban that the war brought and eventually it became the Afghanistan we see today. But at that time, women had substantially more rights and freedom than they do now, a time when wearing a Burqa was almost made optional, almost made a “choice”. A time when women were studying in schools and colleges, a time when they were starting to be economically active. But these times were before the war of 1979 when the Soviets took over the nation.

In 1964, the new constitution brought in modern democracy which allowed women to vote and granted them equal rights, and freedom of speech, etc. The second era of intense reform happened in the late 1970s when the PDPA started working for the equal rights of women and the minimum age of marriage for girls was raised. During this era, women were employed in significant numbers in universities, private corporations, airlines, and as doctors and nurses as seen in the pictures. (Ahmed-Ghosh, 2003).

The ’60s allowed Afghani women to pursue professional careers, practice design, and marketing, and share their hopes and dreams and the world.

There was once a time when Kabul was known as the “Paris of Central Asia.”

Here are some of the images which give us an insight into fashion and life before the war.

In Image: Captured in 1962 Women working in the press.

Image – glamourdaze.com

Fashion in pre-war Afghanistan

Between the 1950s and 1970s, Afghanistan experienced a now-unimaginable period of stability, democratic reform, and liberalism. The country’s fashion reflected this era: old photos show women out on the streets in short skirts, chic scarves, and beehive hairdos. The Afghani goat-skin coat became fashionable around the world and some of the country’s young style icons were even featured in a 1969 issue of Vogue.

1. Female students at a Polytechnical University in Kabul in the mid-1970s

Image – glamourdaze.com

2. Miniskirts were worn by 1960s Afghan students

Image – glamourdaze.com

3. Women attending a fashion show in Kabul – 1966

Image – glamourdaze.com

4. When Hijab and mini skirt went together; in the image is Safia Tarzi, a young fashion designer from Kabul.

Image – bloglovin.com

As whispers of their captivating designs journeyed from the Silk Route across the world, celebrity designers imitated the styles and even had them printed on the pages of Vogue. Safia Tarzi, a budding fashion designer from Kabul, was featured in Vogue as one of the capital’s “bright young things”. This fashion boost even benefited the country’s economy. (John, 2021)

“As a girl, I remember my mother wearing miniskirts and taking us to the cinema. My aunt went to university in Kabul,” said Horia Mosadiq, as she recalled her days from the 1960s, during Afghanistan’s liberation. Looking back to Afghanistan, whose roots were of roaring culture, ever-growing art, and above all, unparalleled fashion has all taken a mile step backward through the war years, invasion and religious uprising, binding the minds of people with retrogressive thoughts and social decrees.

After years of war, young designers tried to put Afghanistan back in the fashion game

Things took a turn when war hit the grounds of Afghanistan, and since then it is only going downhill. The country has only known cataclysmic violence and social regression. Even after years of repression, Afghani labels are being trying to put the country back on the fashion map, blending the vivid patterns of traditional clothing with the new ideas of the upcoming generation, but it hasn’t done many good too, as criticism and restrictions never left the air.

Fashion in 2021 Afghanistan

Post-Taliban Invasion

Two decades of progress brought to a halt

Photo – WAQIL KOSHAR/AFP

A Taliban official walks past a beauty salon with images of women defaced using spray paint in the Shar-e-Naw area of Kabul on Aug. 18 (Kohsar)

Reportedly, The Taliban are beating young Afghans for wearing Western clothes. A group of young Afghan men claim Taliban fighters beat, whipped, and threatened them at gunpoint for wearing jeans and other Western-style clothes in Kabul, says the Telegraph.

Meanwhile, the sale and price of Burqa has doubled in Kabul as demand towered in the wake of the Taliban takeover. Taliban officials have vowed to respect “women’s rights” despite their dreadful track record of allowing women and girls basic freedoms.

The freedom of expression which I talked about at the beginning of my article, has been taken away. There is no means left for the women of Afghanistan to portray their voices, their fears, and their helplessness.

The right to choose what we wear is a personal choice and is a basic human right that has been snatched time and again from the people of Afghanistan. Fashion and clothing in Afghanistan have always been influenced by the type of govt. and the changing political regimes and their consequences rather than the changing fashion trends.

The status of women has repeatedly been used as a means of securing and maintaining power by various armed groups. They have been put through rigorous restrictions in the name of religion and culture as an instrument of consolidating their power and legitimacy. This repression of women symbolizes not only their vulnerability but also their helplessness.

As the whole world is moving towards modernism and has evolved every bit of its style and fashion, Afghanistan has successfully done the opposite.

Therefore, it’s safe to say, Fashion in Afghanistan is as lost as their freedom. It is devolving with a rapid pace, just like their democracy, just like their rights, just like their fate and their uncertainty. My statement is supported by these images below which depict the irony of development and evolution.

Before and After

Image – Pinterest

A women rebel fighter in Afghanistan, 1980s and the stance of women in 2021

Then and now

Source: Getty Images

“The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

References:

1. Chirali Sharma, in pics: Afghanistan Fashion Before the Soviet Union Invasion Was Extremely Modern and Free, Edtimes (June. 26, 2021), https://edtimes.in/in-pics-afghanistan-fashion-before-the-soviet-invasion-was-extremely-modern-and-free/
2. Maria Thomas, After years of war, young designers are trying to put Afghanistan back on the fashion map, Scroll.in (August. 28, 2021), https://scroll.in/article/860685/after-years-of-war-young-designers-are-trying-to-put-afghanistan-back-on-the-fashion-map

The post The Taliban Effect: Evolution and Devolution of Fashion in Afghanistan appeared first on Fashion Law Journal.