Upcycling has been presented as an answer to textile waste, forming a cornerstone of the circular economy, but few people are aware of or have access to 

. Globally, 60% of fashion consumers think brands should make end-of-life options like upcycling more accessible – a solution that addresses the fact that brands in this space often have limited access to materials, even though 

 is coming to the rescue by connecting consumers with designers to reinvent garments, there is a need for other interventions to prevent clothes from ending up in landfills. A lingering 

 between people's values and actions means that some are still hesitant to 

purchase upcycled and second-hand fashion

 could also stem the tide of textile waste.

Some innovative fashion brands are looking to tackle waste by boosting the longevity of products, with 

, for example, developing durable knitwear materials to prevent tights from easily ripping and snagging. Meanwhile, 

 is helping parents limit the amount of clothing they toss out by creating baby shoes that can be dissolved in hot water at the end of their life. “We strongly believe the key to a more responsible fashion industry is diversifying the fibres we wear,” says Regina Polanco, the CEO of Pyratex, which teamed up with 

 to produce a tracksuit made from banana waste – a novel way to ensure that even if garments aren’t recycled, they have a reduced ecological impact. 

 is similarly exploring the potential of waste products, using surplus factory materials and ocean plastic to boost the sustainable credentials of its Moab 3 boots without sacrificing quality.

For both budget- and eco-conscious shoppers, the inability to try on clothes can be a deterrent to buying online. After all, having to return an item can incur fees and add to one’s carbon footprint. 

 eases this anxiety with the aid of AR, enabling people to test out clothes virtually so they don’t purchase an ill-fitting design or aesthetic mismatch. 

 has also rolled out a virtual try-on service that allows online shoppers to create personalised avatars that match their bodily measurements. Artificial intelligence similarly has the potential to reduce textile waste, with 

 algorithm enabling users to catalogue their garments in a virtual wardrobe. In addition to helping people avoid buying garments that are similar to ones they already own, the service offers ways to alter, repair, and upcycle their clothes. “[This] allows us to really deliver on our mission to be pioneers in the circular fashion movement with the most innovative technology to eradicate throwaway culture,” says CEO Hasna Kourda.

of Gen Zers prefer fashion brands that appeal to their social conscience

The denim industry is renowned for its environmental impact, but the Buy Better Wear Longer campaign from Levi’s is encouraging people to shop consciously and think about the effects their consumption has on the planet. How can brands work with consumers to reduce their environmental impact?

Levi’s: courting Gen Z with sustainable values

Online fashion marketplace vveave connects independent designers with consumers to upcycle and re-invent garments. With some Gen Zers struggling to let go of fast fashion, how can community building and circular practices intertwine to encourage sustainable fashion habits?

vveave: constructing community around circular fashion

Award-winning Canadian start-up SRTX is developing durable knitwear materials that tackle the short lifespan of tights. By reducing textile waste before garments even get to consumers, it's demonstrating how innovative technology can combat the sustainability issues surrounding fashion.

Canadian start-up SRTX tackles waste with knit-tech

The White Company has become one of Britain's go-to concept stores thanks to its curated minimalist aesthetic and clear messaging. By harnessing the power of off- and online marketing, it’s become the brand of choice for lifestyle shoppers who favour simplicity and a strong brand identity.

How The White Company is building on lifestyle branding

Fashion label Marc Jacobs is distinguishing itself among the chronically online by leveraging celebrity endorsements and creative promotions on Gen Z-led platforms like TikTok. It’s showcasing how a brand can evoke positive emotions online and engage people suffering from attention fatigue.

How Marc Jacobs’ influencer era inspires Gen Z’s creativity

The acceleration of trend cycles has caused the demand for fast fashion (and the synthetic textiles used throughout the industry) to skyrocket. How might concerns about the effects of microplastics on health finally shift younger generations' conflicting attitudes towards the sector?

The planet versus Gen Z’s fast fashion microplastics

Crocs taps into the fresh interest in the Twilight trilogy with a parody that draws parallels between how much hatred there is for Crocs and how much there is for the film. As the shoe that people love to hate, Crocs is flexing hyper-self-awareness and irreverent humour that appeals to Gen Z.

Crocs launch Twilight parody to appeal to Gen Z humour

Balenciaga is immersing fashion lovers in futuristic mixed reality with an app for the Apple Vision Pro. With this move, the brand is seeking to cement its status as a visionary pioneer while giving the world a taste of what a new era of so-called ‘spatial commerce’ might be like.

Balenciaga presents spatial commerce on Apple Vision Pro

The pregnancy looks of major fashion tastemakers are influencing a more daring approach to maternity style. As traditional family dynamics evolve with a new generation of parents, the archetype of the mother is being redefined in a way that balances parenthood with personhood.

Fashion it-girls tap into shifting notions of motherhood

Etsy is implementing new product labels to clarify sellers' involvement, aiming to address concerns about marketplace infiltration by AI artists and resellers. However, the continued allowance of mass-produced items has led to scrutiny of the policy and Etsy's artisanal identity.

Etsy replaces its ‘handmade’ and ‘vintage’ labels

Louis Vuitton has teamed up with Timberland to court desires for accessible luxury. As people lean towards durability amid heightened eco-consciousness and rising prices, Louis Vuitton's approach aims to reach new audiences and flex cultural relevance by focusing on long-lasting everyday wear.

Louis Vuitton x Timberland focus on durable luxury

As fashion becomes increasingly important to people’s identity, young shoppers are turning to tech to ‘hack’ their personal style. From social media to AI tools, technology is revolutionizing how Gen Zers dress. What does this mean for fashion's future, and how should brands respond?

Why Gen Zers are using tech to hack their personal style

Fast-fashion behemoth SHEIN is launching a €200 million 'circularity fund' to tackle fashion waste. As a company that has received significant heat for its unsustainable practices, critics suggest the move is more about reputation management than a true commitment to better practice.

SHEIN launches circularity fund as it eyes IPO listing

Mimpikita has partnered with boutique hotel The Edison for a stunning collection that merges the power of history and architecture. As people increasingly rediscover cultural heritage through fashion, brands have the opportunity to instil a sense of local pride through values-led collaborations.

Mimpikita’s new collection showcases local heritage

Canadian brand Arc’teryx has tapped an Indigenous designer for an innovative outerwear collection. As people dig deeper into ancient traditions to help navigate an uncertain world, calls are increasing for mainstream culture to recognise the cultural contributions of Indigenous communities.

Arc’teryx outerwear spotlights indigenous designers 

Sales of Western styles are skyrocketing in the US as the iconography of country music crosses over, thanks to celebrities like Beyoncé and Lana Del Rey. As Western fashion leaves its rural bubble, people are looking to refresh old styles and remix old notions of Americana.

Western aesthetics witness a renaissance

In partnership with Sojo, M&S has announced its plans to launch a digital clothing repair service for consumers. As shoppers increasingly seek longevity and durability in their purchase decisions, the brand is imbuing circular practices and value for money into its business model.

M&S extends garment life cycle with repair service

Luxury beachwear label LOVE BRAND & Co. joins travel specialist Explorations Company to launch a collection spotlighting marine conservation projects in the Seychelles. By supporting value-based projects, brands can appeal to those who want to make a meaningful difference with their purchases.

LOVE BRAND & Co. spotlights marine conservation 

Body jewellery is witnessing a renaissance driven by self-expression, nostalgia, and social media influence. Brands are tapping into cultural heritage and personalisation to meet these desires, reflecting changing attitudes towards body adornment and a quest for authenticity in a digital age.

What’s behind the body bling renaissance?

Converse has relaunched a discontinued sneaker model in response to persistent demand across social media. People are increasingly looking for brand development to be a two-way conversation, and opening up space for co-creation can help brands form meaningful communities around their products.

Converse relaunches archived sneaker due to online demand

Loewe has paid tribute to Chinese culture, heritage, and craftsmanship with the launch of its latest retail space in Chengdu. The move reflects a growing expectation for nuanced global strategies and a desire for hyper-local offerings that reflect specific cultural identities.

Loewe taps local artists for Chinese store opening

Fashion has famously been an industry that favours the young, however, we’re seeing a rising trend of older models and celebrities starring in campaigns, from Maggie Smith for Loewe and Charlotte Rampling for Massimo Dutti. As brands embrace older stars, is age inclusion finally in vogue?

Is fashion finally tackling its ageism problem?

‘Nomad aesthetics’, which blend cultural tradition with contemporary styles, are resonating with Chinese youth. In a bid to escape from ongoing financial pressures, young people are finding solace in slow living and reconnecting with ethnic heritage as a source of re-invigoration.

Chinese Gen Zers embrace nomadic aesthetics

M.I.A. has released a streetwear line that claims to protect against electromagnetic waves. With faith in traditional authority declining, people are looking to decentralised sources of information and deeply felt uncertainty about the future has allowed fringe beliefs to merge with the mainstream.

Rapper M.I.A. launches conspiracy-laced fashion line

Japanese footwear brand Asics and Danish design brand Hay have collaborated in a lifestyle manifestation of the interest in ‘Japandi’ design cues. As consumer pressure to slow the pace of fashion consumption grows, the permanence of interior design could prove fertile grounds for more collaboration.

Asics x Hay brings 'Japandi' design cues to fashionistas

The international denim company Levi's appeals to young, fashion-conscious Indian shoppers by emphasising individualism, self-expression, and freedom. It combines digital and physical retail, catering to Gen Z's preferences with personalised in-store experiences and smart influencer partnerships.

Why Levi’s customises denim for Indian self-expression

Geopolitical tensions, economic and election anxiety, and overarching stress make it difficult to see the bright side. In response, Loewe partnered with a Japanese ceramic studio to create designs that capture beauty and happiness in small, everyday moments, offering escapism through the mundane.

Loewe celebrates beauty of the mundane with Suna Fujita

For a quiet luxury brand, Bottega Veneta (BV) dares to take risks through different strategies to engage young Chinese luxury lovers. In its new creative era, BV’s endorsement strategies with local celebrities, unique theme pop-up stores, and social media stunts help it transcend ‘guochao’ gimmicks.

How Bottega Veneta renews luxury experiences in China

British retailer John Lewis has launched a circularity initiative for homeware and fashion offerings. As shoppers increasingly seek longevity and durability, brands are taking steps to promote longer-lasting and affordable options, helping their audiences make conscious choices.

John Lewis centres circularity in new collections

Adore Me has launched an AI tool for shoppers to customise their own bralette sets. In addition to adding a personalised touch to their styles, the feature promotes more sustainable consumption habits, responding to eco-conscious shoppers looking for innovative green initiatives from brands.

Lingerie brand launches AI tool for slow consumption

Dolce & Gabbana is showcasing local Sardinian craftsmanship in a luxury fashion event. With people increasingly seeking to celebrate their roots and identities, brands that organise exclusive events around lesser-known artistry and locations will broaden their appeal to wider audiences.

Dolce & Gabbana showcases local Sardinian craftsmanship

French fashion brand Coperni has become popular in the last few years for innovative runway stunts and creating tech-focused pieces suitable for everyday wear. As fashion houses tailor their offerings for a younger audience, what sets Coperni apart for a new generation of luxury consumers?

How Coperni models futuristic style for Gen Z fashionistas

In a world where athleisure wear is booming, it’s increasingly hard to stand out from the crowd. How can a brand make practical and functional garments exciting? Look no further than Pit Viper, who seamlessly blend internet nostalgia aesthetics with sharp-witted humor to sell their apparel.

How Pit Viper captivates adventure-seekers

With gamified experiences, celebrity collaborations, and a strong omnichannel presence, Bombay Closet Cleanse is transforming the thrifting scene in India. See how their approach fuels the perception of circular fashion as cool and accessible to India's young, fashion-conscious population.

Why Bombay Closet Cleanse makes thrifting exclusive

Zendaya’s Challengers and its press tour have inspired a ‘tenniscore’ movement in the fashion world. Tenniscore is one of the biggest fashion trends of the year, but how does it mark a shift in how fashion trends are made? And what does this trend signify about the future of sartorial choices?

Why 'tenniscore' is fashion's next Grand Slam

China’s ‘national wave’ has reached the shore, ready to sail to distant lands. Local athleisure brand Anta is part of the leading pack, outperforming global players like Adidas and Nike. As Gen Zers drive nationalism, local brands and culture are being revitalised for the rest of the world.

How Anta paces with Chinese Gen Zers’ sporty lifestyles

India's streetwear scene is heating up, with homegrown champions fighting hard for space alongside established cult legends from the West. Additionally, post-pandemic comfort clothing is now blending with Gen Z’s fondness for the, if you know, you know (IYKYK) culture to make a potent fashion mix.

What’s driving Gen Z Indians towards streetwear culture?

Germany is known for its iconic streetwear labels, with adidas and Puma leveraging collaborations with Bad Bunny and Rihanna to reach global audiences. Today, the vibe of German streetwear is shifting, celebrating local hip-hop and rap talent and hedonism – but also sustainability.

How is Germany’s streetwear scene changing?

Temporary piercings are infiltrating the beauty space, with several Gen Z tastemakers sporting pierced looks in recent months. The move falls in line with a wider rejection of conventional beauty standards among young people, who are prioritising experimentation and self-expression over conformity.

Fake piercings offer non-committal rebellion for Gen Z

Miu Miu has taken over newsstands worldwide to celebrate the work of three seminal female authors. Fashion plays a central role in how Gen Zers express their identities, and as the BookTok boom shows, literature has also become performative. Miu Miu's combo taps into the Gen Z's expressive desires.

Miu Miu Summer Reads project distributes feminist texts

Chinese clothing is no longer synonymous with low cost and low quality, thanks to “fast luxury” store Urban Revivo. With its carefully curated collections, unique concept stores, and organic online following, it might just be the newest top-of-mind brand for local fashion enthusiasts.

Why Urban Revivo tailors Chinese luxury into fast fashion

Fashion trends are evolving among Chinese Gen Zers, who are reacting to changes in the economy and society. Showing their emotions through colour-centric trends like Dopamine and Tyndall illustrates how fashion is being used as a tool for self-expression and protest.

How Chinese Gen Zers use fashion to express their emotions

Quiet luxury brought understated elegance and exclusivity into the spotlight. Offering a refreshing alternative to flashy fast fashion, The Row focuses on quality, social media exclusivity, and understated sophistication, proving that slow growth and discretion can lead to loyalty.

Why The Row redesigns luxury for quiet self-expression

Online luxury shopping is advancing at a rapid pace, leaving multi-brand retailers scrambling to remain relevant to consumers with access to a variety of choices. Canvas8 spoke to Helene Holzmann about interacting with luxury online and how brands can sustain emotional connections beyond a purchase.

Helene Holzmann on the future of online luxury shopping

In a nod to its brand legacy, Levi’s has reproduced the oldest pair of jeans in its archive for a limited run. The move taps into a growing desire to opt out of fleeting micro-trends and a shift in focus toward circular fashion, emphasising longevity and value over novelty.

Levi’s honour brand heritage with classic jeans remake

A.P.C., renowned for its quintessential laid-back French style, has gained significant traction for its carefully curated collections at a time when trend cycles are fleeting. By staying true to its roots and expanding into new sectors, the brand is reinforcing its commitment to its core consumer base.

Why A.P.C.’s relaxed style is irresistible for fashionistas

Duolingo India ventures into fashion by partnering with Digitas India on a creative campaign. Known as a leading language learning app, Duolingo aimed to reach a broader audience through collaboration, which showcases that language learning can be as trendy and exciting as the latest fashion styles.

How Duolingo debuts true localisation on the Indian runway

RIMOWA has partnered with Aimé Leon Dore in a collaboration that blends design codes from both brands. This comes at a time when people seek little luxuries in their daily lives, highlighting an opportunity for brands to create meaningful moments through storytelling and shared values.

RIMOWA x Aimé Leon Dore entice luxury travel buffs

China’s local fast-fashion brands are flourishing and outperforming international competitors thanks to a rising preference for homegrown products. From respect and transparency to immersive experiences, what notes can other labels take to win over the powerhouse that is the Chinese shopper?

Why are Chinese shoppers progressing to homegrown fast fashion?

In South Korea, where wealth (or at least the look of it) is a priority, looking stylish is a lifestyle staple. Offerings range from contemporary brands to street style, luxury shopping, and more. As working habits continue to adapt post-pandemic, what does the future of Korean fashion look like?

South Korean style is going global. What do locals think is cool?

Streetwear brand Stüssy has partnered with Artisan Project, a collective of craftspeople, for its second rug collection. Created from upcycled shirts and wool, the collection speaks to the importance of uplifting craft traditions and building trust with value-conscious consumers.

Stüssy rug collection champions Moroccan artisans

Sports retailer Decathlon’s success in Asia is driven by localisation, inclusive messaging, competitive pricing, sustainability, and high-quality products. As a renewed love for fitness and outdoor activities sweeps Asian sensibilities, sports communities offer a burgeoning opportunity for brands.

How Decathlon tracks down Asians’ budding love for sports

Coachtopia is an offshoot of the luxury fashion brand Coach, aiming to redefine luxury fashion’s relationship with the planet. Coach’s APAC expansion targets young shoppers through circular fashion, collaborative creativity, and localisation, positioning the brand as a pioneer in sustainable luxury.

Why Coachtopia harnesses eco-luxury for APAC fashionistas

Vietnamese fashion is making international waves on TikTok and on the runway. No longer just a manufacturing hub, the country’s local brands are now going global for trendy designs. What started this trend, and what does this mean for other brands wanting to go beyond local borders?

How Vietnamese fashion won over local and international trendsetters

Chinese sneaker brands are rising in demand, while those abroad are trying to adapt to shoppers' shifting (and increasingly nationalistic) preferences. Some have even gained worldwide recognition, while international giants like Adidas and Nike struggle to keep the interest of young local shoppers.

Why are China’s sneakerheads choosing to go local?

Masc – short for ‘masculine’ – fashion is on the rise in France, with luxury designers and vintage resale platforms tapping into genderless designs and tailoring while ripping up fashion’s old rulebook. How can brands design items and lines across gender divides to be worn by all genders?

How are French women repurposing masc fashion?

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, designers at the Taipei Fashion Week have revealed sportswear collections that capture the essence and symbolism of the upcoming games. It speaks to the demand for authentic, hyper-local narratives as people seek involved ways to learn about localised foreign cultures.

Taipei Fashion Week syncs up with the Paris Olympics

After a drastic makeover went viral, Westerners flocked to Xiaohongshu (also known as Red), a Chinese social networking app, in search of makeover tips. They’ve also delighted in Red users’ honest but not unkind feedback, a byproduct of Chinese culture that is seeing growing appreciation globally.

Why Xiaohongshu’s Chinese users are consulted for frank makeovers

International fashion brands’ sustainability strategies sometimes fail in China because they are unaware of the local culture. What is the modern narrative Chinese people seek regarding the environment, and how can brands understand their consumption attitudes and behaviour toward being eco-minded?

Why is localisation the key to sustainable fashion for Chinese shoppers?

For a 2024 capsule collection, Mango is partnering with Victoria Beckham as part of its 40th anniversary. As price-conscious consumers seek effective ways to purchase luxury goods, brands and celebrities are partnering to democratise access to luxury goods and reach new audiences.

Mango taps Victoria Beckham for capsule collection

As the cost of living crisis overlaps with environmental concerns, people are struggling to action eco habits. However, brands such as Hellmann’s are raising awareness, particularly among Gen Z of the connection between reducing food waste and money saving with the latest sneaker concept.

Hellmann’s raises food waste awareness with new sneaker 

South Korean small and medium-sized fashion brands have launched a new association to crack down on counterfeit products. With IP theft posing a threat to creatives across industries, creator rights need to be protected while acknowledging the economic pressures that drive dupe culture.

South Korean fashion brands unite against counterfeits

Climate anxiety is significantly impacting the way people shop. From greenwashing to 'greenhushing', brands and businesses have consistently put profit before people and the planet – something that needs to change as conscious shoppers push back and demand demonstrable eco action.

How climate anxiety impacts shopping behaviours

As demand for sneakers falters, with directional style consumers looking to put something else on their feet, heritage-rich brands are growing in popularity. While these brands might not be ‘new’ to the market, their footwear is providing new platforms for self-expression.

The post-sneaker brands showing up on UK streets

Southeast Asia (SEA) is home to millions of Muslims, making Ramadan one of the major holidays in the region. This largely religious season has also become a time for shopping and social gatherings, allowing brands to tap into a modernising (yet devout) community that likes to mix old and new.

How Southeast Asian Muslims celebrate Ramadan today

Long associated with elderly women doing their grocery shopping, the wheelie bag is now trending as a practical shopping companion. Young city dwellers, who are often carless and shedding shame of all things embarrassing and cringe, are prioritising comfort and functionality.

Young shoppers embrace wheelie shopping bags

Dover Street Market is opening its first store in Paris in Q2 2024, ahead of the brand’s 20th anniversary. The new retail space will extend beyond fashion, offering a centre for art, communication, and community at a time when consumers want to be engaged in meaningful ways.

Dover Street Paris promises immersive retail experiences

Eco-friendly brand Veja is expanding in the US and has launched its first cobbler studio in New York. Cobbling is an increasingly viable means of extending the shelf life of shoes. The increased demand for sustainable practices signals a shift in consumer culture, with purchase habits changing.

Veja opens its first American sneaker repair store

Fashion and Style

People want brands to proactively tackle textile waste

The growing backlash against fast fashion is proof that people are losing patience with wasteful business models. Yet while resale markets and upcycling efforts are helping to extend the life of garments, some are demanding more action from the industry to prevent the creation of textile waste both in the production phases and post-purchase.