Fashion and Style

McDonald's has revived its McNugget Buddies line of collectibles for the first time in 25 years for a collaboration with artist Kerwin Frost, putting a streetwear-friendly spin on the nostalgic toy. People are looking for brands to merge the old and the new, offering a sense of nostalgic novelty.

Ralph Lauren has announced a limited-edition collab with one of China’s most influential online fashion figures, Mr.Bags. The global luxury brand is aiming to build long-lasting connections with Chinese consumers by adapting to the market nuances and partnering with a local influencer.

JD Sports has forsaken the 'tinsel on steroids' approach to Christmas ads in favour of a focus on relatability and togetherness. Centering the iconic JD Sports plastic duffel carrier bag, the spot focuses on what Britain truly looks like and the things people really do for Christmas.

Berluti has been announced as the designer for Team France ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. With Dior, LV, and Chaumet also set to be involved, the collaborations demonstrate the continued mingling of the worlds of fashion and sports, with this particular collab prioritising luxury fashion.

For Black Friday 2023, Kai Collective shook things up – rather than succumbing to the usual discount frenzy, it introduced a Mystery Box. The move looks to transform what Black Friday means for Kai Collective customers, turning the usual frenzy of spending into a moment of surprise and anticipation.

As part of a downturn in demand across the luxury apparel industry, Burberry is lowering expectations for operating profit in 2023. With luxury resale proving more attractive to cost- and sustainability-conscious consumers, the sector is increasingly adopting and encouraging circular consumption.

Loop provides stylish noise protection earwear that's fashionable and functional. No longer simply worn as ear protection at noisy concerts, these earplugs are positioned as an everyday accessory to reduce and filter disruptive noises – destigmatising the needs of people who are sound-sensitive.

Knix's shapewear line joins its absorbent products that marry fashion and functionality to help customers feel comfortable in their bodies. As people look for more opportunities to be environmentally conscious in their daily lives, brands that facilitate those decisions stand out.

Emirates has launched a limited-edition fashion collection made of upcycled aircraft interiors. The airline spotlights how brands can execute upcycling and circularity to make sustainability accessible and attainable, helping consumers shop with their values front of mind.

Swedish clothing brand Asket is tackling overconsumption with their 'Impact Receipt,' which lists the environmental impact of each item attached to every purchase. This resonates with shoppers' demand for transparency around sustainable products and their impact on the planet.

The 'horse girl' aesthetic has begun trending among online fashionistas and celebrities alike, using motifs from the history of American equestrianism to signal status. As people look to the past for inspiration, brands are using oft-overlooked signifiers to add timelessness to new collections.

Vestiaire Collective has banned another 30 fast fashion labels from its site to address textile waste. With a mission to transform consumer behaviour, the platform raises awareness about the industry's role in the climate crisis and the steps that can be taken to uphold truly green shopping habits.

Luxury brand Stella McCartney has partnered with The Chopra Foundation, a leading mental health organisation, to redefine wellbeing by harnessing the healing power of horses. The collaboration highlights how companies can show leadership in mental health while being true to core values.

‘Subway fits’ have emerged as the latest fashion trend on TikTok as users post videos of their daily outfits from the subway. As culture is driven away from conspicuous consumption by the rising cost of living, relatable fashion and ways of elevating the mundane remain popular forms of escapism.

Nespresso, Mammut, and HeiQ have joined forces to produce The Extraordinary Jacket, made out of transformed coffee pods. This collaboration shows how companies across sectors can collaborate on their sustainable missions by tackling post-consumer waste and meeting eco-demands.

The Knotty Ones uplifts local Lithuanian women through its knitwear and prioritises eco-friendly materials. As brands are coming under increased scrutiny for their fast fashion systems that exploit garment workers and greenwashing, those that go against the grain are garnering attention and loyalty.

McDonald's and Crocs have teamed up to release limited-edition clogs and sandals inspired by the iconic mascots Grimace, Birdie, and Hamburglar. As kidulting mania shows no signs of slowing, brands are tapping into the power of fashion as an engine to express nostalgic fandom.

Spotify’s expansion into artist merchandise continues with a capsule collection of exclusive drops from global artists, including Daft Punk and Rosalía. Tapping into fandom behaviours, the app is quickly turning into a one-stop platform for fans to connect with their favourite creators and icons.

A UNESCO report has indicated a growing demand for 'Made in Africa' fashion couture. As people are rediscovering cultural heritage through fashion to connect with their identity, values, and community, brands have the responsibility to support and amplify the work of local designers and artisans.

From using recycled materials to switching energy suppliers, clothing retailers are increasingly making changes to reduce their carbon footprint. But research suggests that over-consumption is undermining these eco-efforts, cutting to the heart of fast fashion’s environmental conundrum.

Nike has unveiled the Swoosh 1, a shoe designed for children aged nine to 36 months. It's the first Nike Kids shoe to receive the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance. Brands have the opportunity to boost parent’s confidence in them by working with medical professionals.

Giorgio Armani is launching a genderless sartorial collection focusing on comfort and confidence. This collection – available at Selfridges in December – aligns with the evolving suit-wearing trend after the pandemic, emphasising relaxed, oversized, and gender-neutral styles and body concerns.

Japanese sports media company B& is partnering with femtech brand Otte c. to develop absorbent activewear for athletes who menstruate. Beyond generic calls to destigmatisation, brands can consider engaging with the diverse spectrum of period experiences across different contexts and cultures.

SKIMS has struck a multi-year partnership deal with the NBA as the organization’s first underwear sponsor. The move is the latest in a long line of cross-industry collaborations as the worlds of fashion and sports grow increasingly intertwined in attempts to reach fresh audiences.

Luxury resale platform Vestiaire Collective has partnered with Burberry to promote the circular economy. As budgets are stretched and eco-concerns rise, how people buy fashion is changing. They're seeking out quality pieces that will deliver value via both secondhand purchasing and resale.

MSCHF's NOTHING IS SACRED at Seoul's Daelim Museum is a playground for the provocative and disruptive. The exhibition experience blurs art and commerce in a way that fans of the collective have become accustomed to, resonating with internet culture's ironic and satirical sensibilities.

Kim Kardashian released a SKIMS bra complete with built-in nipples. The bra, which was announced via TikTok with more than 600,000 likes, caters to communities as a way to embrace their femininity and points to shifting attitudes towards sexuality in mainstream media and fashion.

Vogue Arabia has used its platform to highlight the commitments of doctors and medical workers in Palestine. At a time of humanitarian crisis and polarisation, people are looking to brands to show active allyship in respectful and authentic ways that support afflicted and vulnerable communities.

Activewear brand Distance challenged shoplifters to try and steal shoes from its Paris store – but the catch was they had to outrun Olympic athlete Méba-Mickaël Zeze to get away with the goods. This marketing ploy taps into the anti-capitalism zeitgeist that sees TikTok shoplifting content thrive.

People are increasingly favouring brands that tap into localities and showcase the connectedness and identity of their communities. Tapping into the creative power of Shanghai, Louis Vuitton launched a pop-up event spotlighting the city's vibrancy and cultural heritage.

Levi's Indian campaign – 'For Now, For A Lifetime' – is promoting living in the moment as a way of demonstrating the versatility of its denim. In the context of a cost of living crunch and given Gen Y's experiential mindset, the ad positions denim as an adaptable staple for adventurous living.

Enzo Lefort has become the most recent French athlete named a House Ambassador for Louis Vuitton. As pop culture – and, more specifically, sports – collides with fashion, there is an opportunity for brands to reach new audiences and infuse communities with new forms of collective identity.

H&M has revealed plans to issue its first green bond in an effort to elevate its sustainability commitments. Amid doubts over the brand’s eco-friendly initiatives, the fashion giant is trying to restore trust with authentic green practices – but these plans will be met with intense scrutiny.

John Lewis has launched Made With Care, collaborating with Care Experienced designers to curate a lifestyle range. As DE&I efforts are rolled back, and people become more sceptical of brand intentions, this move brings representation to a disadvantaged group by providing tangible opportunities.

To stop resellers from getting their hands on a limited-edition Nike x Travis Scott Jordan golf shoe, golf shop Trendygolf asked shoppers to hit a golf ball a certain distance to prove they play – creating a sense of ‘earned exclusivity’ and building a strong brand community.

In China, a proposed ban on offensive clothing could spell trouble for brands that do not have in-depth knowledge of Chinese culture and history. Approaching messaging with cultural intelligence and nuance is essential, not only to protect the brand's reputation but also to protect customers.