Clarks enters the metaverse
Written by Dimana BoshnakovaThe Metaverse - a place with endless possibilities and the world everyone wants to be a part of. So many brands and individuals are now fighting to be the new best thing in the metaverse, but as we all know there is a place for everyone. One of the brands that has just recently come up with a great experience for the younger fans is the British footwear brand Clarks with its new project the Cicaverse.
Ph. Tauhidah Abdul (Unsplash)
Clarks creates ‘The Cicaverse’ making a debut into the metaverse through Roblox.
The Clarks And Roblox Collection
There are a lot of unexpected gaming crossovers to date, but Roblox and Clarks is definitely at the top of the list. I guess it makes sense though, kids love Roblox and they do wear shoes, so why not join forces to make something playful and fun. Together they have created the Clarks Cicaverse stadium that celebrates the retailer’s unisex sneaker style, the CICA. The stadium offers parkour, breakdancing and BMX games for kids to enjoy those with their friends and challenge those CICA trainers. The shoes are designed to empower kids to play without limits. Featuring one of the brand's most iconic, unisex childrenswear styles, this new virtual reality experience aims to inspire a whole new generation of fans.
The Cicaverse Experience
Clarks is offering ‘the sports tournament of a lifetime’ to its metaverse fans. When you step into the Clarks Stadium you will put the CICA to the test and battle out with your friends to see who can grab the highest score. You can test the sneakers on the dance floor while showing your best moves, or doing a BMX trick that you recently learned, or why not take part in the Parkour tournament. All alongside the rile-life athletes who helped create this experience and designing the CICA shoe collection, UK breakdancer B-Girl Terra, UK parkour champion Robbie Griffith and BMX rider Connor Stitt. Another cool feature to the metaverse experience is the virtual Clarks store, where players can give their gameplay a boost. You can find a variety of accessories that will make your avatar stand out and help you win the tournament, because of course there will be prizes. To celebrate the brand's heritage the winners will receive a limited-edition gold Cica X Roblox medallion necklace. A limited number of the same necklaces will also be made in real life and given as gifts to winners worldwide.
With summer coming right away and the kids being out of school there will be long hours spent outside playing and enjoying the sun or staying inside playing video games. Clarks has covered your kids every need for this summer. Now it's the time to enter the Cicaverse and start your next adventure in the virtual world.
Enduring brands that have withstood fleeting trends and loved from era to era don't come without their price tag, but is this why they are so expensive?
Ph. Melanie Pongratz (Unsplash)
We explore five of the most famous luxurious brands out there and how well they measure up on style, cost and quality over time. Curious? We cover Gucci, Hermes, Chanel, Burberry and Rolex.
Designer brands are costly, but are any of them really worth the hefty price tag? In some cases, we think that they are.
Designer items are an extra reach, a piece of the dream and if we’re honest, we’ve all paged through a glossy magazine and coveted the latest Jeffery Campbell boots; they’re gorgeous. The Chanel Milk Carton bag was calling your name or you found yourself staring at the iconic silk scarf worn by a supermodel on a Gucci campaign and wanted a piece of the silk pie.
Some luxury brands offer a casual class like women’s Timberland boots compared to the iconic fancy of a Cartier bracelet. Either way at some point in our lives we’ve deliberated over a designer piece.
Can a case be made for these items actually being worth the hefty price tag? In some instances, we think that it can. Let’s take a look at five designer brands worth the money and the item we think will give you the most value for money.
Image by Mike Cabugao via Pexels
Gucci
Ph. James Ree (Unsplash)
The House of Gucci was infamous long before the movie starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver came out. Every designer in the world knows the story of Patrizia Reggiani and Mauricio Gucci; the whirlwind romance, the souring of the relationship, the eventual murder for hire. Despite this drama, Gucci has been one of the foremost luxury brands in the world almost since it was founded in 1921. Before all the drama that occurred in the film and after it, quality was and will always be Gucci’s primary concern. There is no doubt that their garments, especially the leather wares, are made to stand the test of time. Our particular favourite is the classic black and gold Gucci emblem belt. The simplicity of this item is one of the reasons it's worth the price tag; it's incredibly versatile and will go with most things in your wardrobe. The quality is the second reason; this belt will be an heirloom piece if you look after the leather.
Hermes
Ph. Tamara Bellis (Unsplash)
Hermes is most well known and loved for its leatherware and iconic scarves. The company began in 1837 as a harness and bridle workshop for horses of rich and fabulous Parisian, and Hermes would go on to make saddles and even catered to the Tsar of Russia for a time. In 1918, when they produced their first leather golfing jacket, their journey into fashion began. Hermes only adorned the bodies of the most fashionable people in Paris until 1924, when they first established a presence outside of France. The label is most famous for its exquisite silk scarves and leatherwork, particularly the Birkin Bag. The Birkin came to be in quite an unusual fashion; on a flight from Paris to London, Jane Birkin was seated next to the executive chairman of Hermes, Jean-Louis Duman. She bemoaned the lack of bags well suited to young mothers, and Dumas sketched the Birkin up on the spot. The quality of the stitching and materials means that this bag is definitely worth the price tag.
Chanel
Ph. Laura Chouette (unsplash)
Coco Chanel is undoubtedly one of the best-known women in fashion. It is her most iconic garment that we say is the one most worth its price tag; the Chanel Tweed Jacket. There have been more productions and iterations of this jacked than almost any in the world of designer brands. Some are cut to work as a suit and some are cut more along the lines of a modern, boxy blazer. Though there are a lot of color options, our personal favourite is the black tweed, as it is the most wearable. This jacket has been with us since the end of the Second World War; Chanel came up with it as a response to the return of corsetry. The shape was inspired by the jackets that Chanel would borrow from her aristocratic boyfriend.
Image by Jean Pierre via Pexels
Burberry
Ph. Pete Pedroza (Unsplash)
The epitome of smart, practical, and chic design lies in the Burberry trench. The style has been imitated year after year but never truly duplicated. The crux of the coat’s worth lies in the lightweight gabardine fabric, which Burberry founder Thomas Burberry invented in 1879. This trench has an illustrious history. It was worn by officers in the First World War when the epaulets were used to display rank, and the D rings held equipment. Aspects of this functionality are still reflected in the Heritage Trench. Burberry offers reproofing and repair services, which make their trench a very sustainable choice.
Image by Antony Trivet via Pexels
Rolex
Ph. Antony Trivet (Unsplash)
The longevity of a Rolex timepiece is what makes it worth your while, no doubt about it. A watch from Rolex isn't just a beautiful accessory but can actually be an investment if you look after it well and have it serviced when necessary. Because a lot of the brand’s appeal lies in its exclusivity, watch costs continue to rise. When you consider how many generations can own and wear one Rolex, the cost per wear goes down radically, and the price tag suddenly starts to make a lot more sense. The use of incredibly durable materials such as crystal and Oyster steel means that you have to to seriously mistreat a Rolex for it to become unusable. Since all Rolex timepieces are made with the same philosophy in mind and using the highest quality materials, any of them would be a good choice.
Final Word
If you select a piece from any of these five brands and you look after it well, you’ll have chosen a product that can last your lifetime and the lifetimes of your children and grandchildren. Doesn’t that sound like value for money?
Vintage fashion has never been more popular than it is at the moment, especially on the red carpet. Rather than creating brand new garments, stars are digging into the archives and bringing new life to iconic pieces from fashion history to create a one-of-a-kind moment.
Ph. Robert Bye (Unsplash)
Gilded Glamour, a theme that inspired many celebrities to go for sustainable fashion.
This year's Met Gala was a little different than usual. There are some comments going around social media that many celebrities did not follow the dress code and the theme. I guess the celebrities interpretation of the theme was different than what most of us, but that is what fashion is for - expressing ourselves. One thing that stood out was all the vintage and sustainable outfits we saw on the red carpet
Emily Ratajowski
Model Emily Ratajowski opted with vintage instead of having something new made. Dressed in colour, cutouts, and throwback silhouettes, she presented her interpretation of Gilded Glamour on the red carpet. Taking us back to the 1992 Atelier Versace spring/summer collection. The colourfully beaded Versace outfit was originally worn by former supermodel Yasmeen Ghauri on the runway. The colourful skin-bare dress comes with a halter-top adorned with beading around the neck, a voluminous embellished silk skirt with a dramatic train, and a voluminous embellished sash. Emily commented, while on the red carpet: "I feel very lucky to be wearing this look."
Shawn Mendes
The singer and songwriter Shawn Mendes walked on the red carpet in a consciously crafted Tommy Hilfiger red and navy coat with gold buttons and structured, high-neck collar made of deadstock materials. On the inner lining of the coat you could see his initials embroidered. One thing he also highlighted during his interview was the matching nail polish that also had the logo of the brand. After removing his jacket, Mendes revealed a navy suit underneath, along with a dark turtleneck he was wearing as a base layer. The inspiration behind his look was “Navy Captain” but his fans have other suggestions. Some commented that he looked like a real-life Disney prince, but many have also said that he channelled Mr. Darcy. It is also reported that the look is a preview of an upcoming collaboration between the designer and star, so if you’re a fan keep an eye for some exciting news.
Emma Stone
As she was deciding what to wear to the 2022 Met Gala, Emma Stone took a look inside her wardrobe for inspiration. The actress ended up re-wearing her wedding reception dress, giving a chic twist to Gilded Glamour. As we all know a wedding dress is to be worn once on your special day, but the actress decided to give hers a second life. Embroidered with white feathers and lace detail, the dress was a bespoke Louis Vuitton design. The brand also shared that the creative director, Nicolas Ghesquière, and each ambassador or friend of the house that walked the red carpet wore “an archival or previously worn look with a twist for the occasion.”
Steven Kolb
The chief executive officer and president of the CFDA, Steven Kolb, arrived at the Met Gala with a tuxedo reworked with braille letters and embroidered onto a 10-year-old tuxedo from Shipley and Halmos. The 7,000 Swarovski crystals on the tuxedo were hand applied by Runa Ray, fashion designer and environmentalist. The crystals actually spell a chapter from one of Kolb's favourite books, Khalil Gibran's "The Prophet '' in braille. Kolbe shares that they decided to upcycle the jacket before knowing what the theme was, but he “felt particularly attuned to the universe’s gift of making sure he was on trend walking the red carpet.” If you have been following CFDA’s work recently that would come as no surprise. Working closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, they have committed to supporting more sustainable fashion.
Billie Eilish
A completely upcycled Gucci gown made from pre-existing fabrics was spotted on the red carpet. It was worn by none other than Billie Eilish, who had shown her dedication to sustainability many times and didn’t fail to follow her heart even at the Met Gala. “We didn’t have to waste a bunch of stuff. It all already existed. I just wanted to be as eco-friendly as possible,” said Billie as she revealed her Met Gala look featuring a corset, lace sleeves, and ruched skirt during the Vogue red carpet live stream. The dress was made specifically for her by Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele, but it was made from entirely upcycled fabrics.
Nothing beats seeing celebrities on the red carpet channelling sustainability and promoting climate positivity. They have shown us there is nothing more rewarding than wearing something that makes you feel good and does good for the planet. These are only a couple of the sustainability garments so make sure to have a look at all the outfits of the night.
As summer is slowly approaching, we’re ready to pull out our favourite summer outfits and enjoy days of fun under the sun. Since summer outfits are easy and breezy, we should also use simple accessories to complement our look. From jewellery to summer hats and sunglasses, there are plenty of options.
Ph. Julia Kicova (Unsplash)
Simple combos usually feel like something’s missing, so we suggest you add a few simple accessories to spice up your look.
You can always turn to Instagram to draw some inspiration and see what’s trendy this summer season. You can also follow our guide to give you a few cool ideas on how to accessorise this summer.
Pick Out Your Favourite Jewellery Pieces
Ph. LUM3N (Unsplash)
Summer outfits are all about adding a little spark with necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. Jewellery is usually one aspect of our appearance that makes a style statement. You can say a lot about a person by looking at their choice of jewellery, whether they prefer glamour or minimalism, and how they make use of their favourite colours.
For example, fine pearl earrings can be a great accessory for your office outfits as well as a casual outing with friends. They can add a timeless touch of luxury and look perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for an elegant pair or classic ones. The point of accessorising is adding a little something to your outfit but be careful to not overdo it.
Summer Hats
Ph. Debby Hudson (Unsplash)
Summer hats are an ideal accessory for a summer brunch or an afternoon get-together with family and friends. They also protect you from the sun and are a saviour on a bad hair day. Choose one that complements your face as well as your outfit choice. Summer hats often go perfectly with a summer dress, as they’re stylish and eye-catching.
You can even use them as a single accessory piece if you don’t prefer wearing jewellery, for example. A small fedora can be appropriate for a slightly dressy or smart casual look, while a floppy hat adds a pretty touch to an outfit with an elegant vibe. Mid-size straw hats are usually casual and versatile, which makes them ideal for most summer outfits.
It’s All About The Shoes
Ph. Karim Elmissiry (Unsplash)
Summer shoes, especially sandals can be a lot of fun. There are plenty of choices including basic flats, embellished sandals, flip-flops, heeled sandals, espadrilles, casual sneakers, and many more. You can choose one depending on your outfit for the day. Don’t be afraid to mix your style with shoes as they bring out a different vibe, more than any other accessory.
You can deliver an adventurous style or an elegant one, and it will solely depend on what shoes you choose to wear. For example, you can combine a maxi dress with sneakers or casual denim shorts and a summer shirt with heeled sandals, and you’ll have a unique style that is anything but boring. You can even see celebrities promoting unusual combinations with different summer outfits and shoes, so why not try them yourself?
Summer Bags, Scarves, And Sunglasses
Ph. Artem Beliaikin (Unsplash)
If you were wondering how to accessorise your favourite summer outfit and be able to carry around tubes of sunscreen, lip-gloss, and other essentials, you can never go wrong with a tote bag. They’re perfect for an afternoon with your friends or even a casual day at the office. With so many different designs and styles, it’s the perfect bag for an effortless outfit addition. If you want to elevate your style, you can always go for a small or big straw bag, as it is perfect for the beach as well as casual evenings with friends.
What’s summer without cool sunglasses and unique scarves? Lightweight summer scarves are designed as a style accent to add a subtle splash to your summer outfits. Tie it around your summer bag or your neck with a cute knot, and even wear it in your hair as a hair accessory. Stylish sunglasses are a staple not just for summer but any other season. They protect your eyes from harmful rays and look great on anything you wear whether sporty or classy. From statement-making oversized to aviator’s sunglasses, your summer style can be set off perfectly with any pair you choose.
Final Thoughts
You may not think of styling your outfits as much in the summer, however, with a little creativity you can get a great summer look that will elevate not only your style but your mood as well. From simple summer hats to trendy sunglasses, there are plenty of choices to experiment with and find what best suits your style and preferences. Enjoy your summer being a little more trendy than usual.
Personal stylist Dress Decanted makes a guest editorial with Fashion Finest on the emotional benefits of buying second hand and how it enhances the fashion industry to do much better.
The emotional process of selecting a piece should be deliberate, not accidental. Ph. Noemie Roussel (unsplash).
One sustainable personal stylist covers the impact of thrift retail that can’t be replicated online.
“Think About Dressing For Your Soul”
Many underestimate the emotional lift when putting some time into your appearance carefully and consciously. Retail cuts that process out whilst thrifting allows you to pause, slow down and awaken the senses. The clothes don’t smell of a warehouse. They hold a story and if it fits your mood, you take home a memory for yourself.
Time and time again, self expression has proven to be the antidote to a dampened spirit. Quenching your soul’s creative thirst can help a passion that’s gone un-nurtured to flourish into action.
“Retail Therapy” Is Therapy. But Not As You Know It"
Scanning through pages of high street or designer clothes waiting for something to grab you by the collar is one way of doing this, however I opt for a more hands on approach that tickles the brain a little more intimately.
Vintage clothes/charity shops and eBay-like merchants give a visceral experience that you can tailor to yourself like a custom suit.
“Engaging true sense of style should be touch, smell and how it sounds when you wear it”. Ph. Tessa Simpson (unsplash).
For example, the sensation of feeling a rugged denim or corduroy when running your hands through a rack of pre-worn trousers and jeans.
The smell of steamed hanging leather jackets is something that can’t be replicated online. However, online doesn’t have to feel cumbersome.
Getting an eBay delivery you almost forgot about and finding out your due diligence of size checking and patience has paid off can be just as rewarding. Carefully curating some of your outfits around second hand clothes allows you to see first hand the themes that defined eras in fashion all over the world, I really like that.
Nothing will give you more ideas than seeing a statement piece of a forgotten time. All these things make my brain marvellously happy. Of course these are only the immediate rewards to changing your creative trajectory.
“Fast fashion” and “sustainability” have been unavoidable terms echoed through every runway and office in the industry. The consumer shouldn’t be obligated or beholden to cure something they had no hand in creating, however the ripple effect of the everyday consumer buying used cannot be understated.
So…if you’re interested in sparking your imagination, and gaining access to a broad array of unique designers, and an endless spectrum of inimitable materials and looks only now being dredged up from the stubborn clutches of time, then here’s how you might do it.
First and most importantly, have all your measurements ready. If you don’t have them, get them. Fit is everything.
If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home; eBay, Vinted, Etsy and Gumtree are all sofa shopping game changers but come with their own merits. Personally for the user base and range of options/filters I’m an eBay loyalist but Vinted appears to have no shortage of praise.
If small excursions to quiet shops you didn’t know existed missed your radar, then searching “used Vintage clothes shops near me” in your browser of choice will yield results that may surprise you. My experience is little weekend escapades to see what catches your gaze may quickly mutate into group trips that spark creative competition.
But the beauty of it all is that it’s all your choice.
More about this guest featured stylist: -Dress Decanted
Want more sustainable style advice? Sign up to our newsletter here and check out who is attending our pop up event on the 19th June in London, don’t miss your chance to network and enjoy fashion collections from limited lines.
Each year, millions of people around the world take part in Earth Day to support the environment. With the climate crisis becoming more serious, every Earth Day becomes more significant. Brands of all kinds have made a commitment to their customers to make more sustainable and ethical products.
Ph. Jakob Owens (Unsplash)
This Earth Day, UGG, Golden Goose and Timberland join the fight against the climate crisis with innovative sustainable products.
Some of the collections that caught our eyes were UGG’s, Golden Goose and Coronet and Timberlands. The footwear brands were crafting their products as part of their efforts to win over conscious consumers this Earth Day with some inspiring sustainable collections and showcasing the many benefits of participating in sustainable fashion.
UGG
UGG is now taking the next step toward a more regenerative future. Earlier last week they announced their second carbon-neutral impact collection. The collection features three styles, each adapting the UGG brand’s signature look and feel, crafted using low-impact materials. This collection's anchor material Is Uggplush™ Terry, a textured blend of responsible wool and Tencel™ Lyocell, among the best in sustainable fashion. Over 99% of the water used in the manufacturing process of the material is recycled, and the solvents are re-used. To make the materials carbon neutral, carbon offsets are purchased to outweigh the small amount of emissions created. They hope to prove that iconic UGG footwear can be reproduced in environmentally friendly ways, without sacrificing comfort or style, and to inspire future collections.
Golden Goose & Coronet
Golden Goose is moving forward with its sustainability plan by collaborating with Coronet, a leader in the research and production of animal free, bio-based, and recycled materials. Together they will launch Yatay, the first made in Italy co-action platform for sustainable footwear. The focus of this partnership will be on an innovative sneaker that is based on the most advanced technologies and bio-based materials, Yatay Model 1B. The gender-neutral sneaker will be made in Italy, utilising the Yatay B. This material is bio-based and entirely derived from plants with recycled polyester and biodegradable rubber. Compared to leather, this material reduces CO2 emissions by 90 percent and water usage by 65 percent. The best feature of the sneakers is the univocal code. Embossed on the left heel of every pair, when scanned, allows the wearer to take part in Golden Goose’s environmental activities. By purchasing them you not only add a stylish new pair of sneakers to your wardrobe but you are also given the chance to contribute in many sustainable initiatives
Timberland
Timberland has a rich history of using recycled materials in their footwear, but this year they found a way to make fully recycled footwear from top to bottom. This Earth Day, the brand introduced the Timberloop™ Trekker City Hiker, its first footwear designed for full circularity. The unique feature of the collection is that the shoes are made to be taken apart and each part can be recycled and turned into a new product. The shoes' outsoles are designed with a unique construction that makes it easy to remove and recycle them at Timberloop's facility. There is also a removable inner bootie that is made of 100 percent recycled plastic. The brand has an outstanding reputation in creating high quality durable products that stand the test of time and now with Timberloop™ it can be said that Timberland is a brand for life.
Nowadays making a sustainable product is simply not enough. People need to be convinced of the many benefits of sustainability. UGG, Golden Goose and Timberland offer their customers not only a product but a chance to be part of the sustainability revolution. If we all want to be part of the change we need to talk about it and learn and what better way than networking with similar minded people. On the 18th of June we are organising a networking sustainable pop up event that will bring together small independent brands and give people the opportunity to explore, learn and enjoy the variety of sustainable fashion and accessories.
Summer is right around the corner, and as conscious fashion lovers we all know it’s time to restyle our clothes from the previous season.
Ph. Artem Beliaikin (unsplash)
Instead of buying new, why not upcycle some of your winter favourites, into beloved summer pieces.
Here’s what to expect walking into summer and how to rework your winter staples for the season.
Cargo Pants- How Trousers Can Be Your Staple
Ph. Nathan Van De Graaf (Unsplash)
Cargos have been the staple of winter wardrobes. Men and women have been obsessed with the relaxed style, which has been significant since mom and flare jeans overtook skinny jeans. Many different retailers hopped straight on the trend and now shops are filled with the beloved cargo pants. The pants have been such a staple due to the low-rise silhouette, turning your body into an hourglass shape. But individuals seem puzzled of how they can still incorporate cargos on a warm sunny day. Don’t worry, because the rise of cargo pants will still be the hype of this summer. Trade your roll necks and boots, for crop or vest tops and sandals at the flick of a switch, from warm winter trends to hot summer styles.
Make Low Rise Mini Skirts Your Essential
Ph. Paul Szewczyk (Unsplash)
Low rise mini skirts are a craze for women right now. We have seen them fitted on celebrities like Camila Mendes, Kendall Jenner and Olivia Rodrigo. Micro skirts with a low waistline and a chain belt are so popular, and really do accentuate your body. Show off your inner Britney Spears and Beyonce, when rocking their iconic noughties fashion. It is clearer than ever that women are feeling more empowered. AAnd especially confident and sexy in these little skirts. What better time to get your legs out in the warm summer breeze? No need to buy more, you can keep your classic black and white skirts from the winter as an essential for your summer looks. Instead of styling them with tights and a long sleeve crop top, trade them in for a sustainable organic cotton tank top.
Goth to Chic In Winter To Summer Style
Ph. Naeim Jafari (Unsplash)
The cliché of the gothic era predominantly consisting of girls wearing dramatic makeup, green hair and fishnets tights is over. You can be just like your beloved A listers; Kourtney Kardashian and Megan Fox who have grabbed gothic style and twisted it into this romantic tailor. They have incorporated the classic colours like black and red and layered it with lace and corsets, creating a sexy piece. Our two gothic idols established their change in fashion after beginning to date gothic rock stars, Travis Barker and Machine Gun Kelly. The old conventions of goth have been changed once and for all, by our beautiful celebrity icons. You can incorporate this into your summer wardrobe by styling black leather shorts with corsets, and carry a leather jacket over the shoulders; simple.
How Colour Clashing Will Brighten Your Wardrobe
Ph. Katsiaryna Endeuszkiewicz (Unsplash)
It's not for everyone, but if you want to turn heads then this style will keep you occupied in the summer. Mix reds with pinks and blues with orange, creating a vibrant summery look. Colour clashing is the ideal statement to make on an everyday occurrence, or when arriving at a party. And what’s more perfect than using colours in the sun. Be the showstopper at every event, and continue to be the ray of sunshine, even if the suns not out. For someone who is more on the girlie side yellows and pinks would be the perfect mix. Team a yellow shift dress with pink sunglasses and open toe sandals, creating a girlie aesthetic. On the other hand, combining blue and orange produces a cool toned, ‘it girl’ vibe. Wear blue camos with an orange tube top and pair with an orange bandana.
It's undeniable that 2000’s trends will continue through this year. So, keep an eye out on the fashion two decades ago, to keep up with the trends.
Trends like these make it easier to rework your winter clothes into solid summer looks that reflect the attitude of what’s hot right now. With a healthy dose of imagination and inspiration, your ensemble can look sassy whilst slowing down consumption, with the added bonus of getting your money's worth from the previous season.
For more inspiration on sustainable style, why not check your schedule and visit us in London on the 18th June for our first sustainable pop up event showcasing boutiques and suppliers of conscious creations. Head this way to look and book!
Stylish Underwear From PantsandSocks
Written by Marc ParkerOnline retailer PantsandSocks.com has the perfect solution with a range of underwear gift sets for all occasions, with summer on the way they are here to ensure that men look good and feel good. And for those who cannot quite decide on which set to buy, there is also the Pants&Socks gift card.
Ph.
It’s out with the ‘Holey’ and worn out, and in with the new.
There is always a good reason to refresh your drawers with PantsandSocks.com. Its extensive range includes styles from all the big designer brands including Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and CR7 as well as Boss and on-trend SAXX. The Pants&Socks electronic gift card is available at £10, £25, 50, £75, or £100 and is perfect as a last-minute gift or father’s day present.
PantsandSocks.com Top 5 Style Must-Haves
The Classic Gent
Three-pack Calvin Trunk £40 as a one-off or £32 on a subscription. (Save 20% off every order).
Hugo Boss 2 Pack Trouser socks £12 or £9.60 on a subscription. (Save 20% off every order).
The Timeless One
Polo Ralph Lauren 3 Pack Classic Trunks £36 as a one-off or £28.80 on a subscription. (Save 20% off every order).
Boss 2 Pack Patterned Socks £20 as a one-off or £16 on a subscription. (Save 20% off every order).
The Gym Goer
Three-pack CR7 Cotton briefs £25 as a one-off or £20 on a subscription. (Save 20% off every order).
Puma sports socks 3 Pack £8 as a one-off or £6.40 on a subscription. (Save 20% off every order).
The Fashionista
Derek Rose Amalfi Boxershort £50 (Free delivery on orders over £40).
Tommy Hilfiger Iconic 2 Pack striped socks £13 as a one-off or £10.40 on a subscription. (Save 20% off every order).
The Undecided
PantsandSocks.com Gift Card, available in £25 increments.
Visit Online retailer PantsandSocks.com to refresh your drawers.
Much to our relief, the fragrance world is finally listening. Tones and accents that have been previously blended for a distinctive gender is spilling over the counter! Finding your fragrance to fit your mood, and ambience for the vibes at hand is personal, intimate and as the Parisians swear, it’s a private ritual.
Ph. Siora Photography (Unsplash)
Confessions of a Rebel are one fragrance brand that are disclosing the secret of scents to match our desire of something emotional but unrestrictive. Regardless of your gender.
Fragrance gender fluidity is here. A recent study from UNiDAYS showed 49% of Gen Z are more inclined to buy from brands that promote gender representation and diversity in their marketing and advertising. According to Mintel, gender-neutral fragrance launches accounted for 17% of the market in 2010; by 2018 that figure had grown to 51%.
Confessions of a Rebel, has just launched in the UK and speaks out their key message on marketing diversity in their range- “We’re not afraid to provoke. Our fragrances are made to excite and inspire: some are subversive, others are straightforward, all are compelling in their own right. He, she, they, YOU - our confessions are not caged in by gender. We blend traditionally feminine notes with masculine undertones, and vice versa, to create fragrances that are anything but ordinary.”
Meet some of the rebels that dare to go beyond the binary…
LOVE HIGH (100ml spray, £100)
Somewhere between lust and lost, peach nectar tangles with orange flower and jasmine in this tantalising fragrance. Shaken up and just a little bit sweet, succulent apple reveals new textures of sensuality against powerful blonde woods. Everything goes, but first, dive right in.
ABOUT LAST NIGHT (100ml spray, £100)
Inspired by late nights, this is a bold exclamation of scent, featuring a cocktail of sparkling bergamot, pink pepper and red grapefruit. Powdery vetiver, sustainably harvested in Haiti, intoxicates the senses with cold-pressed mandarin oil and energetic spices that last from dusk until dawn.
GET A ROOM (100ml spray, £100)
All heat and plenty of skin: forbidden apple is layered with mandarin and stripped-down woody notes. A sensual medley of vanilla, praline and a touch of spice send your heart skipping a beat – and then some. Draw the blinds, bolt the door, this is going to get good.
Let's Be Real Review
On note one, Let’s Be Real Fragrance hits you with a fresh citrus wave that wakes up your senses, followed immediately with depths of vanilla and a lasting woody note of musk and jasmine. I would recommend this to be worn in the evening for deep conversation over decadent drinks. - Deborah St. Louis Founder
For more beauty features and product reviews, click here or sign up to our newsletter for more latest online releases
Fashion's biggest event, as many people describe it, is going with full force this year on the 2nd of May. From picking out the decoration, to creating the guest list, it is time to focus our attention to all fashion icons and haute couture houses for any hints of the celebrities and outfits we will see at the Met Gala. The night every fashionista counts the days to.
Ph. Journal des Demoiselles (Flikr)
This year the Met Gala asks its guest to relive the 1870’s - the Gilded Age New York
Earlier this year the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced that the Met Gala will return with a second instalment under the grander theme of ‘In America’. Following the theme from 2021 “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” this year’s theme is “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,”. The theme is usually very broad and one can only know so much from it. We can only let our minds wander around to try and figure out what the dress code will be. That is the most important thing for all the guests.
Met Gala 2022 - Dress Code
Ph. Daydou Fils, Paris (Flikr)
Every spring the Met Gala invitations get sent to a number of celebrities very specifically picked out by Anna Wintour herself. At the bottom of the invitation is a small, but very important, inscription. That inscription reveals the dress code. This year the dress code is gilded glamorous, white-tie. As Vogue mentioned earlier this week the attendees will be asked to ‘embody the grandeur of Gilded Age New York’. All the way from the 1870 to 1890, was a period of unprecedented prosperity, cultural change, and industrialisation in America. A time when skyscrapers and fortunes seemingly rose overnight. If there is one word to describe fashion during this period it would be - extravagant. Think about bows, ruffles or maybe lace. Imagine all the combinations of textiles going into one dress. The colour pallete consists mostly of rich and deep jewel tones.
Dressing up doesn’t have to be only for the guests of the Met Gala. You know the theme and the dress code, get creative and pick your best outfit that resonates with the Met Gala. You might not be able to attend it this year but you never know when your time will come. Save the date - May 2nd for fashion’s biggest event.