In early December, it was announced that the Nike-owned virtual sneaker brand, RTFKT, would cease operations. RTFKT, founded by Benoit Pagotto, Chris Le, and Steven Vasilev, sought to merge their passions for video games and sneakers. It demonstrated that the multi-billion-dollar sports apparel giant was exploring the realm of NFT and virtual goods within their brand. In April 2022, RTFKT revealed a virtual sneaker collaboration, allowing customers to design shoes with customizable ‘digital skins.’ Although physical replicas were available for purchase in very limited quantities, the digital sneaker was undeniably the main product. Shortly after this project, however, crypto prices crashed and given the volatility of the market, there was…

The fast fashion industry has emerged as a dominant force in global markets, delivering affordable and trendy clothing at unprecedented speeds. While this business model satisfies consumer demands for low-cost fashion, it does so at a significant ethical cost. By employing practices that prioritize profit over human welfare, fast fashion exploits vulnerable workers, fosters social inequality, and contributes to unsustainable consumption patterns. Applying Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarian ethical framework, this article explores whether the industry’s actions can be deemed morally justifiable. Utilitarianism according to Jeremy Bentham Utilitarian ethics is a normative ethical theory that assesses the morality of an action based on its consequences rather than the intention or motivation behind…

Paris is unique in the fashion world for being the home of haute couture, the french word for ‘high sewing’ a term for exclusive and often extravagant custom-fitted pieces. Paris is the only fashion capital to host a fashion week specifically dedicated to couture. Running from January 27th to the 30th of this year, Paris Couture Week showcased lines from big names such as Schiaparelli, Dior, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier. Schiaparelli’s show kicked off the week, and its strong opening proved to be its highlight. As the luxury sector continues to struggle to find its footing and many creative directors choose to embrace a ‘back to the…

Created in 1968, Calvin Klein is an American designer fashion retail chain, primarily known for its underwear and denim lines. On top of those two categories, it now focuses on clothing for all genders and age groups, lifestyle accessories, shows, perfume, and jewelry. Sparking controversy over its ads and fashion shows over the years,Calvin Klein differentiates itself through its boldness, progressive ideas, and seductive, yet minimalist aesthetic. These have often led to setbacks for the brand, including having to shut down its high-end fashion show department in 2019. Thankfully, a new surprise presents itself in 2025: Calvin Klein returns to the runway for New York Fashion Week.  In 1978, Calvin…

“11 Of The Best Second-Hand Designer Bag Sites To Know Now” – Vogue When considering a new clothing item or accessory, many of us (hopefully) explore the option of buying it second-hand, perhaps through an online resale platform. This is no longer an isolated choice, as the resale apparel market reached an astonishing value of $197 billion in 2023. The most intriguing development within this sector is the remarkable growth of the second-hand luxury market. This trend highlights a pivotal shift: the movement toward a circular fashion economy is no longer confined to high-street brands. Luxury fashion houses now face mounting pressure to extend the lifecycle of their products and…

These three cities, often dubbed “fashion capitals of the world,” each present distinct styles that inspire millions. But what makes each city’s style so iconic and unique? Milano is synonymous with polished elegance and luxurious craftsmanship, but there’s a rich cultural layer to the Milanese style that extends beyond refinement. Milan embodies a distinctly Italian passion for quality materials, with leather playing an especially prominent role. Whether in handbags, jackets, or boots, leather is not just a material but an art form here. Autumnal streets see rich textures everywhere: from leather to wool and cashmere, creating a warm yet sophisticated aesthetic. Slim-cut jeans, sleek turtlenecks, and tailored silhouettes are Milanese…

Much has been documented on the luxury industry’s recent slowdown: its sluggish sales, falling revenues, and creative upheaval since the post-Covid boom ended. Many culprits have also been found to blame: weak Chinese demand, a lack of creativity from designers, and inflation have all been named at fault. Undoubtedly these factors have contributed to luxury’s crisis, but a more subtle offender might have played a large part: luxury’s latest hot trend, price hikes.  Price hikes have always been an essential part of the luxury industry’s business model. Luxury goods in economics are known as Veblen goods, which operate contrary to normal demand-supply economics. For Veblen goods, the rise in price…