Imogen
Berrington
Graduate
London College of Fashion
BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism and Content Creation
((Trend Feature for Dazed Digital))
((Header)) Beige is the new black – on the verge of the third national lockdown fashion is all about sustainability and neutral tones.
((Standfirst)) Last year and all that it encompassed kept us locked up inside in the comfort of our own homes. And as this is still the case as the UK is once again in lockdown. This is why we are staying in our joggers all day, every day.
((Body Copy))
The global pandemic has bought about a reset which is focused on stripping back to the basics and this includes a sharp focus on sustainability, organic clothing and the desire to wear neutral colours.
All the ‘it’ girls have jumped on this neutral trend, last week in a head-to-toe beige look, Gigi Hadid accompanied with baby Khai, was spotted proving that the model of duty look doesn’t have to be boring.
Starting the year off with a bang, Kylie Jenner is seen posing in full neutral fits on her Instagram and her sister Kendal single handily sparked one of the biggest trends for winter 2020/21 by stepping out in the brown The North Face puffa coat. This coat is responsible for the brown trend which is all over social media and the coat’s power is so strong that it can be found on resell sites for up to £500. Even, ASOS are selling a Tik Tok trending neutral colour block Nike tracksuit set, showing neutrals and comfort are for sure in right now.
Pam Davis, a personal stylist of 14 years and model says: “We’re at home, we need the comfort.” After all, as Davis says: “We don’t know when we’re coming out of what we’re in” so, give it to yourself, chuck on that hoodie and those joggers and… relax.
From Burnt Henna to Tawny Birch and Military Olive, these neutral tones are the standout shades published by Pantone in their Fashion Trend Report from the 2020/21 autumn/winter London Fashion Week. Shown by designers of the like of Erdem and Simone Rocha, the rosy tan shade seems to be all over the runway.
The WGSN’S women’s colour forecast for autumn/winter 2022/23 is also a testament to the neutral colour scheme as a trend that is staying. With the colours of oat milk and unbleached cotton, these timeless tones can work for anyone. The report highlights that these shades are so hot right now because of the importance of longer-lasting narratives and an ever-increasing appreciation for the great outdoors which has been forced upon us with the coronavirus pandemic.
Davis truly believes in the beige shades as she says: “neutral and beiges are a must have” and she goes onto say: “it is a classic colour, it doesn’t date, which means you will always have it in your wardrobe”. Therefore, Davis’ advice is to “get something in neutral or beige or tan, because they will never date”.
Inevitably, sustainability goes hand in hand with the neutral colour pallet as, organic cotton and the choice to source ethically reflect the reset bought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
Organic cotton is cotton that is certified to organic agricultural standards. The farming of this type of cotton does not allow for the use of chemicals so it is environmentally friendly for all that are involved, including the farmers and all of the animals along the supply chain that may come into contact with it. The benefits for choosing organic cotton over any other is why so many people are choosing to be more conscious with their fashion choices.
No toxic chemicals are used to produce organic cotton and this much more natural production uses 88 per cent less water and 62 per cent less energy compared to the production of regular cotton. Despite this, less than one per cent of all cotton grown is organic.
Jodi Muter-Hamilton founder of Black Neon Digital co-founder of the Fashion Roundtable says: “sustainability has become a bit of a buzz word, indicating it is a trend”. However, “it has to become the norm. Government and brands must recognise and act on the fact that if we keep doing what we have been doing, we will have no planet to live on,” Muter-Hamilton goes onto say.
As more and more consumers of fashion choose sustainability over prices and ease, more and more brands and the top fashion houses will choose to use organic materials. H&M a typically fast fashion brand has taken their first steps to be more eco-conscious as they become the world’s largest buyer of organic cotton. And despite what we are told over and over again, “fast fashion doesn’t actually mean bad,” says Muter-Hamilton, she goes on to say: “it can do, in a lot of instances, but when you have people like Jenny Holloway… that’s fast fashion, but it’s done well”.
Davis, explains the rise in sustainability as she says: “I think a lot of people are beginning to look at [sustainability] now, because some people aren’t wearing anything less than.” In regard to what there is to look forward to in 2021, Davis says: “the biggest trend change should be that more brands are using sustainability” the power is in the hands of the brands, but by choosing organic cotton and sustainability, the real power is with the consumers.
((Targeted News Story for Dazed Digital))
((Headline)) The results are in… and Moncler tops the 2020 Dow Jones Sustainability Index
((Body Copy))
The Dow Jones Sustainability Index covers a multitude of different sectors, including the ‘Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods’ sector which in November saw Moncler coming in first and Burberry achieving second place.
Abigail Wilmore, the chief people’s officer at Stella McCartney says that the Index is so significant as, “it’s something that is measurable”, and she goes onto say: “[with] a measurable system you have to track, it makes [a brand] more authentic and more and more transparent”.
The index measures the performance of companies which are selected with the ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria therefore, Moncler coming first, shows that the brand is a recognised change maker in the fashion industry.
Remo Ruffiuni, Moncler’s Chairman and CEO said: “At Moncler, we dedicate our best energies every day to promoting an integrated business model in which the people and the environment are represented, respected and protected.”
Whilst Pam Batty, VP of corporate responsibility at Burberry, said: “I am proud that Burberry achieved its highest ever score in the 2020 Dow Jones Sustainability Index… We believe ESG disclosure plays a key role in driving meaningful change.”
For the future of sustainable fashion, Wilmore says: “once we can find more sustainable ways to manufacture and basically grow different materials… that is probably going to be the biggest game changer of all”. And Wilmore predicts that this may not be as far in the future as we may initially think, as after all, technology is always evolving.
((News Story))
((Headline)) Issues the Port of Felixstowe, will Chris Grayling the ex-transport secretary help resolve these?
((Body Copy))
Pre-Brexit Stockpiling and the coronavirus pandemic are causing dire impacts which are being felt throughout the port. Ships are being redirected and some are unable to dock causing companies to be left without their vital Christmas stock.
To try and combat these issues, ex-transport secretary Chris Grayling has been bought in by Hutchinson Ports who owns the port at Felixstowe. At this position, Grayling is being paid £100,000 for seven hours of work a week for one year.
The Port of Felixstowe is Britain’s biggest container port and one of the largest in Europe. The port welcomes approximately 3,000 ships each year, therefore, these issues are being felt all throughout the port.
Trainee customs process administrator, Hannah Windmill who works for the shipping company Maersk has witnessed the issues at the port and says: “several containers full of fruit ended up being destroyed because they were held too long and could not be sold in Supermarkets”.
Further adding to the chaos, as the UK has been hit by the new variant of COVID-19 more challenges face the port. The new variant of COVID-19 which was first reported in the UK in September caused 40 countries to temporally ban travel from the UK on December 23.
Windmill says: “When France closed its borders/channel tunnel to us in December because of the new COVID-19 variant, our Port became backlogged extremely fast with containers.” Windmill goes onto say: “The containers stacked up extremely fast at Felixstowe.”
((Header)) Beige is the new black – on the verge of the third national lockdown fashion is all about sustainability and neutral tones.
((Standfirst)) Last year and all that it encompassed kept us locked up inside in the comfort of our own homes. And as this is still the case as the UK is once again in lockdown. This is why we are staying in our joggers all day, every day.
((Body Copy))
The global pandemic has bought about a reset which is focused on stripping back to the basics and this includes a sharp focus on sustainability, organic clothing and the desire to wear neutral colours.
All the ‘it’ girls have jumped on this neutral trend, last week in a head-to-toe beige look, Gigi Hadid accompanied with baby Khai, was spotted proving that the model of duty look doesn’t have to be boring.
Starting the year off with a bang, Kylie Jenner is seen posing in full neutral fits on her Instagram and her sister Kendal single handily sparked one of the biggest trends for winter 2020/21 by stepping out in the brown The North Face puffa coat. This coat is responsible for the brown trend which is all over social media and the coat’s power is so strong that it can be found on resell sites for up to £500. Even, ASOS are selling a Tik Tok trending neutral colour block Nike tracksuit set, showing neutrals and comfort are for sure in right now.
Pam Davis, a personal stylist of 14 years and model says: “We’re at home, we need the comfort.” After all, as Davis says: “We don’t know when we’re coming out of what we’re in” so, give it to yourself, chuck on that hoodie and those joggers and… relax.
From Burnt Henna to Tawny Birch and Military Olive, these neutral tones are the standout shades published by Pantone in their Fashion Trend Report from the 2020/21 autumn/winter London Fashion Week. Shown by designers of the like of Erdem and Simone Rocha, the rosy tan shade seems to be all over the runway.
The WGSN’S women’s colour forecast for autumn/winter 2022/23 is also a testament to the neutral colour scheme as a trend that is staying. With the colours of oat milk and unbleached cotton, these timeless tones can work for anyone. The report highlights that these shades are so hot right now because of the importance of longer-lasting narratives and an ever-increasing appreciation for the great outdoors which has been forced upon us with the coronavirus pandemic.
Davis truly believes in the beige shades as she says: “neutral and beiges are a must have” and she goes onto say: “it is a classic colour, it doesn’t date, which means you will always have it in your wardrobe”. Therefore, Davis’ advice is to “get something in neutral or beige or tan, because they will never date”.
Inevitably, sustainability goes hand in hand with the neutral colour pallet as, organic cotton and the choice to source ethically reflect the reset bought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
Organic cotton is cotton that is certified to organic agricultural standards. The farming of this type of cotton does not allow for the use of chemicals so it is environmentally friendly for all that are involved, including the farmers and all of the animals along the supply chain that may come into contact with it. The benefits for choosing organic cotton over any other is why so many people are choosing to be more conscious with their fashion choices.
No toxic chemicals are used to produce organic cotton and this much more natural production uses 88 per cent less water and 62 per cent less energy compared to the production of regular cotton. Despite this, less than one per cent of all cotton grown is organic.
Jodi Muter-Hamilton founder of Black Neon Digital co-founder of the Fashion Roundtable says: “sustainability has become a bit of a buzz word, indicating it is a trend”. However, “it has to become the norm. Government and brands must recognise and act on the fact that if we keep doing what we have been doing, we will have no planet to live on,” Muter-Hamilton goes onto say.
As more and more consumers of fashion choose sustainability over prices and ease, more and more brands and the top fashion houses will choose to use organic materials. H&M a typically fast fashion brand has taken their first steps to be more eco-conscious as they become the world’s largest buyer of organic cotton. And despite what we are told over and over again, “fast fashion doesn’t actually mean bad,” says Muter-Hamilton, she goes on to say: “it can do, in a lot of instances, but when you have people like Jenny Holloway… that’s fast fashion, but it’s done well”.
Davis, explains the rise in sustainability as she says: “I think a lot of people are beginning to look at [sustainability] now, because some people aren’t wearing anything less than.” In regard to what there is to look forward to in 2021, Davis says: “the biggest trend change should be that more brands are using sustainability” the power is in the hands of the brands, but by choosing organic cotton and sustainability, the real power is with the consumers.
((Targeted News Story for Dazed Digital))
((Headline)) The results are in… and Moncler tops the 2020 Dow Jones Sustainability Index
((Body Copy))
The Dow Jones Sustainability Index covers a multitude of different sectors, including the ‘Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods’ sector which in November saw Moncler coming in first and Burberry achieving second place.
Abigail Wilmore, the chief people’s officer at Stella McCartney says that the Index is so significant as, “it’s something that is measurable”, and she goes onto say: “[with] a measurable system you have to track, it makes [a brand] more authentic and more and more transparent”.
The index measures the performance of companies which are selected with the ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria therefore, Moncler coming first, shows that the brand is a recognised change maker in the fashion industry.
Remo Ruffiuni, Moncler’s Chairman and CEO said: “At Moncler, we dedicate our best energies every day to promoting an integrated business model in which the people and the environment are represented, respected and protected.”
Whilst Pam Batty, VP of corporate responsibility at Burberry, said: “I am proud that Burberry achieved its highest ever score in the 2020 Dow Jones Sustainability Index… We believe ESG disclosure plays a key role in driving meaningful change.”
For the future of sustainable fashion, Wilmore says: “once we can find more sustainable ways to manufacture and basically grow different materials… that is probably going to be the biggest game changer of all”. And Wilmore predicts that this may not be as far in the future as we may initially think, as after all, technology is always evolving.
((News Story))
((Headline)) Issues the Port of Felixstowe, will Chris Grayling the ex-transport secretary help resolve these?
((Body Copy))
Pre-Brexit Stockpiling and the coronavirus pandemic are causing dire impacts which are being felt throughout the port. Ships are being redirected and some are unable to dock causing companies to be left without their vital Christmas stock.
To try and combat these issues, ex-transport secretary Chris Grayling has been bought in by Hutchinson Ports who owns the port at Felixstowe. At this position, Grayling is being paid £100,000 for seven hours of work a week for one year.
The Port of Felixstowe is Britain’s biggest container port and one of the largest in Europe. The port welcomes approximately 3,000 ships each year, therefore, these issues are being felt all throughout the port.
Trainee customs process administrator, Hannah Windmill who works for the shipping company Maersk has witnessed the issues at the port and says: “several containers full of fruit ended up being destroyed because they were held too long and could not be sold in Supermarkets”.
Further adding to the chaos, as the UK has been hit by the new variant of COVID-19 more challenges face the port. The new variant of COVID-19 which was first reported in the UK in September caused 40 countries to temporally ban travel from the UK on December 23.
Windmill says: “When France closed its borders/channel tunnel to us in December because of the new COVID-19 variant, our Port became backlogged extremely fast with containers.” Windmill goes onto say: “The containers stacked up extremely fast at Felixstowe.”