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I read all these interviews and reports about illustrator Alice skinner to get a better understand of her and her work. And how I could capture he art that best represented her.

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Alice Skinner (@thisisaliceskinner) * Instagram photos and videos

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23.9k Followers, 2,152 Following, 404 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Alice Skinner (@thisisaliceskinner)

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Alice Skinner Bigcartel website

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Online store for London illustrator and visual artist Alice Skinner, on instagram @thisisaliceskinner

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A really good interview on Alice that gave me some backroad information about her to include in my INP.

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Illustrator Alice Skinner on female friendships and turning mortifying situations into art.

Alice Skinner draws you in with a palette of hot pinks and pastels, bold typefaces and a distinctive, eye-catching aesthetic. Her illustrations are pretty much made for screen-grabbing and sharing online, or ordering in high res for your bedroom wall. But while they look fabulous, the London College of Communication grad has described their initial appeal as a kind of pretty pink packaging, which captures your attention long enough to consider her underlying message.

Then, you'll recognise yourself in Alice's work. Some depict instantly relatable scenes, like afterparty drinks or chilling with a mate and McDonald's watching Netflix's Fyre documentary. But many also deal with issues including the gender pay gap, racial inequality, sexual harassment, consent and the commodification of female bodies, using digestible images to call for social change.

Since she started uploading them to Instagram in her final year studying illustration and visual media, Alice has been selected as Virgin's first Artist in Residence, created murals for Benefit and released her own illustrated book The Revolution Handbook.

We caught up to talk through her aims and inspirations, why she'll always champion her friends and how she turns "mortifying" situations into art...

How did you develop your style and aesthetic?
I think I always knew what I wanted my style to look like in my head, but it's only now, after putting in these hours and hours of practise, that I'm able to actually deliver it. I think it's probably a mash-up of artists, illustrators, photographers and fashion that have culminated in me creating my own style.

You've said before that your illustrations look like a "pretty pink packaging", which allows you to deliver important messages in a more disarming and shareable way. Why do you think this formula is so effective?
I think it's because if things are boring we switch off, especially young people who need everything to be visually stimulating within one second before we swipe it away. There's obviously so much wild stuff happening in the world right now that we're engaging with and talking about, and we're more likely to stop and take note of a pastel coloured graphic than a broadsheet.

What do you think the pros are of using social media platforms for social activism?
The main thing is the ability to reach people who may have never had access to movements previously. I also think another key element is breaking it down and making things less daunting to get involved in. Activism can feel like something that's so removed from people's lives when in fact it isn't; anyone can get involved, even if that just means sharing things on the internet. You're still using your voice.

Is it annoying when people call your diverse depiction of female bodies "radical" when it should just be normal?
Yes! It's something I find really annoying. It's such a non-question to me when people ask "Why do you use different shapes of women in your art?" Because that's what women look like yo! Step outside and take a peek at all the amazing shapes and sizes we behold. I can't wait 'til this isn't even a topic anymore.

Do you take inspiration from your own life?
Yes, so many moments are plucked straight from my life. But also, I have the most amazing, diverse and hilarious group of girlfriends and honestly, every Sunday morning one of them has a tale that could inspire my next piece. I find power in turning situations that I have found mortifying into art.

Friendship feels like a key theme - female friendship in particular. Why's this something you want to celebrate?
I think even now women are seen as competitive and are being pitted against each other, which could not be further from the truth in my life. My friends mould and shape my life and I think it's so important to celebrate and praise them.

We saw your illustrations of Ramla Ali - what was it about her journey and persona that inspired you?
I think its that she is breaking the mould of what people think a boxer is and is paving the way for so many young girls. A true role model - which are hard to come across these days.

Do you want people to relate to the details in your work?
I love to add little details of things that I'm watching, reading or engaging with because that's just my life! I love that people always pick up on them and are like "Omg, that's what I'm watching right this second." I think the need to feel related to is higher than ever. Especially as I found the art world so exclusive, it's important that people never feel like that about my work.

You've worked with some huge brands - from Virgin to Frieze and Benefit. What's been the highlight moment for you?
Working with Benefit was definitely the highlight of working with brands so far. It just made so much sense in the pairing - they're a female-focused, tongue-in-cheek and visually pastel popping brand. I have loved them since I was a teenager, so it really was a heavenly experience. Plus getting to work with a near all-female team of angels, who supported and guided me the whole way whilst allowing me to do whatever I wanted.

What do you stand for and want your legacy as an artist to be?
I stand for 'normal' women. Women who may have never seen themselves within pop culture or the art world, and felt not good enough because of that. Women who never had a leg up or contacts and have had to build things completely by themselves. I guess my legacy would be that I hope I've made other women and young girls feel the power of these things through my work.

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5 minutes with Instagram illustrator Alice Skinner | Wonderland Magazine

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Illustrator Alice Skinner on female friendships and turning mortifying situations into art. Alice Skinner draws you in with a palette of hot pinks and pastels, bold typefaces and a distinctive, eye-catching aesthetic. Her illustrations are pretty much made for screen-grabbing and sharing online, or ordering in high res for your bedroom wall.

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Since graduating from LCC, the London based artist has built a cult-like following on Instagram with her intersectional illustrations. Provocative, humorous and heart-warming in equal measure, she uses her whimsical style to document the lived experiences, hopes and beauty of a diverse group of young women.

It seems fitting then, that for her first ever venture into street art, Alice would team up with Benefit Cosmetics - a brand founded by women and known for its philanthropic efforts. Her most ambitious project yet, the 23ft high murals in London and Brighton have been inspired by the collaborative efforts of women who support each other in doing amazing things - something we can all get behind. Each piece is interactive, with a blank canvas for anyone to add a motivational message.

We caught up with Alice to find out more about the unique project.
Hi Alice, tell us about the mural you will be creating and the inspirations behind it?  How do you want people to experience it?
The inspiration for the murals came from the overarching truth that great things happen when women come together and support each other's actions and accomplishments.

We're surrounded by examples of this: just look at how women came together to build Waterloo Bridge during wartime...and more recently look at how the #metoo movement is helping to shape the world in which we live.

Within Benefit Cosmetics' world, the brand was founded by two women - Jean and Jane Ford - who came together with a love for makeup and passion for making women feel good. It's everything the brand is built on today!
The mural includes a blank canvas for other women to leave their messages and express their creativity - was this particularly important to you that it is collaborative in this way?
In terms of how people can experience the artwork, what's super exciting about this is that it is a collaborative effort between myself and the public. I've worked with a team of street artists on the mural, and the public in London and Brighton are encouraged to come along to finish the piece! This will make for a unique, immersive and memorable experience and I hope that women will leave feeling inspired and empowered.
Who are some of your female heroes?
Because the art celebrates female collaboration, it was important to both myself and Benefit Cosmetics that the mural itself needed to be a collaboration. The public will be asked to leave messages of support for other women, or a simple star, which will finish off the piece. It is a piece of art that will morph as people participate and will take on a whole new meaning once those messages are added.
How has it been to work with Benefit, what does the brand mean to you?
Frida Kahlo will always be one of my heroes. She was a true rebel who always stood up for what was right. She defied gender stereotypes and never sacrificed who she was or what she wanted from life. I also look up to and admire women who get what they want from life but also help lift up other women along the way. At the moment some of my 'Sheroes' are Cardi B, Malala, Roxane Gay, Lindy West and Cynthia Nixon. They're all doing wildly different things but all so important in raising women's voices and validating our experiences.

Working with Benefit Cosmetics is an absolute dream and this is one of my most exciting projects to date. I have always been a big fan of the brand, not only because of their products, but for everything else they stand for. They celebrate women. They believe that beauty is more than skin deep and that laughter is the best cosmetic.
The beauty industry often gets criticised for being misogynistic - do you think beauty can also be a force for good?
The brand's artwork and packaging have always shared a similar aesthetic to mine and that's why it's been so fun to create something together with them. Their values are so aligned with my own so it's been a natural fit for me to work with them in this capacity.
What does being an empowered woman mean to you in 2018?
I actually think this stems from a view of the past that women wear make-up for men but this is no longer true as women are wearing make-up themselves and using it as a source of power to take on the world. Beauty should be used as a force for good and I think anything that makes you feel good is to be taken note of. I also love the connective and fun aspect that beauty brings. I couldn't even tell you the amount of times I have helped a friend apply their black eyeliner or fixed a girls false eyelashes in a club loo. I think this is a really great aspect of the good that beauty can bring and it should not be over-looked or seen as frivolous.
Alice Skinner's Bold is Beautiful murals will be on display at Chance Street, Shoreditch until 14th September and will launch at The Lanes in Brighton with an event on 8th September. The murals mark the launch of Benefit's - Brow Contour Pro - a four in one highlighting and defining brow pencil with multiple shades. Anyone who attends and contributes to the mural will be gifted a Gimme Brow+ fun size sample.
It means doing and being who I want, without my gender holding me back. I truly believe this is the most exciting time to be a woman. Sometimes really bad stuff has to happen for true change to occur and I believe that the world is changing for some women in a post me-too world. There is a true feeling of relief that things are shifting and that definitely fuels empowerment. I think it's important to note that empowerment comes from a position of privilege though and what is empowering for one woman can greatly differ to another.

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Alice Skinner's street art celebrates female empowerment

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Since graduating from LCC, the London based artist has built a cult-like following on Instagram with her intersectional illustrations. Provocative, humorous and heart-warming in equal measure, she uses her whimsical style to document the lived experiences, hopes and beauty of a diverse group of young women.

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Looking at concept stores for inspiration on store layout and what unique things they offer.

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AIDA is an independent concept store in Shoreditch, East London, combining Scandinavian inspired men's and women's clothing, homewares and barista coffee.

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A past collaboration with an illustrator focusing on feminism

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We share this same view at Monki which is why we commissioned the incredible talent that is Sara Andreasson to communicate that no one existed for another's approval. We are snowflakes: fine, unique and many.

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I wanted to understand the current colours sold on Monki, so I could adapt my range to work well within the store as well as experimenting to give the customer something new.

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The gain a better understanding of all the product currently offered on MONKI I looked at their pattern count. what they sold most of in store and where they could be a gap for newness.

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Draper article on the sustainability vow they have made for the future and past ways they have made. positive impact ton the environment.

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Monki's sustainably sourced cotton is organic, recycled and sourced through a 'Better Cotton' initiative.

Organic cotton is cotton grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers from non-GMO seeds, while recycled cotton reuses fibres from already worn clothes.

"This is a step towards our 2030 goal to only support sustainably sourced materials," said managing director Jennie Dahlin Hansson. "It's a good feeling, knowing that 100% of our cotton is now sustainably sourced."

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Monki uses 100% sustainably sourced cotton

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Monki's sustainably sourced cotton is organic, recycled and sourced through a 'Better Cotton' initiative. Organic cotton is cotton grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers from non-GMO seeds, while recycled cotton reuses fibres from already worn clothes. "This is a step towards our 2030 goal to only support sustainably sourced materials," said managing director Jennie Dahlin Hansson.

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a survey I conducted with young consumers on what they want from a product and service.

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A article about the release of the 100% sustainably swimwear MONKI released. Found this really interesting and educational as I want to include sustainable matters into my INP.

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H&M owned Monki is launching its first sustainable swimwear collection as it moves one step closer to its 2030 goal of sourcing only recycled or more sustainable materials.

Made with recycled polyester and recycled polyamide, the materials come from PET bottles and production waste fibres.

Monki managing director Jennie Dahlin Hansson said: "We are always trying to find more sustainable ways of doing fashion. It feels good to now offer swimwear made from recycled materials."

The spring/summer 2019 collection features items with shoulder frills, shirring, cut out details and high-legged briefs. Prints and colours include leopard print, citrus fruit and golden beige hues.

The collection will be made available in-store and online throughout the spring.

Monki has over 120 concept stores in 16 markets across the world.

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Monki launches sustainable swimswear collection - Retail Bulletin

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H&M owned Monki is launching its first sustainable swimwear collection as it moves one step closer to its 2030 goal of sourcing only recycled or more sustainable materials. Made with recycled polyester and recycled polyamide, the materials come from PET bottles and production waste fibres.

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For my market re-search I looked at how the h and m group where doing in comparison to other high street retailers

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H&M group has announced net sales grew 10% to 51bn SEK (£4.15bn) for the period from 1 December to 28 February.

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The cross-party environmental audit committee (EAC) submitted its Fixing Fashion report to the government inFebruary following a period of intensive consultation with the fashion industry.

Included in the report was the suggestion of mandatory environmental targets for retailers with a turnover of £36m and above - a proposal widely supported in the industry. More than 90% of respondents in Drapers' recent sustainability survey agreed with this idea.

It is unusual for an industry to welcome legislation, so the government's wholesale rejection of all the EAC's recommendations is a disappointment.

EAC chair Mary Creagh said: "The government has rejected our call, demonstrating that it is content to tolerate practices that trash the environment and exploit workers, despite having just committed to net zero emission targets."

Ulric Jerome, CEO of Matchesfashion, agreed: "If we want the UK fashion industry to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, we have to have greater support and leadership from the government."

His views are in line with 85% of respondents in Drapers' survey who said the government is not doing enough to help the fashion industry become more sustainable.

For the fashion industry to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, we have to have greater support and leadership from the government

Ulric Jerome, CEO of Matchesfashion

Although the government's response is frustrating, Kerry Gwyther, partner law firm TLT who heads its commercial regulatory practice, said he is not surprised: "[The government] believes its Resources and Waste Strategy will take care of most of the recommendations, coupled with existing legislations such as the Modern Slavery Act.

"The practicalities are that introducing legislation to cover the recommendations would involve a major piece of environmental legislation against the backdrop of a parliament grid-locked by Brexit."
Emergency action
Clare Lissaman, director of content and impact at sustainable business network Common Objective, said the government's response is "short sighted and missing the mood of the moment".

That mood is one where fashion brands and retailers readily acknowledge the climate change emergency and accept net zero emissions targets as essential.

The starting point for most brands and retailers is operational reductions focusing on energy efficiency within corporate offices, stores and transport fleets ( see box below).

Be part of the solution

Drapers Sustainable Fashion is an unmissable opportunity for the industry to get together and discuss what we can do to tackle the issues facing the industry as it strives towards a more sustainable future. To find out more go to Drapers Sustainable Fashion 2020.

New reporting obligations known as SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting) came into force in April and require businesses with a turnover of £36m or more to assess and share their organisational emissions footprint.

"A fair number of companies are doing this already, so the policy will bring in the laggards," said Pauline Op de Beeck, client executive of the Carbon Trust.

The greater challenge for UK fashion businesses are emissions created outside their immediate control in their global supply chains. That is also where the biggest gains can be made.

WRAP's (Waste and Resources Action Programme) 2016 Valuing Our Clothes report found that extraction of fibre during production was the biggest contributor to clothing's carbon footprint globally.

It's a hard time for the high street commercially but we do a disservice if we separate sustainability issues from business issues

Susan Harris, technical director at sustainability consultancy Anthesis Group

With future emissions targets likely to include the impact of their supply chains, fashion businesses will need to work with manufacturers to help them become more efficient. This could include helping suppliers switch to renewable energy sources, for example.

As one of the world's largest fashion retailers working with a huge global supply chain, H&M group has outlined an ambition to achieve a "climate positive value chain" by 2040.

Giorgina Waltier, sustainability manager for UK and Ireland, explained: "This means we will reduce more greenhouse gas emissions than our entire value chain emits. We want to go beyond our own stores to address suppliers, transport and distribution centres."
New business models
The fashion industry could make progress towards net zero targets by rethinking business models to cover the full garment lifecycle.

When clothing is re-used or recycled, it potentially displaces the sale of a new item and reduces the need for emission-heavy fibre extraction at the production stage. Brands are therefore starting to take circularity seriously, observed Susan Harris, technical director at sustainability consultancy Anthesis Group.

"Different approaches such as 'take-back and re-use' schemes, or fibre-to-fibre recycling are all valid," she said.

The rise of resale apps highlights the appetite among consumers, especially younger ones, for reuse. New research conducted by Fashion Retail Academy revealed that the number of people selling their clothes via resale apps has increased by 113%.

Introducing legislation to cover the recommendations would involve a major piece of environmental legislation against the backdrop of a parliament grid-locked by Brexit

Kerry Gwyther, partner law firm TLT

This bodes well for the fashion industry which lends itself to circularity more than other industries. It even gives it a chance to lead as an industry.

The challenge for fashion businesses is how to rethink the model during difficult trading conditions.

Harris said: "It's a hard time for the high street commercially but we do a disservice if we separate sustainability issues from business issues."

Small steps are in evidence. Asos plans for all its designers to be educated in circular-design principles by 2020. So far, 15 members of the design team have piloted a circular-design training programme in partnership with the London College of Fashion.

Barriers to net zero

The reality of price and the challenges of the production are obstacles to achieving net zero carbon emissions. Polyester is responsible for 2% of greenhouse gases globally, as estimated by Common Objective, but is a tempting low-cost option for designers and buyers under pressure.

For UK fashion retailers to achieve net zero targets they need to introduce new metrics across all dimensions of their business, stated Lissaman: "Sustainability-led KPIs should not just be for the sustainable expert, but also design, buying and so on. That's how to embed sustainability and create a system that supports individuals to make changes because they know they can."

The Drapers Verdict

UK brands and retailers acknowledge the climate crisis and the need to step up their efforts to achieve net zero emissions targets. As such, they are making good progress on reducing the emissions they can control.

Moving beyond that is more challenging and makes the government's rejection of the environmental audit committee's recommendations all the more disappointing. Not only does it fail to capitalise on the momentum gathering among UK fashion brands and retailers for action, it delays any plans for an industry-wide system to improve reuse and recycling.

The appetite for collaborative action is encouraging. Brands and retailers are getting more and more involved in a wide range of initiatives, such as the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action set up by UN Climate Change.

In addition, the UK industry has a real opportunity to get ahead of the curve, and come up with new business models that help tackle climate change and respond to a new wave of consumer expectations.

Cutting operational emissions

Burberry is on track to reach its goal to make its operational energy use carbon neutral by 2022. Three quarters of the luxury brand's direct carbon emissions come from stores so it uses a network of responsibility champions in key locations to encourage energy efficiency among store staff.

A spokeswoman said: "We are now carbon neutral across the Americas region, EMEIA retail stores and our UK operations."

In March The John Lewis Partnership announced it would reduce its operational greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. It plans to eliminate emissions altogether, without the need to purchase offsets.

Primark, meanwhile, invested in in-store energy efficiency technologies in 2018. These cover lighting, building management systems and real-time data technology to control and reduce energy use.

The Aldo Group became the first footwear and accessories retailer worldwide to achieve climate neutral status in its offices and stores in 2018, five years after starting a carbon and greenhouse gas reduction programme. Alongside in-store energy-efficiency programmes, it offsets 100% of the non-avoidable greenhouse gas emission generated in stores.

Smaller brands are also exploring ways to curb energy emissions.

Cora Hilts, co-founder of Rêve en Vert, said it uses UPS and DHL carbon shipping. "I don't believe that offsets nearly enough emissions however, so we also donate to the charity Trees for the Future."

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The cross-party environmental audit committee (EAC) submitted its Fixing Fashion report to the government inFebruary following a period of intensive consultation with the fashion industry. Included in the report was the suggestion of mandatory environmental targets for retailers with a turnover of £36m and above - a proposal widely supported in the industry.

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An in-depth look at the products online at MONKI, percentage of what is discounted and how much is replenished. The replenishment is high at 65% showing that they have a good amount of stock being sold through their website.

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I wanted to understand they average selling price of products at MONKI so I could price my range correctly for the MONKI customer.

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I wanted to include some infographics as part of my customer profile for GEN Z to make it clear what they wanted when shopping. I looked at some acts and inspiration from here.

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I used youth tribes as it fitted my customer well. I used this for my customer profile.

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Leading Edge Tribes are proactive scene leaders that live for the new and now. From making music to curating club nights, publishing magazines to documenting the latest in cool online - these guys collaborate across Tribes, develop contacts, share ideas and set the agenda.

Attuned to global trends and switched on to developments across diverse fields, they reject passive consumerism and are driving tastes across virtually all other segments on the map. They might be hard to predict, but following what's going down here is a must for any marketer.

The Leading Edge used to mean older Tribes (it takes time and confidence to become an expert!) but increased access to smart devices means the segment is getting younger and more diverse - anyone with determination and an original idea now has the platform to be heard online.

Activists
Activists are a major new player in the Leading Edge - on the front line at protests and driving the politicisation of UK Youth.
Activists are passionate about inequality and social change, so are taking to the streets and social media to protest, campaign, squat and sit-in. Especially relevant in 2015 with the General Election looming, Activists are aspirational across the map and admired for their passion and dedication to the cause - be that racial equality, housing, feminism, the environment.

Creatives
Creatives are still top of the Tribal map and care constantly creating new content
DIYers are creative, tech savvy self-starters that bring culture to life for Tribes today - they produce music, promote club nights, start indie brands and create festival stages. Many are also Creatives, but DIYers are set apart by their aspirations to 'make it', create events and actively influence culture in their area. DIYers used to be focused more in London, but in 2015 all major cities have a strong DIY scene.

Uban Artists

Urban artists are a new category to fit a myriad of smaller Urban scene Tribes that are growing across the UK.

Urban arts (think genres like rap, beatboxing, spoken word, graffiti) and Urban music and fashion influences (think Trax, Chicago Footwork, UK Grime) are so pervasive and influential across UK youth culture today - the Urban Artists are part of the Leading Edge segment but 100% Urban.

DIYers
DIYers are creative, tech savvy self-starters that bring culture to life for Tribes today - they produce music, promote club nights, start indie brands and create festival stages.
Many are also Creatives, but DIYers are set apart by their aspirations to 'make it', create events and actively influence culture in their area. DIYers used to be focused more in London, but in 2015 all major cities have a strong DIY scene.

While their 2012 touch points remain (resourceful, tech driven and business orientated) to be a DIYer in 2015 you need to have seen genuine success - so vlogging with 1M+ followers can make you a DIYer, but being a bedroom DJ or Tumblr fanatic won't!

Scenesters
Replacing the recently demoted Hipsters - the scenesters encapsulate everything that Hipsterdom has failed to in recent years.
Setting themselves apart by creating new trends by co-opting fashion and music from accross the Tribal map and blending it with their own individual attitudes. Ever difficult to pin down, they move at lightning speed through youth culture - moving onto whats 'next' before it has a chance to become 'now'.

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Leading Edge Tribes are proactive scene leaders that live for the new and now. From making music to curating club nights, publishing magazines to documenting the latest in cool online - these guys collaborate across...

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a great report by drapers listing facts about Gen z and how they shop/what they are interested in. I used this information in my customer profiling

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Comment: How are Gen Z shopping for fashion?

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Generation Z – those born since 1995 – are the all-important next generation of consumers. So how are they shopping for fashion?

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researching current and future trends that I may want to include in my range plan - this was a wigs report on outerwear for pre summer 2020

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this is my plan on what needs to be done and when so that I can keep on track and stress levels to a minimum.

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The first competitor I look at was Topshop. They had a huge variety of stock well displayed and tidy.

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Lots of workwear style garments all displayed on walls. A mixture of colour and pattern put together.

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They had a strong selection of underwear displayed well with mannequins placed on top of display.
high quality products and a good size variety.

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Known for there denim they had a whole section dedicated to denim, large model posters around modelling the denim,.

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Lots of summer clothing, shorts, shirts and long dresses.
Merchandised with accessories really helped and filled the space.

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As soon as you walk in there was a big mannequin display with lots of summer outfits styled.

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Urban Outfitters has a industrial style store. I really liked the use of wood and the flat lay of the clothes made it was to see the patterns and shapes when the clothes aren't hanging.

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I really liked the circular  table for underwear as well a the sign on stop to market the product and bring the customers in.

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Fitting with the industrial style there were lots of large posters of models that fitted the space well and Brought the clothing to life.

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A great thing about Urban outfitters is they understand there customer they are catering to GEN Z by introducing interactive things within the store for example a photo booth.

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What is Brand Collaboration? Advantages, Examples of Brand Collaboration

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The concept of Brand Collaboration can be defined as the strategic alliance between two or more brands for curating a unique and specific product or service

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MONKI have a whole section on there website called monk cares. it explains their plan not become more sustainable by 2030. this was one of the main reasons I have chosen them as my brand

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But wait, there's more

Did you know that 100% of our cotton will be sustainably sourced, forever? It's true! One small step towards our goal to use only recycled or other sustainably sourced materials by 2030. But Monki Cares is more than just sustainable materials, it's about looking at how we can make our whole business more sustainable.

This is why we're committed to using better materials, why ALL our stores offer garment and textile recycling, why all our stores and offices are powered by renewable energy and, why we're aiming to become climate positive throughout our entire value chain by 2040.

Here we'll explain more about our goals, commitments, policies and partnerships. We're in this for the long-haul so we'll be updating this as we go. Stay tuned.

If you've any questions about what we do, then send us a mail at monkicares@monki.com.

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Monki Cares about fashion's sustainability

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Did you know that 100% of our cotton will be sustainably sourced, forever? It's true! One small step towards our goal to use only recycled or other sustainably sourced materials by 2030. But Monki Cares is more than just sustainable materials, it's about looking at how we can make our whole business more sustainable.

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ON there website they have a whole sections on shoots and interviews they have done with artists and influencers over the years. This made be think that collaborating with MONKI would be great idea as they already have foundations set up to do so.

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We believe in female creativity and work with this on a regular basis, here are some of our favourites.

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To gain a proper understand of MONKI I visited the Carnaby street store. I looked at where their clothes were made for my range lan as well as visual merchandising and store layout.
On my visit their was a summer sale on. The shop was packed with young trendy girls and hand round funky music playing.
the atmosphere was welcoming and I thought the front table was well presented and caught my eye.

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Visually the store was beautiful and unique. Along with the well known

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they offer a large selection of underwear in styles and prints that I haven't seen competitors do. I want to include some bralettes in my range as I think MONKI have a really strong Underwear department.

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The shop is lit really well and designed to fit all the products in perfectly but no feel overcrowded and claustrophobic.

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The tassel ceiling makes the clothes pop! and adds an element of fun to the visual merchandising.

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A huge range of accessories and jewellery in store all hanging from ceiling to floor.
A young target market all girls aged 12-22.

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Lot son products for floor space.
felt a little cramped but the high ceilings helped.

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clothes sectioned on rails as a way of styling the clothes together rot create outfits. thought this was a good way of merchandising.

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till point had loads of small items to purchase at till a great way to boost UPT, very busy and fully of products.

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Also an industrial feel, lottos steel and wood.
They high ceilings were merchandised well with outfits styled.
an older target market around 18-35.

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I made this mind map mid way through my INP to help me figure out what I had let tot do and include to help keep my mind at ease and not over stress.

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When planning my marketing for the collaboration the first thing I wanted to look at was the most effective ways to market fashion products. From reading this I was able to get an understanding as well as a few initial ideas for my concept.

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Every fashion brand needs a good marketing strategy in place to help it stay ahead of its competition. A good strategy will not only help them stay afloat in the treacherous sea that is eCommerce, but also grow as others flounder in confusion. As for you, it doesn't matter if you're brand new to the fashion world or a seasoned veteran - no matter where you lie, you need an effective marketing strategy. Here are 10 tips to start you out.

1: Get a Website

Women's Wear Daily that more than 1,875 fashion stores closed last year, yet according to , revenue in the fashion segment is expected to increase from £360.7B in 2018 to £534.5B in 2022. This seems contradictory - how is revenue increasing if so many stores are closing? The internet. Shopping habits have changed and consumers are increasingly preferring to shop online rather than visiting a physical location. For you, this means getting a website if you don't already have one; this means going from a fashion brand to a fashion eCommerce brand.

2: Have a Mobile Presence

Now that you (hopefully) have a website, we move to digital marketing for the fashion industry. Similar to our propensity for online shopping, we're substituting keyboards for screens and are opting to browse the web with our smartphones rather than desktops. As a fashion brand, this means getting a responsive website that resizes content according to the screen it resides in. Not doing so will lead to subpar experience for your mobile users, which will deter them from further interactions with your brand. This is especially important in the fashion industry because many consumers see things they like as they go about on their day, and if they happen to see something you offer but can't load it on your site, you can be they'll go to a competitor.

3: Join the Social World

Social media marketing for fashion brands is an absolute must. Not only can you use it to connect with your audience and build a relationship with them, but you can also use certain platforms like Instagram to show off and promote your products. Additionally, you can integrate your store with certain channels like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, meaning that if your audience sees something they like as they browse through your catalogue, they can buy it right then and there.

4: Attach an Influencer to Your Brand

Speaking of social media, some of the best fashion social media campaigns revolve around influencers. For those who don't know, influencers are people within your industry/niche who have large fan followings and command attention - when an influencer posts, others follow. For example, one of the best ways to promote your clothing line is to get an influencer to Tweet pictures of them wearing some of your clothes. At the end of the day, influencer marketing is like high school; influencers are the popular kids and their followers are the other kids who emulate them and want to be just like them.

5: Leverage the Latest Technologies

We're currently in the midst of a technological revolution marked by rapid advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). For example, chatbots. Chatbots act like 24/7 customer service reps that guide your customers through their journey to checkout as soon as they land on your site. If your users have a question, they're there to answer it. And if they don't have the capability to answer that question, a human rep can take over.

6: Personalise Everything

Shopify reports that 43% of purchases are influenced by personalised recommendations or promotions, and that 75% of consumers want brands to personalise messages, offers and experiences. What's important to note here apart from the fact that personalisation will help you sell more is that consumers don't just want personalised messages with their name; they want their whole experience with you to be personal. They want you to know them and their preferences, and if you're going to promote something, you better make sure it's something they're interested in. When it comes down to it, personalisation is what creates successful fashion marketing campaigns.

7: Remarket to Your Users

The beauty of remarketing is that you're targeting people who have already visited your website in the past, so right off the bat you know that there's something there for you to work with. Additionally, you're increasing the chances of a conversion over a normal ad because you're showing them something they were already looking at on your website, not a random item they may or may not be interested in. Remarketing, then, gives you more brand exposure, better audience targeting, higher conversion rates and improved ROI.

8: Focus on Your Visuals

Visuals are important for all brands, but more so for fashion brands that depend on aesthetics to attract and keep customers. If you upload something that's meant to be seen, whether it's an image or a video, make sure it's high quality and looks good. These may seem like no-brainers, but you'd be surprised at the amount of brands with pixelated or blurry images that paint their products in an unflattering light. Don't be like them - always capture as many angles as possible and let your products speak for themselves.

9: Start a Blog

Ask any digital agency to name you a few fashion brand must-dos and they will undoubtedly tell you to start a blog. As a hallmark of content marketing that does everything from improving your organic search rankings to exposing new users to your brand, blogging is one of the most important marketing tools you have at your disposal. For starters, every blog post creates a new landing page for your audience to find you with. Moreover, you can use a blog to disseminate any news or updates you may have, introduce new styles with a couple of HD images to show them off, or help your audience with some style guides as the seasons change.

10: Have a Contest or Giveaway

Finally, the last fashion brand marketing strategy we'll cover today is to start a contest or giveaway. Whether it's to promote a new product, celebrate a holiday, or simply just because, contests and giveaways are excellent ways of acquiring new customers and engaging with existing ones. The best past? They're perfect for fostering brand awareness and growing both your audience and business. Apart from the buzz you'll generate around your brand and products, you can have participants enter the promotion by signing up for an email newsletter, liking or sharing a social page, and so on, which can give you valuable consumer data you can use to tailor your marketing strategy down the line.

Tip Rewind

There you have it, 10 of the most effective marketing strategies for fashion brands. Follow one or all (preferably all), they will definitely help you out as you either start out or grow in the fashion world. Here they are all over again:

1. Get a Website

2. Have a Mobile Presence

3. Join the Social World

4. Attach an Influencer to Your Brand

5. Leverage the Latest Technologies

6. Personalise Everything

7. Remarket to Your Users

8. Focus on Your Visuals

9. Start a Blog

10. Have a Contest or Giveaway

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10 Most Effective Marketing Strategies for Fashion Brand - Appnova

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Every fashion brand needs a good marketing strategy in place to help it stay ahead of its competition. A good strategy will not only help them stay afloat in the treacherous sea that is eCommerce, but also grow as others flounder in confusion. As for you, it doesn't matter if you're brand new to the ...

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For part of my marketing campaign I wanted to research the importance of using social media especially Instagram to market a product to a consumer, especially focusing on GEN Z and how they shop.

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In a difficult economic context, the fashion industry, even the long-reluctant luxury goods sector, has turned towards digital technology. Image and social networks have become key elements of fashion and luxury companies' strategies. Today, social networks in general and Instagram in particular have become an essential medium, not to mention a vital sales channel for fashion brands. But not all brands seem to have yet acquired the same level of mastery of this new tool. Or is it perhaps a deliberate choice?

By nature, Instagram is well suited to fashion brands to whom the visual and "community" dimensions are essential: purchases generally linked to a feeling of belonging to a group, or through the imitation of stars, etc. Moreover, Instagram is unrivalled as a means to reach millennials: in 2017, 90 per cent of Instagram users were under 35. Keen followers of social networks, this generation has a different relationship to brands, placing emphasis on use rather than possession and proving more sensitive to the power of the image. Another characteristic of millennials is that they want things instantaneously. Jérôme Viala, deputy managing director of Lectra, provider of technological solutions for the fashion, automotive and furniture industries, has studied millennials' impact on those markets.

As Viala states, "When this generation wants to buy a product or service, they have to be able to make the purchase immediately." This has recently been made possible in Instagram, with the addition of the "shop" button. Other features have been developed over time in order to enable brands to rebroadcast their events or reveal what is going on behind the scenes, and particularly Stories inspired by Snapchat, Instagram Live and, since the beginning of the year, the most eagerly awaited event of all among community managers, the planning of publications.

For brands like Chanel, it is chiefly important in marketing terms to target this audience through Instagram: "Intimacy is the key word in our analysis as Chanel has become a leader in the field of communicating with millennials and targeting what they want to see," wrote Andi Bei, Eleonore Bichot, Henrik Johansen, Livia Lima, Mateusz Majka and Max Dante in their paper about Chanel's Instagram strategy.

They continue: ​"The world of Chanel is opening to followers, whether it is through live casual conversations between two brand ambassadors, pictures of a launch party or backstage images of shows. This does not exclude product pictures or official campaign extracts: everything is brought together to convey the brand's philosophy in the most direct way, and is also very efficient in modernising the brand's image as well as reaching a young target audience."

Little wonder, then, that Chanel (one of the last brands to sell online, paradoxically) has its own dedicated Instagram team in Paris. The marketing management of events - fashion shows but also the Cannes Festival - was spotlighted as early as 2016, which allowed Chanel to be the luxury brand that gained the most followers in 2017 (+9.6 million). It is the most followed luxury brand (25 million followers), ahead of Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior.

Our students also noted that some brands adopt a distinct Instagram strategy that is unique to their own style: "Chanel and Hermès are less product-driven. Instead, they focus on delivering an experience for their followers to immerse in for that particular season (Chanel) or showcasing its exclusive brand image and heritage (Hermès)." This is not always the case: Prada's Instagram strategy is similar to that of other brands such as Gucci and Dior. "It is a mix of showcasing brand stories and products from the collection, as well as gaining publicity by engaging with celebrities."

Apart from Chanel, the major luxury brands are, however, outstripped on Instagram by other fashion industry players, including sportswear brands such as Nike and Adidas (especially when their different accounts are aggregated), lingerie (Victoria's Secret) and ready-to-wear brands (H&M and Zara). The position of these companies in the 2017 Interbrand ranking of the 100 most powerful brands in the world is more or less reflected on Instagram. Even though the internet is generally associated with a dispersal of brands...

Having said this, there are exceptions: Chanel, for example, punches above its weight, to use the image employed by Luca Solca, luxury products manager at Exane BNP Paribas. Particularly because it posts more frequently than its main competitors, with Hermès punching below its weight, according to Sola's analysis of the luxury goods industry.

However, other less well known brands are also achieving great success on Instagram - for example Maje, which has an average engagement rate of 0.61% and whose "unique technique of posting complementary content in threes, creating a feast for the eyes" was cited in Dash Hudson's annual fashion Instagram benchmarks as a source of growth rate.

As our students observed: "Campaign images work well on this platform and seem to get consumers excited about upcoming product releases. The Maje exclusives are of key interest to their followers, as the name alone incentivises them to shop."

It is the same for certain DNVBs (Digital Native Vertical Brands), brands born online that "interact directly with, and sell to, their clients without going through a distribution network over which they have no control". These include Dollar Shave Club, Jimmy Fairly, Casper, Made.com, etc, brands that "stand out for their skilful manipulation of social media".

A group of students studied Sézane, one of the brands whose very existence depends on their presence on the social networks. According to them, "it gives echo to a current prominent phenomenon: brands are emerging as a response to the needs of the new waves of consumers primarily looking for differentiation through a two-way dialogue with the brand, as opposed to the previous generations, which was more producer-driven".

Sézane's founder, Morgane Sézalory, talks about this dialogue: "I genuinely believe that a job becomes fascinating when it gives a lot back in exchange. And that's also true for my clients, with whom I have had daily links for 12 years. This dialogue is captivating and encouraging and Instagram has amplified it. This proximity enables me to stay in tune with them".

We would not, however, go as far as saying that Instagram has killed the retail store, basing ourselves on the "success story" of Parisian Alexandre Daillance's NasaSeasons (better known as Millinsky). Especially since this strategy has allowed Sézane to open a concession at Bon Marché, pop-up stores in the provinces and two "appartements" in Paris and New York.

So, social network success is not a question of size, nor the prerogative of pure players. Now number one on the American apparel market ahead of Macy's, Amazon is also trying to move into the world of fashion. In 2007, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said "We need to learn to sell clothes and food". Before creating Amazon Fashion in 2012, opening Europe's largest photographic studio in London's Shoreditch in 2015 and patenting an automated on-demand clothing factory in 2017, the e-commerce giant bought out ShopBop in 2006, then Zappos in 2009. A leading online department store specialising in top-of-the-range fashion, the latter was run as a complement to Amazon's existing Apparel & Accessories site, although their posting strategy has changed over time, as highlighted by the group of students who studied it: "It is now a good reflection of the brand image ShopBop is trying to convey: a chic and aesthetic-focused brand. All in all, the ShopBop Instagram account is gaining momentum, following a strategy aligned with the brand image they are trying to convey."

The Instagram strategy employed by Amazon Fashion, which now has 10 companies as own brands, some of which are little known and one recently launched in Europe (Find), is all the more surprising. According to our students, "After careful observation, there did not seem to be a clear strategy of the Amazon Fashion Instagram accounts. Differences between the many Amazon Fashion accounts create, in our opinion, a lot of confusion for the consumer."

The reason they identified for this is simple: although Amazon Fashion realises the importance of social media in its marketing strategy, it has launched its own platform, Amazon Spark, which is seemingly inspired by Instagram. Now, despite being innovative and having great potential, with "only" a 80-million user base (one-ninth of Instagram's), Amazon Spark cannot be a substitute for Instagram. As our students say: "A more feasible strategy could be to introduce the Amazon Spark experience in collaboration with already recognised online platforms, such as Instagram, in order for it to break into a mass market."

The problems and questions faced by Amazon - which is extremely present, not to say invasive online, particularly on Facebook - show that Instagram does not change everything, that it is always difficult to succeed on social media as a distributor because you cannot push your own brands too much. The retail industry as a whole is actually not very good at that game, with exceptions such as Walmart.

However, according to research by Socialbakers, "The foundation of success on Instagram lies in good content planning. If you already have a stable content-creation strategy for other channels, you can apply many of the same tactics to Instagram."

The students who chose to make a comparison between Chanel and Nike also found points in common between their strategies: "None of them directly links the Instagram account with the official e-shop. In both cases, the content is instead focused on presenting the world of the brand and the idea of beauty conveyed by it. Also, both accounts often include posts with celebrities and brand ambassadors

The strategies implemented by the brands are diverse, as our students have observed: "Chanel uses only one account to communicate with the public, while Dior, Nike and Adidas manage multiple accounts that target specific communities. Sézane uses content to create involvement, Prada short films and East Dane uses Christmas holidays to increase sales. When it comes to strategy, the important thing for everyone is to be first in the mind of the consumer".

With multiple Instagram accounts that appeal to a specific demographic and very engaging stories, Dior does not, for example, have the same approach as Chanel, but that did not prevent it from being one of the three brands (with Hermès and Louis Vuitton) that created the biggest buzz in 2017 on Instagram. Dior's success proves that diverse social media accounts can benefit.

There is no golden rule. However, despite these differences there is a common goal for all: the differentiation of the offer.
Valérie Moatti is a professor, lectra fashion and technology chair and Céline Abecassis-Moedas is an affiliate professor at ESCP Europe and professor, both at Universidade Católica Portuguesa. This article first appeared on theconversation.com

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How Instagram became the natural showcase for the fashion world

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In a difficult economic context, the fashion industry, even the long-reluctant luxury goods sector, has turned towards digital technology. Image and social networks have become key elements of fashion and luxury companies' strategies. Today, social networks in general and Instagram in particular have become an essential medium, not to mention a vital sales channel for fashion brands.

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MONKI have a really strong Instagram including their stories. They are updating them frequently and cover there past collaborations and events as well as their 'monki cares' ethical clothing plan.

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A great article about Gen Z characteristics and how that plays into marketing. Although this article uses facts for America the information is great. The listed descriptive words I found useful and it was useful to help differentiate millennial's and Get Z.

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Why is it important to understand Generation Z?

Youth culture is impacting American consumer culture across generations much more broadly than ever before. The next generation provides data points into what's likely next for industries.

Generation Z is one of the most powerful consumer forces in the market today. Their buying power is $44 billion and expands to $600 billion when considering the influence they have on their parents' spending.

Generation Z will represent 40 percent of American consumers by 2020.

How is Generation Z similar to Millennials? ( Read this for nine ways Generation Z will be like Millennials.)

The digital, social, and mobile behaviors of Generation Z and Millennials are similar.

They are both early adopters of all things that simplify their lives.

How is Generation Z different from Millennials? ( Read this for eight differences between Generation Z and Millennials.)

Privacy matters more to Generation Z. They are very careful and intentional about managing their online reputation.

Generation Z is fundamentally moving towards more traditional values. They are old souls in young bodies.

Generation Z will be more competitive. This is in contrast to Millennials' collaborative behaviors.

What are the values of Generation Z?

Human Equality

Family

Individuality

Personal Success

Financial Security

Authenticity/Transparency

How does Generation Z make purchasing decisions?

Quality and Value: Generation Z wants to know they are getting the most for their money.

Identity: Generation Z considers if the brand fits their unique identity and/or if the product reflects their own values.

Peers: Generation Z crowdsources their purchasing decisions and seeks the opinion of their peers before (and after) buying.

Accessibility: Brands must make their products or services available in a mobile-friendly and mobile-first fashion.

Hyper-Convenience: A step up from accessibility, Generation Z wants just-in-time products/services that can be consumed instantly.

What makes brands relevant to Generation Z?

Taking a stand on important issues. Generation Z practices what they preach and they expect brands to do the same.

Reflecting a more realistic portrayal of life. Marketing messages that depict a non-diverse and utopian world won't resonate with Generation Z.

Creating authentic two-way conversations that allow Generation Z to co-create with brands. Don't market to them; market with them.

Listen to my full interview with Fromm and Read here.

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Marketing to Generation Z? Here's What You Need to Know

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Why is it important to understand Generation Z? Youth culture is impacting American consumer culture across generations much more broadly than ever before. The next generation provides data points into what's likely next for industries. Generation Z is one of the most powerful consumer forces in the market today.

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As of July 23rd 2019 MONKI announced a new store opening in yorkshire.

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Located on Pinstone Street, Sheffield, the new shop covers 3,875 sq ft.

It will feature wing walls and a plant carousel as part of its design.

Monki currently operates eightstores across the UK. Since it was founded in 2006, Monki has grown to more than 120 stores across 18 markets, and has an ecommerce site that delivers to 19 European countries.

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Located on Pinstone Street, Sheffield, the new shop covers 3,875 sq ft. It will feature wing walls and a plant carousel as part of its design. Monki currently operates eightstores across the UK. Since it was founded in 2006, Monki has grown to more than 120 stores across 18 markets, and has an ecommerce site that delivers to 19 European countries.

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Drapers article on BCI cotton and how H&M group are leading the way for sustainability

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H&M tops sustainable cotton sourcing ranking

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H&M, Gap, Adidas and Nike are among the global brands leading sustainable cotton sourcing, the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has revealed.

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An article by refinery 29 on young celebs and influencers who are GEN Z on how they communicate and promote through Instagram

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Millennials are . With the majority of Generation Y rounding 30, their priorities are shifting: They're settling down, spending less, and probably still using Facebook. Sure, there's nothing wrong with that, but there's nothing new about it, either. And in today's constant stream of change, if it's not new, it's boring.

Enter: Generation Z, the under-20 set that's putting everything on display through Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and other apps so new, most millennials haven't heard of them. And, though many "olds" out there might reject the superficiality of this kind of communication, it has made today's teenagers view the world as a blank canvas. Things that the rest of us always assumed were static - gender, jobs, community - are malleable for the Z-set.

Born between the late-'90s and 2010, this crop of cool kids is the first generation to have grown up with the internet and social media since day one. They look up to Bella Hadid and Jayden Smith. The names Cameron Dallas and Bethany Mota make them freak out. They communicate via emoji and memes. They're not only activists for individuality and inclusivity, but they assume all people have the freedom to define anything (and everything!) for themselves.

It makes sense, then, that fashion, an industry so rooted in newness, would move on from millennials to cater to the next generation. For retailers, they're dream consumers; for luxury labels, they're secret weapons. They differ from millennials in that they value things over experiences, typically thrift rather than shop fast fashion, and gravitate toward brands that promote a diverse, gender-neutral, edgy, and above all, authentic, vision. The old rules that the fashion industry has lived and died by (like status symbols and mass trends) ring hollow to them.

Before you scoff at their youth (and for many, the famous families that have helped leverage them to this point), let the designers, models, artists, actresses, and more below show you why they deserve to be taken seriously. Sure, they may be taking on conventional industry roles, but there's nothing traditional about the way they're approaching them: They're tackling today's "standards" of size, race, and gender; they're starting trends, rather than following them; and they're creating conversations around topics like sustainability and "plus-privilege." And, despite their varying accomplishments, they all agree: The freedom of self-expression through clothing is not to be taken for granted. Here's how 29 teen visionaries are changing the fashion industry, one selfie at a time.

Model, Body Positivity Advocate & Self-Proclaimed Bo$$
@barbienox

You've talked about struggling with body image as a child. How did you finally gain the confidence to enter the modeling world? Is it something you're still dealing with?
"It kind of all fell into place. I wanted to act, so I was never shy in front of a camera. I wasn't very confident when I started, though, and it's not really [something] anyone can be prepared for. I would say I found my self-esteem while on the modeling journey. But, I'm still a 19-year-old girl. It'd be rare if I didn't have bad days."

In a world that's so over-saturated with photoshopping and size-0 models, what's one thing you wish the fashion industry would change or improve upon to make things more inclusive?
"Very simple: Cast people of all sizes for your clothing line, and don't always put curvy girls in only lingerie. We get it, you can't find pants that fit us, or can't fathom how curvy girls can look good in clothes. But, trust me, we're just as striking as everyone else."

Their mom may be former Full House actress Lori Loughlin, but these sisters have earned their own loyal fan base by sharing their fashion and beauty tips on YouTube. We're calling it now: These two are the next Kendall and Kylie Jenner.

You've both developed a following for your personal styles. How would you describe them?
"Our styles are simple, comfortable, and chic. While we haven't completely embraced our 'aesthetics' yet, we have both learned to feel confident by wearing pieces we genuinely love and feel good in. The biggest compliment someone could give to us about our look is that they like the confidence we have when wearing different pieces; it makes our day when we see people who are confident."

How would you describe your personal style? When did you really start to recognize and embrace your aesthetic?
"I like to take risks, explore trends, and discover new designers, but in a way that keeps my personal style fluid. I want to maintain a certain integrity to my personality, where my wardrobe choices feel authentic to who I am. Early in my career, I was lucky to be exposed to designers like Miuccia Prada, Prabal Gurung, and the Rodarte ladies (Kate and Laura Mulleavy), all very different artists. I was able to find common elements in their creations that helped me define my aesthetic and my taste in clothing."

His designs incorporate streetwear and agender clothing - two of the industry's most boundary-pushing aesthetics. So, it's no surprise this self-taught, Wisconsin-based designer already has one major fan: Kylie Jenner.

After becoming the youngest designer ever to be nominated for the prestigious LVMH prize, Kruszewski was awarded 150,000 euros and a dedicated design team. One to watch? That's pretty obvious.

Describe what it felt like (and meant) to be the youngest person ever nominated for such a prestigious award.
"It was an incredibly validating experience (and an excuse to go to Paris). It means a lot to be recognized by those who are working at the height of the industry, but at the same time, youth is synonymous with inexperience and risk, which is not an asset when looking for others to essentially invest in you both on a personal and financial level. I am grateful they were able to look past that to recognize the dedication and hard work we've put [into our brand]."

Actress, Singer, and Designer, Daya by Zendaya
@zendaya

Sure, Zendaya has a laundry list of accomplishments (leading roles in Disney Channel productions, a shoe line, and a cameo in Beyoncé's Lemonade), but one of her own career highlights was the fact that her personal style influenced Celine Dion's outfit choices.

What's the biggest compliment someone could give you about your style?
"That my style inspired someone. I still can't believe that Celine Dion was inspired by my red carpet looks. I love that we share a stylist now."

People your age are now considered more powerful and influential than millennials: With your shoe line, singing career, and success with acting, what is something you'd like to accomplish with that type of impact?
"One of my biggest goals in life is to help others find self-confidence and to help them learn to feel comfortable in their body. My parents taught me how to love myself when I was young and to focus on being good to others."

Even though you're still young, you've been blogging for quite some time now. How have you seen the landscape change, and how have you and your site evolved with it?
"Back then, everyone had more character. Nowadays, there's a billion bloggers, and everyone only wears things that are 'in' or hype.' I know it's cool and everything, but what's cool about looking like everyone else? Truth to be told, it's a bit boring; I don't see much of a personal style. I miss sending emails to a blogger asking where they got a item, and the answer was, of course, either 'my grandma,' 'a thrift store,' or 'it's DIY.' I was always different from my peers, and I know there's a lot of people like me out there. I keep sending them messages that it's okay to be different. People are supposed to be different from one another. Be weird; it's attractive."

Some people may describe this duo as Insta-famous, but there's more to Dounia and Mina than a serious amount of followers: They're models taking on sizeism in the industry, speaking out against its lack of diversity, and shutting down "plus privilege."

You two have been outspoken about "plus privilege," global politics, and feminism. What do you want people to learn from your messages of social justice?"
Mina Mahmood: "No matter how corny it sounds, I truly hope we can change the world for the better. I hope kids look back at us in history books and think, Holy shit, these people changed the game and paved the way for me! What a time. I personally hope I can make all the future chubby girls proud along with everyone else changing the game in that way. I want bigger sizes to be a norm, and for my kids and grandkids to be able to shop freely without feeling excluded all the time, regardless of what their body type might be. I hope our political stances become a norm. I hope one day we won't have to say #BlacklivesMatter because it will be known, and Black lives will be treated like they matter. We have so much work to do, but Generation Z is so smart and beautiful; I know we can do it."

Dounia Tazi: "With every mentality I change, I'm further reminded of how immensely blessed I am to have this platform, to have a voice that holds weight. I want to empower women, to convey how necessary it is to detach yourself from a code of desirability constructed by cis men. I want to relay how important it is to take agency in your own body but not measure your worth with it. I want to do all I can to instill confidence in girls, a confidence that stretches far past body image."

When the world dubs you "The Internet's Coolest Teenager" and "Kanye's Protégé" you have some pretty big Yeezy's to fill. Luckily, Sabbat seems to have no trouble doing just that: He's starred in campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, gained a cult following for his closet full of Saint Laurent and Hood by Air, and wore a Tom Ford suit to prom...gifted to him by the designer himself.

You've developed a massive social following for your downtown cool aesthetic. Do you think the rise of streetwear in fashion has to do with how "real" people your age dress today, or vice versa?
"Streetwear has become as important as high fashion. High fashion takes cues from streetwear, which is how important it has become. People my age want to be comfortable, but they also want to look good. We don't want to wear suits, but we still want to instill some style on the streets. Current streetwear marries style and comfort in a modern way that's never been done before."

You have 1.5 million Instagram followers and are best friends with people like Kylie Jenner and Jayden Smith. How do you plan to use your platform to evoke change?
"With the internet, this generation is definitely more powerful, because now everyone has a voice and can build a following and relationship with a crowd without actually knowing those people in real life. With this advantage, I'd definitely like to redefine society's standards of beauty and expand the fashion industry. I believe people of all sizes should be able to dress exactly how they want to and know that there are options."

How has growing up in the music industry influenced you (and your style)? Popular magazine called you the "anti-Kardashian." Would you say that's accurate?
"My dad, Jimmy Jam, is a respected music producer and for many years, he was also the chairman of the Grammys, so I have always been around the greatest in music. I have been going to the Grammys since I was 8 years old, and I think the experience has naturally influenced me and my style. The greatest perk for me has been going to the best concerts; my favorite moments have been with Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and Beyoncé. They seem truly happy for me and my career."

"I love Popular magazine; it was my first print editorial when I was 14 years old. But, I wasn't happy with the 'anti-Kardashian' line, mostly because I never said that and I didn't want to portray any negativity about someone else. It wasn't even part of the interview. So no, that's not accurate. I remember we talked about my education being my first priority. I can only go on go-sees and castings after school, and work on holiday breaks; [I told them] that I would definitely be going to college one day. And I guess that got misinterpreted to be opposite what the Kardashians do. I also felt bad, because my mom and Kris Jenner are friendly, as are my aunt and Kourtney Kardashian. I've met them both. Kris has always been so supportive and sweet to my mother and [me]. I'm glad I got the chance to address that: Let's build each other up, not tear each other down!"

With trans pioneer Hari Nef as her role model, Acosta is on a mission to prove that gender means nothing. Having recently relocated to New York City from Oklahoma, she has since begun work with the Wilhelmina men's board (where she says her body is less "under a microscope") after being discovered at a Marc Jacobs party. It's not just her look, though, that's quickly earning her recognition in the fashion industry; it's her anything-goes mentality.

Tell me about your relationship with gender. How did you finally learn to embrace and feel comfortable with who you are as a person? What advice would you give to others facing the same obstacles?
"I have struggled, of course, with things surrounding gender identity and presenting as a gender non-conforming person, but it is an ongoing relationship that I have with myself. I spend every day trying to embrace myself, working to love myself enough to get through the day, and attempting to feel comfortable in a world and profession where I make so many [people] uncomfortable. It takes effort, a lot of it, but eventually, you have to not let people's view of you change who you know yourself to be, even if it's just who you believe you are in that moment. I think that is the most important thing, too: allowing yourself to have fluidity and just exist, however you want, in any moment. There is no one way to be trans, a boy, a girl, a human, so just live, feel comfortable, and be you!"

With a California cool aesthetic and powerhouse voice, Noyes is about to go from background vocals to Rihanna-level superstar real quick. Having already taken style cues from BadGalRiri herself, we know this up-and-comer is going to have no trouble commanding a room.

How would you describe your personal style? When did you really start to recognize and embrace your aesthetic? Who or what in your life helped influence or develop it?
"My style is definitely diverse. I love so many different things and I embrace my aesthetic by not putting myself in a box. It goes along with my art in the fact that it's always changing and evolving. I can honestly say this is something I've embraced naturally since I can first remember. When I was a child, we were forced to wear uniforms to school. My teachers always joked that I still found a way to show up to school looking 'colorful,' whether it be crazy socks, or rain boots on sunny days, there was always a way to challenge my style. Being back and forth between Nashville and L.A. really helped me develop a style that was different from everyone else. Madonna was a big inspiration to me, too: She was ahead of her time, pushed boundaries, and didn't care what other people thought of her."

You made a pretty low-key appearance on The Weeknd's hit album. Can you tell us what that experience was like and how it prepared you for what's next in terms of your music career?
"I've been working in this business since I was 12 years old, but in a way, that experience felt like the start of it all. It takes a lot to get established in this industry, and everyone has to start somewhere. I was honored to get to sing on 'Angel,' because something about that song has so much meaning and beauty to me. I wanted to see if I could also bring something beautiful to it. It was a really good warm-up for me to discover and get used to what's to come as I release my own music."

Last season, Bair walked the runway for over 20 designers. And, with a personality (and sense of humor) as big as the names she works for, well, consider her Cara Delevingne 2.0.

How would you describe your personal style?
"My style is based almost entirely on things I think are funny. I wouldn't really say that I have an aesthetic, because I'm constantly evolving and changing my mind. Actually, I don't think I'll ever settle into a certain aesthetic, because I enjoy the freedom of not defining my style; that way, I can focus on buying pieces I love. Right now, I'm really into the more bizarre realm of the '90s/early-'00s style. I draw inspiration from Aaliyah, Kimora Lee Simmons, and 3LW."

Your one of today's most accomplished runway and campaign models. Is there anything you'd like to accomplish outside the fashion industry?
"I'd like to bring major awareness to the rapid decline of our global environmental situation. With that, I would like to help people understand the changes they can make in their everyday lives to decrease their individual impact on the environment."

While her peers were starting blogs, New Jersey-based Riordan decided she'd start a magazine - specifically one that's written by, and for, teens. Inspired by glossies like i-D and Dazed, Crybaby is a destination for young women looking for an art-driven escape from suburbia.

What made you want to start Crybaby Zine? As someone who is growing up in a time where magazines are dying, why was it important for you to start your own publication?
"I was 15 when I started Crybaby Zine. My work was getting rejected from all the publications I wanted to be in, so I thought I could make my own where my work and my friends' work would be accepted and appreciated. When I started it, my dad told me I shouldn't make print issues because no one would buy them. But, I've always loved print media, so I guess I didn't even consider how magazine culture was dying. I just wanted to have a place where I could share my work that wasn't just Instagram. Now, with the audience I have, I would like to create a more inclusive and empowering environment online for teens."

Designer, Cofounder & Creative Director, Querencia Studio
@devinjamesgilmartin

After spending a semester at The Island School in The Bahamas (wearing a uniform made from recycled water bottles, by Recover Brands), Gilmartin found his life's mission: to make clothing that does more. Earlier this year, he cofounded the 2020 Vision Project, with proceeds going to environmental research. Later this month, he'll be launching Querencia Studio, a collaborative platform to encourage the fashion industry to prioritize sustainability.

Generation Z is now considered more powerful and influential than millennials. Why do you think that is?
"Our generation has the ability to change the way we think about communication. Recently, I read a think-piece on why our world seems to be crumbling around us, with racism and violence in the headlines daily. And it seemed to blame a growing lack of human connection. People are growing disinterested in relationships. That results in isolation, which leads to frustration and anger. People seem to be losing sight of the fact that caring for others and treating people with respect is an integral part of one's own happiness. In other words, the world is suffering from a lack of communication in a time where, ironically, it has never been easier to communicate."

"That's where the power of clothing and fashion comes in. Clothing can be a form of communication and expression. If we improve the measures we take to express ourselves, we preserve the meaningfulness of expression. We are doing things too quickly, we are rushing human communication - and there's no place we see that more than in fashion. Why did Raf Simons leave Dior? He cited a lack of time to let his ideas incubate and evolve while building collections. That's one of the most respected designers of our time leaving one of the most prestigious fashion houses in the world because its timeline and commercial needs restrict the creative process."

"This generation has the opportunity to slow things down and bring fashion back to reality. Right now, it's out of touch. We're suffering from 'future shock,' as the late Alvin Toffler described it. We need to bring it back down to earth - pun intended."

Thompson is the epitome of a triple threat. Though she's currently focusing her attention on modelling (she recently starred in Juicy Couture's new #TrackIsBack campaign), it's her success with dance (she's one-half of the viral duo Fraternal Twins) that's earned her millions of fans.

When did you really start to recognize and embrace your aesthetic? Is there any person, place, or thing that has helped influence or develop it?
"Having red hair, blue eyes, and freckles is a very unique look, and one that I embrace. At an early age, I realized that God makes everyone differently by design. I have a heavy European descent and I love that it comes out in me. I have always been interested in creative forms of expression, whether it is through dancing, modeling, or acting. My aunt, Julianne McNamara, is a mentor and a role model for me; she was the first [American] woman gymnast to receive a gold medal in the Olympics (1984 on the uneven bars). She has instilled passion, creativity, and confidence in allowing me to express myself and to be the best me!"

What's one accomplishment you're particularly proud of?
"I believe in giving back and making a difference outside of my professional goals. I have a passion for helping others and will attach myself to campaigns and brands that do just that. Recently, I took part in the Global Goals Campaign, which is all about women's rights and empowerment across the world. It was an honor to be in the video, which was shot all over the world, leveraging artists dancing to the Spice Girls' song ["Wannabe"] with their personal endorsement and commitment to make a difference."

Founder, Art Hoe Collective
@sensitiveblackperson

Fashion is so much more than the clothes we wear: It's a form of expression, art, and self-discovery. Cofounded by Mars, Art Hoe Collective was formed as a safe space for young women of color to create and showcase their work. With famous names like Amandla Stenberg and Willow Smith as participants, Art Hoe's mission is simple: It's about inclusivity, accessibility, and showcasing a variety of perspectives.

Tell us about your personal style.
"An eccentric mess that's been refined throughout the years. My style has developed through my own experience and changing personality. I'm influenced by Rookie magazine, Solange, and Tumblr, but my style has always been a testament of my own progression."

Why is the Art Hoe movement important to young women and their growth as artists and people?
"I want people to take the youth more seriously, while also leaving us room to grow. With the Art Hoe movement and collective, we are creating a platform where marginalized people can feel safe with their art.The art world tends to be an exclusive setting that only caters to white cis males. With this, we are promoting love and acceptance while encouraging the youth to be more involved."

Starring roles on Black-ish and Scandal may have catapulted Shahidi to the top of young Hollywood, but it's her activism surrounding diversity and her self-expression through clothing that have the industry paying attention. If 2016 thus far is any indication of her star power, she's about to become a force to be reckoned with.

How would you describe yourself?
"I am a self-proclaimed retrophile, a proud nerd, and a fashionista. I like my grades and my shoes to be fresh at all times! My style is ever-changing. Depending on how I feel, I flip from utilitarian to quirky to classic without an issue."

How do you plan to use your reach to inspire and influence people?"
"I feel like I am on the path already. I intentionally utilize my platform to speak about the importance of art, activism, and representation. My generation is unique in that we have the support and history of generations before us, the burning desire to make a positive impact, and the benefit of having a global reach through social media."

Did you ever imagine the viral impact "Damn, Daniel" would haveboosted Vans sales by 20% for direct-to-consumer and 30% online? How have your lives changed because of it?
Daniel Lara: "I had NO clue 'Damn, Daniel' would become a viral video. I thought it was absolutely crazy how the video spiked the sales at Vans. Our lives haven't changed too much since the video, but we have definitely been a little busier (in a fun way)."

Josh Holz: "Never. I didn't make or post the video for that reason, so all of this is a huge surprise. My life is pretty much the same, just a lot busier with all these awesome opportunities to do new things that I never expected to do. I mean, who wouldn't love the opportunity to hug Ellen [Degeneres], or be a 50/50 business partner at the age of 16?"

Tell me about your first major campaign for Calvin Klein. How did that come about, what was the experience like, and what are your thoughts on Raf Simons taking over?
"My Calvin Klein campaign was so dope, and I'm so happy I got the chance to be a part of it. It came about quite abruptly; my mom [Lauryn Hill] told me to check my email, and I found that they wanted me to participate in their fall 2016 campaign. The experience was amazing. Honestly, it really opened my eyes to a different view of what it's really like to be in this 'fashion world,' and better yet, to work. The set was huge, and I had so much fun going from interview to interview, just being able to talk about life. It's really awesome when I can just speak my mind with no restraints and represent fashion in a personally liberated way. I think the beauty is in being able to feel confident in being myself; I think everyone appreciates authenticity because it shows the inner child within all of us, the un-jaded, true side."

"Raf Simons for CK is going to be huge and take the brand to another level, just looking at his work with Adidas. I think Calvin Klein is going to experience something it's never seen before!"

Though Steele has garnered millions of followers through her YouTube channel MakeupbyMandy24, she's currently setting her sights offline, with plans to take the fashion industry by storm (she recently signed a modeling contract with IMG). Her ultimate goal: Becoming a Victoria's Secret Angel. Sound familiar?

In the past year, you've worn some incredible pieces by designers like Valentino and Temperley. How do you decide on your red carpet looks, and how much would you say they reflect your personal style?
"Before an event, I'll make a Pinterest board with my mom and older sister, because we love collaborating on this kind of thing. I really love [the aesthetic of] Valentino's spring/summer 2014 collection - something nature-inspired, delicate, and feminine, without being too princess-y. My stylist, Warren Alfie Baker, always delivers an outfit that goes above and beyond what I ask for, and he can be trusted to get a feral forest child red carpet ready. The Temperley and Valentino dresses were an absolute dream to wear; they're unique and age-appropriate, while also being youthful, and most importantly 'me.' He makes me feel like a queen fit for the Iron Throne (which makes sense, considering he also styles Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) and Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) from Game of Thrones. "

What would you say is one advantage your generation has over past ones?
"One thing Generation Z has going for us is the potential of technology. It's opening so many doors to fix the problems of previous generations, and presenting different platforms for change. But we have to remember not to disconnect from each other and to stay humble. That's something that I would like to start working on now; being more empathetic and aware of people. Our generation also has a responsibility to our environment. By 2050, there will be more water bottles than fish in the ocean. That's on us. It's our responsibility to fix that. As exciting as the future is, there's so much work to be done. The Northwestern Coastline, the Midwestern forest, Lake Michigan, the Colorado river, these are all places I've called home at one time or another, and I want others to have the opportunity to experience them, too."

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Millennials are . With the majority of Generation Y rounding 30, their priorities are shifting: They're settling down, spending less, and probably still using Facebook. Sure, there's nothing wrong with that, but there's nothing new about it, either. And in today's constant stream of change, if it's not new, it's boring.

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draper article on Inditex and their agreement to eliminate plastic. This is a large competitor to monk as they are performing well on the high street and have now committed to working better towards sustainable issues like MONKI.

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The resolution was revealed as part of the group's "sustainability transformation" at Inditex's annual general meeting this morning at its headquarters in Arteixo, Spain.

Inditex has already eliminated the use of plastic bags at four of its eight brands: Zara, Zara Home, Massimo Dutti and Uterqüe. It has now pledged that the same will be achieved at Pull&Bear, Bershka, Stradivarius and Oysho by 2020.

By 2025, 100% of all cotton, linen and polyester across the group will be organic, sustainable or recycled and the number of garments bearing the Join Life environmental label is set to double in 2019. Join Life is used by all the group's brands to highlight the use of more sustainable raw materials, and the prioritisation of more water and energy-friendly processes.

The number of Join Life garments increased by 85% to 136 million in 2018. By 2020 Join Life will account for more than 25% of all garments across Inditex's eight brands.

Isla said: "Sustainability is a never-ending task in which everyone here at Inditex is involved and in which we are successfully engaging all of our suppliers; we aspire to playing a transformational role in the industry."

As part of this, 80% of the energy used across stores, logistic centres and offices will be renewable by 2025. The initial milestone of 2019 is for the group's platforms and head offices to meet the highest green building certificates.

Inditex has set a target for all stores to be eco-efficient by 2020. However, Zara is a year ahead and 100% of stores are set to reach the target by the end of this year. Eco-efficient stores will use 20% less electricity and 40% less water.

Next year, the group's stores will be fitted with containers for used clothing, which will be recycled or sent to re-use charities.

At the AGM, Isla also announced the group's plans for its online platforms - most notably that all of Inditex's fashion propositions will be available to purchase globally by 2020.

In its most recent results, net profit was up 10% year on year to €734m (£654m) for the first quarter of the 2019/20 financial year. EBITDA rose 49% to €3.53bn (£3.14bn) for the period from 1 February to 30 April.

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Inditex to eliminate single-use plastics

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The resolution was revealed as part of the group's "sustainability transformation" at Inditex's annual general meeting this morning at its headquarters in Arteixo, Spain. Inditex has already eliminated the use of plastic bags at four of its eight brands: Zara, Zara Home, Massimo Dutti and Uterqüe.

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Another ZARA article I use for my market research toking into profits and how they are performing.

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Net sales at the group, which owns brands including Zara, Massimo Dutti and Pull & Bear, rose 5% year on year for the period from 1 February to 30 April, while EBITDA rose 49% to €3.53bn (£3.14bn).

Total sales from 1 February to 7 June were up 6.5% year on year.

Inditex chairman and CEO Pablo Isla credits the group's "strong momentum in the digital transformation of the integrated store and online sales platform" for the figures. The group launched nine new online markets in the first quarter, including zara.com in Brazil, and opened new stores across 23 markets.

As part of its profit-sharing plan, Inditex paid €32m (£28.5m) to 92,000 employees in the first quarter.

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Net sales at the group, which owns brands including Zara, Massimo Dutti and Pull & Bear, rose 5% year on year for the period from 1 February to 30 April, while EBITDA rose 49% to €3.53bn (£3.14bn). Total sales from 1 February to 7 June were up 6.5% year on year.

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I wanted to compare Arcadia sales from 2017 to 2018 and 2019 to understand how the business has been doing yoy

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Topshop owner Arcadia's turnover falls as web hits shop sales

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Sir Philip Green's retail empire continues to feel aftershocks of BHS collapse

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Another article on ARCADIA, some good facts to use in my market research.

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Analysts are expecting fashion retail giant Arcadia to announce its restructuring as early as this week with the sale of its business outside of the UK also being predicted along with the closure of 57 of its stores.

Topshop is one of Arcadia's chains that has seen falling sales

And it has also emerged that the owner of Topshop/Topman, Miss Selfridge, Wallis, Evans, Burton and Dorothy Perkins, saw another sales drop in the year to August 2018. Total sales fell by 10.5% and like-for-like sales were down a hefty 7.5%.

The Times reported that Arcadia sent its company voluntary arrangement (CVA) plan to landlords last week, which included the sales figures.

And the report also said that the company is mulling the sale or outright closure of its largely loss-making international operation.

Particularly worrying is the fact that the star of the portfolio, Topshop, seems to be acting as the biggest drag on the group's overall performance. The London flagship was for many years a must-visit fashion destination and was able to attract shoppers who were more used to buying luxury fashion, as well as more mainstream consumers. But it has seen its lustre fading in recent years.

In the key Christmas trading period last year, the report said that like-for-like sales at the chain fell a very large 20%.

The company has also been affected by credit insurance specialists withdrawing or reducing coverage for its suppliers, which has meant more goods need to be paid for upfront, reducing cash flow.

As a remedy to all of this, the CVA proposals include rental cuts across the entire store portfolio averaging 30%.

While an announcement around the CVA has been expected for some time, it's believed to be imminent given that Arcadia has a major rent bill due late next month and urgently needs to have a deal in place before then.

And with a massive pension fund deficit, there's an added complication. There have been suggestions that the company has proposed handing over the flagship Topshop building at London's Oxford Circus to the pension fund trustees in order to allow it to cut its annual payments by half. But the building, which is estimated to be worth around £400 million, also has a £300 million mortgage on it, reducing its value as bargaining tool.

Landlords of its other properties are also reported to be demanding more investment in those properties by Arcadia as part of any rent-slashing deal. Landlords generally have been hit by a wave of CVAs and are more prepared to play hardball in return for supporting these deals. In particular, they want the tenants who are paying zero or reduced rents to spend money on making the shops more attractive/valuable.

Copyright © 2019 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.

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Arcadia sales still falling, are CVA and international exit imminent?

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Analysts expect fashion retail giant Arcadia to announce its CVA as early as this week with the sale or closure of its business outside of the UK also possible along with the closure of 57 UK stores as sales still fall.

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Drapers article on primate sales and recent performance.

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Primark owner Associated British Foods said like-for-like sales at the value retailer were "held back" by unseasonable weather in May compared with the previous year. However, sales improved in June.

Operating margin in the first half grew to 11.7% from 9.8% in the same period last year.

European sales were also affected by May's weather but recovered in June. Spain, Portugal, France and Italy all delivered sales growth. It said trading continued to be weak in Germany. Primark will open a new store in Bonn, Germany, this year.

"Like-for-likes in the first half were weaker driven by the market in May," ABF's finance director John Bason told Drapers. "However, it's not indicative of a general slow down for the consumer if you look at the comparative to last year.

"Last year the weather was a big factor but also the feel-good factor of the royal wedding and the run-up to the world cup provided good conditions that haven't been repeated this year so we shouldn't see the slow down as a trend."

US sales remained buoyant and showed "strong" growth. Primark will open stores in New Jersey, Florida and Chicago in the next 12 months.

Primark opened nine new stores in the third quarter in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Slovenia and in the UK in Hastings, Bluewater in Kent, Milton Keynes and Belfast.

The retailer's Birmingham store was relocated to a new 160,000 sq ft u nit - Primark's largest to date.

"For Birmingham, we tripled the space so would have expected a pick up in sales but we didn't expect quite what we got. Sales density is very strong for such a big store," said Bason. "We had tremendous success with Bordeaux - giving an indication of how we continue to do well in France and our first store in central or eastern Europe in Slovenia has been a runaway success."

Bason noted that Primark's sustainable cotton ranges, including its denim collection, have performed well across markets, and licensed product continues to be a strong performer for the retailer.

This year marks Primark's 50th anniversary. Since opening its first store on Mary Street, Dublin in 1969, Penneys has grown to an international powerhouse with 372 stores in 12 countries, more than 75,000 employees and over 15 million sq ft of retail space.

"The past 50 years is a reflection on Primark incessantly innovating and remaining relevant," said Bason. "There can be no doubt that we're currently outperforming the market. It's a reflection on 50 years spent building on a very successful, internationally successful brand across the piece."

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Primark owner Associated British Foods said like-for-like sales at the value retailer were "held back" by unseasonable weather in May compared with the previous year. However, sales improved in June. Operating margin in the first half grew to 11.7% from 9.8% in the same period last year.

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loved this with the use of different sights, and wood and cement.

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accessories, underwear and swimwear was all grouped together near the front of the store fro SS.

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Loved the plants and the wood staircase added something unique and luxurious to the store.

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An email between me and a MONKI cares employee. I reached out to ask a little more about where they source from.

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An article about the rise of manufacturing in Bangladesh.

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In 2010, China dominated European and US markets for ready-made garments, accounting for about 40 percent of the import volume in each region. A recent McKinsey survey, however, found that 86 percent of the chief purchasing officers in leading apparel companies in Europe and the United States planned to decrease levels of sourcing in China over the next five years because of declining profit margins and capacity constraints.

Although Western buyers are evaluating a considerable number of sourcing options in the Far East and Southeast Asia, many chief purchasing officers said in the survey that they view Bangladesh as the next hot spot (exhibit). Indeed, our study of the country's ready-made-garment industry identified solid apparel-sourcing opportunities there-but also some hurdles.

With about $15 billion in exports in 2010, ready-made garments are the country's most important industrial sector; they represent 13 percent and more than 75 percent of GDP and total exports, respectively. McKinsey forecasts export-value growth of 7 to 9 percent annually within the next ten years, so the market will double by 2015 and nearly triple by 2020.

Our survey of chief purchasing officers found that European and US companies that focus on the apparel market's value segment plan to expand the share of their sourcing from Bangladesh to 25 to 30 percent by 2020, from an average of 20 percent now. Midmarket brands, which generate about 13 percent of their sourcing value in Bangladesh, plan to increase that share to 20 to 25 percent over the same period. While growth in current product categories will drive some of the increase, 63 percent of the chief purchasing officers said that they want to expand into more fashionable or sophisticated items, such as formal wear and outerwear.

In our study, all the respondents identified attractive prices as the most important reason for purchasing in Bangladesh. They also said that price levels there will remain highly competitive in the future, since they expect significant efficiency increases to offset rising wage costs. Half of the respondents mentioned capacity as the second-biggest advantage of Bangladesh's ready-made-garment industry. With 5,000 factories employing about 3.6 million workers (of a total workforce of 74.0 million), Bangladesh is clearly ahead of other Southeast Asian suppliers in this respect. It also offers satisfactory levels of quality, especially in value and entry-level midmarket products.

Five challenges

While Bangladesh presents some distinct advantages for sourcing, our study identified five challenges for apparel companies seeking to do more business there.

Infrastructure

Transportation bottlenecks create inefficient lead times for garments and delay deliveries to customers. This issue will become even more important in the future, since buyers want to source more fashionable products with shorter lead times.

Energy supply is a concern, too-90 percent of the more than 100 local suppliers we interviewed rate it as poor or very poor. The government has prioritized improvement in this area and started to upgrade power systems over the last two years, however.

Compliance

Nongovernmental and other organizations monitor Bangladesh for labor and social-compliance issues. While most European and US chief purchasing officers said in the survey that standards have somewhat or strongly improved over the past five years, they noted that suppliers vary greatly in their degree of compliance. Environmental compliance is just beginning to get attention.

Suppliers' performance and the skilled workforce

Our study found that the suppliers' productivity must improve not only to mitigate the impact of rising wages but also to close gaps with other sourcing countries and to satisfy new customer requirements for more sophisticated products. Two other concerns are a lack of investment in new machinery and technologies and the insufficient size of the skilled workforce, particularly in middle management.

Raw materials

Bangladesh lacks a noteworthy supply of natural or artificial fibers, and its dependence on imports creates sourcing risks and lengthens lead times. Compounding the problem is the volatility of raw-material prices over the past few years. The development of a local sector would improve lead times.

Economic and political stability

About half of the chief purchasing officers interviewed stated that they would reduce levels of sourcing in Bangladesh if its political stability decreased. The survey found that political unrest, strikes, and the ease of doing business are top of mind for respondents.

Realizing the potential

The three main stakeholders-the government, suppliers, and buyers-must work together to realize the potential of Bangladesh's ready-made-garment market. The government's top three priorities for investment are infrastructure, education, and trade support.

What can European and US buyers do to secure Bangladesh as a sourcing powerhouse? At the highest level, they should review their approach from a full value chain perspective; for example, to increase the supply chain's efficiency and transparency, they ought to expand their support for lean operations and electronic data exchange. Buyers should also build closer and long-term relationships with suppliers and, if necessary, rethink pricing negotiations with them. The most developed suppliers are choosing their customers more carefully and even breaking off ties with long-established ones.

Buyers must also improve their own operational execution. Their long response times, the complexity of internal procedures involving the merchandising and sourcing functions, and a high number of last-minute changes slow down the overall process. In addition, buyers must actively pursue compliance efforts.

Download the full report, Bangladesh's ready-made garments landscape: The challenge of growth (PDF).

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Bangladesh: The next hot spot in apparel sourcing?

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In 2010, China dominated European and US markets for ready-made garments, accounting for about 40 percent of the import volume in each region. A recent McKinsey survey, however, found that 86 percent of the chief purchasing officers in leading apparel companies in Europe and the United States planned to decrease levels of sourcing in China over the next five years because of declining profit margins and capacity constraints.

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I wanted to look and what Bangladesh were doing to help with sustainability as this is my main country to source from.

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Textile News, Apparel News, RMG News, Fashion Trends

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Bangladesh is far ahead to practice sustainability than any other countries.

Sustainability has often been defined as only an environmental issue. But, the 21st-century definition of sustainability goes far beyond these limits. In the present day, it refers to a balancing act that meets the need of the present without compromising the well-being of future generations. For textile and apparel industry, one of the basic industries, sustainability means to ensure environmental, social and economic balancing in the business process.
Sustainability in Bangladesh textile and apparel industry
2018 has been a long and eventful year, where textile and garment sector saw an enormous growth. Sustainability has been the most uttered word throughout the year and it was not only discussed, a number of significant developments were happened in the gamut. However, progress has been made more in the environment and social sustainability but not in economic sustainability. The economic sustainability is also equally important like other two elements. Without settling economic sustainability how could the textile and apparel manufacturers ensure environment and social sustainability? Manufacturers cannot ensure them for a long time without upholding economic sustainability.
Bangladesh goes on top to secure LEED certification
Bangladesh, the second largest ready-made garment exporter in the world, has taken a leading position in sustainable green industrialization with the world's several top-ranked Green factories. Bangladesh already has become a role model for Green Manufacturing of textile and garment in the world.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Bangladesh's RMG sector now has 67 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green factories. Among them 13 are LEED Platinum rated while more than 280 garment factories in Bangladesh would get the LEED certification soon.

In South Asia, Bangladesh has taken the lead in green initiatives. LEED Platinum certified factories are: Tarasima Apparels, Plummy Fashions, Vintage Denim Studio, Columbia Washing Plant, Echotex, SQ Celsius Unit 2, Kaniz Fashions, Genesis Washing, Genesis Fashions, SQ Birichina, SQ ColBlanc, Envoy Textiles Ltd and Mithela Textile Industries Limited ( MTIL).
Also Read: A model for ensuring safety standard Mithela Textile is the first-ever LEED Platinum Certified woven dyeing factory in the world
Significant improvement has been made in safety conditions. National and international reform platforms National Action Plan (NAP), Accord and Alliance have made a visible progress to ensure workplace safety.

As of a November update on Accord's site, the Accord noted that 90 percent of remediation for safety issues have been completed where the ninety-seven percent of Accord factories have removed lockable and collapsible gates, and 90 percent have adequate lighting in fire exists.
Progress happening in a rapid way
On the other hand, 93 percent remediation across Alliance-affiliated factories is complete and 428 factories completed all material items in their initial Corrective Action Plans (CAP), according to the 5th annual report of Alliance. In addition, Alliance declared Bangladesh RMG industry as the safest industry in the world and suggested other rival countries to follow Bangladesh's safety initiatives.

Most of the companies now could really understand that sustainability is important for their own. Sustainability today has become the companies' own agenda. And so they are taking some initiatives to become more sustainable. The benefits to be sustainable in all aspects- like social, environmental and economic- will be:

Commitment and transparency to the social and environmental cause

A pioneer among the similar organizations locally and globally

Better reputation with increasing brand value

Meeting the expectation of stakeholders and employees

Improved access of funds and capitals

Increased resource efficiency and reduction of waste

The owners have understood that sustainable practices reduce cost and reduce risks. Thanks to awareness activities done by many stakeholders including Textile Today. 'Sustainability' is one of the core pillars of Textile Today that wants to implement the concept throughout the whole textile and apparel industry of Bangladesh. In this regard, it has launched a training and capacity building program in collaboration with Engineering Resources International (ERI) Ltd aiming to make efficient professionals for the textile industry who will run the Sustainability Department and implement Sustainability Management System (SMS) in the factories and help the same to get the social, environmental and economic benefit and make the industry sustainable in the long run.

In a world where people are struggling every moment to sustain in the current status they are living, the fashion and apparel industry, on which millions of peoples are directly dependent have some responsibilities to the society and its' elements. Stakeholders like the governments, brands and buyers, consumer right protectors, labor right protectors, community right protectors, trade associations, financial institutions, and the factories have their own perspective of sustainability.

Tareq Amin, CEO and Founder, Textile Today

Tareq Amin, CEO, and Founder of Textile Today said, "In a world where people are struggling every moment to sustain in the current status they are living, the fashion and apparel industry, on which millions of peoples are directly dependent have some responsibilities to the society and its' elements. Stakeholders like the governments, brands and buyers, consumer right protectors, labor right protectors, community right protectors, trade associations, financial institutions, and the factories have their own perspective of sustainability."

He said, "This is the time to transform this compliance department into the sustainability department. Whatever you do, you must have a sustainability department, and you must have separate responsible people for sustainability. These people should have tools, capacity, and authority to make a change. Then the innovation cycle will move."
Read More: How sustainability practices help Envoy Textiles Limited to go on top. Conclusion
On the other hand, ZDHC along with bluesign® has increased their presence to promote sustainability. They have been organizing a lot of seminars over the year. First time ever Viyellatex Group has got bluesign® aggrandized certificate as a composite factory.
Also Read: How ZDHC and sustainability can be implemented in Bangladesh textile industry
ACS Textiles BD Ltd, Envoy Textiles Limited (ETL) etc. are some of the sustainable factories that other factories can follow them. Sustainability issues bringing significant changes in the approach of textile chemical manufacturing as well.

The industry felt mostly the lack of 'Economic' sustainability, as the profitability of the businesses has been significantly low. Average profitability of 5-7 percent is very poor for such a high-risk industry involving so much manual works and complexities in the supply chain. However, concerns over environmental and social issues were not diminished at all. And in future, economic issues will get more attention as discussion and initiatives are ongoing towards it.

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Bangladesh textile and apparel industry needs to focus more on economic sustainability

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Sustainability has often been defined as only an environmental issue. But, the 21st-century definition of sustainability goes far beyond these limits. In the present day, it refers to a balancing act that meets the need of the present without compromising the well-being of future generations.

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Full collection range plan through merchandising

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An infographic I made for my sourcing policy for MONKI. I based it of a t-shirt sourcing from Bangladesh.