# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Individual Negotiated Project - Jessica Young_compressed

# data[].attributes.body
Who are Stradivarius, their origin etc.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Stradivarius interprets the latest trends to capture the essence of youthful creativity so that young people can be themselves in relaxed confidence.

# data[].attributes.body
Urban Outfitters recent activity which is fast and with high stock.

# data[].attributes.body
Urban Outfitters Category mix where accessoires is the 2nd most popular category, very different to its competitors.

# data[].attributes.body
UPLOAD DAY!

Today I finished my project with a fair few hours left of college. Yesterday I managed to finish the bulk of my work so today I can focus on tidying up and perfecting everything. For example, I need to add a few more pieces of data which I previously found on WGSN to back up aspects such as colour and texture.

# data[].attributes.body
I managed to complete a hefty amount of my project this week that I am feeling in a good position.

I have completed my line detail which took me a few attempts to finalise. Every time I thought I had finished, something pop-up up that either didn't make sense or needed to be amended. This showed me how precise and careful you have t be when filling out the excel sheet.

After finishing this I was able to complete my colour and print mix and therefore move on from the range plan section of the project.

# data[].attributes.body
Turkey & the UK as allies post Brexit. How will this affect UK - Turkey trade?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
*The writer is a researcher and journalist focusing on conflict and geopolitics in the Middle East and North Africa, primarily related to the Gulf region.
ISTANBUL
After the United Kingdom's transitional period to leave the European Union (EU) officially concluded on Jan. 1 after a year of tense negotiations, Boris Johnson's Conservative government managed to forge a trade deal with the EU. While the deal is considered relatively favorable considering the past financial risks of a no-deal Brexit, and the UK still retains some economic benefits with the EU, Britain has still sought to advance its trade ties beyond Europe.

As the UK has looked towards its traditional non-EU allies, one new stronger ally that has stood out is Turkey, with London seeking stronger economic ties with Ankara. Both countries agreed on a historic trade deal on Dec. 29, prior to the UK's formal withdrawal from the EU, which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Turkey's most important trade deal since its 1995 Customs Union with the EU.

"God willing, we are entering a new phase in which both Turkey and the UK will benefit," President Erdogan said.

Prior to the deal, UK Trade Secretary Liz Truss said she hoped to pursue "tariff-free trading arrangements and will help support our trading relationship," adding that the upcoming deal would "provide certainty for thousands of jobs across the UK in the manufacturing, automotive and steel industries."

The deal secures existing trade ties which were worth $25.2 billion USD in 2019, including Turkey's exports to the UK - which are mostly precious metals, vehicles, textiles, and electrical equipment. Britain is Turkey's second-largest export partner, after Germany.

As two previously close allies, the deal benefits their trade ties, as it eliminates tariffs on exports and therefore prevents financial losses on them.

Such an agreement had long been anticipated. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in early July last year that a UK-Turkey trade deal was "very close", during a visit to London to meet his counterpart, Dominic Raab.

It also increases the prospect of Turkey and the UK forging even stronger economic ties during the upcoming decade. From an economic perspective, securing this deal highly benefits Britain, due to Turkey's position as a strong economy among its non-EU allies.

The two countries have developed strong relations in the last decade, particularly as the UK backed Turkey's efforts in the fight against the so-called Islamic State (Daesh). Britain also offered Turkey its sympathy after the foiled coup attempt in 2016, which it criticized as an "attack against Turkey's democracy", while other EU states did not offer such support.

Amid the UK's ascent away from the EU since the 2016 Brexit referendum, it has diverted from other EU member states' stance. For instance, as France and Germany halted arms sales to Turkey following the counter-terrorism Operation Peace Spring in 2019 against the PKK-linked YPG faction in northern Syria, the UK continued its weapons supplies, and did not criticize Turkey as other countries did.

Moreover, France developed a more antagonistic foreign policy towards Turkey, particularly due to differences in the Eastern Mediterranean and Libya's conflict - as Ankara aided the internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) against the Paris-backed warlord Khalifa Haftar's putsch.

In fact, France withdrew from a NATO naval mission along the Eastern Mediterranean last July - an initiative that was also designed to secure the arms embargo on Libya. Paris was largely motivated by undermining Turkey after it had effectively hindered its geopolitical ambitions.

Clearly, while the UK's withdrawal from the EU enables it to align itself closer with Turkey, other NATO countries have tried to use NATO as a weapon to pressure Turkey. Even Donald Trump previously imposed sanctions on Turkey, while President-elect Joe Biden made comments in his presidential campaign that he would consider supporting the opposition in Turkey. This understandably caused outrage in Ankara, with the Turkish government slamming Biden's comments as "interventionist".

Compared to other powerful Western states, the UK is clearly the closest and most receptive ally of Turkey, which creates the framework for them to establish an even stronger alliance.

Meanwhile, as Boris Johnson's government promoted the narrative of a post-Brexit Britain achieving a more independent foreign policy, free from any EU constraints, Turkey would be further seen as a convenient ally, given its geostrategic importance near Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Levant and the wider Middle East.

The UK may look to use this to maintain its desired regional influence. Boris Johnson's government has already sought to uphold its foreign policy influence through other traditional allies, such as Bahrain, where it has a key naval base that helps Britain project military influence in the Middle East. Securing a partnership with Turkey would give Britain further leverage to maintain influence in these regions.

This could also lead to greater cooperation between Ankara and London in the Eastern Mediterranean. Britain may see Turkey as a useful ally in this endeavor, as it may seek to control and exert influence over shipping lanes through the Suez Canal. This is part of Britain's desire to revive some of the geopolitical control it had in the past, particularly in the Levant and Egypt, while it still also hosts a military presence in [the island of] Cyprus.

It could create an opportunity for further proactive foreign policy decision-making. For instance, though Britain has taken a more withdrawn position in the conflict in Libya, it has more potential to work with Turkey, which has backed the internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA). Therefore, this could create a more effective partnership should London and Ankara work together and could help further advance peace in that country. This is one example of potentially positive foreign policy collaboration between the two countries.

However, a post-Brexit Britain will likely play a more reserved foreign policy role for the time being, as shown by its cutting off foreign aid last November. Yet its deals with both Turkey and the EU show that it can effectively play a balancing act between the two. Additionally, Brexit has been a catalyst for stronger ties between Turkey and Britain and should further boost their relations for years to come, making Ankara even more of a strategic and economically important ally for London.

*Opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Anadolu Agency.

Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ANALYSIS - Why the UK sees Turkey as a crucial post-Brexit ally

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The writer is a researcher and journalist focusing on conflict and geopolitics in the Middle East and North Africa, primarily related to the Gulf region. ISTANBUL After the United Kingdom's transitional period to leave the European Union (EU) officially concluded on Jan.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The UK and Turkey secure trade agreement in major win for UK automotive, manufacturing and steel industries.

Today's deal supports a trading partnership worth £18.6 billion last year.

The agreement lays the groundwork for a more ambitious UK Turkey trade relationship in the future.

The UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement was signed today as International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Turkey's Minister for Trade, Ruhsar Pekcan, met on a video call.

The deal will secure existing preferential tariffs for the 7,600 UK businesses that exported goods to Turkey in 2019, ensuring the continued tariff-free flow of goods and protecting vital UK-Turkey supply chains in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.

Both countries have also committed to working towards a more ambitious free trade agreement in the future, which will go further than the existing deal and will be tailored to the UK economy.

Today's agreement will ensure preferential trading terms for UK businesses that exported more than £1bn worth of machinery, and iron and steel exports worth £575m, to Turkey in 2019.

It also ensures UK businesses can continue to import under preferential tariffs, compared with no agreement. This supports UK importers of textiles, where the annual increase in estimated duties would have been around £102m under WTO terms. Tariffs applied to UK imports of washing machines and televisions will remain at 0%, compared to up to 2% and 14% respectively under WTO terms.

Vital UK-Turkey supply chains will also be protected for automotive manufacturers, such as Ford, which employs 7,500 people in the UK. Car parts are imported from the UK to Turkey to assemble the Ford Transit range of vehicles, a third of which are then exported to the UK. In 2019, UK car exports to Turkey were worth £174m.

In under two years we have now reached agreement with 62 countries - and the European Union - to cover £885 billion of UK trade.

This is unprecedented, with no other country ever negotiating so many trade deals simultaneously. The Government's ambition is to secure free trade agreements with countries that cover 80% of UK trade within three years.

"Today's deal covers trade worth more than £18 billion, delivers vital certainty for business and supports thousands of jobs across the UK in the manufacturing, automotive and steel industries.

"It paves the way for a new, more ambitious deal with Turkey in the near future, and is part of our plan to put the UK at the centre of a network of modern agreements with dynamic economies. More trade and investment will drive economic growth across our United Kingdom and help us build back stronger from Covid."

"Ford welcomes the announcement today of a trade agreement between the UK and Turkey, and the speed with which it has been concluded underscores its importance to the economic prosperity of both countries.

"As Europe's leading commercial vehicle brand, Ford's Dagenham engine manufacturing facility in east London exports much of its diesel engine production to our Ford Otosan joint venture in Turkey where the engines are fitted into Ford Transit vehicles, many of which are then exported from Turkey to the UK.

"Given that Ford and Ford Otosan business constitutes more than 10 per cent of the total trade volume between the UK and Turkey, this trade agreement is extremely significant for us and will help to secure jobs in both countries."

"This agreement will maintain bilateral trade worth over £18bn and will shore up key supply chains across many industries after a year of disruption.

"Turkey's customs union with the EU made a trade deal with the UK complicated, but the pace at which the deal has been finalised following the negotiated EU deal shows the strength and depth of the relationship.

"Businesses and government must now look to growth, creating the trading relationships which will build a competitive, dynamic and progressive future economy."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The UK and Turkey secure trade agreement in major win for UK automotive, manufacturing and steel industries. Today's deal supports a trading partnership worth £18.6 billion last year. The agreement lays the groundwork for a more ambitious UK Turkey trade relationship in the future.

# data[].attributes.body
Turkey is not apart of the EU, so is not apart of any of their trade agreements.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
IT is a country that straddles two continents, with just 14 per cent of its population of 82 million sitting within Europe.

So is Turkey one of the countries that has been granted membership into the European Union?

Is Turkey in the European Union?

No - Turkey is not one of the 27 member countries of the European Union.

Turkey has been keen to join the European Union since the late 1980s, but negotiations ground to a halt in 2016 - and it doesn't look like they are going to resume any time soon.

The country's poor human rights record in over the years has been singled out as a sticking point for EU membership.

It seems unlikely the republic will join the union any time soon.

Croatia was the last country to officially join the European Union in 2013.

Expanding the union has always been a difficult pill to swallow for some, who believe it will spread resources too thin.

Is Turkey in Europe or the Middle East?

Turkey effectively straddles two continents, and is at a crossroads between Europe and Western Asia - but is not part of the Middle East.

It is nestled between eight countries, including Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Azerbaijan, Greece and Bulgaria.

The part of the country considered to be in Europe is known as Eastern Thrace, and makes up around 11 million of Turkey's 82 million population.

The rest of the country is commonly referred to as Asia Minor.

The country's biggest city, Istanbul, is bang in the middle, which explains why it has played such an important trading role throughout history.

One part of Istanbul lies in Europe and the other part lies in Asia, with the two sides divided by the Bosphorus strait.

Is Turkey in Schengen?

No - Turkey is not one of the 26 countries in the Schengen Area.

A number of countries in the European Union are part of the Schengen Area, which means there are no border checks for goods, services and people who travel between them.

You do not have to be in the European Union to part of the Schengen Area, as is the case with Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

Turkish people must have a valid visa in order to travel to a European country as it is not part of the Schengen Zone.

Some EU countries have decided not to sign the Schengen Agreement, including Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania.

The agreement was initially signed by just five member states on June 14, 1984, with the goal of building a Europe without borders.

It was then expanded in 1990, coming into force three years later.

The UK opted out of the Schengen Agreement.

It has been heavily criticised, with some blaming it for the ongoing refugee crisis.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
IT is a country that straddles two continents, with just 14 per cent of its population of 82 million sitting within Europe. So is Turkey one of the countries that has been granted membership into the European Union? No - Turkey is not one of the 27 member countries of the European Union.

# data[].attributes.body
Showing why Turkey is one of the most desirable sourcing countries right now. They have been working hard to develop new technologies and that is being recognised.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Erai Turkey, Business Development & Management

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Being one of the most significant centers of the world textile industry, the market for technical textiles in Turkey has begun to grow in the last few years thanks to the development of products with high added value. Turkish textile manufacturers, which started their activities with essential products in the 1970s, now export tons of technical textile raw materials or finished products to the world. Meltblown, Spunbond, Spunlace, Thermobond, Waterlaid technologies are particularly popular in Turkey. Companies producing technical textiles manufacture raw materials or semi-finished products used by all sectors, especially construction, ready-made garments, geotextiles, home textiles, cleaning/cosmetic/hygiene, automotive, packaging, food industries. As the manufacturing companies operating in the Turkish market are new to the technical textiles market, they describe themselves as part of the sector they supply. Satisfied with the global demand for their products, manufacturers make constant technological investments to update their technologies and increase their production capacity. New countries are also beginning to operate in the sector. Intending to start smart textile production in Turkey as well, Turkish textile manufacturers are receiving attention with the R&D and P&D investments they have recently boosted. Products marketed by most of the companies manufacturing finished products under their brand name are also attracting global interest. There are hundreds of companies operating in this field in Turkey. As a result of these developments in Turkey, many foreign companies are either transferring production facilities to Turkey or becoming partners with Turkish companies.
Investments in technical textiles are showing signs of paying off
The Centre for Research and Application of Technical Textiles was created five years ago by the Aegean Association of Textile and Raw Material Exporters. By creating this application center to raise the share of exports of technical textiles, the union began to see the results of its investments.

The exports of technical textiles in Turkey increased by 19% from 899 million USD to 1071 million USD in the period January-July 2018, whereas the exportation of technical textiles from the Aegean region rose by 40% from 45 million USD to 64 million USD.
Metyx Group and Karl Mayer sign an agreement
METYX Group has signed a deal with Karl Mayer - a technology supplier to a German manufacturer of technical textile machinery - for new production facilities to provide an additional 12,000 tons of glass and carbon fiber fabric knitting capacity to its new manufacturing lines. It has both expanded the production capacity of the Manisa plant in Turkey with the manufacturing area and also laid the foundation for overseas manufacturing plants as part of its multinational strategic business growth plan.
Korteks expands its R&D investments every year
The Turkish textile market in Europe and the Middle East, maintaining its leading position in the markets of technical textiles, automotive textiles, and functional products, is one of the most significant drivers for R&D. Within this framework, Korteks considers R&D to be the most crucial element of competition.

Korteks produces high quality, original, innovative, and eco-friendly polyester yarn products for the many textile firms around the world. The Korteks R & D Centre promotes the development of new types of polyester yarns by directing research and development activities within the company and improves the competitiveness of the products on the international markets. Using its yarn testing and analysis methods, polymer material technologies, polyester polymer production, yarn texturing and twisting, colored threads, and masterbatches, Korteks has raised its R&D budget share each year by increasing its R&D investment to develop the technical textile in Turkey too.
The Sun Group expands with R&D and P&D
With more than 30 years of experience in the textile industry, the Sun Group keeps growing with the strength of its R&D and P&D activities. Sun Group companies include Sun Tekstil, Ekoten Tekstil, Ames Tekstil, TDU, and Jimmy Key - its women's retail clothing brand. With a turnover of 140 million USD in 2017, Sun Tekstil is pursuing its exports with a growth target of 20% this year.
Yarn made of plastic bottles
With the largest and most integrated and innovative polyester yarn production facility in Europe, Korteks İplik is still working on the production of recycled polyester yarns. One of the projects Korteks is working on is yarns made from plastic bottles. Adding a new one every day to its R&D studies, Korteks carries on its research on self-soluble threads. There is an increase in the number of yarn manufacturers in Turkey who begin to work with international companies and increase their import amounts as well.
Fabric made 100 times finer than hair
Manufactured by Mogul - one of the major hybrid nonwoven manufacturing companies not only in Turkey but also worldwide - smart microfilament fabrics, that are 100 times thinner than hair, are bringing about important transformations in many areas of life in many industries such as fashion, home textiles, medical supplies, cleaning supplies, packaging and automotive.
Turkey brings the change in protective textiles
With technological advances, textile structures, protecting the human body in unsafe surroundings, are on the rise, among other technical textile products. The newly developed manufacturing method, which places importance on the environment and human health in the global marketplace, is enhancing the recognition of technical textiles. Protective textiles, an essential branch of technical textiles, are gaining consumer appreciation by setting standards in the field of safety and hygiene. Particularly in developing countries, as the rate of industrialization rises, the demand for protective clothing increases as the level of sanctions increases.
Production of anti-ballistic fabric
Kipaş Holding Mensucat succeeded in producing bullet-proof fabrics two years ago, thanks to R&D studies. An exceptional fibre was used in this textile. In addition to the bullet-proof function, it is regarded that the fabric, which is invisible with infrared rays, fireproof and water-resistant, can be used as an alternative to steel jackets, which are disadvantageous because of its weight. After manufacturing a bullet-proof fabric two years ago, a 50% cheaper bullet-proof suit is now being manufactured.
Comments
Today, the Turkish textile and clothing industry is the most internationally oriented industry that can challenge any other country in terms of quality and a wide range of products on the international markets. Turkey has already expanded its cotton production, which will bring it on the way to become more independent of external sources of cotton.

Simultaneously, the country's government is very concerned about solving the remaining problems in the industry, and consequently, soon, Turkey could be the most powerful competitor for its main rival countries. Although it is not possible to see Turkey as the biggest competitor of China, for smaller needs of demanding countries, Turkey can be the best option thanks to its location and ease of transporting to European countries not only with the help of textile industry but also expanding contribution of technical textile in Turkey.

You can take a look at our previous article to learn more about the textile industry in Turkey.

Source: https://www.etextilemagazine.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Development of Technical Textile in Turkey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Being one of the most significant centers of the world textile industry, the market for technical textiles in Turkey has begun to grow in the last few years thanks to the development of products with high added value.

# data[].attributes.body
2020 Human Rights Report highlighting the poor treatment of some of their people. Consider how this could affect UO and their image when sourcing from Turkey.

# data[].attributes.body
Sourcing from Morocco. A few pros and cons and background information.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Is Turkey still worth it for apparel companies?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Turkey can be an attractive location for the manufacturing of apparel and textile goods even in the face of some difficult challenges.

# data[].attributes.body
Morocco as a developing sourcing country.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In addition, the International Trade Centre's GTEX/MENTATEX division (Global Textiles/Middle East and North Africa Textiles) is running a bespoke capacity-building programme for 36 selected Moroccan companies, who focus on fast fashion, knitwear and denim.

To empower local agencies to continue this development process, GTEX/MENTATEX specialists are training Moroccan institutions including AMITH, the textile technology school ESITH (Ecole supérieure des industries du textile et de l'habillement), the design school Casa Moda, in Casablanca, and textile technical and testing centre CTTH (Centre Technique Textile Habillement).

Zhor Ababou, national coordinator for the GTEX/MENATEX project in Morocco, says it is helping companies develop beyond CMT to offer a full package service to customers. She says to a large extent, in Morocco "upstream doesn't exist so it is important to emphasise the sourcing of primary materials."

The programme will also support access to finance so that companies can gain the investments needed to grow their businesses and upgrade technology.

Knappe says its final phase is "diversification into new markets, places where they [Moroccan clothing exporters] have not looked into so deeply," such as the UK, Nordic countries and Germany, expanding sales in partnership with Morocco's investment and export agency AMDIE (Marocaine de Développement des Investissement et de l'Export) and AMITH.

Headline image: Jamaa el Fna market in old Medina, Marrakesh, Morocco

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Morocco is redefining its role in fashion production - just-style magazine | Issue 5 | March 2020

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Morocco's textile and garment industry is undergoing an intense process of redevelopment to better align with industry demands in areas from fast fashion to sustainable production. By Elizia Volkmann Strategic importance The textile and clothing industry is a strategically important sector for the Moroccan economy.

# data[].attributes.body
Data showing that India has some of the most polluted cities in the world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution from coal, oil and gas burning sources kills nearly 9 million people worldwide every year. The same data shows that 99% of the world population currently live in places with air quality that exceeds WHO guideline limits, breathing in high levels of pollutants. These deaths occur as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. We know that air pollution is most prevalent in middle- to low-income countries as a result of poor pollution standards and industrial work and development, but which cities are the most polluted in the world? Earth.Org has gathered data to find the 15 most polluted cities in the world.
-

These results have been taken from IQAir's which was compiled using data aggregated from over 80,000 data points. 2021 World Air Quality Report IQAir is a Swiss air quality technology company, specialising in protection against airborne pollutants, developing air quality monitoring and air cleaning products.

Top 15 Most Polluted Cities in the World 2021

1. Bhiwadi, India - 106.2 (PM2.5 average)

2. Ghaziabad, India- 102

3. Hotan, China- 101.5

4. Delhi, India- 96.4

5. Jaunpur, India - 95.3

6. Faisalabad, Pakistan - 94.2

7. Noida, India- 91.4

8. Bahawalpur, India - 91

9. Peshawar, India - 89.6

10. Bagpat, India - 89.1

11. Hisar, India - 89

12. Faridabad, India - 88.9

13. Greater Noida, India - 87.5

14. Rohtak, India - 86.9

15. Lahore, Pakistan - 86.5

What Are the Causes and Effects of Air Pollution?

The biggest sources of air pollution around the world are from burning fossil fuels in power plants to generate electricity, including coal, oil and natural gas, as well to power fossil fuel-based vehicles and other modes of transportation. The burning process releases significant amounts of air pollutants, emissions and chemicals into the air and atmosphere. These air pollutants, namely nitrogen oxides, would often react to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) from the sun and forms into smog, which poses higher risks of respiratory illnesses.

Aside from deeply harmful effects to the human body, air pollution can impact the environment too, causing phenomenas such as acid rain and reduced crop yields to to reproductive failure and diseases in wildlife animals.
You might also like: 10 Facts About Air Pollution That'll Take Your Breath Away
Air Pollution in India

Shockingly, 12 of the world's 15 most polluted cities are in India. What's more, the country is also home to 63 of 100 of the most polluted places.

as the capital with the The Lancet estimates that air pollution kills more than 1 million people in the country every year. The IQAir report says that on average, India's cities exceed WHO guidelines for the amount of PM2.5 in the atmosphere by 10 times. Following the updated air pollution guidelines adopted the WHO and based on air quality data for PM2.5 in 2021, people in New Delhi, which was ranked worst air quality in the world, are breathing air 13.2 times higher than the new limit.

Air pollution in India are caused by fumes from vehicular traffic and exacerbated by diesel generators and the burning of fossil fuels in cooking by poorer families. This is in addition to industry as well as the burning of waste and farmers setting fields alight after crops are harvested.

The country is making progress, thanks to its National Clean Air Programme which aims to reduce air pollution levels by up to 30% by 2024. India is also planning the world's largest expansion of renewable energy by 2022.

Air Pollution in China

Despite 1.25 million Chinese people dying early each year from air pollution, a study has shown that annual deaths peaked in 2013 and are now below 1990 levels, owing to concerted efforts by major cities to reduce particle pollution. Industry and traffic were cleaned up as well as tackling fuels used at home; in 2005, 61% of Chinese homes cooked using coal or wood, which was reduced to 32% in 2017. In Beijing, coal heating was banned in favour of natural gas and clean energy has been promoted countrywide.

China is investing more in solar energy than any other nation, representing 45% of all global investment in solar . By 2024, it is expected that China will be generating twice as much power from solar as the US. However, 98% of the nation's urban areas still exceed previous WHO guidelines and 53% exceed China's own less stringent national standards. But there has been some promising progress: Chinese officials have announced in 2021 that Beijing has met state air quality standards for the first time in 2020, hitting the goal almost a decade earlier than expected. The 2021 IQAir report also found that air quality in the country has vastly improved where more than half its cities saw lower levels of air pollution in 2021 compared to the previous year. The improvement can be attributed to stringent measures in recent years to reduce national coal consumption, emissions from transportation and relocating polluting heavy industries.

In a surprise move, the country pledged in 2020 to be carbon neutral by 2060 - a massive task for the world's largest polluter that will no doubt come with challenges - the country will need to cease its investments in coal and ramp up its already-rigorous investments in renewable energy. It will also need to invest in carbon capture and storage technologies.

How Can We Tackle Air Pollution?

Most importantly, countries need to be able to access real-time pollution data; many countries, especially within Africa and the Middle East, lack this data. To address this issue, IQAir claims that a range of global citizens and NGOs are attempting to fill in data gaps with their own data sensors.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Air pollution kills millions of people each year around the world. Here are the 15 most polluted cities in the world and why.

# data[].attributes.body
Brand summary on the URBN website.

# data[].attributes.body
Using Edited to guide me to price the 'Hip Hugging Trousers' in the range correctly. I am glad there was a similar pair to compare to as I wasn't sure how the hip strap detailing would affect the price.

# data[].attributes.body
Using Edited to guide me to price the 'Cut Out Dress' in the range correctly.

# data[].attributes.body
Using Edited to guide me to price the 'Ruched Shirt Dress' in the range correctly.

# data[].attributes.body
Using Edited to guide me to price the 'Linen Blazer Dress' in the range correctly. The fabric was a huge influence for the pricing of this dress as it is 100% linen. I researched similar styles in the same fabric to give me a good guide.

# data[].attributes.body
Using Edited to guide me to price the jeans in the range correctly. I was highly influenced by the price of these specific pair of jeans as they are very similar to the 'Printed Jeans' in the range.

# data[].attributes.body
Using Edited to guide me to price all tops in the range correctly. There is a variety of different styles of 'cami' tops throughout the range, so I looked through the products list and compared the most similar products and used their price and a guide.

# data[].attributes.body
Using Edited to guide me to price the Knitted Longline Cardigan correctly.

# data[].attributes.body
I used their 'find a store' feature on their website and counted the amount of UK to ensure I was being as accurate as possible - 30 stores.

# data[].attributes.body
This week I managed to achieve a lot more than I was expecting. I finalised my range plan, outfit builds, washing line and store allocation. I thought I had finished my price architecture, but after discussing with my tutor we discovered I had completed it slightly wrong. Nothing major, but I had got confused between the price architecture and the core, fashion and trend triangles. After this being pointed out it made a lot more sense to me and I have decided to leave my price architecture until after I have completed my excel line detail. The information in line detail will greatly help me see how to position the garments.

Furthermore, once the line detail is completed I will be able to complete my colour and pattern mix. The line detail was something I was planning on leaving until the end, but I am relieved it has been brought to my attention that it is key to complete now.

# data[].attributes.body
New initiative where brands can virtually strike off colour and pattern choices.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fashion Design Software | 2D/3D CAD CAM – Optitex

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Optitex provides end-to-end fashion design software including 2D CAD/CAM pattern design & 3D prototyping for fashion, apparel, automotive & upholstery.

# data[].attributes.body
Bershka recent activity showing the sell outs and new in information.

# data[].attributes.body
Stradivarius category mix for the comp shop showing tops and bottoms as the top 2 categories.

# data[].attributes.body
Zara's recent activity which is most similar to Urban in terms of very fast sell outs and new stock.

# data[].attributes.body
Zara category mix with tops and bottoms as the top category.

# data[].attributes.body
Examples of clothing sold by UO that has caused back lash and labelled them as culturally and socially insensitive.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Over the years, Urban Outfitters, a store aimed at young hipsters and owned by big-time conservative donor Richard Hayne, has managed to offend blacks, Jews, Native Americans, liberals, conservatives, and eating-disorder awareness groups, among others. Here, a look at 15 of Urban Outfitters' biggest controversies:

1. Shampoo for "suicidal hair"
Urban Outfitters decided to pull Peachy Head "Shampoo For Suicidal Hair" from its shelves in April 2016 after outraged customers took offense at the bottle seemingly making light of suicide. "I never knew my once beautiful hair would actually commit suicide by tossing itself off dramatic white cliffs to the rocks below....Before it's too late, bring your locks back from a state of complete depression with this conditioning peach shampoo," reads the back of the bottle, which is sold by the U.K. brand Anatomicals. While Urban Outfitters pulled the product, the CEO of Anatomicals defended Peachy Head shampoo, saying it has been on sale for years and "continues to be loved by many customers."

2. A tapestry "eerily reminiscent" of the Holocaust
In February 2015, the Anti-Defamation League assailed Urban Outfitters for selling a gray and white striped tapestry emblazoned with pink triangles. The design, the ADL claimed, was 'eerily reminiscent' of the clothing Nazis forced gay prisoners to wear in concentration camps. "Whether intentional or not, this gray and white stripped pattern and pink triangle combination is deeply offensive and should not be mainstreamed into popular culture," ADL National Director Abraham Foxman said in a statement.

3. A "vintage," faux-bloodstained Kent State Sweatshirt
In September 2014, Urban Outfitters was charged with exploring " the outer reaches of bad taste" after selling what seemed to be a faux blood-spattered "Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt" for $129. The sweatshirt was widely interpreted as a reference to 1970's Kent State massacre, in which four unarmed students were shot and killed by the Ohio National Guard during a Vietnam War protest. As part of Urban Outfitters' "Vintage Finds," only a single sweatshirt was available; shortly after BuzzFeed wrote about the sweatshirt, someone purchased it and listed it on eBay for $550, with a $2,500 Buy It Now price. "It was never our intention to allude to the tragic events that took place at Kent State in 1970," said Urban Outfitters in a statement, "and we are extremely saddened that this item was perceived as such."

4. Pill bottle-shaped alcohol paraphernalia
Prescription drug abuse is the country's leading cause of accidental death, so it's not surprising that Urban Outfitters' line of shot glasses, pint glasses, and flasks resembling prescription pill bottles raised eyebrows. Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) were particularly upset - their state loses more people to prescription drugs than to traffic accidents - and joined a push to get the retailer to pull the items. In a letter to the store's CEO, Beshear called the sale of "teen-targeted items that glamorize prescription drugs...repulsive." Urban Outfitters stopped selling the products shortly thereafter.

5. Pro-booze shirts for kids
Urban Outfitters' biggest customer pool is the 18-to-24 crowd, followed by the under-18 age group. So it should be no surprise that anti-underage-drinking advocates were incensed at a line of alcohol-related T-shirts being hawked by the retailer and modeled by apparently under-21 female models, just in time for back-to-school shopping. The T-shirt slogans - "I Vote for Vodka," "Misery Loves Alcohol," "I Drink You're Cute," "USA Drinking Team" - are especially galling because teenage drinking is a worrisome and growing problem that's associated with sexual activity and decreased condom use, said Sarah B. Weir at Yahoo Shine. "For parents already rattled about kids and booze, it's a jolt to discover these items when fall clothes shopping with one's teen or 'tween."

6. The "Punk as f**k" shirt
Upon checking on her teenage daughter's online order from Urban Outfitters' website, a New Jersey mom was horrified to discover that she had ordered a T-shirt that proudly displays the F-bomb. "I was flabbergasted that that would be the way Urban Outfitters presented themselves," said Margaret Gutierrez. She also discovered that the T-shirt's "Punk as f**k" logo and a pink marijuana-leaf motif were being sold on stickers, and requested that Urban Outfitters remove all the offending items. Although the retailer declined to comment, the items were quietly removed from the website.

7. The Holocaust-evoking "Jewish Star" shirt
Urban Outfitters put itself in the bad graces of Jewish groups in April 2012, after selling a T-shirt with a six-pointed star badge that, to some eyes, looks eerily like the Star of David patch Jews were forced to wear in Nazi Germany, leading up to and during the Holocaust. The $100 yellow T-shirt, from Danish designer Wood Wood, "represents a new low" for Urban Outfitters, said the Anti-Defamation League's Philadelphia director, Barry Morrison. The symbolism is "extremely distasteful and offensive," and the group is "outraged that your company would make this product available to your customers."

8. Ersatz "Navajo" fashion
In October 2011, Sasha Houston Brown, a member of the Santee Sioux Nation, demanded that Urban Outfitters pull its "distasteful and racially demeaning" line of Navajo-labeled clothes and accessories. The Navajo Nation holds 12 trademarks on the word "Navajo," including for clothing, and a 1990 federal law prohibits falsely suggesting that products are made by Native Americans. These "blatantly racist" knockoffs clearly aren't, and they're tacky to boot, Brown said in an open letter to CEO Glen Senk. "I doubt that you consulted the Navajo Nation about using their tribal name on sophisticated items such as the 'Navajo Hipster Panty.'"

9. Stealing a woman's necklace design
In May 2011, Chicago jewelry designer Stevie Koerner was sent a link to Urban Outfitters' website, which was selling a line of jewelry nearly identical to her 2-year-old World/United States of Love line. "My heart sank a little," she wrote on her blog. "I understand that they are a business, but it's not cool to completely rip off an independent designer's work." Twitter users glommed on to her post, making Koerner such a cause célèbre that Urban Outfitters said the next day they'd look into it... then quietly pulled the collection.

10. The "Obama/Black" T-shirt option
In January 2010, Jezebel editor Anna North noticed a T-shirt for sale on Urban Outfitters' website in two color combinations: "White/Charcoal" and "Obama/Black." Urban Outfitters said they "screwed up, and are sincerely sorry," explaining that they had internally developed a color called "Obama Blue" that accidentally appeared on the website. "Fine, Urban Outfitters: You're not racist, just careless," said University Chic. But given your history and penchant for making controversial political statements, "you can't blame anyone for assuming" the worst.

11. Pulling gay marriage T-shirts
In late 2008, in the heat of California's vote on gay-marriage-killing Proposition 8, Urban Outfitters started selling a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase "I Support Same-Sex Marriage" - then pulled it from shelves and the web less than a week later, with a buyer blaming "too much bad press." Shirt designer Tara Littman searched around for this "bad press"... and found exactly one negative blog entry. Since that's hardly a blip on the Urban Outfitters controversy meter, and "Hayne is a notably right-wing Republican who supports senators who vote for legislation against gay marriage," said Sharon Clott in New York, we're guessing this was a top-down decision.

12. The "Eat Less" T-shirt
The next group Urban Outfitters offended was... well, anyone who thinks it's a bad idea to sell a V-neck T-shirt with the words "Eat Less" on it, displayed on a "rail-thin brunette model in a hiked-up miniskirt," said Ryan Halliday at FOX Boston. There were enough of those people that, after a backlash, the shirt was pulled from Urban Outfitters' website in June 2010. But not its stores, said Amy Odell in New York. But hey, at least it's not as blatant as the shirt sold elsewhere displaying Kate Moss' old slogan, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."

13. The "Victimized" armed Palestinian T-shirt
A shirt with a Palestinian youth carrying an AK-47 assault rifle over the word "Victimized" riled up the Jewish community in 2008. "Of course this T-shirt is supporting terrorism," said fashion designer Leah Weiss, quoted in Haaretz. "I will never shop there again." Urban Outfitters pulled the shirt, but it already had a rocky relationship with Jews after selling a 2004 T-shirt with the words "Everybody Loves a Jewish Girl" surrounded by dollar signs and shopping bags. "If Urban Outfitters is good at something, it is getting publicity," said Ami Cohen, an American Apparel employee in Tel Aviv. "This company has a history of coming into conflict with Jews."

14. The "salacious" photo of a 15-year-old
In August 2011, California model Hailey Clauson, then 16, sued Urban Outfitters for $28 million, saying they had used a "blatantly salacious" photo of her on a shirt without permission. Photographer Jason Lee Parry snapped the picture of Clauson in short leather shorts, legs spread and sitting on the back of a motorcycle, when she was 15, and Parry allegedly agreed not to release the photo after Clauson's modeling agency complained. The focus of the shot is "her crotch area," says the lawsuit, making it of special interest to "the likes of pedophiles."

15. "Ghettopoly"
In 2003, Urban Outfitters angered the African-American community with a Monopoly knockoff called Ghettopoly, featuring properties like "Cheap Trick Avenue" and "Smitty's XXX Peep Show," and "Hustle" bonus cards like: "You got yo whole neighborhood addicted to crack. Collect $50." Black clergy called for a boycott. "There's no way that game could be taken in any way other than that this man had racist intent in marketing it," said the Rev. Glenn Wilson in Philadelphia. That man, creator David Chang, disagreed. "It draws on stereotypes not as a means to degrade, but as a medium to bring together in laughter," Chang said. "If we can't laugh at ourselves... we'll continue to live in blame and bitterness."
This article - originally published on October 15, 2011 - was last updated on April 29, 2016.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Over the years, Urban Outfitters, a store aimed at young hipsters and owned by big-time conservative donor Richard Hayne, has managed to offend blacks, Jews, Native Americans, liberals, conservatives, and eating-disorder awareness groups, among others. Here, a look at 15 of Urban Outfitters' biggest controversies: 1.

# data[].attributes.body
Data showing the average price of different categories in the UO mix - dresses, tops and bottoms.

# data[].attributes.body
The price architecture from lowest to highest of tops, bottoms and dresses.

# data[].attributes.body
Used information regarding the legal section of the PESTLE

# data[].attributes.body
An article from Global Data depicting the ecommerce market growth from 2019 to 2020.

# data[].attributes.body
PETA protests against UO use of alpaca fur.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Peta has launched an international campaign against Urban Outfitters, Inc, and its subsidiaries (Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People). The US Peta became a company shareholder in April in the push for the company to adopt its animal-friendly policies.

It is protesting the retailer's use of alpaca, wool, leather, cashmere, mohair, down, and silk, as they state each product induces extreme violence, cruelty and fear on animals. The charity are demanding the drop of these animal skins and are doing so by protesting outside Urban Outfitters' flagship London store.

Protestors, even some dressed up as animals, are using audio sounds of animals being abused, holding graphic signs, or displaying signs entitled: 'Urban Outfitters: Animals Are Not Clothing.'

Elisa Allen, director of Peta, said in a statement: "Urban Outfitters brands want to reach progressive young people with their designs, but selling the skin, hair, and feathers of tormented animals will get them nowhere.

"Any material that's taken from an animal is a product of fear, and Peta is calling on Urban Outfitters to be true to its commitment to sustainability and ethical standards by selling only animal-friendly vegan fabrics, which it already stocks."

Brands ban animal skin

Many labels have banned animal skin after years of pressure by animal welfare groups, such as Peta.

Recently, Nordstrom has announced its ban of exotic animals skins through all of its Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack and Last Chance stores and e-commerce sites, by the end of 2021.

Additionally, the PVH Corp., has banned the use of animal skin in the collections of all its brands, which include Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and several other contemporary clothing lines. Labels such as Mulberry and Paul Smith have also banned the use of animal skin this year.

The latest country to pass a ban on the use of animals skin is France as the French minister, Barbara Pompili, has announced the end of mink fur farming, and that the remaining fur farms will have to close no later than 2025.
Photo credit: Peta

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Peta protests against Urban Outfitters' brands

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Peta has launched an international campaign against Urban Outfitters, Inc, and its subsidiaries (Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People). The US Peta became a company shareholder in April in the push for the company to adopt its animal-friendly policies.

# data[].attributes.body
This document is from URBN so has really good secondary data that I can use throughout my project.

# data[].attributes.body
This week I have tried to focus on getting my range plan kick started. I began with lots of research on my favourite platform WGSN to find trends, materials and colours that helped elevate the message for my range. I have found the padlet extremely useful as I have needed to come back and re read handfuls of articles, and having them in one collective place has really helped.

PESTLE is next on my list of things to do, and will complete this when I am at home and can really get my head down. The first project I really struggled with the PEST, therefore I want to do lots of prior research and wrap my head around having the Legal and Environmental sections too.

# data[].attributes.body
Inspiration especially for the #joyfulexpession - bright bold colours to elevate basics.

Neutrals +9% UK, +81% US, +10% DE at trend lead retailers (MOP)

# data[].attributes.body
Recycled nylon and polyester for the delicate tints.

# data[].attributes.body
I love the 'self-care slogans' as I think this can really easily be incorporated into my project and express the body positive message. In addition, the 'abstract art' prints works perfectly with my artistic theme

# data[].attributes.body
Feature straps and cutouts.

# data[].attributes.body
One of the main messages for my range. I want to ensure it is accessible to as many people as I can make possible.

# data[].attributes.body
Popular with younger gen and matches the print extremely well.

# data[].attributes.body
The main trend of my range. Pushing happiness, colour and joy.

# data[].attributes.body
2022 is looking up! Pushing positivity and optimism which is the cause behind my project.

# data[].attributes.body
Kitsch Florals to express the the intense feelings of happiness and proudness surrounding body positivity!

# data[].attributes.body
More knitwear inspiration - looking at elevating the basics such a crop tops and crew necks.

# data[].attributes.body
Again, showing pops of bright colour prepping for post lockdown. Knits in the form of bralets and cardigans.

# data[].attributes.body
The past 2 days working on my INP have been more successful than I thought they would be. I was worried that I had fallen behind due to it taking me so long to figure out an idea that I would love. However, I have worked super hard to catch up to the best that I can.

So far I have completed my concept, brand summary, SWOT, fashionability, customer profile and mood board. Considering I only decided on my idea at the end of last week, I feel as if I have achieved a lot.

Throughout the week I will complete as much as I can. On my to do list is to research my trend and key items.

# data[].attributes.body
Data showing the category mix for UO UK. This was helpful to support my opportunity suggestion of increasing the sustainability offer to more popular garments.

# data[].attributes.body
The UO BDG denim collection. This is the only dedicated sustainable collection which shows that UO could do more within sustainability.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Always open, always awesome. Clothing, accessories and apartment items for men and women.

# data[].attributes.body
A brilliant example of how UO is known for their overpriced clothing. They were selling an exact of her middle school p.e hoodie for $98! Overpriced and marketing a middle school logo as 'fashion'.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
People love to roast the unusual things that Urban Outfitters sells - especially since they tend to sell said unusual things at unfathomably high prices.

Anyone who's ever shopped at Urban Outfitters can attest to the fact that the retailer tends to find everyday items and disguise them as "vintage" or "exotic" so they can charge a premium.

Recently, 20-year-old theater student and TikTok user @daniellewowie was browsing the Urban Outfitters site when she came across one of these deceptive items. Believe it or not, UO had her P.E. sweatshirt from middle school listed on its site as a "vintage crewneck P.E. sweatshirt" - for $98.

"Urban Outfitters is selling a 'vintage' crewneck P.E. sweatshirt for $98 ... and it's literally my middle school P.E. sweatshirt, like I cannot make this up," @daniellewowie explained in her now-viral video. As she expressed her disbelief, she even held up her own version of the sweatshirt to the camera to prove that it was, in fact, the same one she was forced to wear as a preteen.

"This can't be real," one person responded.

"Urban is so overpriced it's not even funny," another added.

Speaking to BuzzFeed News, @daniellewowie explained that an old classmate tipped her off about the "evil" listing.

"I first saw it being listed because someone who was in my class posted about it on Twitter," she said. "I had to check myself to see because I truly could not believe it was real! Especially at such a high price ... evil."

According to some commenters, it's possible that the listing was actually put on UO's site via their marketplace, which anyone can apply to sell on. According to BuzzFeed, though, anything listed via UO MRKT has a "UO MRKT" badge, which the sweatshirt did not seem to have.

Unsurprisingly, the listing was taken down not long after @daniellewowie's video went viral, but not before she had time to dramatically read some of the reviews.
Cozy gifts to keep you warm all winter long: In The Know is now available on Apple News - If you enjoyed this story, check out these $770 grass-stained Gucci jeans that had people up in arms. Vet's way of eating an orange sparks philosophical debate You can wear MASONgrey's slip dresses to bed or brunch Woman infuriates TikTokers with the way she writes letters Nordstrom's new markdowns include lots of winter dresses on sale for less than $50 follow us here!
More from In The Know:

The post TikToker roasts Urban Outfitters for selling her old P.E. sweatshirt for $98 appeared first on In The Know.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Woman slams Urban Outfitters after discovering shady marketing ploy: 'I truly could not believe it'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
People love to roast the unusual things that Urban Outfitters sells - especially since they tend to sell said unusual things at unfathomably high prices. Anyone who's ever shopped at Urban Outfitters can attest to the fact that the retailer tends to find everyday items and disguise them as "vintage" or "exotic" so they can charge a premium.

# data[].attributes.body
Acorn profile to show the demographic of the UO customer. The financially stretched category shows the customer profile the best - specifically 'student life'.

# data[].attributes.body
For the whole of the week I have been trying my hardest to come up with an idea I love.

I have remembered the name of an artist, Sophie Tea, that I have always loved her work. She creates abstract paintings of women's nude bodies and they are just mesmerising. I have always dreamt of having one of her paintings in my home one day.

I am thinking of doing a collaboration with her and Urban Outfitters to create a range that promotes body positivity and inclusivity. I think Urban is a great brand to use as they have such a wide variety of garments and I think this will be able to facilitate my range.

# data[].attributes.body
I must admit I have struggled to come up with an idea for my INP. This is already proving me to come off track of my business planner. I want it to be right as I know I will put my all into the range if I love it.

My initial idea was focussed on creating nude garments for inclusitity. However, a whole clothing range would be difficult to create with this idea and it would mainly be shapewear / lingerie. My second idea was based on the work leisure trend. But, this wasn't original enough.

# data[].attributes.body
Urban Outfitters is owned by URBN. They also own brands such as Anthropologie and Free People.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
URBAN OUTFITTERS is a lifestyle retailer dedicated to inspiring customers through a unique combination of product, creativity and cultural understanding. Founded in 1970 in a small space across the street from the University of Pennsylvania, Urban Outfitters now operates over 200 stores in the Unite…

# data[].attributes.body
Use within SWOT to show how Urban can improve their sustainable manufacturing processes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Ethical Is Urban Outfitters? - Good On You

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This fashion chain has crafted a name for itself with its on-trend clothing. But how does it rate on the Good On You app? How ethical is Urban Outfitters?

# data[].attributes.body
A popup shop inside the gallery selling the range

# data[].attributes.body
I am starting my INP planning by looking at trends on WGSN. WGSN has been my favorite source throughout the projects for more than just finding trends. They have great trend data and inspiration along with the benefit of the CADS. I am liking the 'Elevated Basics' trend, however I feel like I need to move away from the basics and venture into a bolder trend.

I have also started the business planner which will help me separate my time accordingly throughout this project. Next week I plan on finalising my trend and business plan draft, and being set on my idea.

# data[].attributes.body
Looking at what is classic and key and how I can incorporate this into the more casual side of my range.

# data[].attributes.body
Elevated basics are in the replacement for loungewear. The core items are basic yet heightened with details such as split hems and side drawstrings.

# data[].attributes.body
Sophie's art is 'accessible' meaning she sells it on Instagram and reaches a wider and more diverse audience - especially of a younger generation.

Offers a deposit and pay in installments payment method that 90% of her paintings are purchased this way.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
At 23, Sophie Tea turned down her City job offer and pursued her passion for art

Four years later, her paintings sell within seconds and she made £1m last year

She already boasts 128,000 followers on Instagram and celebrity fans including singer Ella Eyre and Game of Thrones' Nathalie Emmanuel

This summer, she opened her first UK store, from lockdown in Australia

At This is Money, we speak to some of Britain's most successful business leaders, but every so often one stands out - viral Instagram artist Sophie Tea is one of those.

She was one of the pioneers of the 'glitter boobs' craze after a photo of herself adorned with gemstones, jewels and glitter at Coachella festival in 2017 went viral.

Since then she has made the traditionally exclusive art world more accessible to a younger crowd and turned her business into an online brand generating millions of pounds and with fans around the world.

This year, the 27-year-old opened her first UK store on London's famous Carnaby Street during the global coronavirus pandemic.

And to top it off, she managed it from the other side of the world having been left stranded in Australia during its lockdown earlier this summer.

Originally from Manchester, Sophie set out to disrupt the art industry and build a lucrative art business through her use of social media platforms.

She managed it, in just four years. To find out how, we spoke to her over zoom.

In 2016, while travelling around India with the intention of returning to a new job as a consultant in London, Sophie found herself painting a mural outside a hostel to make some extra cash.

Painting had always been a hobby but she hadn't picked up a brush since her days at school. When she finally did, she realised it was what she wanted to do as a career.

She decided to turn down her job offer and, after returning to England, started painting and posting her work on Facebook and Instagram.

'For the first year and a half, I was only really getting commissions from friends and family,' she said.

'It was tough but as I gained followers on social media, my work started to gain more traction.'

When she first started, she approached some galleries but was turned away.

It was then that she decided to represent herself, an approach that has meant the growth of Sophie's brand has only ever been organic, the thing of which she is most proud.

'Four years on, I don't feel the need to work with a gallery as demand is already high,' she explains.

'There are some progressive galleries - and I have worked with some - but on the whole, they can be quite an elitist world.

'Often there are no prices on the wall which can be very intimidating and doesn't fit with my nature at all.

'My work is easily accessible and encourages people who may not have bought original art in the past to consider it. I pride myself on taking people's art virginities.'

Making art accessible

What makes Sophie's art different is that she sells her work via social media. This has allowed her to target a wider audience, otherwise overlooked by galleries.

'I have more Instagram followers than a lot of galleries so I can reach more people but it's also about reaching the right people. The type of people buying art is changing, thanks to the increase of creatives on social media.'

Sophie tells This is Money, she feels lucky she started showcasing her work on Instagram at the right time as it would be harder to stand out if she was to start doing it now.

She said: 'Platforms like Instagram are great, it's amazing what you can do from this one app. Now you can order something with one click or set up a business account overnight. But it would be difficult to grow now as the market is so saturated.'

Another unique feature of Sophie's business model, which has made art more accessible, is offering customers the option to pay for originals in installments.

She introduced the function a year ago and now 90 per cent of her orders are processed this way.

To secure one of the pieces from her latest 'Send Nudes' collection, customers need only pay a £250 deposit and then pay the remainder either in full or in monthly instalments over 12 months. Unlike some buy now, pay later models, no interest is added to the price you pay.

She said: 'I'm not saying my artwork is cheap but it is definitely more accessible than most. This model means people can pay in smaller amounts over a longer time, but enjoy the art straight away.

'It does come with risks but everything is based on trust and that's what makes our relationship with our customers unique. Out of 5,500 orders, only two people have ever defaulted on payment.

'That is only a testament to the trusting, happy brand we have built. Being trusting, kind, and actually engaging with your customers means you'll get their respect in return.'

Restructure of power

As a result of her distinctive business model, selling her work online and actively engaging with her followers on social media, Sophie is an example of how an artist can succeed in a cut-throat world.

'I think more people should be artists. It's still not deemed a "proper career" but you have to be switched on and work well under pressure like any other entrepreneur to succeed.

'But the power is coming into the artist's hands now more than ever. People are becoming increasingly aware of the high tax galleries put on artists' work.

'I worked with Maddox Gallery as part of the 'HerStory' exhibition in March, this year. Unlike many others, Maddox is a progressive gallery that represents a small number of artists and really looks after them.'

Another issue for artists, especially those going alone, is scaling. Sophie said it is 'uncharted territory' for an artist to grow organically, as they have to essentially build their own business without the help of a gallery.

She added: 'It's a different kettle of fish to go from 100 customers to 1,000. We worked with small business suppliers at first but as that has grown, we've needed bigger companies for bigger orders.'

This has led Sophie to put on exhibitions and live shows. If someone cannot afford her art, she wants them to at least be able to enjoy it - all tickets to all of her shows are free.

'We put on exhibitions as if we were a band. We are a brand,' she said.

Living and learning in lockdown

Despite her online and digital success, Sophie is committed to showcasing her work and meeting her fans and followers in person. Having put on 12 shows across five countries in 2019, cancelling the bulk of them this year has been difficult.

'However, lockdown has also allowed me to refocus,' she said. 'I have never produced such good quality art as there have been no distractions and I've discovered new ways of painting.

'Canvasses were always selling out out so I started painting on perspex. When there is constraint, creativity comes out eventually.'

'I have never sold so much. We had our best month for sales on record in March and that doubled in April. People are working from home and looking at their empty walls.'

The boost in creativity and increase in sales are not Sophie's biggest achievement during lockdown, she says.

She opened her first UK store this summer - all the while being stuck on the other side of the world.

Shaftesbury, which invests in real estate across London's West End, got in touch to say a venue had become available on one of London's most sought after Soho locations, Carnaby Street.

'It all happened very quickly,' Sophie said. 'Shaftesbury messaged me during lockdown and I was due to come back but I wouldn't be able to come back to Australia if I left.

'I mentioned using a hologram as a joke in an online meeting with my team, who are still based in the UK, and next thing I knew, I was standing in front of a green screen and everything I said was decoded and played back during the store's opening weekend.

'I was so gutted I couldn't make it but it was such a success. I am so grateful to my excellent team who managed to pull it off perfectly.'

Exclusive collections

Of course, as with any brand, and in a world where everything is instant, Sophie knows she has to keep up with changing attitudes and trends.

She was one of the pioneers of the 'glitter boobs' craze which has seen thousands of party and festival-goers decorate their bodies with glitter and stick-on gems ever since a picture of her wearing the same get-up at Coachella in 2017 went viral.

That move catapulted the British artist's paintings into the spotlight, earning her $1.7million in 2019 alone. But Sophie knows she has to remain fresh and exciting.

Her most recent collection, 'Send Nudes', has been close to her heart as it celebrates female empowerment, body confidence and diversity, a topic that has been widely discussed in recent years.

She said: 'I never had the best relationship with my body growing up, so I always wanted to do a project on the female form.

'Last year I asked my followers if they wanted to be my muses, if they wanted to be a part of my campaign, and if so, to send nudes. Overnight we had over 1,000 images sent to our Instagram.

'All shapes and sizes and different races. People with scars, mastectomies, anything and everything. Every picture came with it's own unique story.'

The collection has been a huge success as have the shows associated with it, which have seen different women take part in her nude catwalk. The Carnaby Street gallery launch came with its own unique 'Send Nudes' show.

Sophie is on a constant journey of growth, as an entrepreneur, a business, a brand and also personally and creatively.

She added: 'My art will always evolve. Everything is limited and people know I am going to change or introduce a new collection at any time, I think this is why the work sells out. If you miss out, then you miss out.'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Instagram artist Sophie Tea on how she blew the art world away

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At 23, Sophie Tea turned down her City job offer and pursued her passion for art Four years later, her paintings sell within seconds and she made £1m last year She already boasts 128,000 followers on Instagram and celebrity fans including singer Ella Eyre and Game of Thrones' Nathalie Emmanuel This summer, she opened her first UK store, from lockdown in Australia At This is Money, we speak to some of Britain's most successful business leaders, but every so often one stands out - viral Instagram artist Sophie Tea is one of those.

# data[].attributes.body
Sophie has a gallery on Carnaby Street, London.

# data[].attributes.body
"It's reported that she turned over 1m in the last year alone and she is determined to make art accessible for all"

Profitable venture for to take as there is evidence of Sophie's success.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Viral Instagram artist Sophie Tea (@sophieteaart) has opened her very first art shop in London. Located around Carnaby Street, you literally can't miss it - it's bright pink. Sophie has made her name by selling thousands of paintings online via Instagram, shunning the traditional methods of an art gallery. It's reported that she turned over 1m in the last year alone and she is determined to make art accessible for all - offering unique interest-free payment plans for people who are desperate for art but might not be able to afford it. Well known. for animals and vibrant abstract works, she has recently created nude paintings to celebrate and empower body diversity. Her work also extends to abstract hearts with hidden messages. She shares every step of her journey with her I27k followers who love watching her work. Currently, at her art shop in Australia, we spoke to Sophie about her Carnaby Street store (she hasn't yet been able to visit due to Covid-19), and why she loves pink so much...
RELATED: 10 more of the best Instagram accounts to follow for positivity & kindness

Hi Sophie, your path to success has been crazy - and amazing - what's been your highlight?
"Well, that's so flattering! It's been a series of green lights lately, a stark comparison to the first few years of 'art-life'. A highlight would have to be launching a Sydney and Carnaby Street, London store this year; both bright pink of course!"
Do people stop you on the street now you're a bonafide Instagram star?
"Haha, oh god no definitely not! Although I know it's only a matter of time because quite literally every single person I meet I tell them to follow me on Instagram and they get an ear-full about how much I love art. I'm that girl."
RELATED: Get more design inspiration from these stunning celebrity living rooms You have probably done lots of celebrity commissions, but was there anyone you were star struck by?
"Yes, I've seen a lot of nude celebrities, but my mouth remains closed at the one that I was extremely gobsmacked over!"
Which celebrity would you love to see your pieces in their house?
"I really admire Lady Gaga, so that would be an honour."
How did lockdown affect your business? More and more people were scrolling on Instagram through boredom and people were at home staring at their bare walls in their homes - did that lead to a crazy demand?
"The lockdown did lead to an unprecedented demand. We had our best month ever in March, then doubled it in April. To be honest it's why I pressed go on our stores. I recognise how I have been extremely lucky to be a small business that was able to stay afloat during these crazy times. It could have so easily gone the other way, but as a founder, I thrive in uncertainty. I used lockdown as an opportunity to create my work, and a lot of it!!"
You have a love for pink - where did that come from?
"I'm playing on the irony of what it means to be a girl. I'm living for the empowered woman in these modern times. Girls get paid. Girls speak out. Girls are sex-positive. Girls do what the hell they want to do. So yes, I'll own the colour pink because I'm proud to be a girl."

What's your top tip for anyone who would like to invest in their art collection - do you have any top tips on where to start
"My top tip for investing in art would be to simply make sure that you LOVE it! There is zero point investing to later on-sell if you don't like looking at it every day, how boring! My second tip would be to buy to celebrate! Whether you're graduating or getting a promotion, getting through a tough time or saying no. Make sure the artwork represents something personal to you. It can act like a time capsule to remind you of what a legend you are."
You have a series on Instagram for art therapy - have you had lots of lovely feedback for that?
"My art therapies on Instagram @sophieteaart have been a hit! Time-Lapse videos of painting really are so calming to watch. This is so sad but I am even obsessed with them, I enjoy reflecting on what decisions I've made with compositions or colours or brushstrokes. I use them like a scrapbook myself to see how my technique is evolving."
CARNABY'S 2.0 launched this week You seem like you have lots of ideas and not enough time... you never stop! How do you relax?
"How do I relax?! Good question. This is a work in progress for me, and something that I must invest in for my mental health. I am honestly constantly buzzing about how I can push harder and get bigger. Every waking hour is consumed with excitement around art. Then after around 15 days of work I crash. Hard. I've just moved into an amazing place with this jacuzzi bath that overlooks the ocean, my aim is to get in it every night, WITHOUT my phone. I'll let you know!"
Now let's talk about the pink Sophie Tea art gallery - how did that come about and what was the ultimate goal?
"It was always the plan to launch a gallery that was inclusive for anyone that wants to come in! The thing I love the most about my work is making artwork accessible to all. You don't have to have money to be able to enjoy a Sophie Tea original. My huge Carnaby street store is to eradicate elitism in our little art world. Our store is open 7 days a week, the music is blasting, there is a naked selfie mirror room, a hologram of me talking about my story, a pink vending machine where everything is free, and loads of sofas for you to sit and enjoy the artwork for as long as you want!! Meeting our beautiful customers and hearing their stories in-store is the best!"

The art world can seem pretty snobbish, but you're anything but! Do you love that you've given a different version of 'I collect art'
"Posing question like that means I'm doing something right! Our aim at Sophie Tea is to make buying original artwork accessible. We allow all of our customers to pay in instalments over 12 months. All you have to do is pay a small deposit usually around £100 and you get the artwork right away. 90%+ of our orders use this method and it's the best idea I ever had to offer payment in this way. I collect art, YES YOU DO!"
You have a presence in Australia and London, where's your next dream destination?
"Los Angeles. Next is setting up a gallery on Melrose. You heard it here first!"
If someone is thinking of visiting the london exhibition - what can they expect?
"To walk out feeling a hell of a lot nicer about yourself. I'd also go as far to say it's one of the most Instagramable venues in London. If you manage to visit then make sure you tag me in absolutely everything because nothing makes me happier than seeing you enjoying my creations!"
What's one pink thing everyone should own in their life?
"I mean if I didn't give my own artwork a plug on this platform I'd be stupid. The pink thing that everyone should own is an original piece of Sophie Tea Art."

Visit the Sophie Tea shop at 5-7 Fouthbert's Place, Carnaby, W1. Inside you'll find a naked selfie booth with funhouse mirror, all-pink snacks vending machine, pink Pac Man gaming and a pink fur selfie wall. Go along, enjoy art and have fun.
SHOP: 18 wall art ideas that will transform your bare walls into a work of art

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sophie Tea: Meet the artist who's changing the London art scene one pink paint stroke at a time

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Viral Instagram artist Sophie Tea (@sophieteaart ) has opened her very first art shop in London . Located around Carnaby Street, you literally can't miss it - it's bright pink. Sophie has made her name by selling thousands of paintings online via Instagram, shunning the traditional methods of an art gallery.

# data[].attributes.body
An example of Sophie's artwork:
Colourful, abstract, unique, daring.

# data[].attributes.body
Sophie helped launch the 'glitter boobs' movement seen at festivals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sophie Tea, 26, Manchester, helped launch the 'glitter boobs' craze in 2017

At the time she was selling paintings online and quickly saw her business boom

She has made £15,000 in the last two days by selling art through Instagram

The talented artist is now set to turnover £1million in the next 12 months

The millennial entrepreneur who helped launch the 'glitter boobs' phenomenon is now a successful artist selling work on Instagram.

Sophie Tea, 26, of Manchester, became an online sensation in 2017 after a photos of her posing at Coachella with glitter, gems and jewels stuck across her bare chest went viral.

At the time she was being commissioned to paint animals but after the glitter boob snap blew up Sophie saw her followers - and art business - boom.

Her work, which typically costs between £400 and £2,000, is now snapped up within seconds of being posted on Instagram and Sophie has made £15,000 in the last two days alone.

She now has her sights set on growing her reach, and is on track to turnover £1million this year.

Sophie graduated with a degree in Business Management from Birmingham Aston University in 2016 and was due to start a prestigious graduate scheme as an analytical consultant in the autumn.

However while travelling in India that summer she was struck by the realisation that she wanted to become an artist instead.

Speaking to FEMAIL, Sophie, who has 51,000 followers, explained art had been her favourite subject in school but she gave it up after her GCSEs.

'I also had a brain and I was pushed into thinking you shouldn't be an artist because you won't make any money,' she said.

That summer in India Sophie, then aged 22, offered to paint a mural for a hostel in exchange for a free stay.

'It was the first time I had painted in like six years,' Sophie continued. 'I painted a huge colorful cow mural as they're holy in India.'

It was at that moment that she decided to quit the graduate scheme she was due to start in less than two weeks, and abandon her plans to move to London to pursue a career in art.

'I phoned my dad and said,"do you mind if I move home to become an artist?" I think at first my parents were a bit shocked, but they were so supportive.'

When she returned from India and moved in with her parents, Sophie uploaded a photo of the colorful cow mural onto Facebook. Friends and family quickly responded asking her to paint their pets.

'Someone would ask me to paint a blue dog, that kind of thing. I made a bit of a name for myself painting these colourful animals, because it was a bit of a niche.'

However Sophie remained unconvinced she could make money as an artist.

She quickly noticed a gap in the market for people who wanted to buy art through social media but would never go into a gallery as it would be too intimidating and came up with the idea for an app that would connect buyers directly with artists.

In early 2017 she flew to New York for a meeting with a potential investor but they encouraged her to pursue art herself.

'They gave me the confidence to go for it, so I scrapped the app and decided to become an artist,' Sophie said.

She started Googling art studios while in a New York airport and, as soon as she landed in London, took a taxi to the first one on the list

'I took the tiniest art studio in Wimbledon Art Studio. There are over 200 other artists in the building - and I'm the youngest by about 10 years.

'I was already building my business through social media, so I just continued there. I'm able to self promote more than a gallery could through social media. I'm always gradually increasing my prices and working to capacity.'

Because Sophie doesn't work with galleries - who can take a 50 per cent commission and often represent multiple artists - she was able to keep 100 per cent of money made from her paintings and reinvest it into her business.

But by mid-2017, Sophie was struggling, and jumping at every opportunity to grow her business.

It was then she was approached by Jenna Meek, a friend-of-a-friend who was then setting up her body jewellery brand Gypsy Shrine, now a global business with a string of A-list fans, and wanted another artist to help apply body jewels at festivals.

Sophie continued: 'While at Coachella, we had the glitter boobs idea. We just took off our tops and put loads of glitter on our boobs. It's actually a bit embarrassing now but my followers boomed after that.'

The Glitter Boobs picture went viral, catapulting Sophie's followers and drawing the attention of celebrities including Ellen Degeneres.

Weeks later, when terrorists attacked the Ariana Grande concert in Sophie's hometown of Manchester, the artist was determined to raise money to support the victims. She painted a huge colorful bee canvas, and auctioned it off for £2,500.

The striking design drew the attention of Grande's publicist, who asked if he could have the bee embroidered onto a jacket for the star's birthday, further raising Sophie's profile.

She continued selling her colorful animals through Instagram, catching the attention of Love Island star Camilla Thurlow.

Mid-way through last year Sophie began to feel restrained by the animal paintings and found she was more interested in abstract art.

So Sophie started the #100DayAbstractChallenge, which saw her post one piece of original art every day at 8pm for 100 days and said the first person to comment 'buy' would be able to buy it. She sold each piece for £250.

She said: 'Obviously at first I messaged all my friends to comment on the posts to create a buzz and traction. But it snowballed so quickly and soon as I was selling paintings within seconds. I gained ten thousand followers in six months.'

On the final day of the challenge in September, Sophie claims 30 people commented on the painting within in the first two seconds of her post.

'That's when I decided to open a link, putting the prices up and offering the painting for 100 hours. Over 300 people signed up and ordered paintings.'

Now she has sold over 1,000 original paintings, and has just starting the second 100 day abstract art challenge.

Sophie said it depends on her mood how many paintings she's able to produce in a day, and describes working 15 hour days 7 days a week in order to keep her business growing.

'I don't have a work-life balance at all. I don't think switching off is a thing for anyone with a business as I'm constantly concerned and worried about things - especially because now I'm employing four staff and I have my studio.

'Sometimes I can paint two or three pieces in a day, while other days it may be a whole week.'

The 26-year-old is also trying to attract customers around her own age by offering payment plans that allow buyers to pay in monthly installments.

Sophie says that since introducing the new payment plan, her paintings sell out within seconds and she is on course to turnover £1 million this year.

She added: 'I've never had anyone not pay me. I really believe in karma, and in the three years I've been doing this, nobody has done anything bad to me.'

Though she's enjoying working on abstract art at the moment, which she describes as 'really hot', Sophie maintains that part of what attracts her to being an artist is the ability to change and evolve.

'As a business woman you have to jump on all opportunities. The beauty of being an artist is I could do something totally ridiculous one day and then be like "Oh well I was 22" and move on.'

'Glitterati' Sophie Tea's solo art exhibition in collaboration with The Gypsy Shrine will take place on Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th February 2019 at White Space, Leicester Square. Please visit www.SophieTeaArt.com for more details.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Instagram artist reveals she aims to make £1 million this year

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sophie Tea, 26, Manchester, helped launch the 'glitter boobs' craze in 2017 At the time she was selling paintings online and quickly saw her business boom She has made £15,000 in the last two days by selling art through Instagram The talented artist is now set to turnover £1million in the next 12 months The millennial entrepreneur who helped launch the 'glitter boobs' phenomenon is now a successful artist selling work on Instagram.

# data[].attributes.body
Taking tips from her types of photos and her general aesthetic. She posts lots about her personal fashion which I have found inspirational for the range.

# data[].attributes.body
"Sophie found herself drawn to creating art based on the female form, in all its forms, often in her signature pinks and blues."

# data[].attributes.body
Here is my proposed business plan for the INP.

# data[].attributes.body
Use as a graphic tee shirt?