Zara launches detergent that reduces textile microfibre shedding

The Laundry by Zara Home. Image: Inditex Retail giant Zara has launched a new detergent in partnership with chemical company BASF Home Care, alongside I&I Solutions Europe, which claims to reduce textile microfibre shedding by up to 80 percent. The detergent’s formula was created based on the use of laboratory testing on different textile types and washing conditions. In a release, the Inditex-owned brand said the detergent can also help end users lower their energy consumption by reducing washing temperatures to 20 degrees celsius, as the product is said to be particularly suitable for such settings. Speaking on the launch, Javier Losada, chief sustainability officer at Inditex, said: "Innovation and collaboration are key to meeting the challenges of the textile industry. We strive to be more creative and efficient by driving innovative new technologies. “This project with BASF is a good example of this approach as it shows the effectiveness of cross-industry collaboration and goes one step further as it can be adjusted to extend the use of this technology in the industry." The new product will come under the Zara Home label, and will be available both in the brand’s stores and online across 25 markets, including most European countries. Zara said it is expecting the product to become available in further markets over the coming weeks.
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Pinterest predicts consumer trends for 2023

Image: Pinterest; 'Airy Styles' Beauty Social media platform Pinterest is predicting that romcom core, airy styles, fringing and galactic fits will shape fashion trends in 2023, while for beauty, consumers will be opting for bright hair, micro makeovers, and crown care. Described as a “window into the future,” the ‘Pinterest Predicts 2023’ trend report analyses global search data from September 2020 to September 2022 from the 400 million people using the platform each month to predict what trends next year will bring. Pinterest is also confident about its forecasts, as, over the last three years, 80 percent of its trend predictions have come true. Jenna Waller, head of fashion at Pinterest UK, said in a statement: “Fashion is one of the most popular categories on Pinterest, with millions of people turning to the platform every month to get inspired and to shop. Our annual report is a cheat sheet for fashion brands looking to capitalise on what’s set to be big, before it happens. And it’s not guesswork - it’s based on what we know people are interested in and are planning for. "For 2023, expect a year filled with lace, tulle and ruffles as people ditch loungewear. Anticipate dystopian streetwear taking inspiration from dark cinematic fantasies. Also prepare to see slip dresses, tube dresses and cargo pants back in as ‘Romcom Core’ will also take hold. Brands can tap into these trends and more, to reach consumers with what they really want, and we can’t wait to share our insights with the industry." Image: Pinterest; 'Fringe with Benefits' Pinterest forecasts fashion and beauty trends for 2023 For 2023, Pinterest is predicting that fashion will be very feminine, with airy styles and ethereal detailing such as lace, tulle, ruffles and shimmer fabrications being key trends. This is evident from increased searches year-on-year for shimmery dresses, which is up 365 percent, tulle sleeves increased by 65 percent and lace top long sleeves up 225 percent. This is also a trend for everyone, as searches for ruffle shirts for men also increased by 95 percent. Another key trend will be fringes going mainstream, with Gen X and Millennials taking inspiration from the catwalk to embrace “free-swinging fringed outfits”. With fringe dresses up 225 percent and black fringe skirts up 155 percent, Pinterest also adds that fringing will be a key trend for brides, as searches for fringe wedding dresses increase by 45 percent. Image: Pinterest; 'Romcom Core' For Gen Z and Millennials, it will all be about dressing for their meet cute, as they choose fashion that romanticises their wardrobes inspired by their favourite rom-coms from the 2000s. Romcom Core will see increases in slip dresses, tube tops, cargo pants and claw clips, as searches for 2000s girl aesthetics increase by 235 percent, while pink mini skirt outfit jumps 145 percent. The final fashion trend is ‘Sci-fi fits’ where Gen Z and Millennials with futuristic styles, with searches for dystopian outfits, cyber streetwear, galactic glasses and gamer girl styles expected to spike. Pinterest has seen a 215 percent increase year-on-year for dystopian outfits, while Avant Garde outfits increased by 225 percent and gamer girl look is up a staggering 3,370 percent. Image: Pinterest; 'Crown Care' Beauty trends predicted by Pinterest When it comes to beauty, Gen X and Boomers will be taking it back to their roots by prioritising ‘Skinification,’ a focus on the scalp and crown of your hair, as searches for scalp massage techniques, clean scalp, and natural hair mask all spiked in search data. There will also be a focus on bright ‘Gemini hair,’ with Gen Z and Millennials looking to mix natural hues with bright purples, blues and pinks. Searches for blue and black braids increased by 215 percent, while brown to pink balayage spiked by 280 percent, and pink and lavender hair was up 345 percent. Beauty will also be going small in 2023, as Millennials and Gen Z favour bob haircuts, up 550 percent, and micro-French nails over acrylic nails, as searches increase 235 percent. Other key trends will be micro fringes up 110 percent, short stiletto nails up 80 percent and short braid hairstyles up 45 percent. Image: Pinterest; 'Micro Makeover'
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2022 trends were defined by ‘nostalgia’ Klarna finds

Klarna The Checkout trend report. Image: Klarna Payment service provider Klarna has released the first part of its annual trend report, ‘The Checkout’, which looks into consumer trends over the past year. According to its findings, shopping trends in 2022 revolved around the theme of ‘nostalgia’, with items reminiscent of the 18th century through to the early 00’s seeing sales increases. The report was made in collaboration with trend expert Agus Panzoni, who said the trends pointed to a longing for happier, more carefree times. Five distinct themes have been defined by Klarna, the first of which is labelled ‘Vintage tech’ and refers to simpler, more reliable tech products. Meanwhile, ‘Hyperfemininity’ encompassed Barbiecore, Bimbocore and Balletcore trends, which were driven largely by the 126 percent increase in sales of pink products in August. Other trends looked more at past eras for shopping inspiration, including Y2K, Counterculture, which is rooted in the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s youth movements, and Regencycore, defined by styles inspired by the Victorian and Regency periods. Speaking on the report, Panzoni said: “Inspiration from earlier ages is nothing new but the nostalgic imprint on this year's trends is remarkable. “Against the backdrop of a changing world, it seems people have been escaping to more comfortable territories as the antidote to everyday life.”
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Sephora appoints Sarah Boyd as managing director UK

Image: Sephora Beauty giant Sephora has announced the appointment of Sarah Boyd as the managing director of its UK business. It comes just under two months after the LVMH-owned retailer re-entered the UK market through the launch of an e-commerce site and dedicated campaign. Prior to her appointment, Boyd served as the company’s managing director of SEA & Oceania, as well as vice president, head of markets and new ventures for South East Asia Pacific. In a LinkedIn post, Boyd said: “I am extremely proud and excited to share that I’m starting a new position as managing director at Sephora UK. “Back to my home country, and without a doubt one of the most advanced and discerning beauty markets in the world. “I’m ready to work with the Feelunique team to continue their journey to bring the Sephora magic to the UK. “Leading the SEA & Oceania markets for the past few years has been a great honour and a privilege.” Sephora first entered the UK in 2005, however, quickly closed up shop due to the saturation of the market, which was mostly led by Boots. Its first hint at re-entry came in the form of an acquisition of British beauty e-commerce retailer Feelunique for an undisclosed sum. The platform has now been replaced by Sephora, which utilised the site to launch a dedicated e-commerce space, marking the first phase of its return.
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