Lily Hewes’ Post

Just finished absorbing some thought-provoking insights from the #SXSW keynotes on the future of sustainable fashion. The discussions around collaboration, sustainability, and brand identity truly struck a chord with me, especially as the founder of YUS NYC Marketplace. We're committed to reshaping the fashion industry by championing ethical and sustainable brands. The keynote on 'The Power of Collaborations for a Sustainable Fashion Future' with Chris Kerston, Ingrid Lung, Amanda Russell, and Matthew Wallace emphasized the importance of collective action in driving positive change. It's not just about individual brands, but rather the power of partnerships and alliances to create a more sustainable ecosystem. That was great to hear, especially as my brand, Bela Brand, works with small suppliers. Additionally, 'Beyond the Bottom Line: The Role of Sustainability for Your Brand's Growth' highlighted the significance of aligning business practices with environmental and social responsibility. At YUS NYC, we're constantly striving to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our platform, from product sourcing to customer engagement. Lastly, 'The Importance of Brand World Creation' with Maghan McDowell and Alice Yu highlighted the importance of authentic storytelling and brand identity. We believe that by fostering a strong brand narrative rooted in sustainability, we can connect with consumers on a deeper level. Excited to implement these insights into our platform to further advance the cause of ethical and sustainable fashion. Stay tuned for some exciting collaborations and initiatives from YUS NYC Marketplace! #SustainableFashion #YUSMarketplace #CollaborationForChange

Such an insightful read! 👏 This article beautifully discusses the importance of inclusivity in fashion, showcasing how brands like Savage X Fenty and Universal Standard are leading the charge. I'm inspired by the industry's move towards celebrating diversity and catering to all body types and ethnic backgrounds. #InclusiveFashion #DiversityandInclusion

Title: Unveiling the Power of Modest Fashion: Beholding, Becoming, and Impaction Beholding: Modest fashion is not just about clothing; it's about embracing a lifestyle rooted in dignity, respect, and cultural appreciation. Taking a moment to behold the beauty of modesty, both in style and in substance. Celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that shape our diverse fashion landscape. Becoming: As an advocate of modest fashion, Striving to become beacons of authenticity and confidence. Embrace my unique style, honoring my values, and empowering others to do the same. i embark on a journey of self-discovery, where i evolve not only as fashion enthusiast but also as individual committed to inner growth and self-expression. Impaction: The impact of modest fashion extends far beyond aesthetics; it's about challenging stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and fostering positive change. leveraging om platform to amplify diverse voices, advocate for representation, and champion inclusivity in the fashion industry and beyond. I believe we can redefine the standards of beauty and inspire a generation to embrace modesty with pride and purpose. Are you ready to join the movement? Let's behold the beauty, become the change-makers, and make an impaction that resonates far and wide. #ModestFashion #Empowerment #DiversityandInclusion #FashionRevolution Share your thoughts and experiences as we navigate this empowering journey together!

OPTIMIZING THE DIGITIZATION OF FASHION WEEK The Business of Fashion and Copenhagen Fashion Week partner for a second season, inviting industry leaders, designers, strategists and cultural experts including Esprit’s Ana Andjelic, Lagos Fashion Week founder Omoyemi Akerele, and author and sustainability strategist Alec Leach, to explore future visions for fashion weeks globally. 👾 Optimizing the Digitisation of Fashion Week “Today, consumers really enjoy the peer-to-peer engagement that new channels bring. This is markedly different from reading reviews on Vogue. Fashion weeks have more responsibility today to be much more democratic — speaking to an audience in a way that is much more understandable and digestible,” said one guest. “We have to ask, ‘what is the actual meaning behind what we’re doing? What is the cultural context?’ Younger audiences today have such a thirst for knowledge, especially if they haven’t come from a fashion background. Let’s make it accessible for them.” Another guest highlighted the fashion and luxury industry were focusing on digital channels, but opportunities exist to optimise the impact of fashion week activations. It’s not about simply those 10 minutes of a show, or those three hours of a party. It’s about content and how that endures. “To use the example of Louis Vuitton. [I believe] they measured the success of the show in YouTube views and in impressions, not in how many buyers were there, or how many people actually bought that collection after we just hit the stores. [...] Even with millions spent, it can excite culture for one second. What [the next generation of hybrid community culture is] is the exact opposite of that: creating a lot of signals that synchronise and create something meaningful that can be heard. It’s the opposite of having one big moment when you spend a lot of money.” “Today, virality and cut-through on the internet is achievable, but building community and lasting cultural moments that live on is more important,” said another attendee. “Content should capture the atmosphere of the event, the moment — whatever you’ve created — to involve a much greater audience. Give them something to connect with.” explore more: https://lnkd.in/gAfRWe4E #fashionweek #metaverse #fashion #web3 #crypto #btc

#UnderconsumptionCore goes beyond mere frugality or budgeting --- it serves as a powerful critique of the relentless consumerism promoted by capitalist culture. It urges us to use our resources wisely, to maximize the value we derive from our possessions before succumbing to the allure of the next trend. The focus is on making sustainable choices that enhance the practicality and impact of our daily lives. This movement is gaining momentum as social media users engage in challenges like #minimalist wardrobes, #DIY projects, and sharing thrift store hauls that celebrate unique, sustainable fashion discoveries from their own homes. They offer styling tips for versatile outfits, breathe new life into old belongings, reintegrate former purchases into their daily routines, and chronicle their journeys towards more thoughtful fashion decisions. By embracing this trend, they not only promote a sustainable lifestyle but also foster a community that prioritizes authenticity and creativity over constant consumption.

Knokke-Heist Fashion Week: Unveiling Opportunities Beyond Adorable Clothes (An Entrepreneur's Perspective) Just returned from a whirlwind trip to Elle Fashion Week in Knokke-Heist, Belgium. And while "kids' fashion" might sound like a niche market, for an entrepreneur like myself, it was a treasure trove of potential. This trip wasn't just about cute clothes (though let's be honest, they were adorable!). It was about investigating the next project venture, and Knokke-Heist revealed a thriving fashion ecosystem brimming with profit potential and investment opportunities. Beyond Adorable Outfits: Fashion as a Growth Engine Knokke-Heist showcased the power of fashion as a force for economic development. Here's what sparked my excitement: 1️⃣ Local Love, Global Reach: The event celebrated local designers and boutiques, yet the energy was undeniably global. This highlights the sweet spot - cater to your local community while keeping an eye on broader trends. It's a strategy applicable across industries: build a strong local foundation with a global perspective. 2️⃣ Immersive Experiences Drive Connection: Knokke-Heist wasn't just about selling clothes, it was about creating an immersive experience. From runway shows to charming shops, the focus was on connecting with customers on an emotional level. This translates across industries - invest in creating memorable experiences for your audience. 3️⃣ Fashion Fosters Growth: Witnessing the bustling local businesses in Knokke-Heist cemented the link between fashion and economic development. Every purchase supports local vendors and contributes to the community's growth. It's a win-win for everyone. Insights for the Next Venture 🔎 This trip has me energized to translate these insights into my upcoming project. Sure, the focus of Elle Fashion Week was kids' fashion, but the lessons learned are valuable for the broader fashion market. Fashion is a thriving industry brimming with innovation, passionate communities, and a clear path to growth. Every element, from local boutiques to global trends, plays a crucial role. Witnessing the success in Knokke-Heist reinforces my belief that fashion, no matter the niche, can be a powerful driver for business. This trip fueled my entrepreneurial spirit, and I'm eager to leverage these insights in my next venture. #ElleFashionWeek #KnokkeHeist #BusinessInspiration #FashionMarket

2018: $2.5 trillion 2019: $1.45 trillion (pandemic started) 2021: $1.71 trillion 2023: $1.95 trillion Fashion industry took a big hit in 2019 losing 60-70% of its value but this year fashion shows roared back, new voices emerged, and sustainable action finally bloomed. But what were the industry's shining moments? 5 changes that brought fashion industry back to the game: ✅Celebrating New Faces & Perspectives Diverse talent from emerging designers to young editors are finally taking centre stage. This global shift, with cities like Copenhagen and Seoul joining the fashion week map, proves creativity can flourish anywhere. ✅ A Return to Craft & Appreciation In 2023, we saw a resurgence of respect for the skill and heritage behind fashion. Peter Do's appointment at Helmut Lang exemplifies this shift, where brand understanding fuels authentic design. ✅ Open Dialogue & Democratization Fashion is no longer exclusive. Social media empowers everyone to have a say, sparking vibrant discussions on themes like representation, diversity, and activism. ✅ Girl Power: Celebrating Femininity This year celebrated women in all their glory, from independent "girlie-approved" brands like Sandy Liang to hyper feminine motifs. ✅ Sustainability Beyond Buzzwords Upcycling took centre stage in 2023. We witnessed Chloe Sevigny's iconic closet sale to grassroots initiatives, resourcefulness and circularity became tangible actions, not just marketing messages. A year of challenges and triumphs, 2023 proved fashion is resilient and ever-evolving. 💡What were your favourite fashion moments from last year? #fashionretail #entrepreneur

Can you have a ‘meet/cute’ moment when founding a company? My Co-founder Nancy Zeffman and I met at the school gate and bonded over everything from lost gym kit to HIIT classes. Cue a friend’s big birthday and we stumbled on the idea of marrying tech + fabric + luxury + making life easier for women through clothing. Enter our brand, Cucumber Clothing sustainable, innovative, solutions-focussed, with a bang. In fact, you may have seen us name-dropped everywhere from the pages of Style and Vogue Italia to Jo Good’s Radio Show and Dragon’s Den. (Reader, we did not get funding, but we did get 3 million viewers). We believed that clothes should do more than dress the body. We researched endlessly to find the best, super soft fabrics that moved with the body and that used the latest technology to keep you feeling fresh, whatever the weather or the state of your hormones. We wanted to be slow fashion all the way, with our fabrics lasting up to six times longer than cotton, cold machine and hand washable (less water and energy consumption), hang dry, no ironing (bliss) and everything designed, sampled and manufactured in a five-mile radius in London. Women’s bodies have a timeline and direction of their own. We designed our clothes to support that. As mid-life founders who pivoted from previous professions, (fashion/advertising) we felt perfectly placed to explore and understand our customer base. There’s no passion like your own! We’ve been going for over six years now, through the excitement of a great launch, through the depths of Brexit and Covid. We're pushing forwards with the amazing help of fabulous networks like Female Founders Rise and their 30 Day Challenge. It has been a tremendous journey and one we would love to have you join us on. We are where fashion intersects with both tech and sustainability - let us know where you think the future of fashion is - we would love to hear your thoughts. #cucumberclothing #sustainablefashion #femalefounders

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 – 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄? The SS25 fashion weeks have shown us one thing: 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸. According to Vogue Business, only 0.8% of looks across New York, London, Milan, and Paris featured plus-size models. The message is clear: diversity on the runway is being replaced by a dangerous return to ultra-thin ideals. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: brands that follow this outdated trend are making a serious mistake. In a world where consumers are expecting inclusivity and authenticity, glamorizing thinness sends a message that excludes the vast majority of people. We’ve come too far to go back to a time when the only bodies seen as "fashionable" were unhealthy, unattainably thin. And here’s the kicker—𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹. Consumers today want to see themselves reflected in the clothes they buy. They want brands that speak to them, brands that show all shapes and sizes, not just one unrealistic ideal. The brands that succeed won’t be the ones chasing the latest runway trend, but the ones that make inclusivity their foundation. At Veesual, we’re proud to work with brands that embrace diversity—not just in size but in every form. Our technology lets shoppers see how clothes fit and look on bodies like theirs, because 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲. Fashion is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about connection, representation, and inclusivity. Let’s not turn back the clock. #Inclusivity #BodyDiversity #PFW2025 #FashionTechnology #Fashion