Fashion in the news: more controversy in the fashion industry

Every week, FashionUnited selects the most interesting reads about the fashion industry published across UK and international news outlets. Here’s what you may have missed:

Gucci sparks racism controversy

There was fresh controversy in the fashion industry this week with Gucci pulling a black polo neck sweater from its shops following criticism on social media that it resembled blackface. Check out the Guardian’s coverage of the story here. Similarly, JD Sport came under fire this week for its advertisement of a Scotland football kit which people on social media claimed was sexist in its varying depictions of male and female models. Read more on the story here.

How can the consumer become more sustainable?

We hear it time and again: young consumers are increasingly taking social and environmental issues into account when shopping. In a recent survey conducted in Europe, 1 in 3 consumers said brands should be more transparent about what they are doing to fight climate change and global poverty.

In January, MPs criticised leaders of the UK’s top retailers about their inaction on sustainability as part of an ongoing investigationinto the social and environmental impact of the industry. This week, the Guardian published this article as part of its new ‘Life Swaps’ series that suggests ways we can buy less and choose better quality items when shopping for clothes.

Fashion designer Celia Birtwell talks Brexit and the ailing high street

Last year was a difficult one for the UK high street, and though 2019 has only just begun, it doesn’t look to be getting any better. Falling footfall, the increasing shift of customers to buying online and tightening purse strings surrounding Brexit uncertainty - it’s not looking pretty. Last month, figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) revealed that some 70,000 jobs were lost in the UK retail sector in the final months of 2018, with the busy winter months doing little to help a decline in staff demand.

This week, Fashion designer Celia Birtwell spoke to the Evening Standard about her views on Brexit and the UK's ailing high street. Read the article in full here.

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