Lifestyle

Get To Know LBV Created By Joss Sackler: The Face of Fashion, Business, and Female Empowerment

Published

4 years ago

February 18, 2021

Joss Sackler is a fashion entrepreneur, chief executive officer, doctorate degree holder, socialite, philanthropist, and mother of three. The female powerhouse became the face and founder of private social club, LBV, in 2017, when she decided she was tired of the male-dominated atmosphere within the existing social societies in New York City. Initially, the all-women’s club was created to discuss the attributes of wine. But as its member count grew, so did its list of interests. Now, LBV focuses on providing high-end experiences centered around culture, art, literature, and much more. Not to mention–the social club is the only one of its kind with its own designer clothing line.

The ready-to-wear collection comes from a combination of member-inspired interests, according to Sackler and the brand’s creative director, Elizabeth Kennedy. Kennedy was brought on as the head designer of the line shortly after the release of LBV’s heavily criticized inaugural collection in 2019 consisting of rock climbing themed athleisure wear, merely meant to serve as “emblematic” gear for the social club. She is a Parsons graduate with extensive experience in the couture realm of fashion, priorly working with prestigious fashion houses such as Isaac Mizrahi, J.Mendel, and Donna Karan. Since assuming her role, the female duo has successfully ventured six seasons of remarkably designed capsules, each of which have participated in three consecutive years of New York Fashion Week. The brand aims to embody the style of a powerful, strong-minded woman who is ready to conquer the world with her confidence and professionalism, while not losing touch of her femininity.

All collections are released direct-to-consumer through the brand’s e-commerce website. While previous collections have been found through high-end retailers in the past, the brand chose to make the switch to the new business model following the detrimental effects of a global pandemic on luxury department stores. Both entities of LBV have gone fully virtual since the nationwide lockdown in early 2020. “All the events for the social club are now done via Zoom, which has actually allowed us to incorporate more events for the members since we don’t have any of the stressors of the in-person events, like having to book a venue,” Sackler’s assistant, Allison Castillo, shared. “For our tasting events for example, we’ll send the wine over to the members and then discuss it on a video call.”

In philanthropic efforts, Sackler redirected all garment production resources to assist in generating over 5,000 face masks for New York City while it experienced a severe shortage on the front lines. Masks were donated to local organizations and hospitals in need, including New York Presbyterian and Mount Sinai. They have also become available on the brand’s website in a small range of neutral colors.

The newest member of the LBV family is a recently launched editorial magazine, which made its debut in November 2020. Issue One of the publication contains several detailed photographs of the most recent Fall/Winter capsule, along with spreads of articulately written articles centered around topics it shares in common with the social club: fashion, wine, and lavish lifestyle. The writers behind the stories are also members of the female driven society. While the magazine is not accessible to readers who are not part of the LBV community, Sackler, who is the editor-in-chief, shares that she’d like to broaden her audience in the issues to come.

In the end, regardless of negative press and undisclosed hardships, the down-to-earth socialite icon continues to commit to her brand, her team, her family, and herself beyond any obstacle. “I’ve learned that it’s okay to fail. We’re always working to make our experiences better,” she says. “The important thing is to keep pushing forward.”

Lifestyle

The Evolution of eCommerce: How Online Shopping Has Changed in the Last Decade

Published

5 hours ago

December 3, 2024

Michelle Langton

Over the past decade, eCommerce has transformed from a convenient alternative to brick-and-mortar shopping into a dominant force shaping global consumer behaviour. This evolution has been driven by advancements in technology, shifting customer expectations, and innovative logistics strategies that ensure purchases reach doorsteps with unprecedented speed and efficiency. Let’s explore how online shopping has evolved and what it means for businesses and consumers alike.

The Rise of Mobile Commerce

One of the most significant changes in eCommerce is the shift towards mobile shopping. Smartphones have become the preferred device for browsing, comparing, and purchasing products. According to recent studies, more than 70% of online transactions now occur on mobile devices. User-friendly apps, seamless payment gateways, and mobile-first website designs have played pivotal roles in driving this trend.

For businesses, this shift has meant a greater focus on responsive design and mobile-optimised platforms to enhance user experience. It has also encouraged the rise of social commerce, where platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become integral to shopping journeys, blending entertainment with eCommerce.

Personalisation and AI Integration

A decade ago, personalisation in online shopping was rudimentary – limited to broad product recommendations. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have revolutionised how retailers engage with customers. eCommerce platforms can now analyse browsing habits, purchase history, and even real-time preferences to deliver highly tailored shopping experiences.

From personalised email campaigns to dynamic website content that adapts to user behaviour, AI has allowed businesses to forge stronger connections with their audiences. This evolution not only boosts sales but also fosters customer loyalty in a competitive market.

The Amazon Effect and Expedited Delivery

The “Amazon Effect” has been another game-changer, setting new standards for eCommerce logistics. The expectation of fast, often same-day delivery has become a benchmark for online retailers worldwide. To meet these demands, businesses have invested heavily in supply chain optimisation and partnerships with reliable logistics providers.

The integration of advanced eCommerce freight solutions has been crucial in ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery. These solutions streamline the movement of goods from warehouses to customers, enabling retailers to stay competitive while managing rising logistical complexities.

Sustainability in Online Shopping

As awareness of environmental issues grows, sustainability has become a major focus for eCommerce. In the last decade, consumers have increasingly demanded eco-friendly practices, prompting businesses to adopt greener approaches.

From sustainable packaging to carbon-neutral shipping options, online retailers are now incorporating environmental responsibility into their operations. This shift not only aligns with consumer values but also provides businesses with a competitive edge in a market that prioritises ethical consumption.

The Power of Data and Analytics

Data has always been integral to eCommerce, but its role has expanded significantly in the past ten years. Advanced analytics now allow businesses to understand consumer trends, optimise inventory management, and enhance marketing strategies. Predictive analytics, for instance, can anticipate demand fluctuations, helping retailers avoid stockouts or overstocking.

Moreover, data-driven insights have made omnichannel retailing more cohesive, ensuring customers have a seamless experience whether they’re shopping online, in-store, or through a combination of both.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the evolution of eCommerce has brought remarkable progress, it hasn’t been without challenges. Rising customer expectations, cybersecurity threats, and the complexities of global trade are just a few hurdles businesses face. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation.

By adopting cutting-edge technologies, fostering strategic partnerships, and focusing on customer-centric approaches, businesses can continue thriving in the ever-changing eCommerce landscape.

As you can see, the past decade has been transformative for eCommerce – reshaping how we shop, sell, and interact with brands

From the convenience of mobile shopping to the precision of AI-driven personalisation, the industry has continually adapted to meet the needs of modern consumers. As technology advances and consumer expectations evolve, one thing is certain – eCommerce will remain at the forefront of global retail innovation for years to come.