Lifestyle

Unlabelled Ltd. is Defying Fashion Norms With Their Inclusive Collections

Published

4 years ago

February 11, 2021

Social media is an integral part of business & marketing and is a pass-time for many millennials and gen-Z users, but the negative effects of unrealistic beauty standards displayed on social media cannot be ignored. There have been several studies conducted to survey these effects, with one revealing a group of female students reporting the tendency to negatively compare their own appearance to their peers and celebrities. Natalie Servello, founder of Unlabelled Ltd., revealed similar information in a book she wrote for her thesis while in school. With the facts of how unrealistic beauty standards perpetuate a myriad of negative effects on society, combined with her own personal experiences, she turned her thesis into an inclusive clothing brand.

Unlabelled Ltd. is a diverse and inclusive clothing brand trying to redefine beauty standards, remove labels of beauty, and offer pieces that allow their customers to represent their authentic selves. Growing up, Natalie and her sister experienced the brunt of the beauty standards upheld by society; often excluding diversity in size, race, and sexual orientation, the conventional ideals of beauty often pressure people to conform and reduce their identities in the process. Natalie and the team at Unlabelled wanted to create a brand that people could relate to, where everybody can be represented.

The brand carries sizes XS-3X, with every piece now made of stretchy, knit-based, natural fibres. They plan to extend the size range to 5X in the spring, to make their collection available for more women. Originally starting with fashion pieces, Natalie spent three to four years trying every sample for fit — she wanted to ensure the dimensions were true-to-size, to remove the anxiety that women feel when not finding a true fit.

Unlabelled only launched in 2020 and is already amassing much success — focusing on loungewear pieces that could be worn out for any occasion has boded well for the brand, especially during the pandemic lockdowns. The team at Unlabelled truly believes in the ethos of the brand: of appreciating all forms of beauty for what it is, free of any labels. Tired of seeing the same ideal of beauty flaunted in the media, the Unlabelled team chose to curate a collection for fashionable women to unapologetically be themselves.

As they progress, Unlabelled is expanding their brand to include lifestyle pieces — integrating the ethos of expressing your authenticity into every aspect of your life. Natalie is excited for where this will lead and has hopes to take the Unlabelled community to new heights beyond just beauty and lifestyle. Envisioning this network of women in non-profit sectors, Unlabelled would be a catalyst for female-youth development in education, job training, dressing for success, and so much more. Natalie sees them focusing on a different foundation every month, so they can help more people and expand their network.

There’s no telling where this journey will take them, but the trend of authenticity is picking up speed and shows no signs of stopping. Unlabelled seems destined for greener pastures and is on the right track to achieving success among the greats.

Lifestyle

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

Published

7 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.