LSN : News : Stat: Technological innovation is driving the future of beauty

Spktrl’s AI diamond ring aims to cut screen time

Spktrl, France

France – Parisian start-up Spktrl is reimagining wearable technology with the launch of its AI-powered Light Ring, a piece of fine jewellery designed to curb screen time. Set with a 1.5-carat colourless lab-grown diamond, the ring discreetly filters smartphone notifications, only lighting up for urgent messages.

Founded by Katia de Lasteyrie, former innovation lead at LVMH, Spktrl positions itself at the intersection of luxury and digital wellbeing and offers what de Lasteyrie calls ‘quiet tech’ – technology that refines attention rather than demanding it.

The ring uses a self-learning AI model to adapt notifications by colour, rhythm and brightness – with green signalling work, blue for family and purple for social contacts. Positioned as a tool for modern digital detoxes, it remains inactive most of the time so that users check their phones only when necessary.

Explore our Innovation Debrief 2025: The Augmented Human report, where we unpack the ways human intelligence is being enhanced by machine intelligence – with the next frontier being the human body.

Strategic opportunity

Create products and services that reduce screen time by filtering distractions, meeting growing consumer demand for tools that support focus, wellbeing and healthier relationships with technology

Represent launches in-person fitness competition 247 Mission Rivington

Represent 247 autumn/winter 2024, UK

UK – British fashion brand Represent has held its first-ever fitness event, 247 Mission Rivington, with 100 athletes competing in a 12‑hour endurance challenge. The event comes after two years of rapid growth for the business’s performance wear line 247.

The event, hosted in Bolton (near Manchester, England), took place on the brand’s 247 Day on 24 July and focused on endurance.

Selected from over 2,000 applicants, 100 participants split into 20 teams of five to complete hourly challenges that combined a 5km run with SkiErg workouts. The team with the highest score during 12 hours won a £5,000 ($6,680, €5,782) cash prize and 247 kits, with prizes for runners‑up.

Since January, 247 has driven a 75% rise in the brand’s sales and now accounts for 25% of Represent’s direct‑to‑consumer income. Represent reached £100m revenue in 2024 (source: Athletech News). In a press release, head of 247 Matt Shotton shared plans to make 247 Mission Rivington an annual fixture. ‘Community has always been a core part of our brand identity and we’re looking forward to engaging with them further in this unique way,’ he said.

For more insights on the secret recipe behind Represent’s success, read our Brand Innovation Debrief: Represent report.

Strategic opportunity

Given the global success of fitness events such as Hyrox, consider how your brand can host its own competition – be it a fitness challenge, a fashion design contest or a talent show – which is open to fans, and transform it into an engaging mini-festival for your community

Stat: Technological innovation is driving the future of beauty

AI imagery by The Future Laboratory, UK

Global – Wealth divides, digital tools and regional identity are reshaping the international beauty market, according to The State of Fashion: Beauty Volume 2 by The Business of Fashion.

In the US, spending on beauty is shrinking in real terms. Haircare is the main category to be affected, with nearly 50% of consumers spending less than £26 ($35, €31) in the last six months, compared to 29% in 2023.

Meanwhile, the use of beauty and spa services has climbed from 22% in 2023 to over 33% in 2025, highlighting the desire for wellness-linked treatments.

In China and India, domestic brands are gaining favour among Gen Z consumers who value their lower price, efficacy and brand identity. In China, 76% say skincare and make-up are affordable and half of respondents have increased their spend.

AI is also gaining trust in beauty: 83% of consumers believe it delivers better product recommendations than people. Head to our EQ-Beauty report for more on the next phase of emotionally intelligent beauty tech.

Strategic opportunity

Use emotionally intelligent AI tools to localise and personalise beauty experiences at scale and tailor recommendations to regional needs, cultural values and individual budgets in real time