Need to Know
01 : 07 : 20

Global – Gucci's Off The Grid collection uses recycled, organic and bio-based materials as part of an initiative supporting more circular production.

Marking the brand’s first collection to be launched within Gucci Circular Lines, the genderless products were created for consumers hoping to shop more mindfully. To celebrate the release of the collection, the fashion house is also hosting a dedicated section on the Gucci app – allowing users to take part in a themed quiz and respond to questions about the circular production process.

Also aiming to reach customers who might not actively seek sustainable options, the brand has launched a campaign video featuring Jane Fonda, Miyavi and King Princess. Created as a collaborative response to the environmental issues in the fashion industry, Alessandro Michele, creative director at Gucci, said: ‘The collection is the result of teamwork; everybody brought something to it.’

As fashion businesses navigate the inter-Covid period, traditional markers of luxury are being rethought to prioritise ethical and sustainable values. For more, explore Uneasy Affluence.

Europe – Designer Phoebe Heess has created a unisex visor that protects the wearer from both ultraviolet radiation and facial recognition cameras.

Dubbed the Sportlens, the visor can be worn for functional outdoor activities like sports and festivals, protecting wearers from sun exposure, as well as shielding them from facial recognition cameras. Created from scuba material, the visor wraps around the wearer's head with an adjustable drawstring. Also featuring polarised lenses, the Sportlens protects but doesn’t obscure vision.

Considering the product’s effectiveness with masking from facial recognition technology, Gabriel Platt, co-founder of Phoebe Heess, said: ‘The algorithm will have problems defining the mesh overlay it’s creating when half the face is covered. Even if the algorithm can make out the eyes, the refraction of the lens will distort the results.’

As public security becomes a growing concern, citizens are taking back control and investing in Privacy Hardware to shield themselves from data breaches.

Research by Rightmove has shown a surge in UK interest in investing in international property. With the lockdown period presenting a spike in searches, the most popular destinations include Portugal, Spain and France.

According to the research, searches for overseas property from the UK reached their highest point this year in May, surpassing searches from the same period last year by a third (33%). International property searches also rose by 50% between March and April this year. Daniel Harrington, head of international growth at Fine & Country, said: ‘The research shows that more and more people are thinking about either purchasing a holiday home in another location or planning to permanently relocate to another country.’

With Covid-19 having forced a value shift among consumers, and exposed a lack of trust in governments, people are seeking Anti-social Sanctuaries to prioritise their health, safety and happiness.