With the launch of the MCS X FatFace collection, the British B-corp lifestyle brand renews its longstanding partnership with the Marine Conservation Society.

s the season shifts, it can be easy to feel uninspired by your wardrobe. Cotton Traders' style expert shared her top tips for feeling good and looking your best in the British Summer.

The growing awareness of the environmental impact of leather production is prompting many companies to move towards innovative leather alternatives. The transition is natural and passes through the lab.

The AI-innovator Skin Match Technology has unleashed the power of AI to transform online fragrance shopping and replicate the emotional and sensory in-store experience. How?

Legendary modelling agent Carole White shared her decades-long experience and her concerns over the future of London Fashion Week during the opening episode of "The Business of Modelling".

Spitalfields, the vibrant hub of the City, is set to host the Fashion District Festival 2025. The Festival is the perfect place to discover and experiment with innovative ideas.

At the University of Brighton, the runway came alive as the fashion students presented their final-year collections. The graduate show shone with a striking mix of sustainability, storytelling and innovation.

According to Swedish ecopreneur Bengt Rittri, microplastics are not just an environmental issue but a global emergency. Is there anything you can do to reduce them?

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Microplastics are tiny travellers and have been found in the ocean depths. Learn more about this pollutant and why your lifestyle choices matter.

Why Microplastics Are Considered An Emergency For The Environment

An international study published in Nature found that microplastics have spread so widely and deeply in the oceans that their presence can pose a threat to key biological processes, which are essential for maintaining marine life and regulating the climate. Popular and scientific concerns also focus on how microplastics can enter the food chain and end up on our tables and in the water we drink.

What Are Microplastics?

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Small and widespread, but what are microplastics? Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic materials that are smaller than 5 millimetres. The Natural History Museum has described them as the "greatest man-made disasters of our times" and, indeed, our consumption habits, our lifestyle, careless waste management and littering are responsible for them.

While some microplastics can form naturally from the disintegration of plastic exposed to the sun, some are intentionally created for different purposes. This is the case with industrial abrasives, paints and even regular face scrubs with microbeads. Our wardrobe and washing habits can also be a daily source of microplastics. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester can shed minuscule microplastic fibres, with an estimated release of more than 700,000 units per washing cycle.

10 Daily Swaps To Reduce Microplastic Production And Exposure

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Following the environmental study, Bengt Rittri, the Founder of the clean drinking water solution Bluewater, emphasised: “It is painfully clear that we’ve allowed plastic pollution to compromise the planet’s life-support systems. This is not just about litter or aesthetics, but protecting the integrity of Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. Microplastics are a planetary emergency.”

Small actions can lead to big changes, so here is a list of 10 simple changes you can make to your daily routine to reduce the production and exposure to microplastics:

• 1) Replace single-use plastics with durable options: single-use plastic cutlery, dishes, and cups can last for centuries in the environment. Ceramic, glass and stainless-steel containers and bottles are more durable, safer and easier to wash.
• 2) Avoid reheating food in their takeaway boxes: when you briefly pop your takeaways in the microwave, dangerous chemicals like BPA and phthalates can leach into your food. The same happens when you drink a hot beverage in plastic cups.
• 3) Do not wash plastic materials in the dishwasher: washing plastic containers in the dishwasher could save you time, but the environment will not be happy. Each load can release millions of nano and microplastic particles.
• 4) Swap your regular scrub for a natural-based option: some face and body scrubs still rely on microbeads to exfoliate your skin. Choose eco-friendly scrubs that use natural microbeads as exfoliant agents to reveal silky skin. To take things a step further, look for plastic-free packaging or "naked" beauty products.
• 5) Cut down on synthetic clothing: synthetic clothes can be lighter and cheaper, but they release microplastic fibres during washing. Organic cotton, wool, linen... you have many natural choices ("many natural choices" links to the last blog when online) for every season.
• 6) Add a special filter to your washing machine: did you know that you can install a fibre-catching filter in your washing machine or use a laundry ball? The first will block the fibres before they reach the water pipes; the second will prevent or capture the fibres floating in the water.
• 7) Air-dry your clothes if possible: tumble dryers are a quick way to dry your clothing, but their mechanical action can weaken fabrics and cause them to shed. Instead, make the most of every sunny day or the driest room in your home.
• 8) Drink filtered tap water: you can reduce plastic waste and save on still water by using a purifying water filter or a filter jug.

“Every action matters, and every single-use plastic bottle not used is a step toward restoring planetary health,” Rittri added. “As a purpose-driven company, we call on global leaders, businesses, and citizens to act now to eliminate single-use plastic bottles and support sustainable water solutions.”

• 9) Your tea bag matters too: although the majority of tea bags are made of paper or natural materials, some brands still use polypropylene to heat-seal their tea bags. Worry not. You can enjoy a plastic-free cup of tea by trying eco-conscious brands, like Pukka or Yogi Tea, or loose tea.
• 10) Reuse and recycle: be careful how you dispose of old plastic items. Plastic can have another life and new purposes, far from the oceans and landfills.  

Microplastics are a global emergency, but we can all do our part to have purer waters and a cleaner planet. One (saved) bottle at a time.

As the fashion industry grapples with its environmental impact, UK-based brands and consumers are increasingly turning to sustainable materials. 

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From plant-based leathers to traditional fibres produced sustainably, the UK is at the forefront of the green revolution with these new eco-friendly materials.

What Are The Sustainable Materials Currently Available To The Fashion Industry?

Sustainable fashion is no longer a niche in the UK – it is a growing movement. With environmental concerns on the rise, UK-based brands, designers, and consumers are prioritising eco-friendly materials that are both stylish and conscious of the planet. Whether you are a fashion entrepreneur or a conscious consumer, here is a guide to the best eco-friendly materials currently shaping the UK's fashion industry.

1. Organic Cotton

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Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilisers and uses significantly less water than conventional cotton. Organic production supports healthier soil and results in fabric suitable for sensitive skin. Organic cotton is certified by standards like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), which guarantees compliance with environmental and social criteria, protecting not only the planet but also the rights and well-being of all workers.

Many UK sustainable fashion brands, including Lucy & Yak, Finisterre and Yes Friends, rely on organic cotton to reduce their environmental footprint.

2. Hemp

Hemp is a low-impact crop requiring minimal water and no pesticides. It is naturally durable and breathable, perfect for year-round clothing. Its fast-growing nature makes it one of the most sustainable natural fibres.

3. Organic Linen

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Produced for millennia, linen has lost much of its popularity with the rise of cotton, but it remains one of the most sustainable fabrics brands can choose. Linen is produced from flax, a crop that does not require extensive irrigation or pesticides, and it is completely biodegradable when not dyed. The natural colour range of untreated linen includes ecru and beige, soft shades that add a touch of sophistication to this breathable and durable fabric.

4. TENCEL™ (Lyocell)

TENCEL™, made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, is produced in a closed-loop process that reuses water and solvents. It is silky-smooth, biodegradable, and a great alternative to synthetic fabrics.

5. Piñatex®

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Piñatex® is a plant-based leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibres produced by Ananas Aman. It provides a second income for farming communities and helps reduce agricultural waste. Piñatex® is a cruelty-free, flexible and durable material that can be debossed and embellished with embroideries, making it suitable for sustainable bags and footwear.

6. Recycled Polyester And Recycled Nylon

Recycled polyester, made from post-consumer waste like plastic bottles, helps reduce landfill and carbon emissions. It uses up to 59% less energy than virgin polyester. Similarly, recycled nylon made from old fishing nets and textiles is being used across UK fashion brands.

7. Kelsun®

Kelsun® is an innovative material developed by Keel Labs from seaweed. This new sustainable material is made from seaweed-derived biopolymers, and it can be transformed into yarns and fabrics, finding application in many sectors, including apparel. The resulting fabric is biodegradable, non-toxic, flame-resistant and anti-bacterial. Using textiles and materials derived from algae can be extremely beneficial to the environment, as seaweed absorbs CO2 like trees, but it grows at a fast pace without the need for pesticides or fresh water.

8. Innovative UK-Based Sustainable Clothing Materials

BioSequin®: developed by Radiant Matter, these fully biodegradable, non-toxic and plastic-free sequins are made from cellulose and first debuted in 2023 with the first all-sparkly jumpsuit by designer Stella McCartney and worn by Cara Delevingne.

BioPuff®: a cruelty-free, plant-based thermal insulation developed from bulrush seed heads by Ponda. Its lightness, warmth and water-repellent properties make it a great alternative to feathers and synthetic filling material.

9. British Wool And Regenerative Farming

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UK fashion is reconnecting with its agricultural roots. Labels like Herd, Navygrey, and Lake District Tweed are investing in soft, high-quality British wool and local leather tanneries. This promotes biodiversity, regenerates land, and supports rural communities.

Sustainable Bonus Choice: The UK's Upcycling Movement

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In the UK, there are a number of organisations committed to collecting and repurposing unwanted clothing and fabric scraps, as well as initiatives to promote fashion swaps and educate the community. While brands like World Secrets, Helen Kirkum, Spilt Milk and Pikol Clothing are turning discarded textiles into stylish fashion as a counter-movement to fast-fashion culture.

From shoes crafted from antique rugs to shirts made from repurposed tablecloths, upcycling breathes new life into forgotten fabrics.

Conclusion

The UK's fashion industry is embracing a variety of eco-friendly materials, from traditional fibres like wool and linen to innovative alternatives like Piñatex® and BioSequins®. By choosing these sustainable options, brands and consumers alike can contribute to a more environmentally responsible future in fashion.

Getting ready for that long-awaited "I do" can be overwhelming, and one detail might go unnoticed during the preparations: your scent. Follow these expert tips to find the right perfume for your wedding day.
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The perfume for your wedding day is more than just a detail: it can charge your big day with deeper meaning and add a memorable touch. Find out more.

Finding your signature fragrance takes time; after all, there is nothing more personal than a perfume and the chemistry it creates with your body. Fragrances can evoke powerful feelings, unique to each person or time of their life. Certain aromas can have a particular association in one's mind; that is why choosing a new fragrance to wear on your special day can unlock a transformative feeling towards those precious moments, which can be cherished for years to come when worn.

If finding your daily perfume is not an easy task, looking for a perfume for your wedding day can feel daunting, so ARRAN Sense of Scotland’s fragrance expert, Lois Bell, shares her advice for brides and grooms looking to enhance their wedding celebrations with a signature scent.

Fragrance Expert Lois Bell On Choosing Your Wedding Scent

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Lois Bell reminds us that there are a few things to consider when picking a wedding fragrance: from the theme of your big day to the intensity of the aroma, allowing brides and grooms to alter the impact of their scent for the ceremony to the evening reception. 

Perfumes For The Bride And Groom Based On The Wedding Theme

Ph. Arran Sense of Scotland

"Destination weddings are great for giving both brides and grooms a unique opportunity to have a bit of fun with picking a scent for the wedding, using the location as the inspiration for the overall aroma.

For example, a summertime beachy wedding would lend itself beautifully to subtle fragrances that contain soft notes. ARRAN's Kildonan collection is a gorgeous option for the wedding perfume for the bride, with delicate floral aromas from violet leaf, orris and lily of the valley. For the groom, the refreshing and zingy Machrie, with layers of sea salt, rock rose, mandarin and patchouli, matches the women's scent perfectly."

"If you are getting married in the great outdoors," continues Lois Bell, "opt for a nature-inspired fragrance that can lean nicely into the theme. ARRAN Sense of Scotland's best-selling After the Rain woman’s fragrance is utter luxury with layers of lime, rose and sandalwood, creating a multidimensional aroma that is perfect for both day and night time. For him, notes of leather, oud and amber in the Sannox collection are nicely balanced with pink pepper and saffron for a warming aroma that stands the test of time, with up to eight hours of wear."

EdP vs EdT: Which One For Your Wedding Day?

"It’s also important to think about the feeling you want to get from your fragrance on the big day, with some brides and grooms looking for a light scent that isn’t too overbearing, and others wanting a product that will bring intensity and longevity."

Eau de Parfum or EdP is stronger because it contains a higher percentage of perfume oil, around 12-18%, resulting in an intensified, long-lasting scent that continues to delight for around 4-5 hours. The lasting power of EdPs makes them great for evening wear. EdPs are a little more expensive because of the higher levels of perfume oil, but the intensity and longevity make them a special option for your wedding day.

For a subtle scent that offers a lighter feel, an Eau de Toilette or EdT is a pleasure. Featuring a slightly lower perfume oil percentage, around 8-12%, it creates a sumptuous everyday scent, without being too overpowering.

Lois Bell also suggests a new opportunity: transitioning from day to night by wearing an EdT for your ceremony and layering an EdP for the reception.

Last Tip: Test Before Committing To A New Fragrance 

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There is a reason fragrances are as personal as you are. This is because they react differently to each skin, and the scent from the bottle or a perfume card can feel different when it settles on your skin. Lois Bell always recommends testing different fragrances before investing in your favourite, and a great way to do this is by purchasing samples.

You can explore ARRAN Sense of Scotland’s full range of luxury fragrances online and use the fragrance finder to find the best match for your personality.