Must Read: Backstage Hairstylists Are Failing Black Models, Sephora and TikTok Launch an Incubator Program

Angela Wei
·2 min read

Plus, the volatile nature of the fashion industry in Latin America.

These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Monday. 

Backstage hairstylists are failing Black models
While fashion has come a long way in terms of diversity, the industry still has much to improve. This season, many Black models reported resorting to doing their own textured hair because of hairdressers' lack of expertise. "The front of the house has changed so much, but the back of the house also has to make those adjustments," says Celia Sears, founder of Show Division. While some brands like Tia Adeola and Labrum London placed an emphasizes properly styling Black hair textures, other brands struggled. The pressing question is whether to improve baseline training for hairstylists or if these opportunities should be given to specialists. {Vogue Business}

Sephora and TikTok launch an incubator program
The Sephora x TikTok Incubator Program, launched Monday alongside marketing agency Digitas, will encourage young brands to become more digitally fluent on TikTok and with influencer partnerships. Three BIPOC-founded brands have been selected to participate in the pilot program, including Eadem, Topicals and Hyper Skin. These brands will be paired up with influencers who will serve as brand mentors in this project. {Glossy}

Fashion retail's volatile recovery in Latin America 
In the wake of the pandemic, inflation rates and current economic instability, the fashion industry in Latin America is having a tough time recovering. The macroeconomic picture is mixed: Mid-size countries like Colombia and Panama are demonstrating steadier growth than larger countries like Mexico and Brazil. Argentina, in particular, has remained in crisis as income inequality grows, widening the gap between luxury fashion products and cheap fast-fashion clothes. {Business of Fashion}

Puma teams up with Palomo Spain
Puma is collaborating with Palomo Spain on a new surf-inspired capsule collection. According to Alejandro Gómez Palomo, the founder and creative director of Palomo Spain, the line is about "the idea of a dream summer." The gender-fluid, ready-to-wear collection includes T-shirts, trousers, footwear and accessories, all of which evoke the laid-back vibe of surf culture. Products will be available from Saturday on Puma and Palomo Spain's websites and in selected Puma stores worldwide. {WWD}

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