Vic Zhu’s Post

Here are some interesting insights from our survey before founding PERCH- found them to be a little contradictory to popular narratives in the industry. 1. 48% of Genz category surveyed preferred elegant clothing (key attributes highlighted were comfort & fabric). Around half of this sub-group would want some bit of style element but wouldn’t go for overly street wear clothing. 2. 57% of millennials felt they wanted to wanted to upgrade their wardrobe with something fresh and less traditional. Around a fourth of this sub-group felt considerable FOMO seeing younger colleagues dress in stylish/streetwear clothes. Around a third of the sub group actually tried something different this year(color/fabric/style). While feelings and behaviour are two very different things, the right products targeting the right audience’s needs can bridge the gap to some extent! More about the actual behaviour through our actual sales data in upcoming posts ✌️

*The Future of Fashion: How Gen Z and Millennials are Revolutionizing the Industry* The fashion industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and Gen Z and millennials are at the forefront of this change. With their unique blend of technological savvy, social consciousness, and creativity, these younger generations are redefining the way fashion is designed, marketed, and consumed.

There's a huge problem that needs to be addressed... The average fashion aficionado (like me) is often hesitant to post online due to stereotypes, unrealistic standards, and the fear of judgment. 😬 This isn’t just speculation—it's backed by data. In a recent survey I conducted with 1,000 GenZ & Millennials , a striking 79% said clothes look different on them compared to models in ads, which only amplifies the feeling that they don't “measure up.” 👗🧍♀️ Even more concerning, 48% of respondents admitted they struggle with body image issues because of these stereotypes, with many experiencing body dysmorphia. 😔 The fashion industry, while beautiful and creative, can sometimes fuel this disconnection between how we perceive ourselves and what we see in media. 🖤 It’s time we start rethinking the narrative around fashion and body image, making space for authenticity and diverse representation. ✨ If we’re scared to show up as we are, then how can we truly embrace our personal style? 👗🤍 #Fashion #FashionDiscovery #Klotofy Join the world of Klotofy and change the way you discover fashion!!!

🚨 Fashion is shifting back towards the thin look as an ideal, driven largely by the popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic 👇 This change is re-shaping beauty standards, influencing how people shop, and thus forcing brands to rethink their strategies. ❌ Unfortunately, it’s undoing a lot of the progress made in recent years around body positivity & inclusivity. With more people taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, many are seeing their clothing sizes drop, which is setting a new trend: consumers are buying smaller sizes. 😣 More worrying is that studies show that over 30% of Gen Z and Millennials feel pressured to fit this slimmer ideal. The trend is showing up on the runway too: Vogue Business reports that nearly 95% of Spring/Summer 2025 fashion collections were made for straight-size models, with less than 1% designed for plus-size bodies. 📉 Retailers are now expecting a 10% shift towards smaller sizes in the next few years. Those who don’t adjust could lose up to $20 million a year. While some designers continue to push for body inclusivity, brands like Miu Miu & Coperni are fully returning to using thinner models, sidelining diversity in the process. ☢️ This shift feels like a throwback to the “heroin chic” trend of the 90s, where extreme thinness was glorified - but now we have social media to amplify the message. We should genuinely be concerned about mental health issues and eating disorders. 🛍 On the other hand, shoppers who value representation, diversity and healthy body standards will abandon the brands they shopped before (and we know there's a big portion of this type of consumer today). So, the industry is at a turning point. ✅ Diversity isn’t just a trendy buzzword—it’s something customers genuinely care about, and it impacts their shopping decisions. ➡️ Companies will need to strike the right balance: following trends while still offering a range of products for all body types. A more inclusive approach isn’t just ethical; it also makes good business sense for long-term success. The future of fashion depends on creating a space where all body types are celebrated. #trendwatching #fashion #luxury #retail #trends #innovation #markets #ozempic

Fashion brands have typically focused on youth, but in 2025 they may struggle to grow sales from younger shoppers alone. The “Silver Generation,” aged over 50, represents a growing population with a high share of global spend. The Silver Generation cares about individual style but less about trends, they prioritize functionality and comfort over style, and value over price. They want versatile products that serve different occasions and timeless designs, and they tend to be more brand loyal. As part of our latest State of Fashion 2025 Report, published in collaboration with The Business of Fashion, we looked at how brands can engage these previously overlooked shoppers while creating inter-generational appeal and unlocking incremental growth: https://mck.co/4eOHtjr #StateofFashion #SilverSpenders

Reshaping Beauty Standards, inclusivity and fashion from a business perspective. The fashion industry has gone through a transformative shift, inclusivity in marketing has become a crucial element. As consumers prioritize diversity and there’s huge need for brands to do the same. One of the reasons for this is changing consumer expectation, today’s consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, consider brand value as an important key element when it comes to purchasing decisions. A McKinsey study found that 67% of consumers weigh brand values when making a purchase. As brands importance inclusivity more and more, building trust through authenticity must be done to protect loyalty towards brand from customers. Brands are expected to resonate with consumers at deeper level more than ever, incorporating earned media are going to be put on focus. #inclusivity #fashion #marketing

[Top trends that will define teenage fashion in 2024] Step into the world of teenage fashion, where every outfit tells a unique story of self-expression and individuality. Teenagers today are rewriting the rulebook, embracing diverse influences that reflect their one-of-a-kind personalities. This year’s teenage clothing trends are all about making a statement. From bold blazers to oversized clothing, animal prints, and eye-catching accessories, it's a celebration of vibrant colors and eclectic styles. While the revival of Y2K fashion adds a touch of nostalgia, this trend continues to influence contemporary styles, evolving into a more polished and sophisticated aesthetics that resonates with modern teens. Trends such as embracing earth tones, layering, and blending athleisure into everyday outfits show how teenagers redefine norms to reflect their diverse interests. With the growing awareness of environmental and social issues, teenagers are driving a fundamental shift towards sustainable fashion and are making conscious choices that echo their values. Find out more about the top 10 teenage clothing styles for 2024 available for sourcing on Global Sources. Check out the article now! https://lnkd.in/ggaX38Vt #TeenClothingTrends #TeenClothing #GlobalSources

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining reporter Ben Thompson on BBC News Talking Business to discuss how brands can profitably navigate emerging trends WITHOUT backpedaling size-inclusivity efforts. Here's how we've done it at Universal Standard: 🤝 Foster consumer trust - Focus on consistent fit and quality for all sizes, so customers come back to shop during any part of life's journey 💰 Analyze the buy-in! (and then analyze it again) - Perfecting stock buy-in is the key to running a profitable, size-inclusive business. As trends evolve, adjust buy-ins as necessary, ensuring its tailored to demand 🕐 Be patient! Reaching and establishing loyalty with new demographics takes time. Demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity by championing all sizes, even if you do not see immediate success As we reflect on 2024 and the impact certain developments have made on the fashion industry, it's important to remember that it’s normal to witness a pendulum swing with what’s popular. When we launched Universal Standard eight years ago, barely anyone was celebrating body diversity in fashion, but we did it anyway…because we believe that everyone deserves access to great clothing, regardless of what size they wear. And there’s no doubt that some brands have made quick and noticeable choices as a result of the re-emergence of weight loss drugs. Whether it is a general lack of representation in marketing, on the runways, or in the sizes brands carry in-store. But to be honest with you…I think those impulsive decisions are short-sighted. This is a $100 billion market opportunity that very few brands are tapping into. So while we wait for the other brands to catch up, we’re happy to serve the majority of the customers that the rest of the industry decides to ignore until the pendulum swings back. Of course, we'll continue to innovate our styles and listen to our customers and their needs, but we will only do so in a way that leads with inclusivity and progresses fashion forward.

If you’re interested in experimenting with new clothing brands and styles, you’re not alone. Style experimentation is growing across multiple age groups. Among men aged 18-24, 25% are willing to experiment with bolder styles. Men aged 25-34 are also embracing new looks, with 52% feeling comfortable trying different fashion choices. Social media plays a major role, influencing 32% of Americans to explore new styles via platforms like Instagram. Gen Z is at the forefront, with 65% purchasing secondhand clothing online in the past year, showing a strong interest in fashion experimentation. Thred is a frictionless way to explore for a fraction of a costly mistake that sits in your closet. Sources: - First Insight Report (https://lnkd.in/ghkizV5F) (https://lnkd.in/g3qDsd6J) - McKinsey Fashion Report (https://lnkd.in/gKZp_qiF) - Capital One Shopping Report (https://lnkd.in/gQ6FhDKu)