Style-ish Podcast Summary: Episode “The Undetectable Era of Beauty”

Hosted by Shameless Media

Episode Details:

• Title: The Undetectable Era of Beauty
• Release Date: November 5, 2024
• Description: Style-ish is the podcast for all things fashion, brand, business, and beauty. In this episode, the hosts delve into the evolving landscape of beauty standards, the shifting dynamics of the fashion market, and the implications of online shopping habits.

1. The Undetectable Era of Beauty

Overview: The episode opens with a captivating discussion on the emerging trend in the beauty industry where cosmetic procedures become virtually undetectable. The hosts explore how celebrities like Christina Aguilera, Demi Moore, and Lindsay Lohan are embodying this trend by appearing as youthful as they did decades ago without obvious signs of cosmetic enhancements.

Key Points:

• Rewinding the Clock: The hosts observe that modern cosmetic procedures aim to make enhancements seamless, allowing celebrities to maintain their appearance discreetly over time.

  Madison Sullivan Thorpe [02:18]: "We're entering this era where we know they've had something, but we can't see a thing."

• Advancements in Cosmetic Technology: Discussion on bio stimulators like rejuran and profilo, which stimulate the skin’s collagen production without adding excessive volume.

  Annika Joshi Smith [04:46]: “It’s like a biohack, using your own skin to your advantage.”

• Transparency vs. Privacy: The hosts express mixed feelings about the lack of transparency in cosmetic procedures. While open discussions can demystify beauty standards, unsolicited assumptions about individuals' cosmetic choices can lead to unwarranted scrutiny.

  Madison Sullivan Thorpe [04:25]: “I feel so torn about it, because part of me wants that door slammed wide open.”

• Impact on Beauty Standards: Concerns are raised about the unrealistic expectations this trend could set, pressuring women to maintain youthful appearances indefinitely.

  Madison Sullivan Thorpe [06:53]: "I worry that people are going to try and freeze their face in a moment in time. I have no desire to look like 29-year-old me at 45."

Notable Quote:

Annika Joshi Smith [06:28]: “Are we now shifting into a maybe potentially more natural vibe?”

2. The Disappearance of Middle Market Fashion

Overview: Shifting focus to the fashion industry, the hosts discuss a recent Marie Claire feature by Halle Le Savage that highlights the decline of middle-market fashion in America. The conversation contrasts American and Australian fashion markets, emphasizing how luxury and fast fashion have overshadowed mid-range brands in the U.S.

Key Points:

• Polarization of the Fashion Market: In the U.S., luxury brands and fast fashion dominate, leaving little space for mid-market brands that offer quality without the high price tag.

  Annika Joshi Smith [12:39]: “Middle market in Australia, you could probably put Henny Dish and Tony Bianco... that’s kind of how the fashion industry describes the middle market.”

• Australian Resilience: Contrary to the U.S., Australia maintains a robust middle market with brands like Tony Bianco, Cookie, Assembly, and Nude Lucy thriving by balancing quality and affordability.

  Annika Joshi Smith [13:26]: “We do middle market fashion really well here in Australia.”

• Retail Environment: The decline is partly attributed to the "department store death" in the U.S., where traditional mid-market retailers are struggling to compete with specialized luxury and fast fashion outlets.

  Madison Sullivan Thorpe [13:11]: “I think that's a symptom of the department store death.”

• Strategic Brand Positioning: Australian brands succeed internationally by maintaining a distinct lifestyle aesthetic and strategic partnerships, such as Tony Bianco’s collaboration with Revolve, which emphasizes accessible luxury.

  Madison Sullivan Thorpe [15:54]: “By consistently prioritizing our brand, we've delivered trend-driven, accessible products to resonate with our customers.”

Notable Quote:

Madison Sullivan Thorpe [16:29]: “We think that the middle market disappearance isn't going to affect us here in Australia. We think we do that quite well here.”

3. Is Your Habit of Returning Clothes Problematic?

Overview: The podcast addresses the growing issue of return abuse in online shopping, specifically focusing on "bracketing"—a practice where consumers purchase multiple sizes of clothing with the intention of returning all but one. The hosts discuss its implications on businesses, sustainability, and consumer behavior.

Key Points:

• Understanding Bracketing: Defined as buying multiple sizes of a single item to determine the best fit, often leading to high return rates.

  Madison Sullivan Thorpe [19:08]: “If you've ever bought an item of clothing online in multiple sizes and you've bought all of those pieces, knowing that you'll return all but one size, you are doing something called bracketing.”

• Business and Environmental Impact: High return rates increase costs for retailers and contribute to environmental issues through increased emissions and waste from packaging.

  Madison Sullivan Thorpe [24:29]: “I just think you have to offer customers that option because it is going to help to drive sales.”

• Retailer Strategies: Companies like ASOS and Zara are implementing fees for frequent returners to mitigate the financial burden of high return rates.

  Madison Sullivan Thorpe [26:20]: “ASOS stated... you'll now only get free returns when you keep £15 or more of your order.”

• Cultural Influences: Trends like try-on hauls on social media platforms such as TikTok exacerbate bracketing by encouraging consumers to purchase more than they need for the sake of online content.

  Annika Joshi Smith [26:32]: “You're buying things that you wouldn't usually buy... social media purposes.”

Notable Quote:

Annika Joshi Smith [29:19]: “There are protections in place and I think we should all just try and shop more mindfully and responsibly.”

4. Swap: Recommendations with a Twist

The hosts conclude the episode with the "swap" segment, where they share personal recommendations that have become staples in their lives.

Annika Joshi Smith’s Recommendations:

1. Surround Yourself with Great Advisors: Emphasizes the importance of having supportive advisors in both personal and professional arenas.

   Annika Joshi Smith [31:08]: “There is so much beauty and vulnerability in asking for help.”

2. Once You're in the Room, You're Equal to Everyone in It: Encourages confidence and self-assurance, especially in traditionally male-dominated settings.

   Annika Joshi Smith [31:28]: “Managing my own expectations and lowering my disappointment.”

Madison Sullivan Thorpe’s Recommendations:

1. Find a Pair of Jeans You Love: Advises investing in versatile jeans that work with different types of footwear to avoid awkward lengths.

   Madison Sullivan Thorpe [33:36]: “If you find a pair of jeans that you love, get two pairs... to avoid awkward lengths.”

2. Word of the Year for Resolutions: Suggests adopting a single word to embody for the year instead of making extensive New Year’s resolutions.

   Madison Sullivan Thorpe [34:47]: “My word of the year was brave. I've been really brave, saying yes and no as needed.”

3. Flow Nasal Spray: A beauty hack to keep the inside of your nose moist, preventing sickness during flights.

   Madison Sullivan Thorpe [35:39]: “Spray it up your nose and keep it moist to prevent sniffing in germs.”

4. Hair Tie Trick for Perfect Buns: Demonstrates a method to tie hair without causing bumps, ensuring a sleek bun.

   Madison Sullivan Thorpe [37:55]: “Fold the hair tie into a figure eight before wrapping it around the hair.”

Notable Quotes:

Annika Joshi Smith [31:31]: “No question is too silly.”

Madison Sullivan Thorpe [35:24]: “Throw a word instead of a spreadsheet for your New Year's resolution.”

Conclusion

In this episode of Style-ish, the hosts provide insightful commentary on the current trends shaping the beauty and fashion industries. From the subtle advancements in cosmetic procedures to the challenges faced by mid-market fashion brands, and the consequences of return culture in online shopping, the discussion is both comprehensive and thought-provoking. The episode concludes with practical recommendations, enhancing its value for listeners seeking both industry insights and personal growth tips.

Notable Final Quote:

Annika Joshi Smith [33:06]: “I got that. I got the BDE and it's something as well.”

Stay Connected: Listeners are encouraged to engage with the hosts via email at anytime@style-ishamelessmedia.com or through their social media channels on Stylish AU.