Articles by Esmee Blaazer
Esmée Blaazer (1988) studied Fashion Management at TMO European Business School and has worked at FashionUnited since 2009. Over the years, she has held various editorial roles. As Project Manager, she now writes background stories, explaining matters and processes of the fashion industry to newcomers in the sector and students. Topics that are regularly discussed are the future of fashion, sustainability, circularity and legislation. Esmée is also involved in exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the newsroom.
Spotted on the catwalk: NYFW SS26 trend colors of Pantone
During New York Fashion Week spring/summer 2026, everything revolves around personal expression. This acts as a powerful counterbalance to artificial intelligence and creeping uniformity. According to the Pantone Colour Institute, designers are opting for a bold mix of familiar shades, vibrant accents and calming neutral tones this season. The...
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Ask Ralph: Ralph Lauren launches AI-powered digital stylist with Microsoft
In the US, fashion house Ralph Lauren has launched Ask Ralph, a new AI-powered styling tool within the Ralph Lauren app. The digital assistant acts as a virtual stylist. It provides users with instant, personalised outfit advice from the womenswear and menswear Polo Ralph Lauren collections through simple questions or prompts. The tool was...
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Changemakers in fashion (part 4): Baptiste Carrière-Pradal, co-founder and director of 2B Policy
There are countless sustainability initiatives, but who in the fashion industry is truly driving the transition, whether their efforts are visible to the general public or not? We interview changemakers, consultants, sustainable fashion experts and activists. What can we learn from their work? In this fourth instalment, FashionUnited spoke with...
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Changemakers in fashion (part 3): Saqib Sohail, head of Responsible Business Projects at Artistic Milliners
There are countless sustainability initiatives, but who in the fashion industry is truly driving the transition—whether or not their efforts are visible to the broader public? We interview changemakers, consultants, sustainable fashion experts and activists. What can we learn from their work? In this third installment, FashionUnited speaks with...
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Lidewij Edelkoort: Fashion becomes conventional
“Convention is becoming very important,” Edelkoort shared about AW26/27, speaking with wonder on her own appreciation for ‘very conventional clothing’. A photo featuring a pleated high-collar blouse; a classic, fine-knit crew neck jumper; and a pearl necklace, is among her favourite images from her presentation, alongside a cute cat picture. “...
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Changemakers in fashion (part 2): Romain Narcy of Rematters, Ereks Blue Matters and the Denim Deal
There are countless sustainability initiatives, but who in the fashion industry is truly driving the transition, whether their efforts are visible to the general public or not? We interview changemakers, consultants, sustainable fashion experts and activists. What can we learn from their work? In this second instalment, FashionUnited spoke with...
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Changemakers in fashion (part 1): Thami Schweichler, founder United Repair Centre
There are countless sustainability initiatives, but who in the fashion industry is truly driving the transition—whether or not their efforts are visible to the broader public? We interview changemakers, consultants, sustainable fashion experts, and activists. What can we learn from their work? In episode 1: Thami Schweichler of United Repair...
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Clothes are fun (aren't they?)
Clothes are fun. Aren't they? Yes. And yet, as a fashion professional and consumer, I sometimes struggle with this. I love fashion. Less so the industry (specifically the dark and unsustainable sides), but still beautiful products. For myself, I have been buying less clothing for years — partly consciously, partly unconsciously. I try to build a...
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For a circular economy and fashion industry, behavioural change is key
Research shows that if 25 percent of consumers change their behaviour, it can be enough to establish a new norm. This could also apply to fashion. The message from Mirella Soyer, professor of behaviour for circular transitions at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, is clear: to achieve a circular economy, we need behavioural change. The...
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How to comply with the CSRD? Frontrunner Schijvens Corporate Fashion shares the tips for SME companies
Schijvens Corporate Fashion is a leader in sustainability and has taken a pioneering role in preparing for the CSRD. Although the reporting requirement is not yet in effect for SMEs, the Brabant-based family business, which falls into this category, has already provided sustainability information with its latest annual financial statement...
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