The color white has become a pervasive trend in fashion and home decor, symbolizing a range of virtues such as purity, innocence, wisdom, peace, and elegance. Historian Michel Pastoureau, who has studied the symbolism of colors through the ages, discusses the unique positive connotations of white and its historical association with power and social elegance in Europe. Despite its positive aspects, white also carries connotations of death in Asia and Africa and can evoke feelings of emptiness and anxiety. The current fascination with white and its many shades, from cream to very light beige, reflects a desire for softness and purity as an antidote to the dark and violent times.

Ear piercing has become a favored accessory among millennials, with options like gold hoops, diamond stars, and discreet crosses. Santiago Sabo, co-founder of jewelry brand Saboteur, advises on safe piercing locations and creating 'constellations' with multiple piercings. Dermato Drey emphasizes the importance of impeccable salon hygiene, sterile needles, and detailed postoperative care. She also warns of potential allergic reactions, bacterial infections, and the necessity of medical consultation in such cases. Recommendations include avoiding intense physical effort, not removing or touching the piercing with fingers, and using a healing spray from the second day. The healing process can take up to six weeks for the lobe and up to twelve months for other ear areas, with precautions against swimming pools, solariums, or saunas to prevent infections.

African fashion is diverse, original, and vibrant, moving beyond the stereotypical wax fabric image. The continent's fashion industry is booming, with local fashion weeks like Lagos's, digital platforms like Ditto Africa and Lago54, and luxury sector recognition, such as Dior's 2019 Marrakech show. The industry is a significant employer in sub-Saharan Africa, with potential to become the most flourishing sector. Challenges remain, including transitioning from designer to entrepreneur and lack of public support. 'Swinging Africa, le continent mode' by Emmanuelle Courrèges explores this creative surge and emerging industry. Featured individuals include photographers Louis Philippe de Gagoue and Trevor Stuurman, hair stylist Nikiwe Dlova, and designers like Imane Ayissi and Lisa Folawiyo, who integrate African elegance and cultural narratives into their work.

Chitose Abe has become a prominent figure in the fashion industry, known for her brand Sacai and her innovative approach to design. Her work includes collaborations with Dior Men, led by Kim Jones, and reviving haute couture for Jean Paul Gaultier. Abe's designs blend underground style, classic tailoring, and sportswear, creating modern silhouettes. She has also worked with Nike, Ugg, and Petit Bateau. Abe's influence extends beyond her designs, as she is seen as a role model for young designers in Japan and has a significant following on social media. Her success is attributed to her unique style, technical mastery, and the ability to create a new wardrobe for everyday life.

Janaïna Milheiro, a French artisan born in Rio, has been recognized for her exceptional work in textile design and craftsmanship, particularly with feathers, earning her the 2021 Craftswomen's Prize. Educated at Duperré School of Applied Arts and ENSCI, she has collaborated with luxury fashion houses such as Dior, Maison Margiela, Givenchy, and Valentino, creating unique and timeless pieces. Her notable works include angelic adornments for Victoria's Secret and a hand-gilded feather cape for Dior's Spring-Summer 2020 Haute Couture show. Milheiro's commitment to environmental and biodiversity respect is evident in her use of feathers from consumable animals only. Supported by the Fondation Banque Populaire, she has expanded into architecture and design, blending feathers with materials like crystal, glass, brass, and wood in commissioned artworks. Her Parisian workshop is a space of ongoing exploration and creativity.

Charles de Vilmorin is excited about three projects: a capsule for luxury e-commerce site 24S, being a finalist in the LVMH Prize for young designers, and his first runway show at Paris Fashion Week for Rochas, where he is the new artistic director. He revealed an eight-piece unisex collection with psychedelic patterns and colors for 24S, reflecting his whimsical world with basic cuts and everyday fabrics. His rapid rise in the fashion industry is supported by notable figures and his work is described as joyful, mysterious, and excessive, embodying a couturier in tune with the times.

Knitting has made a strong comeback, transforming from a grandmother's pastime into a trendy, youthful, and accessible hobby, largely due to the success of companies like We are Knitters. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, as people sought simple, manual activities. The fashion industry has shifted towards cocooning clothes with soft, second-skin materials, and there's a growing demand for eco-responsible fibers like virgin or merino wool. The industry is also moving away from synthetic fibers towards certified fibers that respect the planet and animal welfare. The resurgence of knitting is also tied to a broader movement towards sustainable fashion, with an emphasis on local production and ethical practices, as seen with the rise of 100% made in France models and eco-friendly alternatives like recycled cashmere and vegan wool.

Olivier Rousteing shares personal insights, including his love for the energy of September, morning routines with music from Prince and Beyoncé, close family ties, recent cooking endeavors, and his hobby of collecting vintage fashion magazines and items. He also mentions his work, such as the 'Balmain sur Seine' show on TikTok, a collaboration with Cire Trudon, and dressing Beyoncé for 'Black is King'. His personal items include an iPhone, a double-breasted jacket, and he is currently reading 'Les Misérables' after being inspired by Ladj Li's film.

Julie de Libran, a French designer with thirty years of experience, has launched her own line of sophisticated and timeless dresses. Having previously worked with fashion icons like Miuccia Prada, Gianni Versace, Gianfranco Ferré, and Marc Jacobs, and at the helm of Sonia Rykiel, she now offers a collection of limited edition, responsibly made pieces using fabric remnants from Italian and French manufacturers. The collection includes cocktail dresses with fringes, sequined dresses, ultra-short baby-doll dresses, lace slip dresses, and cropped blouse and leopard skirt sets, available on her website and matchesfashion.com.

Apple is positioning the Apple Watch as a potential essential fashion accessory similar to an 'it bag'. The watch is functional, allowing users to stay connected to their iPhone, and comes in a variety of colors. It is customizable, sports a simple design, and is available in different materials. Apple's reputation for creating desirable products is noted, and the Apple Watch will be available in three collections starting early 2015, with prices beginning at $349.