Global Scans · Beauty & fashion · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Wearables, 3D printing, sensors and other technological advancements are likely to change the world of perceived beauty and fashion towards more integrative, online services. Find out how body scanners and conductive clothing will help us live better, more healthy lives and the downside risks emanating from those who would seek to interfere with them.

• [New] Generative AI can offer a path forward by adding $275 billion to operating profits in the fashion, apparel, and luxury sectors until 2028. AIMultiple
• [New] Risks remain, including the challenges of scaling in international markets and potential competition from Amazon's expanding beauty offerings. Ainvest
• [New] E-commerce sales are projected to grow approximately 11% annually from 2023 to 2027 across the Gulf region, reaching $49.78 billion by 2027, with emerging markets like Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, and key sectors such as fashion, groceries, and healthcare, anticipated to be major contributors. Kanebridge News
• Dedicated Beauty Bars in Heathrow's experiential spaces will offer live masterclasses of popular products, as well as demonstrations of interactive technology such as skin analysis machines and fragrance engraving stations. DFNI
• Surge in Secondhand Clothing Sales: Advancements in artificial intelligence and potential U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods are projected to boost global secondhand clothing sales by 11% in 2025, reaching $227 billion. best colorful socks
• The new regulation, which takes effect in 2026, will remove value-added tax refunds for foreign tourists using medical beauty services. / South Korea South China Morning Post
• Climate risk not only impacts the production of textile fibers but also the rest of the clothing value chain (yarn, fabric and garment), which is highly concentrated in countries vulnerable to climatic hazards such as China, Bangladesh and Vietnam. Coface
• Experts generally agree that the adoption of AI, in some form or fashion, will continue well into the next decade, but investors have been seeking reassurance. AOL
• With new laws, such as the New York State Fashion Workers Act, aiming to protect models in the evolving landscape, the discussions surrounding AI could significantly influence the trajectory of the fashion world in the years to come. SSBCrack News
• The fashion industry soars to new heights with expected annual growth of 9.36% by 2027. Netguru
• Online fashion sales are projected to hit between $883 and $975 billion in 2025. Latico Leathers
• From L'Oreal to Estee Lauder, via Unilever, Coty, and luxury giant LVMH, major industry players have already launched strategic transformations powered by GenAI, which, through bytes and code, will redefine how beauty is designed, communicated, produced, and sold. nss G-Club
• Methuen is expanding its commitment to sustainability by launching a new curbside textile recycling program in partnership with the non-profit Planet Aid, Inc. Starting in March, residents will be able to schedule home pickups for used clothing, footwear, and other fabric items. Methuen, MA
• The still-looming potential for tariff-induced inflation and a growing fiscal debt in the U.S. that is projected to expand in the wake of the Big Beautiful Bill Act, have set a fairly high floor under interest rates for now. Realtor.com Economic Research
• Even with economic uncertainty and shifting consumer priorities, the fashion industry is expected to grow steadily through the end of the decade. Latico Leathers
• Apparel sales are expected to reach $365.7 billion in 2025, with American households spending about $162 per month on clothing on average. Latico Leathers
• In an era where Instagram-worthy outfits and TikTok fashion hauls dominate social media, the fashion industry has evolved into a major environmental threat. GradesFixer
• The fashion industry plays a pivotal role in Asian countries, with revenue projected to grow at a fast pace in the coming decade. Emerald Publishing
• The Hill: Over Half Of Americans Say 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Going To Raise Health Care Costs: Poll More than half of Americans - 57% - said in a new survey that they think the GOP's sweeping package extending tax cuts and slashing welfare services will increase their health-care costs. KFF Health News

Last updated: 18 August 2025