LSN : News : Gen Alphas are throwing birthday parties in Sephora stores

Vollebak unveils Shielding Suit to block signals and infrared tracking

Vollekbak Shielding Suit, UK

UK – British brand Vollebak has launched the Shielding Suit, a high-tech garment designed to block electromagnetic signals, prevent tracking and protect against infrared detection. Made with pure silver woven into the fabric, the suit shields users from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite and radar frequencies.

Inspired by NASA’s Mars Rover technology, the suit comprises a jacket and trousers embedded with metallised silver which deflects electromagnetic radiation. ‘It’s our first step towards everyday clothing that is fully radiation-proof,’ the Vollebak design team told Design Boom.

Vollebak collaborated with German lab Shieldex to create the material, which also acts as an antimicrobial agent. The suit’s pockets function like a wearable Faraday cage, preventing access to devices even when switched on.

With adjustable cuffs, a hood and multiple zippered pockets, the Shielding Suit blends futuristic protection with functional design, offering a glimpse into the potential future of personal privacy wearables.

For more insights on functional fashion, head to our Wellbeing Wear and Safety Fits reports.

Strategic opportunity

Tap into the growing electromagnetic hypersensitivity market by promoting radiation-proof clothing for members of the public who are concerned about long-term exposure to Wi-Fi, 5G and other electric and magnetic fields

Gen Alphas are throwing birthday parties in Sephora stores

US – Gen Alpha are swapping traditional parties for beauty retail experiences, as stores become the go-to destinations for skincare-obsessed tweens.

While most beauty retailers don’t have official party programmes, stores are increasingly offering activities such as scavenger hunts, tutorials and goodie bags that double as brand-building moments.

At Sephora, Zalphas learn about ‘dewy skin’ and how to achieve the perfect ‘glossy lip’ before taking home samples as party bags. At the Glossier flagship, parties stop by to try samples and take photos in the Glossier You Look Good mirror. Shop managers can also arrange tours or tutorials ahead of time. Meanwhile, Los Angeles teen skincare brand Rile hosts self-empowerment parties where tween partygoers receive skincare kits and tutorials (taught by an older teen, rather than an unrelatable adult).

In Back-to-School Alphas we explored the ‘Sephora kids’ phenomenon and unpacked Gen Alpha’s fascination with skincare, hygiene and fragrance and what this means for the beauty industry. Tween beauty might not be new, but Gen Alpha’s appetite for it is.

Sephora Champs-Élysées, Paris, France

Strategic opportunity

As Gen Alpha embraces beauty retail as a social space, beauty brands should consider introducing party packages that foster brand affinity while ensuring younger consumers are using safe, age-appropriate products

Stat: LGBTQ+ employees still face widespread workplace discrimination

Toi Toi Toi Creative Studio for Contentful. Photography by Koy+Winkel, Germany

UK – As LGBTQ+ History Month begins, new research from Stonewall highlights the persistence of workplace discrimination against LGBTQ+ employees in the UK. Despite progress, many still experience exclusion, harassment and fear of being open about their identity at work.

The findings reveal that 39% of LGBTQ+ employees feel the need to hide their identity at work, while 36% have heard discriminatory comments about LGBTQ+ colleagues. More than one in four (26%) have faced verbal abuse from customers or clients because of their identity and 12% believe they were fired for being LGBTQ+. Additionally, 31% do not feel they can be themselves at work and more than half of those employees have experienced direct discrimination, including verbal or physical abuse or exclusion.

Simon Blake, CEO of Stonewall, warns that growing political pressure against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives could worsen workplace inequalities. ‘Organisations must stand firm on their commitment to equality and inclusion – not only is there a moral case, but there is a clear business case,’ he said. Blake emphasised that inclusive company cultures drive engagement, productivity and retention and are therefore essential for long-term business success.

With more than 10% of 16–24-year-olds in the UK now identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual according to the 2021 Census, businesses must prioritise inclusion or risk alienating the workforce of the future.

Explore our Work State Futures macrotrend report and Identities topic to gain deeper insights into this community and learn how to create a more inclusive workplace.

Strategic opportunity

How can you ensure your LGBTQ+ employees feel safe to be themselves? Champion inclusion policies, ensure there are platforms for open, safe discussions while encouraging leadership and advocates to model inclusive behaviour