As the fashion landscape shifts, there’s a growing desire to look beyond the major players we’ve known for years. The future of style is being shaped by international independent brands, where slow craft, sustainable values, and fresh perspectives take centre stage. These smaller labels often bring the innovation and authenticity the industry needs, and Cukovy, a standout from Budapest, is exactly the kind of brand leading this new wave.
For conscious consumers searching for sustainable outerwear and ethical winter fashion, Cukovy offers a refreshingly transparent approach. Their puffer jackets use Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified Hungarian goose down, ensuring warmth with animal welfare in mind. Every fabric is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and REACH-compliant, meaning their materials are free from harmful chemicals and safe for both the wearer and the environment.
Crucially, Cukovy keeps its entire production local in Hungary, supporting artisans while reducing transport emissions which is a key element in truly sustainable fashion.
What truly sets Cukovy apart is its unique modular design, a game-changing concept in the world of luxury puffer jackets. With detachable sleeves, removable hoods, and interchangeable features, each jacket becomes a personalised expression of style. It’s versatile, functional, and incredibly fun to wear.
This modularity isn’t just aesthetic; it offers a more circular approach to style by extending the life of each piece. Instead of buying new, you simply reconfigure the one you love.
From the sculptural Erin to the adjustable, city-friendly Ira, Cukovy’s designs balance practicality with bold, architectural silhouettes. Their mix of glossy textures, warm neutrals, and statement shapes gives each piece a distinctive edge, making them ideal for anyone seeking fashion-forward winter wear that stands out from the crowd.
Why Cukovy Matters Now…
In a world of mass-produced sameness, Cukovy champions a future built on craft, intention, and originality. Their jackets are warm, adaptive, and genuinely sustainable, but more than that, they reflect a new kind of fashion ecosystem worth supporting: small, ethical, and globally minded.
In an age where jewellery can feel overly ornate, mass-produced, or superficial, Enso Design Laboffers something altogether more grounded. Based in Dubai and helmed by Ani Han, this design studio and jewellery brand marries minimalist elegance, mindfulness, and ethical craft, a combination that feels deeply modern and quietly powerful.
The name “Enso” is drawn from the Zen brushstroke… a single, circular mark that evokes enlightenment, presence, and the beauty of imperfection. This visual metaphor is woven into the very soul of the brand: their pieces aren’t just accessories, but reminders of presence, balance, and inner clarity. In her journey from a career in banking to jewellery design, Ani Han frequently cites meditation and self-reflection as central to her creative process.
Sustainability is not an afterthought, it’s integrated into how they design, source, and produce. Bulat Han, the brand’s founder, emphasizes responsible production and materials that both endure and feel thoughtful.
Working with skilled artisans around the world, selecting materials and finishes that are high quality and made to last. Rather than “fast fashion jewellery,” their pieces are part of what they call Studio Editions: sculptural, refined objects made to be kept and treasured.
In a world of throwaway fashion, Enso Design Lab feels like a quiet revolution: a brand reminding us that sophistication doesn’t always need to “pop.” Sometimes, it just needs to be.
Ten years ago, the AllbirdsWool Runner quietly revolutionized the footwear industry. Crafted from superfine Merino wool, it broke away from the synthetic-heavy norms and became a symbol of comfort, sustainability, and minimalist design.
The Wool Runner NZ pays tribute to the original, while embracing everything Allbirds has learned in the last ten years. The “NZ” moniker is a nod to the brand’s roots in New Zealand, where professional footballer Tim Brown first dreamed up a better, more sustainable sneaker. Alongside renewables expert Joey Zwillinger, the duo took on the industry with one radical idea—make better things in a better way.
the Wool Runner NZ continues Allbirds’ mission of low-impact, planet-friendly design. Here’s what’s changed—and why it matters:
Merino Wool-Blend Upper: Still soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating, but now with an even plusher collar and tongue for next-level coziness.
Featherbed™ Insole: A brand-new dual-density footbed that pairs cushioned memory foam with a signature wool-blend top layer. Think instant, out-of-the-box comfort that actually lasts.
SweetFoam® Midsole: Sustainably made with sugarcane and now contoured for a smoother, more supportive stride.
Subtle Design Upgrades: A new concentric outsole, fluted sidewall detailing, refined eyelets, and updated branding add a sophisticated, modern edge without losing the shoe’s minimalist DNA.
At Meta Connect 2025, two giants in innovation—EssilorLuxottica and Meta—unveiled the next generation of AI glasses, marking a new chapter in the evolution of wearables. After the immense success of their previous collaborations, including the Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta HSTN, this latest series promises to redefine not just how we see the world, but how the world interacts with us. From athletes to tech enthusiasts, this new lineup offers something for everyone, blending cutting-edge technology with sleek, functional designs.
Oakley Meta Vanguard: Athletic Intelligence for the Future
One of the standout releases at Meta Connect was the Oakley Meta Vanguard—a game-changing pair of AI-powered glasses tailored specifically for athletes. Building on the popularity of the Oakley Meta HSTN, the Vanguard model takes performance to new heights with 12MP ultra-wide cameras (122° field of view) and high-decibel open-ear speakers designed to handle everything from bustling streets to intense outdoor workouts.
These glasses are equipped with Garmin and Strava integrations, providing real-time performance data for runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re conquering a marathon or riding a century bike ride, the Oakley Meta Vanguard has a 9-hour battery life, with the added convenience of an extra 36 hours via its charging case. Built to withstand the toughest environments with IP67 water and dust resistance, the Vanguard offers a rugged, stylish solution for anyone who pushes their limits outdoors.
For those looking to customize their look, Oakley’s signature PRIZM lenses can be swapped out, optimized for various lighting conditions, and the glasses are even compatible with helmets and hats for added comfort.
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2): Style Meets Smart Technology
Next up, we have the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), which takes the beloved Ray-Ban Meta to the next level. Packed with an ultra-wide 12MP camera that shoots 3K ultra-HD videos, these glasses offer an even longer battery life of up to 8 hours. Additionally, they now come in a wider range of styles and colors, and can be fitted with prescription lenses, including the highly advanced Transitions Gen S lenses.
A particularly exciting new feature is Conversation Focus, which utilizes AI to amplify voices in noisy environments, such as cafes, parks, or restaurants. Whether you’re out for a coffee or in a crowded public space, the new Ray-Ban Metawill help you focus on what matters most—your conversation.
Meta Ray-Ban Display: The Future of Wearables
The most futuristic product from this partnership is undoubtedly the Meta Ray-Ban Display, which takes the concept of AI glasses to a whole new level. For the first time, these glasses feature a built-in, full-color visual display that discreetly shows important information like incoming messages, photo previews, video calls, and even step-by-step instructions—right in the lens.
Pairing this with the Meta Neural Band, an EMG wristband that allows users to control the glasses with subtle hand and finger movements, the Meta Ray-Ban Display truly redefines what it means to be “hands-free”.
A special collaboration with the iconic French fashion house Lacoste and Brach, a hotel rooted in authenticity, launching a limited-edition sweatshirt that captures the soul of the brand and its distinctive lifestyle.
One of my favourite places to stay, Brach is located in Paris’s chic 16th arrondissement and has recently expanded to Madrid too.
The collab itself boasts a unisex sweatshirt that combines simplicity with elegance, crafted from high-quality materials that offer understated appeal and exceptional comfort. Feeling very ‘French’ it features the iconic Lacoste crocodile, subtly redesigned to reflect Brach’s unique identity.
Available exclusively from May 2025 at Brach Paris, Brach Madrid, and online.
When you say Oakley, these are the shades I think of. Over two decades ago, the Straight Jacket defined an era of Oakley—bold, defiant, and made for those who refused to follow. It shattered the boundaries of sport, infiltrating culture through film, TV, and the streets, while being worn by the legends who set the blueprint.
Now, as Oakley celebrates 50 years of defying convention, the limited-edition Oakley® MUZM Straight Jacket 99 returns — handpicked from the archives and reimagined for a new generation of rule-breakers.
A member of the Jacket family—a collection of eyewear that fits the face like apparel fits your body—the design connects past and future, revamping the second generation of Straight Jacket down to the classic flame detailing.
Featuring the same sporty, aggressive look that was signature to Oakley’s design language in the ’90s and early 2000s, the lightweight O Matter™ frame arrives in a new, unprecedented colorway—complete with silver flames across the frame and temples, no-slip Unobtainium® earsocks for a secure fit, and Prizm™ Black lenses made to enhance color and contrast.
When performance is as important as environmental integrity, you get sportswear with a conscious.
Founded by Alexandra Knight and Nujood Khaled, Me & My Activewear is locally designed in the U.A.E. and crafted from recycled ocean waste and eco-friendly fabrics in Italy, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of the collection.
The collection features breathable fabrics, muscular containment and sweat-proof technology to support you throughout your workout. With clothing for women, teens and girls, that’s built to thrive in the Middle East’s hot climate, each piece also features a UPF 50+ rating for ultimate sun protection.
With OEKO-TEX® and Bluesign® certifications, customers have the peace of mind knowing that Me & My Activewearfabrics are free from harmful substances, rigorously tested for safety and uphold the highest environmental standards.
Here’s what the founders said when I spoke to them about their new label;
Why is it important for you to design a collection sustainably
Sustainability was key at the very beginning of this project and something I was not going to pivot from, it had to be the core of our business, a part of its foundations. This was driven by my personal passion for doing what I can to make a difference and a positive impact on the environment.
In my previous role I made a decision in 2019 to remove all plastic water bottles from the offices and site at Zayed Sports City and negotiated a partnership with No More Bottles to install filtration systems across site inside and out, we were the first sports and recreation facility in the Middle East to implement this and the impact was huge, in the offices alone it was saving at least 300 plastic bottles of water a day.
When it came to establishing Me & My Activewear it took 17 months from concept idea to creation, we needed to produce activewear that performed, but was kind to the person and the planet. Sustainability isn’t just about a fabric that has been recycled or an organic cotton, it’s about how the fabric was created, where it was created, it’s quality and durability to ensure we are crafting activewear that is made to last. Our customers deserve to have the choice to be wearing the same kit in 10 years, a timeless, high-quality range that is custom designed.
Our main collection is made from ECONYL®, Regenerated Nylon from recycled waste, including fishing nets, carpets, industrial plastic and clothing take back programmes. Boosting the same qualities as brand-new nylon, but unlike tradition nylon it can be recycled, recreated and remoulded over and over again. Every 10,000 tons of ECONYL®, 70,000 barrels of crude oil are saved and 65,100 tonnes of CO2 emissions are avoided.
Do you feel there is still space for more fitness clothing in the market here?
I feel that the market is currently flooded with activewear brands and I hear of more soon to enter the market. So, my answer to this is no but also yes…
No, I don’t believe there is room for anymore brands that are founded on the same USPs and share the same strategic profile. They are focused on core attributes of what the current market tells us customers want, such as muscle compression, soft fabrics, moisture wicking and supportive. They are often made in similar production houses, where they have a catalogue to select the style, colour, fabric and on goes their logo.
However, there is space for brands that want to step out of the crowd and create activewear that diverges from the current norm, and adds value to the customer. Brands that want to lead rather than follow, seek inspiration rather than focusing on competition, and work towards change.
Me & My Activewear has maintained the product attributes that are the base of sportswear and have created a brand that gives our customers more, is made to last and is eco-friendly.
UPF50+
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 meaning that it has been tested for harmful chemicals and is deemed safe to human health
Bluesign® certificate meaning that the fabrics have been manufactured to strict work safety and environmental standards to minimise the impact on people and planet
Designed here in the UAE and made in Italy with Italian fabrics that have been specifically selected for the Middle East climate
Made from regenerated waste – Ocean waste such as fishing nets, discarded carpets and plastic bottles, as well as waste that would otherwise end up in landfills
How important is the sustainability factor for your clientele?
Customers are looking for sustainable options but are not willing to compromise on quality and performance.
Specifically for our clients we have found that people are truly pleasantly shocked when they know the fabric is made from regenerated waste, they love the feel of the fabric on the skin and once they try it, they buy it. There is no compromise, they are simply getting more and making a sustainable purchase.
Summer is starting to peak its head round the corner so I’m starting to think in a bit more colour. Here’s my wishlist from businessofprelovedfashion.com (Bopf) with the South of France in mind.
Bopf is a locally based second life luxury website run by Diza and Ify—a husband-and-wife team whose passion for fashion sees them ‘moving Birkins, Kellys, and everything in between.’
A beautiful Iftar at The Guild celebrated the launch of ‘The Celestial Collection’, a collaboration between locally based lab-grown diamond specialists Diamind and Jordanian/British Hannah Rasekh. “A tribute to the infinite beauty of the cosmos” Crafted using lab-grown diamonds set in 18-carat gold, the collection was inspired by the grandeur of the night sky, with designs that “reflect the shimmering constellations, radiant orbits, and the delicate interplay of light and space.”
Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in every way, and according to Morgan Stanley, “lab-grown diamonds accounted for an estimated 14.3% of total diamond supply in 2024.”
With a continued projected increase in market share for 25-26, investing in lab-grown is also the most environmentally friendly way to increase your luxury accessories game, as it produces only a fraction of carbon emissions that mining natural diamonds does.
Lab-grown gems are also more affordable and becoming more popular – last year alone, according to the diamond industry analyst Edahn Golan, 45.3% of the diamond engagement rings sold in the US had lab-grown diamonds in.
Shoppers in Dubai are among the most connected in the world, with an internet penetration rate of 99 percent. But as much as online shopping offers us the at-home or on-the-go ease of perusing what’s in store, without having to actually be there, rates of return items are increasing.
Why is this a concern? Returns don’t just double the journey of our purchases; they exponentially increase their carbon footprint. Shipping and returns collectively account for 37% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the retail industry, and returns alone add an additional 30% to the carbon emissions of the initial delivery.
So whilst we have precious few opportunities to be self-indulgent nowadays, making the effort to go in-store and actually try on items we like is actually helping to make you a more sustainable shopper! Plus, there’s nothing that compares to the sensation of feeling the quality of clothing on a rail IRL.
Here’s where you can visit in Dubai for a second-hand luxury experience:
