By PRETTYLITTLETHING
No. 1 May 2022
EDITOR’S LETTER Hey readers, Welcome to the first ever Pretty Little Thing magazine! After all the hype over social media, you can now finally view all of our content inside our first issue. “Sustainability and Pretty Little Thing don’t go together” - Erm, why not? If this is what you think, then give PLT then benefit of the doubt and allow our magazine to change your mind. Within the past few months, our team
have been working on the next big PLT campaign — The Rewind. The term ‘Rewind’ (with reference to a film or tape) means to wind or be wound back to the beginning. That is exactly what we as a brand plan to do after addressing the ethical issues surrounding the brand, the backlash of Molly-Mae Hague becoming PLT’s Creative Director and considering the main topic within the fashion industry today — Sustainability. Therefore, leading us into this new direction is The Rewind campaign. To start with, I want to say personally that we at PLT seen and read the majority of your comments and opinions about Molly-Mae becoming creative director. Having been a fashion student myself, I deeply understand the frustration of our student demographic and how disheartening, hard and often cruel the fashion industry can be. And so as a way of making up for any hurt we have caused, we run an application programme for the Rewind where student designers each submitted two designs for the capsule collection. The brief was simple — to design to garments that are highly considered to be ‘timeless, staple pieces’. Clothes that can be styled with anything and will never go out of fashion. The garments can be constructed using new sustainable technology or can be made from sustainably sourced or
organic fabrics. Our design team viewed each and every students portfolio that was submitted, chose the best twenty designs and starting the construction and manufacturing process. Each of these twenty designs now make up the Rewind capsule collection. Q — Where can you shop the collection? A — Our new Pop-Up stores!
So if you become creatively inspired, if you learn something new, if we win back your brand loyalty or if you head down to our pop-up stores to shop the collection after reading this Issue, then our job is done! Follow our social media and stay tuned for our future ethical campaigns and see how you can get involved.
Another first for PLT! For the first time in the brands history, we have made the controversial decision for our consumers to only be able to shop the collection via our high street pop-up stores! As we only have a limited amount of stock of the collection, you better be quick if you want to shop it! You can find your nearest pop-up store on our website by typing in your postcode.
Pretty Little Thing presents the future of fashion — The Rewind.
Once the collection starts to run out, any items that our pop-up stores will have difficulty selling will be sent back to our main factory. The items will then be listed and available to purchase via our website, app and Insta-Shop.
@casie_ratcliff
In this issue, you can view the design process for the garments, view our promotional images, meet our fabulous and talented student designers, read our style tips for the collection and educate yourself on the importance of sustainable and ethical fashion.
Casie-Leigh Ratcliff
Recycled Cotton Staple 4Button Blazer (Colour: Black) £30
Organic Cotton Ruched Crop Top (Colour: White) £20, Contrast Recycled Cotton Denim Jeans (Colour: Blue & Black) £40, Cropped Bomber Jacket (Colour: Black) £55 Made with recycled content generated from production waste e.g. cutting straps and post -consumer household waste to avoid the larger environmental impact of producing virgin content.
Recycled Faux Leather Snake Print Shoulder Bag (Colour: White) £28
Organic Cotton Denim Dress (Colour: Washed Black) £40, Recycled Faux Leather Cross Body Clutch Bag with Gold Chain Link (Colour: Black) £28
Recycled Cotton Midi Trench Coat (Colour: Grey) £65, Organic Cotton Corset Top with Seaming & Tassels (Colour: Cream) £30, Organic Cotton High-Waisted Tailored Trousers with Front Slit (Colour: Cream) £40
Photographer: Casie-Leigh Ratcliff Art Direction & Styling: Casie-Leigh Ratcliff Model: Casie-Leigh Ratcliff
MUA: Casie-Leigh Ratcliff Hair Stylist: Casie-Leigh Ratcliff
Photographer: Casie-Leigh Ratcliff Art Direction & Styling: Casie-Leigh Ratcliff Model: Mia Flanagan MUA: Mia Flanagan Hair Stylist: Mia Flanagan
Photographer: Casie-Leigh Ratcliff Art Direction & Styling: Casie-Leigh Ratcliff Model: Jamila Mjahed
MUA: Jamila Mjahed Hair Stylist: Jamila Mjahed
MEET OUR STUDENT DESIG Amy / 19
Northumbria University, UK BA(Hons) Fashion Design & Technology 1st Year
Layla / 21
Birmingham City University BA(Hons) Fashion Design Final Year
GNERS… Anisa / 20
University of Arts London, UK BA(Hons) Fashion Design Technology 2nd Year
Neve / 19
University of Huddersfield, UK BA(Hons) Fashion Design Technology 2nd Year 1st Year
MEET OUR STUDENT DESIG Ruben / 23 Northumbria University, UK BA(Hons) Fashion Design & Technology Final Year
Freya / 20 MFI — Manchester Metropolitan University, UK BA(Hons) Fashion Design & Technology 1st Year
GNERS… Josh / 22 MFI — Manchester Metropolitan University, UK BA(Hons) Fashion Design & Technology 2nd Year
Carina / 24 MFI — Manchester Metropolitan University, UK BA(Hons) Fashion Design & Technology Final Year
MEET OUR STUDENT DESIG Isla / 22 University of Salford, UK BA(Hons) Fashion Design 2nd Year
Marise / 19 School of Design — University of Leeds, UK BA(Hons) Fashion Technology 1st Year
GNERS… At the start of the Rewind Campaign, our Talent Acquisition and Hiring team contacted university's across the UK and sent them brief outlines for our capsule collection. The university’s informed the students across their fashion design departments and encouraged the students to apply. Each student sent their applications, designs and CV’s to us and we are pleased to showcase the designers that are the future of fashion – Amy, Anise, Layla, Neve, Ruben, Josh, Freya, Anisa, Isla and Marise. Each of these students designers stood out to our hiring and talent team, and their designs for the requested brief were assessed by
our design team. All of their designs fit the brief impeccably and each individual’s talented, creative flair shone. PLT took their designs to our garment constructers and had them manufactured, ready in time for the opening of our Pop-Up store’s. Each student should be extremely proud of themselves, they each have a bright and exciting future ahead of them as each anticipate their graduation and step foot in the working world of the fashion industry. We at PLT, intend to create other campaigns in the future that features young fashion creatives to showcase and praise their talents.
Designer: Josh Garment: Women's Recycled Cotton Blazer
Digital CAD Designs. Designer: Carina Garment: Organic Cotton Corset Top with Seaming & Tassels
Sketchbook Designs.
Designer: Freya Garment: Cropped Bomber Jacket
PLT Styling Tips
A black blazer is the perfect finishing touch to add to any look and we are loving this one. Featuring a black recycled cotton material. A true staple piece and must have addition to any wardrobe. Style with the matching bottoms and heeled mules for a day out with the dolls.
THE REWIND
Sustainable
Capsule Collection
PLT Styling Tips
This simple crop top is the perfect addition to any dolls wardrobe. Featuring a white recycled cotton material with folded sleeves and ruched sides detailing. We love it teamed with comfy bottoms, chunky kicks and a gold necklace for a chilled off-duty look.
THE REWIND
Sustainable
Capsule Collection
PLT Styling Tips
Take your weekend look to a new dimension with these must-have highwaisted tailored trousers Featuring a cream organic cotton material with a straight leg fit and a split hem design, what's not to love? Pair with a The Rewind corset top, chunky kicks and a mini bag for a stylish on-the-go look.
THE REWIND
Sustainable
Capsule Collection
POP IN & SEE US For the first time ever, we at Pretty Little Thing would like to present our pop-up stores! You will be able to shop our Rewind Collection at any of the stores. You can also shop our beauty range in store too at our beauty counters, try testers of our products or pay for our beauty team to give you a glam makeover! Each of the stores are spacious and feature seating areas, changing rooms, neon lights, huge mirrored walls and a photobooth. So feel free to take some gorgeous pictures when you come in store, post to your social media and get the UK talking about our campaign! See if we’re bringing our pop-up stores to your city from the locations below:
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Manchester
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London
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Liverpool
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Newcastle
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Leeds
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Birmingham
PLT Beauty Let’s Talk Beauty No matter your festival vibe, the electric energy means you can be bright and bold with your beauty looks!
Prep for your great escape and bring the heat with major makeup inspo thanks to Tatti Lashes. In need of a skin refresh? Mario Badescu has you covered! From must-have prep and prime before application to one step spritzing when you’re on the move.
PRETTYLITTLETHING X Tatti Lashes Hustler
PRETTYLITTLETHING X Tatti Lashes She’s Fire
PLT Beauty With a change in weather, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your beauty bag and refresh your skincare staples. Today we’re sharing the new in products from Pixi that we are loving right now! From cleansers and toners to must-have miniatures.
Toner talk Allow your skin to soak up ALL the skincare products by prepping with Pixi. The glow up is real! Quite literally with the Pixi Glow Tonic, the award winning toner gently accelerates cell renewal to reveal a brighter, glowing complexion.
Sick of clogged pores? Add the all new Clarity Tonic to your wishlist. With AHAs, antioxidants, and balancing Probiotics to help clear skin and minimise the appearance of pores. Healthier looking skin? Keep it glowing.
Cleanse the day off… Reimagine your skincare routine with iconic Pixi formulas. No matter your skin type or goals, you won’t want to miss this. If your skin is prone to breakouts, the Clarity Cleanser is a major must-have! All about hydration and nourishment? Take your pick from the Milky Cleanser and Rose Cream. Self-care just got serious.
PLT Beauty
Enhancing your natural beauty has never been easier with our range of must-have makeup essentials. Refresh your makeup looks with the latest must-haves from the beauty world to ensure your glam is always flawless. From the everyday blush to the ultimate brow saviours and the must-have makeup set to have you night out ready, our offering of makeup online has all areas of your face covered. Whether you’re looking to add to your makeup ideas or experiment with the latest makeup products, with a variety of different brands to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice. Discover everything from the makeup sets to gift to yourself or your bestie, or discover the season's must-have lip colours and the latest blusher. If you’re a natural beauty or all about that glam, we've got everything you need when it comes to refreshing your makeup bag. No need to venture to any further makeup websites, make us your go-to and stock your bathroom beauty shelf with the makeup essentials you need.
PLT Beauty
Lilac Eyeshadow Lilac shadow is a major must have for Spring, no matter whether you want just a light wash of colour creating an almost pastel pop or prefer to pack on the pigment. However you apply, this bright beauty look is the season’s most sought after.
@fatema.jameel
Morphe 35C Everyday Chic Artistry Eyeshadow Palette, £25 @branalunan
Stila Glitter & Glow Eyeshadow Shade: Gypsy, £24.00
Reasons why sustaina 1. SUSTAINABL E FASHIO N SAVES NATURAL R ESOUR C ES A study from 2015 shows that 97% of what goes into making clothes are new resources, with only 3% of it being recycled materials. This adds up to an annual resource input of 98 million tons – including oil to produce synthetic fibres, fertilisers to grow cotton and an endless list of chemicals needed to dye & finish fabric. Recycled fibres have proven to be a much more sustainable option, as they reduce pressure on virgin resources and tackle the growing problem of waste management. As a reference, for every 10,000 tons of ECONYL® raw material used for our swimwear, 70,000 Barrels of Oil & 57,100 tons of Co2 are saved compared to the production of virgin nylon. 2. SUSTAINABLE FASHION REDUCES YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
The global fashion industry emits a hefty amount of greenhouse gases per year, thus contributing massively and actively to global warming. One of the reasons is that the vast majority of our beloved clothes are petroleum-based and made from fossil fuels, including polyester, acrylic & nylon (check your clothing labels, you may be surprised). These materials require significantly more energy in the production phase than natural or recycled fibres. Sustainable brands on the other side often use materials from natural or recycled fabrics that require significantly less to no chemical treatment, little water, less energy and no fertilizers or pesticides to grow. Most organic fabrics such as linen, hemp, organic cotton & TENCEL™ (made from sustainable wood pulp) are even biodegradable. These environmentally-sound fabrics go easy on the planet and are amazing sustainable alternatives.
able fashion matters 3. SUSTAINABLE FASHION SAVES ANIMAL LIVES This may not be news for you, but the fashion industry loves to kill for fashion. A common misconception is that leather for instance, is a by-product of the meat industry. However, this is not always the case. It’s estimated that the leather industry alone is slaughtering and killing over 430 million animals per year. Not going into more detail here as it’s a topic for itself, but if wish to educate yourself more on animal suffering in the fashion industry, follow this link. PETA has a plethora of articles on this topic. Sustainable fashion brands have started to increasingly embrace the use of cruelty-free alternatives, and there’s one for nearly every piece of fashion materials - polyester made with trash from the oceans (sounds familiar, doesn’t it?), bags created from recycled seatbelts, plant-based compostable sneakers, silk created from yeast, and bio-fabricated vegan wool. But one of the most demanded leather alternatives these days comes from pineapples. The fabric is produced using the leaves of pineapples in the harvesting process, giving by-product waste a new purpose. 4. SUSTAINABLE FASHION REQUIRES LESS WATER Water is a major resource for the fashion industry. It is used in the dyeing and finishing process for nearly all of our clothes. It takes an incredible amount of 2,700 litres of water to produce a single Tshirt. Cotton in particular is highly dependent on water, but is usually grown in hot and dry areas where water is a scarce resource already. By contrast, organic cotton reduces water consumption by 91% as opposed to conventional cotton. However, only 1% of global cotton production to date is organic. This is mainly due to the much higher cost of non-GMO seeds, which often require additional investments into materials & machinery, which farmers only use for their organically grown crop. Other sustainable fabrics that require little to no water during the production phase include linen, hemp, REFIBRA™ & recycled fibres like recycled cotton.
Reasons why sustaina 5. SUSTAINABLE FASHION SUPPORTS FAIRER & SAFER WORKING CONDITIONS Believe it or not, but modern day slavery does exist. Minimum wages (if at all), endless working hours, unacceptable health & safety conditions and the prohibition of workers unions is what reality for most garment workers in the fast fashion sector looks like. Moreover, verbal and physical abuse are still common practise in many parts of the industry. A few informative documentaries exist on the social injustices of the fast fashion industry. Check out “The True Cost” or “Fashion Factories Undercover” to learn more about it. Eco-ethical brands advocate for providing humane working conditions, health care and fair wages for their workers, which are typically above average. Generally, they show a larger purpose towards creating economic opportunities for those in need to end poverty. We all want to feel great about our clothes, and that includes feeling great about knowing under what conditions they were made. The well-being of people involved are just as valuable as the environment and animals, don’t you think? 6. SUSTAINABLE FASHION IS HEALTHIER FOR PEOPLE & PLANET Fast fashion items often undergo a long and intense chemical process before ending up on our hangers. Around 8,000 different synthetic chemicals are used to dye, bleach and wet process garments. Those chemicals often cause diseases or even deaths among farmers and inflict serious birth defects on their children. Some of these chemicals pose a real danger to our health as well, as our skin absorbs anything we put on it, including the chemicals in our clothes. Make sure to always wash new clothes before putting them on for the first time and check for garments with chemical content certification label such as OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, or BLUESIGN®.
able fashion matters 7. SUSTAINABLE FASHION DOESN’T SUPPORT CHILD LABOUR Around 170 million children are engaged in some form of garment work according to recent statistics from UNICEF, which is defined as “ “work for which the child is either too young – work done below the required minimum age – or work which, because of its detrimental nature or conditions, is altogether considered unacceptable for children and is prohibited”. This is a massive red-flag and the thought that children are sent to factories and conduct work that resembles modern day slavery to meet the fashion demands of the western world is simply unacceptable. Brands that truly follow sustainable & ethical practises are transparent about it and provide details on the factory, working conditions and manufacturing process. To evaluate the ethical factor of a fashion brand, check for garments with certification label such Fair Wear Foundation, Fair Trade Certified, Ethical Trading Initiative or Certified B Corporation. These organizations protect their rights of garment workers in global supply chains and ensure that no child labour takes places. Further, they make sure that workers have been paid fairly for their work, often above current market rates, and work in safe conditions. 8. SUSTAINABLE FASHION TEACHES US HOW TO LOVE OUR CLOTHES AGAIN It is just so easy to look at a gorgeous, finished piece of clothing in a store and forget that there’s a story and lifecycle behind it. Truth is, we are detached because the industry encourages us to be so. But being aware of all the downsides of this industry will hopefully lead to more conscious consumerism. One that is planet, animal & people friendly. It’s time to recognize the impact of our buying decisions. Not as an inconsequential part of our modern lifestyles that changes with every season, but as an environmental and human responsibility that could greatly affect the future of our planet. At the end of the day, we can choose if we want to be part of the problem, or part of the solution and to quote Anne Lappe “Every time you spend money you cast a vote for the kind of world you want”.
“ BUY LESS. CHOOSE WELL. MAKE IT LAST.
“
PRETTYLITTLETHING
X THE REWIND PLEDGE The very purpose and entirety of the PLT Rewind campaign is sustainability. With this campaign, we pledge to our consumers that: •
The claims of unethical practices and payment to our garment workers will be addressed and corrected.
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The entirety of our online clothing range that is not sustainable will be minimized over the next 5 years to allow us to transition into a slow-fashion brand.
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We will promote and put the PLT marketplace at the forefront of the brand to encourage out target audiences to re-sell and donate their pre-loved garments.
Even though Pretty Little Thing is pink, we strive to become green. Stay tuned for our future sustainable and ethical campaigns and for the meantime, splash out and shop The Rewind collection at your nearest pop-up store.
IMAGE REFERENCES •
Tan, E. 2020. Asian chinese female fashion college student writing down measurement and drawing sewing pattern doing clothing project at college workshop stock photo. (Image: Online), Available from:: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/asian-chinese-femalefashion-college-student-writing-down-measurement-and-drawing-gm1269678342-372919135 (Accessed: 2nd May 2022).
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Berliner, B. 2016. What #PayInStyle Really Means to Parson’s Fashion & Design Students. (Image: Online), Available from: https:// newsroom.mastercard.com/2016/03/07/what-payinstyle-really-means-to-parsons-fashion-design-students/ (Accessed: 2nd May 2022).
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Subair, E. 2021. Fashion Student around the world interview London’s buzziest designers. (Image: Online), Available from: https:// www.vogue.com/article/vogue-club/london-designers-in-conversation-with-fashion-students (Accessed: 2nd May 2022).
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FWO. Year: Unknown. 5 Essential Books to Read for Fashion Design Students. (Image: Online), Available from: https:// fashionweekonline.com/5-essential-books-to-read-for-fashion-design-students (Accessed: 2nd May 2022).
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Baltimore Design School. 2022. Fashion your future — We give budding fashion designers the tools to bring their ideas to life. (Image: Online), Available from: https://baltimoredesignschool.com/learn/fashion-program/ (Accessed: 2nd May 2022).
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Murnan, A. 2015. 5 Top UK Fashion Schools for International Students. (Image: Online), Available from: https:// www.studentworldonline.com/article/5-top-uk-fashion-schools-for-international-students/275/ (Accessed: 2nd May 2022).
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Vaid, M. 2020. COVID-19 PUSHES FASHION DESIGN SCHOOLS INTO AN INCREASINGLY DIGITAL FUTURE. (Image: Online), Available from: https://fashionista.com/2020/03/coronavirus-fashion-design-education (Accessed: 2nd May 2022).
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Kent State University. 2019. KENT STATE FASHION SCHOOL LAUNCHES ALL-INCLUSIVE SUMMER ACADEMY FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. (Image: Online), Available from: https://www.kent.edu/kent/news/kent-state-fashion-school-launches-all-inclusive-summer-academy-highschool-students (Accessed: 2nd May 2022).
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MASS ART. Year: Unknown. HOME / ACADEMICS / ALL PROGRAMS — FASHION DESIGN. (Image: Online), Available from: https:// massart.edu/academics/programs/fashion-design (Accessed: 2nd May 2022).
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ETSY. Year: Unknown. WOMEN'S BLAZER - Fashion Design Flat sketches to download - technical CAD drawing made in Illustrator. (Image: Online), Available from: https://www.etsy.com/dk-en/listing/885000138/womens-blazer-fashion-design-flat (Accessed: 2nd May 2022).
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Rawlings, C. 2019. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR DESIGN PROCESS. (Image: Online), Available from: https://corsetstory.com/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-our-design-process (Accessed: 2nd May 2019).
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Wu, F.. 2013. How to Draw a Jacket Flat - A Fashion Design Lesson Preview. (Image: Online), Available from: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=whvGt1f4y3U (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
IMAGE REFERENCES •
PLT. 2022. YOUR SPRING SKINCARE GUIDE. (Images: Online), Available from: https://blog.prettylittlething.com/your-spring-skincareguide/ (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
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MakeupMuddle. 2021. Pretty Little Thing Halloween Fantasy Beauty Box Reveal!. (Image: Online), Available from: https:// www.makeupmuddle.com/pretty-little-thing-halloween-fantasy-beauty-box/ (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
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PLT. 2022. Get Festival Ready With PrettyLittleThing. (Images: Online), Available from: https://blog.prettylittlething.com/get-festivalready-with-prettylittlething/ (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
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PLT. 2022. STILA Glitter & Glow Eyeshadow Gypsy £24.00. (Images: Online), Available from: https://www.prettylittlething.com/stilaglitter-glow-eyeshadow-gypsy.html#_ga=2.228795932.1245446720.1652842893-437238407.1645112647 (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
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PLT. 2022. Morphe 35C Everyday Chic Artistry Eyeshadow Palette, £25. (Images: Online) Available from: https:// www.prettylittlething.com/morphe-35c-everyday-chic-artistry-eyeshadow-palette.html#_ga=2.228795932.1245446720.1652842893437238407.1645112647 (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
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PLT. 2022. Spring 2022 Makeup Trends To Try. (Images: Online), https://blog.prettylittlething.com/spring-2022-makeup-trends-to-try/ (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
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PLT. 2022. PRETTYLITTLETHING TALL BLACK OVERSIZED WOVEN BLAZER. (Image: Online), Available from: https:// www.prettylittlething.com/prettylittlething-tall-black-oversized-woven-blazer.html (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
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PLT. 2022. WHITE COTTON FOLDED SLEEVE RUCHED SIDE CROP TOP. (Image: Online), Available from: https:// www.prettylittlething.com/white-cotton-folded-sleeve-ruched-side-crop-top.html (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
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PLT. 2022. CREAM WOVEN STRAIGHT LEG SPLIT HEM TROUSERS. (Image: Online), Available from: https://www.prettylittlething.com/ cream-woven-straight-leg-split-hem-trousers.html (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
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CreativeState. 2021. Case Study Pretty Little Things. (Images: Online), Available from: https://www.creativestatex.com/portfolio-item/ choice-eats/ (Accessed: 4th May 2021).
REFERENCES •
PLT. 2022. YOUR SPRING SKINCARE GUIDE. (Online), Available from: https://blog.prettylittlething.com/your-spring-skincare-guide/ (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
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PLT. 2022. Get Festival Ready With PrettyLittleThing. (Online), Available from: https://blog.prettylittlething.com/get-festival-ready-withprettylittlething/ (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
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PLT. 2022. PRETTYLITTLETHING TALL BLACK OVERSIZED WOVEN BLAZER. (Online), Available from: https://www.prettylittlething.com/ prettylittlething-tall-black-oversized-woven-blazer.html (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
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PLT. 2022. CREAM WOVEN STRAIGHT LEG SPLIT HEM TROUSERS. (Image: Online), Available from: https://www.prettylittlething.com/ cream-woven-straight-leg-split-hem-trousers.html (Accessed: 3rd May 2022).
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Bielawski, K. Year: Unknown. 8 REASONS WHY SUSTAINABLE FASHION MATTERS. (Online), Available from: https://www.narahsoleigh.com/ blogs/blog/8-reasons-why-sustainable-fashion-matters (Accessed: 4th May 2022).