訂閱電子報，獲取最新時尚資訊

large_jes289aCover01.jpg

medium_jes289aCover01.jpg

small_jes289aCover01.jpg

thumbnail_jes289aCover01.jpg

xlarge_jes289aCover01.jpg

xsmall_jes289aCover01.jpg

jes289aCover01.jpg

新一期季刊隆重登場！

People

GLOBAL

Fashion

Beauty & Wellness

LifeStyle

Watch & Jewellery

Cass Lam

Square_Caroline.png

Debra Meiburg MW Uncorks 2026: Luxury or Artisan, Which Wine Trend Will Reign?

The Blini Diplomat: Russian Women Forging Ties With Hong Kong

Caroline Tam

English Editor 

Unwrapping K.S. Sze & Sons' Magical Family Tree Tradition

2025 Hong Kong Disneyland 20th Anniversary: Party Glows on with Beloved Disney Christmas Traditions

Q&A with Camille Walala: Bold Geometrics Meet Festive Flair in 1664 Blanc Collaboration

Q & A with Grace Emerson: Founder of Rethreaded

80-Year-Old Natalie Grabow: Oldest Woman to Finish Ironman World Championship in Kona 2025

Former footballer David Beckham has called on members of the World Economic Forum to fight for girls’ rights in an impassioned speech on Monday.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/Screenshot_2025_01_22_at_4_27_40_PM_b60e49ae14.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-01-22 at 4.27.40 PM.png"><figcaption>Photo from World Economic Forum</figcaption></figure>The 49-year-old retired athlete, who accepted an award for his two decades of work as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, emphasized the challenges faced by young girls worldwide that prevent them from reaching their full potential.“Today, there are more children in need and at risk than at any time in recent history and it is always the most vulnerable children who face the biggest challenges — especially girls,” he said."Girls are held back by poverty, girls are held back by violence, girls are held back by discrimination," David explained, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities, collective action and investment.As a father of “three boys and one beautiful girl,” David shared that he wants his daughter Harper Beckham, 13, to be given the same opportunities as her three brothers—25-year-old Brooklyn, 22-year-old Romeo, and 19-year-old Cruz—who he shares with his wife Victoria Beckham.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/davidbeckham_472727666_18503606683024953_3811713562601670577_n_282e00ee95.jpg" alt="davidbeckham_472727666_18503606683024953_3811713562601670577_n.jpg"><figcaption>Photo from IG@davidbeckham</figcaption></figure>“Being a girl shouldn’t determine what you can do, where you can go, and who you can become,” said the former footballer, stating that young girls represent the “largest generation of future leaders and innovators” that the world has ever known.“What an exciting prospect if we can unlock their potential and support their development,” he added.David Beckham is a longstanding advocate of girls rights. In 2023, the former footballer visited India, speaking to young girls and women who were breaking barriers and bringing change to their communities.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/UNI_471395_jpg_f39612b160.jpeg" alt="UNI471395.jpg.jpeg"><figcaption>Photo from UNICEF</figcaption></figure>During the visit, David met 21-year-old Rinku Pravibhai, who called off her engagement and went on to pursue a nursing degree at a local college.&nbsp;Speaking to the experience, David said, “As a father of a young daughter, I was deeply moved to meet Rinku and other young girls who are fighting for change at an early age and having a say in their futures.”&nbsp;“Rinku is a role model for other girls who want to complete their education and fulfil their potential,” he added.

David Beckham on Empowering Young Girls: "Girls Are Held Back"

Australian-owned brand UGG Since 1974 has said that it would be changing its name to “Since 74” for&nbsp;sales outside Australia and New Zealand,&nbsp;amid an on-going trademark lawsuit with&nbsp;American footwear company Deckers Outdoor Corporation.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/Classic_Ultra_Mini_UGG_Boot_Chestnut_4_297fc4f172.webp" alt="ClassicUltraMiniUGGBootChestnut_4.webp"><figcaption>Photo from UGG Since 1974</figcaption></figure>UGG Since 1974 CEO Todd Watts announced the rebrand in a TikTok video earlier this week, saying&nbsp;that it had been “extremely hard” to fight a lawsuit against the multi-billion dollar company as a family-owned business."We've been proudly making Australian boots for over five decades and three generations, and we also own the trademark here in Australia and New Zealand, where the boots originated—where ugg boots originated," said Watts, urging viewers to support the company's new name as it represented resilience and community.From Cozy to Courtroom: The Trademark Tug-of-War UGG Since 1974 is not the only company to be sued by the $50 billion American retail giant. Over the years, Deckers has been embroiled in legal battles with many&nbsp;small Australian manufacturersover the rights to use the name “ugg” to advertise the boots.&nbsp;While brands in Australia and New Zealand use the word “ugg” as a generic term to refer to sheepskin boots, the trademark for UGG is owned by Deckers in over 25 countries across the globe. As a result, Australian manufacturers have been prohibited from using “ugg” to market their boots overseas.In 2016, a small Sydney-based business, Australian Leather, was sued by Deckers for selling 12 pairs of ugg boots online to American customers. Owner Eddie Oygur lost the case and was subsequently ordered to pay over $3 million in fines and legal fees.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/Australian_could_be_soon_banned_for_using_sheepsking_ugg_Australian_Leather_ugg_boots_05bef2bb8c.jpg" alt="Australian-could-be-soon-banned-for-using-sheepsking-ugg-_-Australian-Leather-ugg-boots.jpg"><figcaption>Photo from Australian Leather</figcaption></figure>UGG Origins: A Tale of Two Cities Over the years, the core of the debate has been whether “ugg” refers to a specific brand or a style of sheepskin boots. The dispute stretches back to the 1970s, when&nbsp;Australian surfer Brian Smith&nbsp;took the style to California, where he eventually founded Ugg Holdings Inc, trademarking “UGG” in 25 countries. In 1995, Smith sold the company to Deckers, which went on to become the biggest seller of sheepskin boots worldwide.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/1016223_CHE_5_c5cd974e72.webp" alt="1016223-CHE_5.webp"><figcaption>Photo from UGG</figcaption></figure>However, Smith was not the first inventor of ugg boots, nor has he ever claimed to be; in fact, the shoes had already been in production in Australia long before becoming a global sensation.&nbsp;According to&nbsp;Stephanie Mortel, president of the Australian Sheepskin Association (ASA), ugg boots have existed for the better part of a century, having first been created during World War I for pilots sitting in open cockpits.&nbsp;By the 1970s, the boots had become commonplace across Australia, with “ugg” becoming a household name. In 1981, the word ug (with one “g”) was listed in the Macquarie Dictionary as a generic term for sheepskin boots.On the other hand,&nbsp;Deckers argues that&nbsp;Americans recognize "ugg"&nbsp;as a brand name rather than a generic term. The company has registered the UGG trademark in over 100 markets, with the only regions not allowing its ownership being Australia and New Zealand.UGG-ly Makes a Comeback While ugg boots were a staple of the early 2000s, the iconic sheepskin footwear has made a comeback in recent years. The 2020’s brought back both the Y2K aesthetic as well as the ugly fashion movement, and with it, uggs.&nbsp;In September 2022, both Gigi and Bella Hadid were photographed wearing in UGG's classic ultra mini platform boots. In November of the same year, Hailey Bieber was spotted in Ugg’s&nbsp;Neumel platform boots. The ugg boot momentum has only snowballed since then, with Deckers reporting a 16% increase in net sales in Q3 2024, amounting to a record-breaking $1.560 billion&nbsp;in revenue.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/1135092_Ultra_Mini_Platform_MB_2_f3c001192f.jpg" alt="1135092-Ultra-Mini-Platform-MB-2.jpg"><figcaption>Photo from UGG</figcaption></figure>With the rise of social media, the boots have only gone more viral—and with it, so has the controversy, sparking online debates about trademark ethics and the importance of protecting cultural heritage.&nbsp;Many have flocked to TikTok and Instagram to join the discussion, as some voiced their support for the family-owned UGG Since 1974, while others expressed surprise that there were more than one UGG brand at all.The Future of UGG As disputes over the UGG branding continue to unfold, one thing remains clear: the enduring appeal of UGG boots is undeniable, serving as a symbol of comfort and style that transcends all labels.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/UGG_Since_1974_UGG_shoot_2_Copy_2e43d0ba3a.webp" alt="UGG_Since_1974_UGG_shoot_2_-_Copy.webp"><figcaption>Photo from UGG Since 1974</figcaption></figure>As Todd Watts emphasized, “This brand doesn't change who we are, what we believe in—our roots are still the same, our quality is still the same, the product is still the same, and more importantly, our story is still the same.”Regardless of the name on the label—whether it be UGGs or Since 1974—these boots will continue to resonate with consumers around the world, reflecting their rich cultural heritage and commitment to craftsmanship. This resilience in the face of challenges ensures that this iconic footwear will remain in the fashion zeitgeist for years to come.

The UGG Boot Battle: A Story of Rivalries, Rebrands, and Resilience

Less than a month after the Wirkin took the world by storm, the Walmart-branded Birkin dupe has vanished from store shelves, sparking ongoing discussions about dupe culture, wealth, and access to luxury goods.Behind the Birkin Conceptualized in 1984, Hermès' Birkin bags have become synonymous with exclusivity and luxury, running anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 ($233,614 HKD to $778,715 HKD). In 2018, a Hermès handbag constructed from crocodile skin, white gold and diamonds shattered world records when it sold for $380,000 ($2.96 million HKD) at an auction in Hong Kong.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/download_d3b3efd835.webp" alt="download.webp"><figcaption>Photo from Sotheby's.</figcaption></figure>But Hermès' Birkin bags are not only expensive; they are also notoriously exclusive. A single handcrafted Birkin bag can take up to 40 hours to create, meaning that its availability is highly limited. As a result, potential buyers must undergo a rigorous vetting process, requiring them to prove their loyalty to the brand by reaching a certain spending threshold before being considered worthy of purchasing one.Its limited availability and high demand have transformed the Birkin into a status symbol—a clear indicator of wealth for the few who can afford it. The bag’s exclusivity and fine craftsmanship also means that its value is likely to grow over time, making it a popular choice among collectors and investors.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/jay_ahr_100505505_677532909736718_750924854695766131_n_e00343ab18.jpg" alt="_jay_ahr__100505505_677532909736718_750924854695766131_n.jpg"><figcaption>Photo from IG@_jay_ahr_</figcaption></figure>Emergence of the Wirkin&nbsp; Enter the Wirkin. A portmanteau of Walmart and Birkin, the $78 imitation Birkin bags began appearing on Walmart’s online store in late 2024 and quickly sold out as it found viral popularity on social media platform TikTok.The Wirkin has since emerged as a symbol of class solidarity, sparking discussions about the accessibility of designer items as everyday shoppers began touting the bag as an alternative to the traditional ideas of luxury exclusivity, challenging the notion that high fashion should be reserved for the wealthy.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/people_going_crazy_fake_birkin_95929683_405d4aa26d.webp" alt="people-going-crazy-fake-birkin-95929683.webp"><figcaption>Photo from Walmart.</figcaption></figure>"I love this bag,” Tiktok user @lastinglooks said. “I love the concept that we can have people who would normally not have access to that kind of luxury get something similar and feel like they have a nice bag. It levels the playing field."The Ethics of Dupe Culture and its Effect on the Status Symbol However, this phenomenon has brought up the ethics of dupe culture as consumers increasingly turn to affordable versions of high-end products, prompting debates about whether the accessibility of these imitations undermines the luxury status of the original.The rise of the Wirkin raises questions around fast fashion. Unlike a Birkin, which takes almost two days to handcraft and is designed to last a lifetime, the Wirkin and other dupes are produced en masse and are likely headed for the landfill once their viral popularity wanes.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/Screenshot_2024_12_29_at_9_c51cc9b17c.webp" alt="Screenshot-2024-12-29-at-9.webp"><figcaption>Photo from Walmart.</figcaption></figure>In order to keep products affordable, the fast fashion model often relies on low-wage labor in developing countries, raising ethical questions about working conditions and fair pay. Additionally, the mass production of cheaper items contributes to fashion waste, as they are usually made from lower-quality materials that are not designed to last, raising concerns about the exploitation of workers in the fashion industry as well as environmental damage.While some have lauded the Wirkin for breaking barriers in luxury fashion, others are concerned that it could create an oversaturated market that could dilute the prestige associated with the Hermès brand, leading to a devaluation of high-end goods as access to luxury designs becomes widespread.The overwhelming demand for the Wirkin and other dupes represents a significant shift in social dynamics and a broader change in values and priorities. Historically, the desire for luxury items has a reflection of wealth and class disparities, underscoring the divide between those who can and cannot afford these goods. However, the current willingness to forgo traditional notions of luxury in favor of accessibility and affordability suggests that the concepts of authenticity and exclusivity are becoming less paramount among a younger demographic.What’s next for the Birkin? Following its virality, the Wirkin has been wiped from Walmart's website. While most listings for the Walmart-branded Birkin have disappeared, similar bags have cropped up on sites like Amazon, meaning that the dupes will likely remain available in the long run.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/61w4u_D_Xj_Bt_L_AC_SX_695_dd97f5ea26.jpg" alt="61w4uDXjBtL._AC_SX695_.jpg"><figcaption>Photo from Amazon.</figcaption></figure>Despite the popularity of the Wirkin, it is highly unlikely that the rise of affordable imitations will threaten Hermès’ exclusivity and desirability in the long term. Rather, it highlights a growing demand for growing demand for high-quality, accessible items that strike a balance between luxury and affordability.&nbsp;Younger shoppers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, seeking out products that prioritize craftsmanship and sustainability without breaking the bank. This moment could signal an opportunity for luxury brands to adapt, creating products that cater to a broader audience while maintaining their quality.Ultimately, the Wirkin could be a catalyst for change within the luxury industry, pushing brands to adapt to shifting consumer values. As the fashion industry navigates this change, the intersection of affordability and luxury could hold the key to shaping the future of fashion.

The "Wirkin" Class Birkin: Navigating Dupe Culture and Luxury Exclusivity

Global

JESSICA 會員

Global