If you're wondering what we were up to on October 24th, we were busy hosting Canada's very first Business of Fashion panel!
And, of course, we could not have done this alone. Partnering with BoF, we brought together beauty industry leaders Lauren Edelman, Victoria Beckham Beauty’s global chief marketing officer, Christiane Werron, Augustinus Bader’s global head of spas and clinics, and Dr. Julien Sass, a cosmetic scientist and brand consultant, to talk about what we're all wondering: "Where is self-care going next?"
With a full audience of the industry’s beauty tastemakers, leaders, and disruptors, the discussion focused on how consumers aren't just part of the self-care movement—they're shaping its future!
We can't gatekeep this panel any longer, here's a look at the inspiring conversations that sparked inside our Retreat!
The Rise of Self-Care
The panel kicked off with a compelling conversation about the trends bringing self-care into the spotlight. As the event's moderator, BoF's Alice Gividen, asked: "Post-pandemic and post-2020, what trends have you seen becoming more prominent in the self-care space, and who's driving it?"
"I think so much of it came from Gen Z. They were willing to get on the internet, which was our only way to communicate to the outside world at that time, and really make topics that were once taboo celebrated," said Edelman.
Gividen then asked Dr. Sass how the concept of self-care influences the products and information consumers seek.
"I think that consumers today are looking for help with the conflict of interest that stems from having so many contradicting voices in the beauty and self-care spaces. They are hungry for better products, but also better information. Consumers today are more savvy than ever before, but they are also fatigued. The standards to do business in this space are so much higher today. " Dr. Sass explained.
On behalf of the Augustinus Bader brand, Werron emphasized the importance of understanding that, particularly in this field, consumers seek guidance.
"It's like [having a] personal trainer. It's like almost the personal beautician that they really are looking for," Werron said during the panel.
Ingredients, Innovations, and Efficacy
The conversation then explored the ingredients and innovations shaping this new era. As reported by BoF, Gividen noted that consumers are increasingly choosing clinically effective products over natural, clean options.
As an expert who conducts clinical testing for multiple brands, Dr. Sass shared during the panel that consumers want to know that their products work.
"It doesn't need to necessarily always be looking at the newest ingredients or the newest innovations. It can just be taking the things that you know work and getting compelling consumer reviews. Getting really good before-and-after [pictures], just something that someone can look at and go, 'Oh my gosh, look at what this did for this person in four weeks. This looks amazing,'" he said.
On the Victoria Beckham Beauty side, Edelman shared that Victoria Beckham, the founder of VBB, has stated in meetings her goal of creating products she can use without guilt. This vision is reflected in the brand's decision to incorporate skincare ingredients into their makeup line.
“ One example is our concealer, which is infused with Augustinus Baders’ skincare ingredients. These kinds of collaborations — bridging our expertise in both skincare and cosmetics — are responses to the consumer appetite that we are tracking,” she said.
Regarding innovation and efficacy, Werron highlights epigenetics as the new science in medicine that informs Augustinus Bader skincare.
"Epigenetics is the new science in medicine, where we learn that not what we have inherited from our parents is responsible for the way we age, or when we age, or what kind of illness we may get. It is the way we live, our lifestyle, our mindset, what we eat, how much we drink. Maybe, even eventually, also the skincare that we're using," she explained.
Future Perspectives on Self-Care
As the panel wrapped up, the insights shared about the future of self-care painted a promising picture.
Edelman envisions a future where human connection is at the core of self-care.
"I think from a self-care perspective, connection [...] is the thing that makes the difference," she said during the panel. "My gut is that we've been thinking about how to do it at a huge scale and automation, and we have to flip that on its head and think about how we can create human connection digitally in small communities."
Werron echoed the same sentiment.
"We are human beings. We are not avatars. Artificial intelligence, with all my respect, is something great that we see. But at the end of the day, especially when it comes to self-care, the human aspect is so essential, at least on a personal level," she said.
And if you're wondering which product Dr. Sass can't live without? Retinol, of course.
The Future of Self-Care at Rennaï
If there's one thing to remember, the beauty industry is always evolving. While it can sometimes be overwhelming, it's also empowering to know that YOU have options!
Today, brands like Augustinus Bader and Victoria Beckham Beauty set new standards that prioritize consumer needs and uphold scientific integrity. How exciting is that?
The Business of Fashion partnership was more than just a panel discussion; it offered an inspiring glimpse into the future of self-care, where the consumer is at the heart of it all. As the beauty industry continues to evolve, Rennaï is committed (and excited) to helping you enter your self-care era.
To learn more about our 360° self-care sanctuary, explore our 5 Realms in-store or at rennai.com!