Welcome to the new WWD Beauty Biz! This publication is a true reflection of the industry that we cover. And as the beauty industry has changed dramatically, so have we—starting with this issue. We’re increasing our coverage to encompass all facets of the beauty world, including hair salons and spas; we’re increasing our circulation to reach every sphere of influence, from the traditional corridors of power in the retail and manufacturing arenas to the power brokers of Hollywood, Wall Street, publishing and fashion. And we have increased our size to better showcase what we all do so well—beauty.
The timing couldn’t be better. Over the last 18 months, the beauty industry has undergone a seismic shift. We’ve entered a new era, one in which the paradigm truly has shifted, one in which the consumer is setting a new standard for all of us to anticipate, embrace and follow. That standard encompasses social media, environmental savvy and a global approach to health, wellness and personal appearance that reassesses the very definition of beauty. As writer Danielle Pergament discovered while researching “Change of Face,” the implications for the industry are enormous. “New day, new rules, new consumer zeitgeist,” she writes.
Related Articles
As part of that new zeitgeist, our notions of physical beauty are evolving, as well. For proof, look no further than cover model Iris Strubegger, one of the most in-demand models of the spring 2010 shows. No shrinking violet, Strubegger personifies a bold new feminine ideal: strong, powerful and sexy. “Through tough times, women are asserting their strength by ditching pretty pastels and girly hair,” makeup artist Linda Cantello tells writer Dana Wood in “The New Sexy.” “Wearing red lips and having short hair is the new cool, a badge of confidence in unsettling times.”
Here at WWD Beauty Biz, we’re always on the hunt for the new cool, and as part of our redesign, we’ve introduced a slew of new features designed to keep our readers on the cutting edge. “Good Looking” delivers comprehensive coverage of the latest beauty trends (with the latest news from the red carpet), while in “Vision Quest,” we embark on an insider-trend trek with a hair or makeup expert. “On the Radar,” is where you’ll find the 411 on the newest beauty taking the style world by storm, be she a model, actress or “It” girl, while in “Beauty Incognito,” our global reporters embark on an undercover shopping mission to report back on the ever-shifting world of retail. After reading this issue, we hope you’ll be as excited about our new direction as we are. I’d love to hear what you think—e-mail me at jenny_fine@condenast.com and let me know.