What is happening right now? Time is passing at twice the speed, suddenly all my projects are due and the world feels more confusing every day. 

With last-minute graduation costs piling on top of the feeling that everything suddenly seems so expensive, it is crucial to talk about the brass tacks of fashion right now: transparency in trends and in tariffs. 

Business and pleasure go together like berries and cream in this industry, as each works to fuel one another. With toppings like matcha drizzle paralleling players like consumer habits and trend cycles, sometimes an external force comes out of nowhere to demand an immediate plan of action. 

In this case, our surprise guest is the tariffs. Directly impacting global supply and manufacturing chains, shopping and the luxury market have been crucial in the United States’ economy; in fact, newer stores in the U.S. for brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton have been located in more “regional” cities like Indianapolis, rather than another opening in California or New Hampshire. 

With the bounce back of spending post-pandemic and being one of the only countries showing “signs of life,” tariffs shake up the industry in an unexpected way. 

With tariffs increasing despite the fact that major players like Europe have already been paying tariffs up to 15%, the question now is who will bear the brunt of the increase. While consumers have been quick to justify markups or international trips to purchase items at a cheaper cost because of tariffs and taxes, brands now are in control of the prices of the future: Will they eat the increase, or will their customers? 

While brands like Realisation Par have already announced a pause in shipment to the U.S. due to the tariffs and operations in China, anti-tariff consuming habits have been growing in strength on social media. 

With manufacturing and textile factories explaining that their products for designer or athleisure brands like Lululemon and Alo Yoga are the same as “dupes” found online, customers online are gloating about their half-verified designer bags or leggings. 

While it is not fully confirmed, this conversation has rekindled thoughts that the luxury market is a marketing scheme.

With the plummeting stock market already reflecting the overall pessimistic outlook into the future of the American economy with President Donald Trump’s tariffs, one company still took a big risk: Prada. 

The Prada Group just announced its plan to buy Versace for $1.4 billion. While the decision came as a surprise to the world as a whole, especially since Versace — despite remaining popular — experienced a 15% drop in revenue last quarter, a lot of the confusion lies in what this ownership will look like with two visibly different brands. 

While some of the business appeal may come from the impression and aura of Versace’s “Made in Italy” label in the U.S., the very distinct nature of each brand may play off of each other in a fun little-sister way: the (potentially) unstoppable trio of Versace, Prada and Miu Miu. 

Although the business side of fashion seems murky and clouded, trends have been focusing on transparency — literally. Maybe it’s the warm weather having us shed our winter layers, but it seems that we’re bringing layering into the summer with thin, breathable fabrics to create new necklines and sleeves. Maybe I’m just hungry, but in my head it’s almost as if we’re turning into croissants — how yummy is that?

I’m excited to see the re-emergence of mini dresses with long, sheer overlays and sheer skirts over pants and shorts. Layering thin clothes always seems to go better than in the winter, or maybe I just get too overstimulated when layer three of a sweater makes me feel like a snowman. 

Hopefully, sunny days and bittersweet coffee days will make this uncertain time feel more stable. Whether it’s in the dresses we dust off from our hangers or reluctantly reading the news, the point is we are surrounded by the warmth of the sun and the warmth of our community. Spread love, kindness and transparency — we could all use a little more honesty and TLC. 

Hadyn Phillips is a senior writing about fashion in the 21st century, spotlighting new trends and popular controversy in her column, “That’s Fashion, Sweetie,” which runs every Wednesday.