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Tag: Buy Now

  • Klarna CEO Aims to Cut Half of Workforce, Give AI the Work | Entrepreneur

    Klarna CEO Aims to Cut Half of Workforce, Give AI the Work | Entrepreneur

    Nearly half of the employees currently working at “buy now, pay later” startup Klarna could be replaced by AI in the next few years.

    Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski told The Financial Times last week that the company aims to almost halve its workforce within the next few years, from 3,800 people to 2,000. Instead of layoffs, the company will continue its hiring freeze that started in September and not hire replacements for people who leave the company.

    “By simply not hiring, which we haven’t done since September … the company is kind of becoming smaller and smaller,” Siemiatkowski stated. He pointed out that the average revenue per Klarna employee had increased by 73% year-over-year.

    The remaining employees will have AI to help with tasks, Siemiatkowski said.

    Related: There Are New Rules for ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Programs — Here’s What to Know

    “Not only can we do more with less, but we can do much more with less,” he told the Financial Times.

    Klarna’s employees numbered 5,000 one year ago, but departing employees and the AI-induced hiring freeze have cut the company down to its current size.

    Sebastian Siemiatkowski. Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Klarna

    Klarna claimed in February that its AI assistant did work equivalent to 700 full-time, human customer service agents. The AI assistant brought down customer inquiries to two minutes, compared to the previous 11-minute average conversation needed with human agents.

    Related: Klarna Says Its AI Assistant Does the Work of 700 People. The Company Laid Off the Same Number of Employees 2 Years Ago.

    Siemiatkowski wrote in a now-deleted post on X in May that Klarna’s in-house marketing team was half the size it was last year, but was producing more with AI and spent $6 million less.

    Klarna’s second-quarter earnings report for 2024 showed its third consecutive quarter of growth in the U.S., with revenue and operating income up 17% and 21% year-over-year respectively.

    Klarna is reportedly exploring a U.S. IPO at a valuation of $20 billion.

    Sherin Shibu

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  • The 29 Most-Wanted Designer Buys of Spring 2024, Period

    The 29 Most-Wanted Designer Buys of Spring 2024, Period


    Rejoice: the spring 2024 collections are beginning to land in stores, and there’s so much to discuss. Now that the spring looks are making their way into our carts and even onto the street, it’s time to report on what is actually resonating in the wild because, let’s face it—not everything we loved on the runway will translate into a practical item worthy of our (already maxed-out) closets.

    We may have dissected the runways months ago, but now we’re actually observing which items are becoming popular and buzzy IRL, and we’re pleased to say that there are a number of pieces that have managed to break through as *the* ones to know. Whether it’s the pretty satin mules from Prada’s spring runway, the High Sport kick-flare pants that are the talk of every fashion Substack, or the new Bottega Veneta bag that celebrities are already carrying, the most-buzzed-about luxury items are set to define spring, if not 2024 as a whole.

    Here, we’ve put together our master list of the 29 pieces that are making their mark on style right now. These are unquestionably the items that have everyone talking.



    Anna LaPlaca

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  • 5 Shoe Color Trends Everyone Will Be Swapping Black for This Year

    5 Shoe Color Trends Everyone Will Be Swapping Black for This Year


    If you’re like me, you probably have enough black, and neutral-colored shoes at this point, so it’s my fashion-editor duty to put some color on your footwear radar. We talk a lot about shoe trends here at Who What Wear, but a more niche subject is shoe color trends. Yes, they’re definitely a thing, and they’re usually in line with the overarching color trends during any given season.

    You could say that one of my personality traits is that I’m obsessed with shoes. So, you’re in good hands when it comes to shoe trends. I often scroll through Instagram with the sole purpose of looking for shoes. And now that winter is winding down, the shoe color trends for spring have really revealed themselves. And while the red shoe trend is still going strong, I’m here to talk about the even fresher color trends.

    Scroll on for the five biggest shoe color trends of the season, and to shop the best pairs in each colorful category. 



    Allyson Payer

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  • We’ve Entered the Era of the Timepiece: Trends and Watches That Will Define 2024

    We’ve Entered the Era of the Timepiece: Trends and Watches That Will Define 2024


    The watch industry is traditionally a male-dominated space, but we’ve seen women carving out a bigger presence in it—from an expert POV and a shopping standpoint. On social media, specifically, we’re seeing a new wave of experts who are educating their audiences on the world of watches and inspiring a new generation of collectors. Among them are Brynn Wallner of Dimepiece and Trang Trinh of Girls O’Clock, whose content is both educational and entertaining, making the watch world a fun, less intimidating place to enter. As Wallner puts it, “With social media, anyone can talk about it, and there’s no gatekeeping. If you use the tool correctly, then you get your voice heard, and it has the power to impact the entire industry.”

    Wallner got her start in the watch world after she was laid off from Sotheby’s in 2020 and set the tone for the new direction of women in the industry. “To me, what I was doing wasn’t all that groundbreaking—it was mostly just identifying watches that celebrities wore, but with my tone and my point of view and the people that I was covering,” Wallner explains. “Scary Spice to Bella Hadid to Princess Diana—all of these women with great style—and I injected my personal sense of humor into it.” Trinh, too, approached the luxury watch space less traditionally. “I began Girls O’Clock with two missions: to be a resource for women who don’t know where to begin in the world of watches and to amplify the dialogue on why women are interested in watches and the styles they lust after, all of which I hope I accomplish with a bit of fun!” Trinh shares. Each of their platforms has resonated in a major way and has translated to a new generation of watch enthusiasts and collectors.

    Curious to know more about where the watch world is headed in 2024, I consulted Wallner and Trinh. Ahead, learn about the hot watch trends and styles to own.



    Kristen Nichols

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  • I Just Got Back From Tokyo and Saw These 4 Trends Everywhere

    I Just Got Back From Tokyo and Saw These 4 Trends Everywhere


    Japan is known for many things—spectacular food, beautiful temples, high-speed trains, and a welcoming culture—but fashion certainly tops the list. So when I visited for the first time a few weeks ago, I was eager to drink up all the street style around the major cities. While all of Japan is incredibly chic, Tokyo, specifically, boasts a standout street style (it’s no surprise given it’s the biggest city with influential fashion neighborhoods like Shibuya and Harajuku). It’s also a haven for vintage shopping, with entire streets lined with incredible stores filled with treasures from the past. 

    That effortlessly cool style mixed with the electric city energy against the backdrop of neon lights was exactly the style inspiration I had been craving. So needless to say I had my fashion-editor cap on while exploring Tokyo, taking note of what all the most stylish Japanese people were wearing. While Tokyo style is quite directional and people have their unique styles, I did notice a few trends many people were incorporating into their wardrobes in interesting ways. From an emerging outerwear silhouette to a statement accessory color, below are the four fashion trends I saw all over the streets of Tokyo.



    Caitlin Burnett

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  • I’m Shopping Strategically in 2024—7 Classic Pieces I’m Prioritizing

    I’m Shopping Strategically in 2024—7 Classic Pieces I’m Prioritizing


    There are plenty of trends to get excited about this year, and there’s no doubt I’ll be delving into a few of them. Capri pants and sheer skirts, I’m looking at you. I am, however, adamant to shop more strategically in 2024. For me, this means investing in classic pieces that I can mix and match throughout the year and beyond and that still feel fresh and of-the-moment. I’m prioritizing versatility and honing in on styles and silhouettes that are easy to wear and will ensure the chicest version of myself.

    Below, I’m sharing seven classic styles that will make getting dressed easier and feel au courant thanks to their dominant presence on the runways and the fashion set. From straight-leg jeans to kitten heels, these basics will make even the most disgruntled wardrobes feel brand-new. 



    Judith Jones

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  • 7 Outfits That Say Rich But Feel Comfortable

    7 Outfits That Say Rich But Feel Comfortable


    When you hear “rich-looking outfit,” the first things that come to mind may be fancy or dressed up. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Even when you’re looking for a casual and comfortable look, there are still ways to make it feel polished, put-together, and expensive. It all just comes down to the styling, which is what we’ll be looking at today.

    With the help of some of my favorite influencers and content creators, I’ll be showing you seven ‘fits that are perfect for wearing on those days when you want to feel comfy while simultaneously showing off your great taste. From sweatsuits to jeans to leggings, the below looks are enough to have you covered every day of the week. While you likely own all or most of the items you’ll need to re-create them, I went ahead and shopped out each one anyway. After all, this is Who What Wear. Ready to get started? Simply keep scrolling.



    Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour

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  • I’m a Jewelry Expert—5 Trends You’re Going to See Everywhere in 2024

    I’m a Jewelry Expert—5 Trends You’re Going to See Everywhere in 2024


    There was always something a bit special about rummaging through my grandmother’s jewelry drawer when I was a child, picking through earlobe-numbing chunky studs and gaudy yet nostalgic clip-on earrings. The world felt infinite in my mother’s heels and my grandmother’s gold-knot jewelry when I was 10. For Heaven Mayhem founder Pia Mance, her late grandmother’s vintage jewelry isn’t just gold-plated goodness to put on with a little black dress on her way to cocktails with friends—it has grown into a multimillion-dollar empire.

    You may have caught a glimpse of Heaven Mayhem, the jewelry and accessory line started by Mance in 2022, on your feed, whether it be on the ears of your college best friends or your celebrity parasocial besties. Hailey Bieber, Matilda Djerf, Aimee Song, and Justine Skye are all fans, so naturally, the brand has only blown up in the last few years thanks to its massive star backing and viral-worthy covets on social media. Before Heaven Mayhem was Heaven Mayhem, though, Mance started off the same as all of us: slowly going through her mother’s and grandmother’s old things.

    “Growing up, I loved going through my mum’s closet and rummaging through her clothes, shoes, tights, but I was always very drawn toward the accessory selection, as she held on to a lot of my late grandmother’s pieces from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s,” Mance tells me. “Those pieces weren’t designer or anything, but they were all so well-made, timeless, and special to me. To be able to create similar pieces like that, which I really resonate with, holds a special meaning in my heart.”





    Ana Escalante

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  • 6 Runway Looks I Plan on Re-Creating During NYFW

    6 Runway Looks I Plan on Re-Creating During NYFW


    It’s almost that time of year again. Yep, we’re on the heels of New York Fashion Week, and I, for one, have already been planning my looks for weeks on end. As an NYC-based fashion editor, this is my Super Bowl, so to speak, so naturally I’ve been curating my mood board and collecting outfit inspiration like it’s my job. (Well, it sort of is!) While attending shows and presentations is at its core, the week is also a great opportunity to dial things up in the outfit department to test-drive the latest trends and hopefully get snapped by a street style photographer or two.

    This season, I plan on doing exactly that. I like to take outfit formulas I already wear regularly, e.g., skirts and sweaters or trousers and blazers, and make them feel more forward and dramatic for the week so I’m making a statement but still feel like me. I’ve pored over the spring 2024 collections for months to inform all the trend reports you’re reading on Who What Wear, but I’ve also been silently socking away my personal favorites into a folder titled “fashion week looks to re-create.” I don’t usually divulge the contents of said folder, but in the spirit of sharing, I thought I’d clue you in on the New York Fashion Week outfit ideas I plan on emulating to attend the fall 2024 shows and the items I’m shopping to do so.



    Anna LaPlaca

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  • Copenhagen Fashion Week Brands Are Prioritizing These 5 Trends for Fall 2024

    Copenhagen Fashion Week Brands Are Prioritizing These 5 Trends for Fall 2024


    You’d typically find me galivanting around Copenhagen this time of year. However, as I write this, I’m snuggled up in bed in Los Angeles instead of attending the Danish capital city’s fashion week. Talk about FOMO. However, I’ve been studiously following along from afar, taking notes on all the recurring themes on the runways. (And already planning my outfits for next season!) 

    For starters, a quartet of brands were on the same page when it came to the best denim trend of the season. Munthe, Gestuz, Marimekko, and Helmstedt all showed different interpretations of what I’m simply calling “fun jeans.” Translation: denim adorned with sequins, crystals, floral prints, or patchwork detailing. Scroll down to see and shop the top five trends of Copenhagen Fashion Week’s fall/winter 2024 season. 



    Erin Fitzpatrick

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  • My Ferrari-Red Shopping List for Anyone Following Lewis Hamilton to His New Team

    My Ferrari-Red Shopping List for Anyone Following Lewis Hamilton to His New Team


    Whether you’re a Formula One fan or somehow only realized today that you follow a lot of drivers on social media, then you’ve probably already seen some of the thousands of graphics and memes about Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave his team of 11 years in Mercedes at the end of 2024 and join Scuderia Ferrari, F1’s most successful team and the one with the scarlet-red car.

    Suffice it to say, there have been tears—both happy ones and not-so-happy ones—on all sides of the move, which was announced on Thursday. Hamilton’s fans are nothing if not loyal and aplenty—the driver, fashion designer, musician, and more has amassed over 35 million Instagram followers. Come 2025, Ferrari should expect a massive influx of fans, all of whom will be expected to wear the team’s iconic color. With that in mind, I thought I’d use some of my pent-up energy to, instead of refreshing F1 Twitter every five seconds, do what I do best: shop. Ahead, find 24 chic and Ferrari-red items that any fashion-minded Hamilton fans who are planning to shift their loyalties over to the storied Italian team should buy ASAP (or at least before 2025). 





    Eliza Huber

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  • The New Pants Trend Fashion People Are Overlooking Jeans For

    The New Pants Trend Fashion People Are Overlooking Jeans For


    We’re just a month into 2024, but we already have the intel on the denim alternative that fashion people are setting aside their jeans for. It takes a lot, but every so often something comes along that makes us completely overlook our beloved denim. In the past that’s looked like a glorious skirt trend or a chic pair of trousers, but no matter what form a jeans alt comes in, it has some large shoes to fill. Right now, it’s none other than corduroy pants that are going head-to-head with our go-to jeans, and once you see the level of effortlessness and chill they bring, you might just find yourself reaching for a pair, too.

    In fact, there’s never been a better time to swap your blues for some cords—denim brands have started released corduroy versions of their most popular jean silhouettes, from The Row and their viral Eglitta Jeans to Levi’s popular Baggy Dad Jeans and plenty more options in between. On the 2024 runways, we’ve spotted standout corduroy pant looks in Loewe’s and Fendi’s menswear collections, providing even more styling inspiration for the look. Up ahead, discover the corduroy pants trend that fashion people are replacing their jeans with and, as always, shop the most popular pairs on the market.



    Anna LaPlaca

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  • 3 Spring Trends to Try Before They Become Too Popular

    3 Spring Trends to Try Before They Become Too Popular


    I’m far from a fashion trailblazer, but I’ll admit that over-saturated trends tend to be a bit off-putting to me. If a trend has its own TikTok terminology, it’s probably not something I want to spend my money on. One thing I do to stay ahead of the curve is try out seasonal trends early. I have a not-so-secret advantage: I live in Los Angeles, where I can easily test-drive spring and summer trends in the middle of winter. I know that not everyone enjoys this privilege, but with some strategic layering, anything is possible! 

    Below, I rounded up some spring/summer 2024 trends straight from the runways that I predict will explode once April arrives. Valentino, Victoria Beckham, and Ganni are just a few of our reader-favorite brands I’ve included, along with shoppable selections from H&M, Mango, and more. 



    Erin Fitzpatrick

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  • These Are the 2024 Trends I Think Princess Kate Would Adore

    These Are the 2024 Trends I Think Princess Kate Would Adore


    Princess Kate Middleton is one of the biggest trendsetters regarding royal fashion on the global stage, ushering in concepts like slideshow dressing, colorful outerwear, and even rewearing favorite pieces with updated hemlines and accessories. As a royal family member, her fashion sense tends to be more conservative than flashy, but that doesn’t mean the princess is above trying out a few of the more eye-catching trends of 2024. 

    Middleton has already dabbled in several of this year’s most visible trends, from semi-sheer fabrics to coquette embellishments like rosettes and bows. Of course, as an alumnus of St Andrews, she has the prep-school trend down to a science and is never one to shy away from a radiant red accent. 

    Given the recent news that the princess will be abstaining from public appearances while she recovers from a recent surgical procedure, we thought it might be fun to pull some fun, on-trend pieces that might pique her interest come spring. Please join us in sending our good wishes, and keep scrolling to check out the five trends we think Princess Kate will embrace throughout the rest of the year. 



    Drew Elovitz

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  • 25 Years Later, This Is Still Copenhagen’s Most Influential Fashion Brand

    25 Years Later, This Is Still Copenhagen’s Most Influential Fashion Brand


    Copenhagen Fashion Week is always an exciting time of year, but this season is extra special for one of the event’s stalwarts: Baum und Pferdgarten, which is celebrating its milestone 25th anniversary. To revisit the last two and a half decades and find out what’s coming next, I went straight to the source and interviewed Creative Directors Helle Hestehave and Rikke Baumgarten. 

    “We started in Helle’s bedroom, and lucky for us, we have since moved on,” Baumgarten told Who What Wear. “When we started the company, everything was still very manual. No Instagram or TikTok, only fax and phone. We did [it] all by hand opposite today, where patterns and prints are made digitally. The industry has changed radically and moves so much faster with so many strong brands. Today, having a strong brand DNA is equally as important as having strong collections.” Scroll down to read my full interview with the design duo. 



    Erin Fitzpatrick

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  • 7 Outfit Formulas I’ll Never Wear Again (and 7 I’m Wearing on Repeat)

    7 Outfit Formulas I’ll Never Wear Again (and 7 I’m Wearing on Repeat)


    I’ve worn a lot of outfits in my lifetime and tried on even more. There are a few that I’ve worn some variation of hundreds of times and will probably continue to wear for decades to come. At the same time, there are many that, despite my trying to make them work countless times, just weren’t worth a second go. That, or they were worn for years but simply no longer match my sense of style or the ways that fashion’s evolved. The more outfits you wear, the more you learn about what you like—and in turn don’t like. 

    Since entering into the new year, I’ve really cracked down on those fashion combinations that just don’t fit in with my style and/or current trends anymore, deciding to finally cut them off instead of holding out hope that they’ll make their way back into my good graces. In total, I’ve narrowed down my eliminations to seven full outfits, from skirt and dress looks to denim ones. Scroll down to see which ones I’m on the outs with and which will remain in my rotation indefinitely. 



    Eliza Huber

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  • TikTok Has Spoken—”Mob Wife” Is the 2024 Aesthetic Replacing “Quiet Luxury”

    TikTok Has Spoken—”Mob Wife” Is the 2024 Aesthetic Replacing “Quiet Luxury”


    Tiktok’s first viral trend of 2024 is decade’s old. Yep, I’m talking about the “Mob Wife” aesthetic or “Mob Wife Winter.” Calling back to the trends of the ’80s and ‘90s East Coast Italian mob wives from T.V. references like the female leads from HBO’s The Sopranos to opulent runway trends of leopard and maximalist animal print aesthetics like Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring Summer 1986 runway show this trend has taken TikTok by storm with over 127 million views on TikTok. Our favorite fashion data accounts like @databutmakeitfashion have documented the internet’s switch from 2023’s oh-so-popular “clean girl” aesthetic to all things “mob wives.” To get the look you’re going to need sheer or fishnet tights, animal print pieces, gold vintage-looking jewelry, and of course a big faux fur. 

    I rounded up 30 “mob wife” ready pieces to make getting the look even easier, you can thank me later.

     





    Grace O’Connell Joshua

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  • I Tried on All of Madewell’s Most Popular Jeans—These 5 Were the Winners

    I Tried on All of Madewell’s Most Popular Jeans—These 5 Were the Winners


    I’ve been wearing Madewell jeans for as long as I can remember, and there are several reasons why. First of all, the brand is always quick to join in on the latest denim trends (without ever ignoring the classics). Additionally, its jeans are well-made but inexpensive compared to other denim brands of comparable quality. And lastly, they’re comfortable and true-to-size (and they come in tons of sizes and even different length options).

    For the first time in a long time, I’m in desperate need of a few new pairs of jeans, and I’ve had my eye on several Madewell ones as of late. Accordingly, I got the chance to try on a whole stack of jeans in the comfort of my own home and I’m here to share the fruits of my labor with you.

    Choosing the right pair of jeans for you is a pretty personal thing, but I did my best to give my honest feedback in the most helpful way possible. And I took photos of my try-on adventure, of course. I don’t know about you but I’m someone who is always searching for photos of exact styles of jeans in Google Image.

    With that, scroll on for my hot take on all of the best jeans at Madewell (and shop the exact styles I tried).



    Allyson Payer

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  • Apparently, No One’s Wearing These Spring Dresses Anymore—Shop These 7 Instead

    Apparently, No One’s Wearing These Spring Dresses Anymore—Shop These 7 Instead


    As cold as it feels outside (which, trust me, is cold), spring will eventually appear, and for most people, its arrival will come with the realization that their warm-weather wardrobes are in desperate need of a 2024 refresh. I like to think of myself as a pretty timeless dresser and shopper, and I still know for a fact that by the time the first nice day rolls around, the contents of my spring bins will feel at least slightly like old news. So rather than let spring sneak up on me like I have so many times before, I’m getting proactive about my wardrobe for the upcoming season—starting with dresses.

    In an effort to distract myself from the cold this week, I cozied up inside and drew up a spring-dress plan, deciding which styles I no longer need in my closet and which I should fill those empty hangers with. After consulting friends, fellow editors, and, of course, Instagram, I came to the conclusion that the seven dress trends below are officially on the outs with the fashion crowd. Scroll down to find out which ones are getting the axe and find seven alts to buy instead. 



    Eliza Huber

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  • I Failed at No-Buy January Thanks to These Elegant J.Crew New Arrivals

    I Failed at No-Buy January Thanks to These Elegant J.Crew New Arrivals


    Another year, another failed promise to myself to be more fiscally responsible with one browse through J.Crew. While I’m not an impulse shopper by any means, it feels like something takes over me when I enter the store (in person or online) and, quite embarrassingly, I have a fashion blackout.

    I’ve written about my love for J.Crew several times in the past, with each story growing increasingly more fanatical. This time is no different. While I pledged that 2024 would be the year that I actually stuck to No-Buy January—a movement to reduce consumption and curb unnecessary spending—I just had to pick up a few things from the retailer. From an adorable top I’m wearing to my birthday to the vintage-inspired Lady jacket that screams office-core, these J.Crew finds made my wallet upset but my heart for the brand grow 10 times fonder.

    Shop my cart full of chic jackets, can’t-miss knits, and classic denim below.



    Ana Escalante

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