The Future Face of Beauty: Science, Innovation, Identity, Ethics.

On 21 May 2025, London College of Fashion's striking new home at East Bank, Stratford, played host to The Future Face of Beauty: Science, Innovation, Identity, Ethics. A day-long symposium that brought together leading voices from academia and industry to reflect on the changing landscape of beauty in our society.

Set against the backdrop of a purpose-built space designed for collaboration and creativity, the event welcomed a diverse audience of students, academics, business leaders, beauty professionals and members of the public. It offered a rare opportunity to engage with groundbreaking research, industry case studies, and forward-thinking dialogue on one of the most dynamic sectors of our time.

The symposium opened with keynote speeches from three influential figures in the beauty and innovation space:

• Professor Philippa Diedrich, whose work bridges science and aesthetics,

• Professor Paul Matts, known for his pioneering research into skin and sensory science, and

• Sharmadean Reid MBE, entrepreneur and cultural changemaker, who brought a sharp lens on identity and inclusion.

Their talks helped frame the day’s themes and set the tone for deep, critical inquiry into beauty’s evolving role, from both a personal and societal perspective.

The day unfolded through a thoughtfully curated mix of panel discussions, academic presentations, and interactive workshops. Topics included:

• The Social Purpose of Beauty: Exploring how beauty functions in society beyond aesthetics, including its influence on wellbeing, belonging, and identity.

• Age Well: Addressing innovation and representation in beauty across all life stages, challenging stereotypes and reimagining ageing through inclusive design and marketing.

• Digital Self: Investigating the impact of virtual identities, beauty filters, and emerging technologies on self-perception and representation.

Attendees were invited to engage with student projects, research showcases, and collaborative initiatives that demonstrated how academia and industry can work hand-in-hand to shape a more ethical and inclusive future.

Throughout the day, guests enjoyed complimentary tea and coffee, which helped foster a relaxed and open atmosphere for networking and discussion. Informal conversations proved just as valuable as the formal sessions, with new connections sparking future collaborations and shared ideas.

The symposium concluded with a collective reflection session, an open forum that gave attendees the chance to process the day’s insights, share takeaways, and discuss the next steps toward a more progressive and purpose-driven beauty industry.

The Future Face of Beauty offered not just a look at where the industry is heading, but a call to action for those who shape it. It highlighted how science, innovation, identity, and ethics must come together to ensure beauty remains relevant, inclusive, and responsible.