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Fashion was never just about style in history but a practical response towards health issues and prevention of diseases. Some of the most iconic trends in today’s fashion might surprise you with their real origin. The following are 5 interesting examples of fashion trends that were actually disease prevention methods or just a way of hiding it or an unwanted desire.

High Heels: No contact with germs with feet

High heels origin can be traced back to the 10th century in Persia, when horse riders (soldiers) wore them to keep their feet in the stirrups. But more than style, high heels, also called pattens, kept people out of muddy, dirty, human and animal-infested streets, which were frequent sources of infection until sanitation was invented. High heels, later called Chopines, in medieval Europe ensured that nobles could keep their feet out of dirty streets and provided them with a practical advantage over diseases transmitted by filth.

Beaked Plague Mask: Early Germ Shield

The 17th-century bubonic plague epidemics saw doctors disguised in masks containing beaks shaped like birds that had long, and stuffed with aromatic herbs and spices. It was a way of airing out the bad air that was thought to carry disease and it also provided some level of protection against miasma. The beak is a shocking fashion accessory, but in health, the masks are primitive yet one of the first attempts to prevent airborne infections.

White Face Powder: Concealing small pox marks.

The pale complexion of Queen Elizabeth I was not merely a fashion statement: it was a way to hide the scars of smallpox, a fatal illness that could leave smallpox patients with marks on their faces. Women and aristocrats fixed their appearance with the help of white powder (made from lead) that was applied to the face and body to look perfect and hide the signs of the disease, to maintain their social positions. This cosmetic trend was toxic, but it helped people conceal the signs of illness during the time when there were not so many medical therapies.

Corsets: Emulating the sickly look

Tuberculosis in Victorian Europe was widespread and influenced fashion of the era deeply. The disease caused pale skin, rosy cheeks, red lips, silky hair, weight loss and fragile body leading to preference called "consumptive chic”. Women thus wore tight corsets to imitate the thin waist of the sick even though tight corsets worsened health by reducing the amount of air they could breathe. This demonstrates how illness influenced the ideal of beauty and tried to avoid or conceal the signs of illness influenced fashion.

Kohl Eyeliner-Egypt: Defensive of Eye Infection.

Thick black eyeliner was popular amongst ancient Egyptians who not only used kohl as a cosmetic product but also as a form of medicine. According to modern research, kohl had antimicrobial effects, which served to prevent eye infection common in desert conditions. It was also believed to protect against the evil eye and UV rays by Egyptians. These cosmetics were a mixture of tradition, fashion and disease prevention thousands of years earlier than modern medicine.

These fashion trends remind us that style often reflects social realities that include disease, environment, and survival instincts in a culture that is mixed with each other. The knowledge of their origins changes the way we perceive fashion as a form of vanity into something pragmatic with curious implications of how history intersects health.

The relationship between fashion and disease prevention is an exciting, and sometimes unexpected tale with its share of heroism, invention, and adaptability, which remain essential today as we work through global health crises. These trends show how humans’ desire for self-protection can lead to the most unexpected styles that gain popularity simply because they pass the vibe check.

Three engineering students from Surat, Gujarat, have made headlines by building India's first driverless AI bike. Unlike other bikes in the market, they have made this bike a masterpiece by adding incredible, intelligent features and keeping its design sustainable by sourcing 50% of its parts from scrap materials.  

The three mechanical engineering students, Shivam Maurya, Gurpreet Arora, and Ganesh Patil, spent nearly a year and ₹1.8 lakh to come up with Garuda, a driverless AI bike. The bike is driven by a Raspberry Pi system that serves as its brain and allows it to listen and obey voice commands via Wi-Fi. Riders can operate this driverless Ai bike using minimal verbal instructions, and the bike can manage its speed, sense obstacles, and brake itself when it detects chances of accident, all with the help of its artificial intelligence similar to that of Tesla cars. 

Garuda's design centres on safety. It is always aware of what is going on with two sophisticated sensors. When something or anyone gets within 12 feet, it reduces speed. When something is at a radius of three feet, it instantly stops regardless of whether the rider is using the brake. Garuda is the state-of-the-art AI technology that seeks to lessen accidents significantly and ensure rider safety.

Garuda also features some intelligent rider-friendly options. It has a prominent touchscreen display that features navigation using GPS, music control and phone handling. It has front and rear cameras that give live traffic feeds and provide wireless mobile charging of smartphones when on the move. With a lightweight lithium-ion battery pack, the Garuda has a maximum useful range of 220km in eco mode and roughly 160km in sports mode. Its battery can be quickly recharged within two hours, faster than most retail commercial e-bikes today. 

These innovative engineers drew inspiration from Tesla and other autonomous vehicles, building a futuristic two-wheeler that is both affordable and advanced. The bike's name is Garuda, representing the powerful transport of lord vishnu 'Garud', a mythological bird that symbolises power, vision, and the Indian legacy of innovation. 

This innovative AI Bike has gone viral on social media, and its success points to India's youth engineers' ability to innovate with intelligent, environmentally friendly transportation technologies. They have shown the country that transportation design is a lucrative career best suited for design and tech enthusiasts. 

Garuda is the prototype of what can change urban transportation using artificial intelligence, green technology, and functional engineering at affordable costs using local resources. However, if this technology is widely adopted and properly implemented, it can revolutionize transportation in India and beyond. 

For design students and technology enthusiasts, the Garuda is a thrilling glimpse of where creativity and technology can converge and redefine transportation, sustainability, and envision a safer future of two-wheelers as well as their drivers. 

The fashion design sector that used to be glorified by its boundless creativity and self-expression is at a crossroads. The role of the fashion designer is evolving at a greater rate than ever due to the massive digital disruption, automation, and sustainability requirements sweeping onto its shores. New studies and professional discussion currently indicate that within the next two to three years, the future of the conventional fashion design profession as we have been practising it may be extinct. Understanding these drivers has never been more important to today's designers, as well as those aspiring to get into the field. 

How will Fashion Designers Face Extinction?

The fashion industry faces numerous disruptive forces that are transforming the industry and endangering the existence of the creative focal point.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation

The Interline Fashion Technology Research Report 2025 states that “More than 90% of industry professionals believe technology is essential or quite important to their effective operation of their business today, and close to 95% see it as essential or quite important to the future.” the report also says that 

It is already possible to analyse consumer behaviours with AI, forecast future trends, create new design prototypes, even automatize sizing and personalization. Algorithms are faster and cheaper at doing the job that formerly was done by human designers, such as sketching up an idea, creating patterns, or forecasting trends. This same viewpoint is reflected in industry reports by McKinsey, which predict a further slow growth that will encourage brands to focus on technology-based efficiencies rather than developing creative talent.

Top brands are progressively substituting the “human touch” of designers with digital sampling, virtual fitting rooms, and AI-powered design studios. The 3D design tools and automated production processes enable companies to introduce new fashions immediately, avoiding the slowness of the creative processes that characterised the industry in the past.

Sustainability and Circular Fashion

With sustainability evolving into a non-negotiable requirement on the global agenda, designers are under pressure to reduce waste, water consumption, and carbon emissions radically. With more than 10% of the world's CO2 emissions generated by the Fashion industry, it is urgent to innovate green and develop circular business models. The researchers point out that the development of digital products can reduce material waste, reaching up to 70%, eliminating the necessity to conduct physical trials and surpluses. Traditional artistry has given way to sustainable technology and compliance as brands shift investments towards creative experimentation to sustainable technology and compliance.

As the trend toward zero-waste, regenerative agriculture, and material innovation, which can frequently involve the use of AI-assisted analytics, the work of the designer is becoming indistinguishable to tech management and sustainability operations.

Fast Fashion & Changing Consumer Behavior

The emergence of fast fashion as a meteor has changed the very basis of the way how trends are made and sold. Such brands as Zara now launch a new collection every week - sometimes they do 52 smaller seasons instead of the traditional Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons. This un-relenting need of immediate trends puts a strain on designers who are frequently substituted by online design groups, merchandisers or even algorithms driven by the consumer.

Surveys also indicate that consumers are shifting to value-based, customised experiences, and thrift, resale, and upcycling are currently on the upswing. The requirement of mass-created creative design is reduced as shoppers keep their garments longer and consider second-hand fashions. The designers are now forced to go with the slow fashion movement or die.

Talent Drain and Evolving Job Roles

An increasing number of fashion designers are quitting the profession or changing careers as salaries continue to shrink, multitasking grows, and creative decisions are undermined. The experts of the industry are recording that job security is becoming a bigger concern because the companies are outsourcing the roles of designers to data experts, coders, or automated intelligence systems. The current generation of young designers joining the industry must possess good technology, supply chain expertise, and be able to work quickly in online spaces- and pure creativity is becoming less and less a key part of their work. 

Global Economic Uncertainty

McKinsey’s report on the State of Fashion 2025 highlights sluggish economic growth and cautious consumer spending as top threats in 2025 and beyond. Although certain growth is possible particularly in the non-luxury segments, the overall market is slowing down. It implies that brands are focusing on operational effectiveness, data-driven decision-making, and adaptation to market changes quickly, often, at the cost of investment in creative design teams.

What Does the Future Hold for Fashion Designers?

Unless these trends change, fashion design as an independent creative vocation can become a luxury. In its place, designers might also be sucked into a technical, sustainability, or management middle ground, or might be substituted completely by algorithmic design solutions. The survivors will be the ones who will integrate artistic vision with technical fluency, data analytics and insight into sustainability. 

As per sound research and professional analysis, it is obvious that unless designers learn to change and upgrade, the industry could soon become de-creative, and it is now that people in the profession should reconsider and revolutionise their careers to prepare them for the future. Because fashion designers can be replaced by AI, they can go extinct in the coming decades if they do not meet the current needs or bring something better to the table.

Hot Wheels cars are classic collectables appreciated by both children and adults. In case designing these small cars and creating imaginative playsets is something you enjoy, becoming a Hot Wheels designer may be a great career choice. Here is everything involved in achieving a Hot Wheels designer job, its requirements, and specific advice to aspirants eager to design toy cars.

What Does a Hot Wheels Designer Do?

A Hot Wheels designer is a detailed and creative play environment and model car maker. The work includes conducting sketches, 3D modelling, creating prototypes, and liaising with the engineering and marketing departments to ensure new toy cars achieve success. The designers are innovative and still respect the brand heritage as well as trends followed by consumers.

Qualification Required

1. Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design or Toy Design: Concentration on product design, materials and manufacturing processes.
2. Bachelor of Transportation Design: Learn to design different types of transportations and how they are manufactured. 
3. Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Design Courses: These are beneficial courses to have an idea about car structures and mechanisms.
4. Master’s Degree (Optional): Advanced specialization can improve job prospects and design sophistication.

The Basic Requirements of Hot Wheelers Designers

• Good Sketching and drawing skills: Capability to visualize ideas into detailed drawings.
• Proficiency in Modeling: The ability to create realistic prototypes using applications such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD or Blender.
• Knowledge of vehicles: Knowledge of all the materials used in the manufacture of toys (e.g. plastics, metals etc).
• Creativity/Innovation: Developing cars that are original, entertaining and which would attract different age groups.
• Attention to detail: Making sure that there is scale accuracy and functionality of features in miniature models.
• Teamwork and Communication: Collaborating effectively in cross-functional teams.

How to be a Hot Wheels Designer?

1. Get the Right Education: Study in accredited post-secondary schools with degrees in industrial or toy designing.
2. Develop a Good Portfolio: Display sketches, computer models and prototypes to demonstrate creativity and expertise.
3. Internship and work experience: Apply what you are learning in the field by taking an internship with a toy manufacturer or design studio.
4. Keep on Track: See what is happening in toys, what Hot Wheels are coming out, and what people want. 
5. Apply to Design Teams at Mattel or Hot Wheels: Visit career pages to look at internship opportunities and designer openings. 
6. Network: Use design events, workshops or the internet communities with focus on toy design.

Four Less Known Success Tips

• Small-Scale Modeling: Prototyping in miniature has its own set of problems so get used to making miniatures first.
• Understand Licensing: Certain Hot Wheels models are licensed vehicles; read up copyright to assist you in your design. 
• Learn Safety laws: Toys should adhere to global safety laws. 
• Experiment with Varied Styles: Mix retro, futuristic and fantasy themes to come up with models that stand out.

Career Development and Pay Information

Aspiring toy designers have the opportunity to start as a junior designer and work their way to senior design jobs, creative directors or product management. Salaries are generally geographically and experience-based, remaining competitive in the toy and industrial design business. 

To conclude, all the design aspirants who wish to become a hot wheels designer need to meet the aforementioned requirements and adhere to the steps. Working as a Hot Wheels designer means being able to combine creativity, technical skill, and car passion into a job. By taking the correct educational route, cultivating a skill in design and 3D modeling, and by creating a solid portfolio, aspiring professionals can make their dream come true. Innovation and attention to detail are also important in the toy industry and it is important to know current trends and learn to work with multidisciplinary teams. 

So, if you are passionate about creating miniature cars, bikes or vehicles that embody happiness and creativity spanning generations of people, then working at Hot Wheels is more than just a career; it is the opportunity to shape a powerful cultural classic. Through commitment and expertise, design candidates can give their engine a push off toward being part of the new generation of Hot Wheels designers.

Designers avoid using cluttered surfaces, harsh lights, bland palettes, excessive patterns, plastic decor and big tvs. The focus is on a sleek, simple yet appealing design that interior designers are recommending. Unlike the previous decade trends, designers are suggesting to opt for warm lights, real plants, clean walls, decent furniture and mix fabrics to create an appealing bedroom that is inviting as well as comforting. 

There are different types of bedroom designs– from minimal to spectacular. Some choices can quickly age a place, break tranquility, or even cause the luxurious design to feel bland. Which is why the news trend of stylish bedrooms is more inclined towards familiarity, durability and customization. So, the next time you go through a bedroom makeover or plan to design the bedroom, avoid these out-dated features because it might not reflect the new-age look that is easy going and welcoming. 

7 mistakes to avoid while designing a stylish bedroom

Clutters/Cluttering Surfaces and Oversized Furniture

Why Avoid: Cluttered nightstands, crammed shelves and clunky wardrobes will make a room smaller aesthetically and disrupt peace. Bed or storage furniture that is oversized takes up the space and restricts movement.

Designer Tip: Select minimalist multi-purpose pieces of furniture and hide all the extras. Floating nightstands or small dressers can be used to keep things open and should not be congested. Use under-bed storage to keep away clutter-sleek contemporary bedrooms are all about efficiency in terms of space and comfort.

Severe Lighting Fixtures

Why Avoid: Cool lights above the head or un-shaded bulbs can turn luxurious looking surroundings run dry and unaesthetic. Single-source or flat lighting does not pose a good visual effect and cannot serve a practical purpose.

Designer Tip: The trend of 21st century is layered lighting- combine the use of ambient, task and mood lighting. Consider architectural lighting such as sculptural lamps, warm LEDs behind beds, and bedside sconces that are able to be controlled or dimmed to set a relaxing mood.

Cool Gray Palettes and and Uninteresting Color Schemes

Why Avoid: Old dull-colored new grey or all-white solutions are on the way out. These may cause your bedroom to feel cold or lack inspirational themes especially in our move to cocooning and nature themes in design.

Designer Tip:Earth tones, or muted greens, taupes, terracottas or deep caramels are colors of the year. They establish a stable, balanced atmosphere- consider layering bedding and using organic materials.

Loud Wallpaper and Excessive Patterned Walls

Why Avoid: Too much prints or a loud color wall is a strict NO. Bold wallpaper will make it look tawdry and cluttered, and will outdate your place quickly.

Designer Tip: Ask for textured paints and soft wall coverings, or one statement art object. And, when you are all about pattern, consider tone on tone designs or light, fine art work to create a contemporary soothing influence.

Matching Bed sets and Things

Why Avoid: Matching sets of comforters that strictly match pillow shams, throws, and curtains make a bedroom look impersonal and drab.

Designer Tip: Combine fabrics, stack quality cotton sheets with textured throws and patterned pillows. Whisk together delicate prints and solids to add depth without frenzy. Curated versus formulaic layering is a true source of luxury.

Fast Furniture, Plastic Decor

Why Avoid: Bargain plastic, and disposable furniture not only clogs the environment, but automatically devalues your room with a single glance.

Designer Tip: Sustainable decisions count. Select wood, stone, natural fibers and upcycled treasures. Vintage or craft work gives it a special touch and lasts a long time- stylish and green.

Too Many Gadgets & Big Televisions

Why Avoid: The gargantuan monitors, bright digital clock displays, and obnoxious smart speech devices interfere with the peaceful setting that is required of bedrooms in the contemporary world.

Designer Tip: Keep the tech out of sight as much as possible. Have a small music system or a charging station hidden away, but keep the screens out of the way or hidden. Pass a retreat where mindfulness, relaxation, and healthy sleep are achieved.

In conclusion, a stylish bedroom in the 21st century is decluttered, welcoming and personal. The focus of bedroom interior is on comfort, organic tones, sustainable design, and details. Avoid stuffing the room with harsh, cluttered, and useless things, and let the bedroom tell your story in a precise, pleasing way, and with a touch of exquisiteness. This way, you can be certain that your bedroom is not just stylish, it is welcoming and classic, which will definitely amaze (and outlive) the most popular trend.  

Tip: For more design tips and interior design trends, use AI tools and research about it before finalising the bedroom interior. Remember,  your bedroom shouldn’t only be instagram-perfect but relaxing, comforting and YOURS

Manika Vishwakarma, in a spectacular ceremony held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, won the crown of Miss Universe India 2025 and took her place in the limelight to represent India in the 74th Miss Universe pageant in November this year in Thailand. Rhea Singha, the former queen, handed over the prestigious crown in this highly extravagant event that promoted talent, brains and advocacy.

Who is Manika Vishwakarma?

Manika Vishwakarma, 22 year old girl, a native of Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, currently resides in Delhi, where she is in the final year of her Political Science and Economics degree. Manika is not only a beautiful woman, her path is also characterized by a great number of accomplishments and a richness of talents that spans academia, advocacy and the arts.

In an interview, Manika told about her journey: "My journey started from my hometown, Ganganagar. I came to Delhi and prepared for the competition. We need to inculcate confidence and courage in ourselves. Everyone played a big role in this. I thank all those who helped me and made me what I am today. Competition is not just a field; it is a world of its own that builds the character of a person." 

• She has been practicing modelling in Delhi before earning the Miss Universe title. 
• Trained in classical dance and a skilled painter, Manika’s artistic talents have been recognized by prestigious institutions such as the Lalit Kala Academy and the JJ School of Arts.
• Beyond the stage, she has represented India at BIMSTEC Sewocon, an initiative under the Ministry of External Affairs, showcasing her aptitude on international forums.

Why did Manika Win? 

Manika advocates to the fullest extent as demonstrated in her initiative, Neuronova which is a platform aimed at spreading awareness and redesigning the discussion related to the topic of neurodivergence, in this case ADHD. She actively advocates the perception of such conditions, as special cognitive abilities but not as disorders, and this attitude is evidence of her appeal to social change.

In the much awaited final question round, Manika left the judges and audience with a teary-eyed and clever answer to the question: “If you had to prioritize between advocating for women’s education or providing immediate economic aid to impoverished families, which would you choose and why?”

Her answer was thoughtful and touching: “I would choose women’s education because education doesn’t just change one life, it changes generations. While economic aid is important, education empowers long-term sustainable change, transforming communities and the future of the nation.” This answer earned her the crown and won the hearts of the nation.

Other Winners in the Competition

The pageant also celebrated remarkable talent across India with these runners-up:

• Tanya Sharma from Uttar Pradesh: First runner-up  
• Mehak Dhingra from Haryana: Second runner-up  
• Amishi Kaushik: Third runner-up  

Their success and style are a manifestation of the variety and potential of the young generation in India that has something to contribute.

What’s  the next  step for Manika?

Manika will now move on to participate in the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November, where she will pit against other contestants from other parts of the world. With her mix of sophistication, brilliance and activism, she is in a good standing to be a competent candidate.

Manika Vishwakarma is an emerging breed of well-educated socially conscious representatives as well as the blending of beauty with brains and a thirst to enact meaningful change. To the readers concerned about education, women empowerment, and youth leadership, her story is an ideal example of the role that education plays in raising confident leaders.

In her focus on the education of women, she is in tune with the current national agenda and international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and helps many young Indians to realize the power of education to empower themselves and help build the nation.