The Know Daily - Wednesday 24 September 2025

_{Read in 4m 17s ∙ Listening to Jessica Baio ∙}

It’s that time again in Alaska’s Katmai National Park – Fat Bear Week is in full swing (yep, you read that right!). From September 23 to 30, you can vote online to crown the bear who’s packed on the most pounds in preparation for winter 🐻 This contest isn’t just fluff: it highlights how brown bears depend on salmon feasts and fat reserves to survive hibernation. Meet this year’s contestants.

👗 London Fashion Week in Parliament

London Fashion Week (LFW) SS26 wrapped on Monday – but the conversation hasn’t ended on the catwalk. The fashion industry is now being debated in Parliament, raising questions about its role not just as a cultural powerhouse but as an economic one too. Here’s how the two worlds are colliding.

Why is LFW being debated in Parliament?
The fashion industry has been making its case in Westminster, with MPs calling for more recognition of its contribution to the UK. Former buyer-turned-MP Rosie Wrighting recently led a debate in Parliament on LFW, pointing out how the sector showcases British talent globally and draws attention to the creative economy. It’s a reminder that fashion isn’t only about trends and shows – it’s also about jobs, exports and soft power.

How does it contribute?
LFW is one of the “big four” alongside Paris, Milan and New York, giving UK designers a global platform. According to government briefings, fashion contributes tens of billions to the economy and supports nearly 900k jobs. Women make up a large share of the fashion workforce, so LFW is making more effort to spotlight female talent and independent brands at a time when industry reports say senior executive roles are still disproportionately held by men. 

Does it go beyond culture?
Yes – fashion isn’t just about the catwalk. Economically, it plays a serious role. The Business of Fashion recently described LFW as trying to “restore the sector’s role as a UK economic powerhouse”, while Vogue highlighted the sustainability progress with Lime bikes becoming the “it” mode of transport this year. This is just one part of a push towards more sustainability during fashion weeks, with London copying some of Copenhagen's criteria this year – think using preloved materials or creating zero waste garments and removing single-use props. 

Our faves.
We couldn’t resist picking some highlights from SS26:
❣️ Annabel: Simone Rocha – layers, lace and a playful observation of what girlhood really means.
❣️ Hannah: Pauline Dujancourt – a vision that feels both incredibly contemporary whilst undeniably gothic.
❣️ Lynn: Yuhan Wang – romantic lace and delicate draping, Wang’s collection felt both ethereal and grounded in craft.

🤝 EU-Indonesia deal: The European Commission has agreed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Indonesia, removing over 98% of tariffs on EU exports.

• The bigger story: The agreement opens up new market access for EU farmers, vehicle makers and green tech firms, while giving Indonesia better entry for its textiles and coffee. EU exporters could save hundreds of millions in duties and both sides expect the deal to boost investment, supply chain resilience and sustainable cooperation.

🐎 Rare road trip: The Bayeux Tapestry has started its delicate journey to the British Museum where it will temporarily be put on display for nine months.

💡 Amp up your savings: Don’t have a smart meter? Make sure you submit meter readings on or around 1 October to keep bills lighter (thank us later for the reminder!).

🇺🇳 UN-derperforming: A recent poll has found that while 60% of Americans see the United Nations as necessary, 63% believe it isn’t doing a good job at trying to solve global problems.

♻️ Gourd-geous sips: A startup is tackling single-use items by turning to the garden, transforming gourds into compostable cups and flasks.

💬 And they said, "Speak now": Scientists have analysed years of interviews with Taylor Swift to track how dialects evolve. 

🥁 Literary lineup: The Booker Prize 2025 shortlist is out. Drumroll please…

• Audition: A Novel by Katie Kitamura 

• Flashlight by Susan Choi

• Flesh by David Szalay

• The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller

• The Rest of Our Lives by Benjamin Markovits 

• The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny: A Novel by Kiran Desai

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Trivia answer: C) Belgium-based workers spend the longest time on the road, averaging 57 minutes a day.

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