News

Gucci store on New Bond Street, London. Credits: Gucci. Paris - Luxury group Kering, still weighed down by its flagship brand Gucci, announced on Wednesday a 14 percent drop in sales to 3.88 billion euros in the first quarter of 2025 and is "redoubling its vigilance to overcome macro- economic turbulence". "As we anticipated, Kering faced a difficult start to the year," said its chief executive officer (CEO) François-Henri Pinault, quoted in a statement. "We are redoubling our vigilance to […]

Ikea presents its new streetwear collection Credits: Courtesy of Ikea After a collaboration with in 2019 and an exhibition dedicated to fashion last year, Ikea made another foray into the industry, this time with a streetwear line. The furniture and decoration company’s new streetwear collection was named ‘Aurtiende’, which the brand translates as “decade”. The line is made up of T-shirts, hoodies, bucket hats, bags and tote bags, with prices ranging from 6.99 euros (for a bag or […]

President Donald J. Trump unveiling new US tariff policy on April 2, 2025, at the White House, Washington D. C. (US). Credits: The White House. On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced an unprecedented series of import duties, which could amount to 54 percent for fashion imports from key production countries such as China and Vietnam, and 20 percent for goods from the EU. These measures caused panic on global markets, increased the chance of a recession in the US, and caused sharp falls […]

Aurelio Costarella S/S 15 Runway Show Credits: ©Launchmetrics/Spotlight Australian designer Aurelio Costarella has passed away at age 60 after a fight with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare, untreatable, and fast-progressing brain disorder that also took the life of his sister, Gracie. One of the most successful designers in Western Australia, Costarella was born in Perth to Sicilian parents. His Italian roots are said to have played a significant role in his romantic, refined, and elegant […]

Dutch model Justine Wesselo for Marine Serre SS24 (look 30) Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight In the latest episode of Backstage Pass, Imran Amed speaks with French fashion designer Marine Serre, who is known for her eco-friendly and future-focused fashion. In 2016, Serre presented her first collection, in which she combined classic French couture with sporty elements and an innovative way of working with fabrics. Sustainability plays a major role in her brand, with a focus on the circular […]

Haider Ackermann Credits: Canada Goose To mark Haider Ackermann's debut show for Tom Ford, the Fashion Neurosis podcast is sharing a special video with the designer. In this conversation with designer Bella Freud, Ackermann reflects on his background, career and the influences that shape his work. He speaks candidly about his friendships within the fashion world, as well as his design choices. He explains his vision of fashion and the significance of his debut at Tom Ford. Ackermann, of […]

Madrid skyline - Carolina Herrera to show SS26 in the city Credits: Carolina Herrera New York-based fashion label Carolina Herrera, owned by Spanish group Puig, is stepping away from New York Fashion Week in September to showcase its spring/summer 2026 collection in Madrid, Spain. The move will mark the brand’s third destination show, following resort showcases in Rio de Janeiro in 2023 and Mexico City in November 2024, and will be the brand’s first main collection catwalk show outside of […]

Anthropologie also unveils its third collection of regenerative cotton basics Credits: Anthropologie Lifestyle retailer Anthropologie has announced the continuation of its partnership with environmental non-profit Kiss the Ground to raise awareness surrounding regenerative agriculture and soil health. Part of its celebration of Earth Month, the announcement sees Anthropologie enter its second year of collaborating with Kiss the Ground and driving real progress in regenerative farming.  With […]

Rag & Bone Mini Miramar collection Credits: Rag & Bone In Pictures New York-based fashion brand Rag & Bone has launched a new children's wear line, Mini Miramar. An extension of the brand’s popular Miramar collection, which incorporates a denim printing technique, also known as a 'Trompe L’oeil’ effect, the Mini Miramar collection brings the signature look of denim with the soft feel of sweatpants. Rag & Bone Mini Miramar collection Credits: Rag & Bone Designed […]

London flagship of Hoka Credits: Deckers Brands Hoka is opening a new shop in Berlin. The US running brand is planning a new location on the popular Berlin shopping street Kurfürstendamm. So far, nothing more specific is known about the shop. What is clear is that the brand, which belongs to the US shoe provider Deckers Brands, has advertised various positions via FashionUnited's job platform and is looking for these for a location on Kurfürstendamm. Hoka is slowly making its way into the […]

Archive photo (2017): Passage du Caire in Paris, in the Sentier district. Credits: PHOTO12 / Gilles Targat / Photo12 via AFP Paris - According to a study released on Wednesday, the number of wholesale businesses located on the ground floor of buildings in Paris dropped by 77 percent between 2003 and 2023. This was due to the relocation of production, disturbances in the neighbourhood, and rising property prices in the French capital. These businesses, which catered to professional retailers, […]

Toast partners with Kvatt to pilot reusable packaging Credits: Toast British fashion and lifestyle brand Toast is extending its approach to circularity beyond the lifecycle of its garments and into packaging with a new reusable packaging pilot programme designed to reduce single-use packaging waste across e-commerce. Toast has partnered with innovative start-up Kvatt, founded by Swiss entrepreneur Gianfranco Bachtold, which is on a mission to reinvent the parcel shipping industry by offering […]

LVMH general meeting 2025 Credits: F. Julienne The LVMH group’s general meeting, which took place on April 17, 2025, featured a presentation of the main figures for 2024, compared to 2023, by LVMH chief financial officer (CFO) Cécile Cabanis, who has held the position since February 2025. The results highlighted that fashion and leather goods are indeed the vibrant heart of the luxury giant. Key figures for 2024 Turnover for 2024: 84.7 billion euros, down one percent. Profit from recurring […]

Crew Clothing campaign image Credits: Crew Clothing British fashion and lifestyle brand Crew Clothing is continuing its 2025 store rollout with a return to Cheltenham this week. Crew Clothing will open a new 1,800-square-foot high street store on the Promenade on April 25, following the brand’s search for a larger location in the spa town. The new store will showcase Crew Clothing’s coastal-inspired style, highlighting its latest spring/summer 2025 collections for men, women and children. […]

Castore x England Rugby Credits: Castore Castore, the British performance sportswear brand and end-to-end digital retailing platform for global sports teams has added England Rugby to its portfolio after being named its technical kit partner. England Rugby has signed a multi-year, long-term contract with Castore for it to deliver all technical playing kit, training and travel wear across England Rugby’s men’s and women’s teams. Castore will also supply coaches and staff departments […]

Neiman Marcus in New York Credits: Neiman Marcus Saks Global is expected to cut further jobs this week. The reason for this is the merging of business units following acquisition of Neiman Marcus. The operator of Saks and Neiman Marcus is expected to lay off an estimated 550 employees, as reported by trade magazine WWD, based on sources. This number represents 3 percent of the Saks Global workforce. These job cuts particularly affect offices in New York City, Dallas, and other locations. […]

Puma flagship store in New York City. Credits: Puma SE Sportswear giant Puma released its sustainability report just in time for Earth Day. The report highlights that the company achieved its 2021 goal of making nine out of ten products from recycled or certified materials that have lower emissions last year. But what does this mean exactly? FashionUnited took a closer look at the report. The company states that it has “significantly increased” the use of these materials and reportedly […]

Finisterre ‘From Wetsuits’ changing mat Credits: Finisterre Cornish outdoor apparel brand Finisterre has launched the ‘From Wetsuits’ changing mat, its first-ever product made from recycled wetsuits, showcasing a breakthrough in circular design. The changing mat is designed to carry wet gear and function as a durable changing mat and represents a significant step forward in addressing one of the surf industry’s biggest sustainability challenges, the waste of old wetsuits. Each year, […]

Jalen, J-Dub, Williams wearing vintage Eckō Unltd. Credits: Eckō Unltd. by Joseph Owen Junior American streetwear brand Eckō Unltd., part of the Iconix Brand Group, is teaming up with NBA All-Star Jalen (J-Dub) Williams, one of the standout basketball players for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Williams, who is in just his third season with the NBA, will become the brand’s newest ambassador and capsule collaborator, launching a collection with Eckō Unltd. for the 2025 holiday season. The […]

TikTok content creator Credits: Pexels, Cottonbro A curious phenomenon is unfolding on TikTok, where videos of “luxury handbags” straight from Chinese factories are racking up millions of views. On the surface, these clips are merely the latest in a long line of viral content. But beneath the algorithm-driven virality lies a more disquieting reality for the global fashion industry: counterfeiters are no longer lurking in back alleys—they’re broadcasting in plain sight. In bypassing […]

Prada FW25 Credits: Launchmetrics/spotlight Prada has joined forces with luxury e-commerce platform Mytheresa in a move that reflects a new approach to global digital distribution—one that prioritises selectivity, brand integrity, and customer experience over traditional wholesale reach. The partnership, initially focused on Europe, will make Prada’s women’s, men’s, and lifestyle collections available to Mytheresa’s growing international customer base, with expansion to the U.S., […]

Rendering of the John Varvatos store on Wooster Street Credits: John Varvatos Menswear brand John Varvatos is returning to SoHo, New York City with a new store as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The new 3,200-square-foot store will open at 73 Wooster Street in September and marks a notable return to SoHo for John Varvatos, where the brand first opened its doors in 2000 on Mercer Street. The design of the store will be a “luxurious environment,” explains the brand, to showcase its full […]

Abercrombie, London Credits: Abercrombie The latest footfall data from Sensormatic Solutions, the global retail solutions portfolio of Johnson Controls, has revealed that Easter delivered a weekly boost to footfall in the UK as shoppers splashed out on seasonal treats and entertaining over the four-day Bank holiday weekend. Data from Sensormatic’s ShopperTrak Analytics insights platform, which captures 40 billion store visits globally annually, showed that footfall on Good Friday (April 18) […]

Opinion Ana Luisa'a Voyager collection Credits: Ana Luisa As gold trades at an all-time high of 3,500 dollars an ounce—soaring more than 30 percent this year—jewellery designers are finding themselves in a precarious position between creative integrity and commercial survival. The surge, spurred by global economic uncertainty and a surge in safe-haven investing, comes at a time when gold’s symbolic weight is as culturally loaded as its financial value. A material synonymous with […]

Kerrygold x Native Denims ‘cheese pocket’ jeans for illustration. Credits: Kerrygold Behind every garment lies an extensive production process. In this series 'From needle to thread', FashionUnited speaks with experts about how everyday garments and accessories are made. This time: the production of a pair of jeans, explained by Imogen Nulty-Verstraeten. Nulty-Verstraeten is a denim specialist with over 18 years of experience in design, development and merchandising within the casualwear, […]

Mended co-founder Agnes Weber (left) and Sophia Honert (right), sustainability manager at Tom Tailor, are happy about the new collaboration. Credits: Tom Tailor Almost a year ago, in May 2024, Mended, the Dutch online platform for clothing alterations and repairs, expanded into Germany. Initially, this was through a partnership with Cologne-based sustainable brand Armedangels. This partnership proved so successful, generating 100 repair orders within 15 minutes of launch, that Mended is now […]

Bershka store in the Westfield Mall of Scandinavia shopping centre in Solna, Stockholm (Sweden). Credits: Bershka. Madrid – Bershka, Inditex's second-largest chain by business volume, behind only Zara, has added a new market with its launch in Sweden. The Northern European country is where the Spanish multinational's young fashion chain has just begun operations, opening its first store in the capital, Stockholm. It has taken exactly 40 days to materialise one of the main initiatives for its […]

Mori sleeping bag campaign imagery. Credits: Mori. Baby and childrenswear brand Mori has made its first acquisition. The company has snapped up fellow British children’s clothing retailer Kidly as it continues to pursue growth both in and beyond the UK. By bringing the two brands together, Mori said it is moving closer to becoming “one of the best-loved baby and children’s brands globally”. Kidly, which will be rebranded to Kidly by Mori, is now exclusively available to shop via […]

The chief executive officer (CEO) Allan Soares and chief operating officer (COO) Rafael Miranda Credits: Yellow Estúdio Brazilian menswear brand King&Joe, which includes King&Joe Play for kidswear and K&J Black for premium menswear, have merged and formed a new company called AKR Brands Group. The strategic initiative is aimed to strengthen its presence in the multi-brand market, expanding its capacity for innovation and establishing itself as one of the leading menswear groups in […]

Estée Lauder Credits: The Estée Lauder Companies/Facebook The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (EL), Tuesday announced that it has named Brian Franz its Chief Technology, Data & Analytics Officer, effective April 21. Previously Executive Vice President and CIO at State Street, Franz brings extensive experience from leadership roles at Diageo, PepsiCo, GE, and AT&T. EL is currently trading at 54.76 dollars, down 0.37 cents or 0.67 percent on the New York Stock Exchange.(AFP)

ThredUp Credits: Image: ThredUp As the U.S. administration ramps up tariffs on imported goods, the fallout for global fashion is already becoming apparent. From European luxury houses to Chinese fast fashion giants, industry players are bracing for squeezed margins, disrupted supply chains, and dampened demand from increasingly cost-conscious American consumers. The new wave of protectionist levies—targeting a broad range of goods—threatens to upend the economics of fast fashion and luxury […]

Lululemon campaign image. Credits: Lululemon The Canadian sportswear brand Lululemon is set to establish itself on Belgian high streets. Lululemon announced in a press release that it is opening its first two stores in Antwerp and Brussels this summer. In Antwerp, Lululemon has chosen Meir as its location. The sportswear brand will offer products for men and women in various categories - from yoga to running, and from tennis to golf. After the Antwerp store, the opening in the Brussels […]

An image from 2023's Fashion Redressed series. Credits: GFA. Ahead of its upcoming forum on June 3, Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) has confirmed that it is working on the development of a sequel to its ‘Fashion Redressed’ film series. The project is to be produced by BBC StoryWorks, which will also work with selected partners to create “human-centric pieces of branded content for the campaign”. Set to go live early 2026, the new season of the series will “explore an industry amid […]

Image for illustration. Credits: AI generated by FashionUnited Earth Day has officially landed and, among the complexities of the current economic and environmental climate, it seems the event has never been more important. This year’s theme, ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, emphasises that while further putting a core focus on renewable energy. Organisers of the event are thus calling for global renewable energy generation to be tripled by 2030 as they also continue to encourage global […]

Kenny Wilson, chair of Represent and True. Credits: Represent. British luxury brand Represent is continuing its global expansion strategy. In the label’s latest move, it has appointed Kenny Wilson as chair and non-executive director alongside its strategic partner, investment firm True. Wilson brings to the role 35 years of experience in various global brands, including Levi’s and Cath Kidston, where he held senior management positions, and Dr Martens, where he was named CEO in July […]

IoDF launches creators fund. Credits: IoDF. The Institute of Digital Fashion (IoDF) has launched its first financial support programme for next-generation creatives as it looks to help promising individuals navigate the current complexities of the present economy. Designed to be an open call to individuals creating in any media and format, the ‘IoDF Creators Fund’ intends to “break down barriers and rewrite outdated industry systems”, the organisation said. Applications for the fund […]

Loise Læborg Madsen Credits: HEYANNO After more than a decade at Danish fashion brand MOS MOSH, first as a pattern engineer and later as Head of Design, Loise Læborg Madsen felt the urge to start something entirely her own. That "something" became HEYANNO: a design-driven label rooted in craftsmanship, cultural references, and a bolder approach to fashion. In an interview with FashionUnited, Madsen opens up about HEYANNO’s design philosophy, creative direction, and its place in the […]

Gap Oxford Street store. Credits: Gap. A new survey by consumer research firm Attest has found a decline in spending on clothing, shoes and accessories among UK consumers over the most recent six month period. In the platform's latest UK Spending Trends Report for 2025, Attest addressed the question of whether financial uncertainty was causing shoppers to hold off from making purchases. The site compared a survey it held in September 2024 to a one run in March 2025 to formulate the data and […]

Donald Trump Credits: Andrew Leyden / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP As escalating U.S. tariffs reshape the global trade landscape, Beijing is pivoting towards domestic consumption to shore up its export-reliant industries. The move, which carries significant implications for the international fashion supply chain, signals a critical rebalancing of China’s manufacturing-led growth model. In a joint statement issued this week, the China General Chamber of Commerce and seven affiliated trade […]

Credits: Topshop Facebook page As a potential relaunch date for the British fashion brand Topshop is slowly being narrowed down, a new post on the label’s official Instagram has suggested that a physical presence may also be on the cards. Over three videos via the platform, Topshop suggested it will “see you IRL [in real life, ed.] in August”. The posts were made in a similar format to those previously hinting at Topshop and Topman’s (TSTM) relaunch, each giving brief glimpses of what […]

In Pictures New Balance Oxford Street store Credits: New Balance Sportswear brand New Balance has reopened its London flagship store on Oxford Street, unveiling a fully redesigned retail concept aimed at rethinking the traditional shopping experience “by putting people, not products, at the centre”. The new premium experience builds on the brand’s new global retail concept and has been tailored for London, drawing inspiration from the capital’s pace and culture and placing the […]

Frank and Oak product imagery. Credits: Frank and Oak. Canadian retailer Frank and Oak has confirmed plans to close all of its stores across the US as part of an ongoing liquidation process. In a statement on its website, the company said operations in the region will shutter by the end of April 2025. This is an earlier date than planned. According to Frank and Oak, the shuttering “was moved up due to growing uncertainty around tariffs and customs, which made it challenging to continue […]

Bercy (Paris), le ministère de l'Économie et des Finances. Credits: Unsplash. Paris - Since the publication of the AFP article on Sunday, April 21st, regarding the tensions between major French companies and the political powers — an in-depth piece outlining the positions taken by Bercy to encourage several groups to suspend their American projects — none of the main groups concerned — LVMH, Schneider Electric, CMA CGM — have announced any suspension or withdrawal of their […]

Cotton picking Credits: Nafpaktos Textile Industry S.A. A new study has cast a troubling spotlight on the health risks faced by Tanzania’s cotton farmers, reports UK charity Pesticides Action Network (PAN UK). The data reveals widespread pesticide poisoning linked to the continued use of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs). As cotton remains a cornerstone of Tanzania’s rural economy—supporting over 500,000 households—these findings raise significant concerns for fashion professionals […]

Capezio ballet campaign image Credits: Capezio New York-based middle-market private equity firm Argand Partners has acquired Ballet Makers Inc., the parent company of the dance brand Capezio, for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 1887, Capezio is an internationally recognised brand in the dancewear sector, designing and manufacturing premium and highly technical footwear, apparel, and accessories that support dancers and athletes of all ages to practice, compete and perform, including ballet, […]

Louis Vuitton Ready to Wear Spring Summer 2025 Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Opinion After years of riding high on the back of strong international demand and an unwavering brand ethos, Louis Vuitton finds itself at a strategic inflection point. The French luxury powerhouse, a key pillar of LVMH, is contending with a confluence of macroeconomic pressures and evolving consumer behaviours that threaten to recalibrate the dynamics of its growth trajectory. Yanmei Tang, Analyst at research […]

Hermès SS25 Ready to Wear Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Paris - French luxury group Hermès announced on Tuesday the establishment of a new leather goods workshop in Colombelles (Normandy) “with the creation of 260 artisan jobs, in the long term” to support “the success of its leather goods and saddlery collections”. Hermès, which continues to achieve record results and whose sales jumped by 8.5 percent to 4.1 billion euros in the first quarter, in a context of a slowing luxury […]

Game 7 launches apparel line with Centric Brands Credits: Game 7 Multi-platform sports and entertainment brand Game 7 has launched its debut apparel collection in partnership with Centric Brands exclusive in Amazon Stores in the US. The line is described as a “style-driven sports team apparel collection” and aims to offer an elevated take on athleticwear, including exclusive National Basketball Association (NBA) products. Mat Vlasic, co-founder of Game 7, said in a statement: “In […]

DHL distribution van. Credits: via DHL Group Parcel service DHL is temporarily suspending shipments to the US, according to the service's website. Starting this week, all parcels with a value of 800 dollars or more destined for consumers will no longer be collected and shipped. DHL stated that this is due to the new customs regulations. Previously, parcels with a value above 2,500 dollars required extra measures and processes. Now, this threshold has been lowered to 800 dollars. DHL indicated […]

Marks & Spencer. Credits: Marks & Spencer British department store Marks & Spencer has said it is preparing to invest 90 million pounds into its London retail network in what would be the second round of funding the company has injected into the region. Among the plans, the retailer revealed it is set to open 17 “new and improved stores” across this year and the next, all pending planning permission. Much of this will centre around the implementation of new Foodhalls across six […]

Palais des Papes in Avignon, France to host Louis Vuitton Cruise 2026 catwalk Credits: Louis Vuitton French luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton is heading to Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Avignon, France, to showcase its cruise 2026 collection on May 22. In a statement, Louis Vuitton said that Nicolas Ghesquière, artistic director of women’s collections, chose Palais des Papes, classified as a historic monument, for its “marvel of Gothic architecture”. The event will […]

Durham high street, UK Credits: Unsplash Footfall over the week from April 13 to 20 remained entirely flat in comparison to the week prior, according to new data from MRI Software. However, compared to the week leading up to Easter in 2024, which came at the earlier date of March 24 to 30, activity across shopping destinations was noticeably higher. While on a weekly basis, high streets saw a “modest drop” in footfall, compared to last year these areas reported a 15.7 percent increase. […]

Farm Rio debut store in Mexico Credits: Farm Rio Brazilian fashion and lifestyle brand Farm Rio continues its global retail expansion with its first store in Mexico, marking the brand’s expansion into Latin America. The 1,140-square-foot store is located on the ground floor of Shopping Artz Pedregal in Mexico City and has been designed by Cajoo Studio to bring together Farm Rio’s love for Brazilian art and culture with locally sourced touches. Farm Rio debut store in Mexico Credits: […]

Matalan store front Credits: Matalan Fashion and homeware retailer Matalan has secured 25 million pounds (33 million dollars) additional funding to accelerate multi-year transformation. The funding boost comes from the company’s anchor investors—Invesco, Tresidor, Man Group, and Napier Park. The capital will support investments in store refurbishments, new store openings, enhancements to the supply chain, and the launch of a new app designed to strengthen Matalan’s e-commerce platform […]

Fask Academy. Credits: FashionUnited. If French fashion is a showcase of creativity and craftsmanship, it is not immune to the contemporary fractures affecting the textile industry. Between the imperative of "Made in France," the dwindling availability of technical skills, and the isolation of industry players, the South Region (Région Sud) exemplifies the contradictions of a sector caught between the desire to relocalize and economic constraints. It is within this in-between space that […]

Revlon Credits: Revlon Beauty company Revlon has appointed Dana Medema as president of North America, effective May 5, 2025. She will report directly to chief executive officer Michelle Peluso. Medema most recently served as senior vice president and head of personal health – North America at Philips. Geralyn Breig, who joined Revlon in 2023 to lead the region’s transition out of bankruptcy, will return to her corporate board work. She will support Medema’s transition throughout the […]

Illustrative image of customers checking a clothing label. Credits: Pexels via BCome. Sustainability is a term that’s increasingly popping up in shop windows, clothing tags, headlines, and more, especially when it comes to the fashion industry. This not-so-new buzzword has spread rapidly in recent years, largely as a response to the industry’s growing environmental and social challenges. But does it really sell? Can ethical production, recycled materials, and carbon reduction goals […]

Couture creations by Rahul Mishra on display. Credits: FashionUnited Indian designer Rahul Mishra needs no introduction: His hand-embroidered designs draw from the natural world and transform into fantasy creations. He was the first Indian designer to win the International Woolmark Prize in 2014 at Milan Fashion Week and to be invited to showcase at the Haute Couture Week in Paris in 2020. He has garnered widespread acclaim with both his eponymous couture label and his prét-a-porter brand […]

Onefifteen's Da'an district flagship store in Taipei, Taiwan. Credits: Onefifteen. Interview In the heart of Taipei’s Da’an district, the flagship store of Onefifteen exists as somewhat of a florally-infused oasis within a metropolitan backdrop. The luxury multibrand retailer sits in the foundations of a historic 1950s building, renovated to both retain its background and modernise this antiquity for a string of dedicated consumers that perceive the store as somewhat of a second home. […]

Valentino Autumn/Winter 2025, Ready-to-Wear. Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight. Italian fashion house Valentino’s revenues were largely stable compared to the previous year, totalling 1.31 billion euros in 2024, down 2 percent at constant exchange rates and 3 percent at current exchange rates, YoY. In 2023, the company closed at 1.34 billion euros. Venturini: ‘Our work took a decisive step with Alessandro Michele’s arrival as new Creative Director’ “We made important progress in […]

Ana Luisa second retail store on Bleecker, West Village NYC Credits: Ana Luisa Interview Now seems like an unlikely time for many retailers and brands to invest in their retail strategy. With many fashion and accessories brands grappling with increasing unpredictability, global trade turmoil, supply chain issues, and a slow in consumer demand, some, like direct-to-consumer (DTC) jewelry brand Ana Luisa, are jumping headfirst into this world of flux and pushing on with business as well. True to […]

In Beeld Luxury brand Extreme Cashmere is challenging the idea of a retail space. The flagship store on Amsterdam's Utrechtsestraat looks more like a stylish apartment than a shop. Credits: FashionUnited The Dutch cashmere brand Extreme Cashmere often does things a little differently. For example, the brand makes clothes in just one size that fits everyone. In addition, the brand does not participate in seasons, as the traditional fashion system does. This week, the brand opened the […]

Credits: Andrew Leyden / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP Swiss watch exports to the key US market soared nearly 14 percent in March, likely the result of retailers stocking up before US President Donald Trump announced his tariffs on countries worldwide. Analysts have warned that Switzerland's storied watchmaking industry could be among the hardest hit by the 31-percent import levies for Swiss goods announced in early April -- though they have since been paused for 90 days. But a baseline […]

Kingpins April 2025 edition. A view of the computer screen of the young start-up Darchive for illustration. The company makes information about clothing digitally accessible. Credits: FashionUnited Verslag The fashion sector is in motion, and Kingpins is moving with it. Under the leadership of the new chief executive officer, Vivian Wang, the trade fair showed on April 16 and 17 in the Sugarfactory in Halfweg (near Amsterdam) that the denim platform is more than a sourcing event. During the […]

Credits: RIMOWA RIMOWA is delighted to announce the opening of its relocated boutique in London, on April 16th. Situated on the prestigious New Bond Street, the German Maison’s newest boutique offers an exceptional space to showcase RIMOWA’s iconic designs. Situated among leading luxury houses, the boutique’s façade preserves the building’s historic charm while incorporating RIMOWA’s distinctive design elements, striking a perfect balance between heritage and modernity. […]

A sewing machine for illustration purposes. Credits: Pexels The International Apparel Federation (IAF) stated that the import duties implemented by the United States pose a direct threat to entire industries. In a statement, the federation wrote that there is a risk of destabilising economies and that the duties jeopardise the livelihoods of countless employees and entrepreneurs in the clothing industry. The IAF is pleased that a pause has been put in place for a large part of the import […]

Credits: Marco Rambaldi ss25/Di Petsa ss25/Sandy Liang fw25/Alainpaul fw25©Launchmetrics/spotlight Just like the black leather jacket, blue jeans were once a symbol of youthful rebellion in America. Perhaps as a result, in the past two decades, high-end designers have expanded their offerings to include key items rendered in denim, with some brands such as Diesel focusing almost their entire seasonal collections using the fabric. In sum, the ss26 denim mood will be equal parts wearable and […]

Rivini By Rita Vinieris Spring/Summer 2026, Bridal Fashion Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight. Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week (BBFW) is gearing up to once again become the epicentre of bridal fashion. Ahead of a new edition (the event runs from April 23 to 27), the event confirmed its role as the leading national showcase for a sector that not only continues to say “yes”, but also demonstrates a powerful, international and transformative industry. Recent research indicates that the Spanish […]

Dries Van Noten store in the Aoyama district of Tokyo, Japan. Credits: Dries Van Noten. Madrid – The most perfect harmonisation of universes around fashion and beauty supports Puig’s diversified business model. This is what could be discovered behind the walls of the new Dries Van Noten “boutiques”, one of the main houses in the Spanish multinational’s portfolio, which just opened in London and Tokyo. These openings serve as a perfect introduction to how Puig intends to continue […]

Credits: Scuffers. Emerging Spanish brands are redefining the rules of streetwear. Their formula for success is no longer solely based on the clothes they sell. It is now based on their ability to build an aspirational project that connects emotionally with their audience. Today, the real value lies in consolidating a loyal community. This community is willing to invest in a graphic hoodie or t-shirt without hesitation. They invest not only for the logo, but for everything it represents. […]

Hermès SS25 Ready to Wear Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Financial news of the week: Trump Tariffs, Geopolitical Tensions Hit Luxury Sector The first financial results of Q1 2025, reported this week, show that trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty are weighing on the performance of key luxury fashion groups. First Q1 results reveal slowdown across major fashion houses LVMH posted a 3 percent decline in revenue compared to the same quarter last year. Its Fashion & Leather Goods […]

Yann Rivoallan Credits: Courtesy of FFPAPF. Yann Rivoallan. Paris - Will protectionism become a condition for the survival of the French fashion industry? As the Trump administration relaunched its trade offensive against China in April 2025, imposing massive tariffs on imports, Europe braces for a shockwave that could hit its own market hard. Earlier this week the Fédération Française du Prêt à Porter Féminin warned that, deprived of fluid access to the American market, some Chinese […]

For Renzo Rosso, Europe should be stronger and more cohesive Credits: Renzo Rosso, courtesy of Otb “Europe should be stronger and more cohesive, with strong leaders who can assert our conditions and our distinctive qualities, so as not to be at the mercy of other major powers. We ask for more transparency, loyalty, strength and the will to show our qualities. It is not right that Italy suffers, for all the values that it brings with it. We have 70 percent of the world's cultural heritage, a […]

Jonathan Anderson at Loewe's SS23 show. Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight French fashion giant Dior named the highly-rated designer Jonathan Anderson as creative director of Dior Men on Thursday. Anderson, 40, quit Loewe last month after more than a decade in which he turned around the fortunes of the heritage Spanish brand. The Northern Irish designer -- an influential tastemaker with many A-list fans -- made the previously rather sleepy label, best known for its handbags, hot. Fashion […]

Supermodel and app investor Jasmine Tookes wearing an outfit she put together with the help of Alta. Credits: CFDA/Alta The Council of the Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has partnered with the personal styling app Alta in a bid to offer designers new ways to engage with audiences. Powered by more than a dozen artificial intelligence models trained by Alta's team, the app uses AI to optimize users' existing wardrobes and help them shop for pieces that fit and complement their style. […]

Óscar García Maceiras, chief executive officer of Inditex, during the presentation of the annual results for the 2024 financial year. Credits: Inditex. Analysis Madrid – Of all the possible scenarios, the one emerging from this “pause” of 90 days decreed by US President Donald Trump regarding the new tariff policy of the US, with its “asymmetric tariffs” for China and the EU, appears to be the worst, most unfavourable, and most challenging for the interests of Inditex. What are the […]

Shein ad Credits: Shein. Ultra-fast fashion retailer Shein and Chinese online marketplace Temu are set to increase prices next week as new tariffs implemented by US President Donald Trump on apparel and footwear in a bid to limit low-value imports begin.  As the tariffs drive up expenses for companies, Temu and Shein issued statements to customers this week stating that they would be increasing prices from April 25 onwards while encouraging consumers to make a purchase now so they can benefit […]

Bernard Arnault at the LVMH general meeting Credits: F. Julienne Jonathan Anderson appointed for the Dior Men's collection, to be shown June 2025; quality rather than growth, at all costs; the desire to create a free trade area with the US; and the vote in favour of keeping Bernard Arnault at the helm until the age of 85: these were the four key announcements that emerged from the general meeting of the luxury group LVMH, held at the Carrousel du Louvre on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The arrival […]

In 2019, US president Donald Trump shook hands with LVMH chief executive officer Bernard Arnault during a visit to the new Louis Vuitton factory in Alvarado. Credits: NICHOLAS KAMM /AFP In a striking speech from the Rose Garden, President Donald Trump made his position clear: in his opinion, the era of globalisation is over. He announced sweeping import duties on foreign goods, firmly underscoring his economic course. The measures immediately caused a stir on Wall Street, where stock prices […]

Credits: Versace Versace was born from the ocean. The Mediterranean mythology at the heart of the House pervades its mentality from the beach to the city. For La Vacanza 2025, Versace reconnects with its oceanic roots in Women’s and Men’s Collections steeped in a lifestyle suspended between sea and land. Credits: Versace From swimwear to homewear Fusing coastal dress codes for day and evening, the proposals transition from swimwear into leisure and formalwear in wardrobes adorned […]

Marks & Spencer rolls out paper packaging for men’s essential range. Credits: Marks & Spencer. Department store Marks & Spencer has carried out a packaging overhaul of its men’s essential range. According to the retailer, it has switched to paper packaging across the category, removing “almost 5.5 million units of plastic from its Clothing & Home business”. Men’s socks, woven pyjama sets and almost 40 percent of men’s underwear lines are now available in […]

The Virgil Abloh Foundation Logo Credits: The Virgil Abloh Foundation Athiththan Selvendran, Virgil Abloh's first employee, committed right hand, and chief of staff, has been appointed chief creative officer of the Virgil Abloh Foundation (VAF). Currently the chief operating officer of Virgil Abloh Securities (VAS), the appointment highlights the expansion of Selvendran's role and his growing influence as a strategist and creative drive.  The appointment was announced by Shannon Abloh, […]

Interview John Henric London store Credits: John Henric Swedish menswear brand John Henric has opened its first UK store in the City of London as part of a wider retail expansion strategy to drive growth and brand recognition. The 1,140 square foot store is located at retail and leisure destination One New Change on Cheapside near St. Paul’s in the City of London, allowing the brand to target the business district, as well as tourists with its affordable smart-casual aesthetic. The […]

Textile-to-textile recycling. AI-generated image for illustration purposes. Credits: FashionUnited Textile-to-textile regenerator Reju has entered into a partnership with Rematrix, a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) from Vicenza, Italy, to secure a compliant and sustainable supply of end-of-life textiles. Rematrix collaborates with fashion companies and manages the end-of-life phase of their textile products, ensuring compliance with the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility […]

Co-founders of 2x4 Michael Rock, Susan Sellers, and Georgianna Stout. Credits: The Independents. The Independents is continuing its acquisition spree. The international communications group has announced that it has snapped up design studio 2x4, in what it says adds “design and brand strategy capabilities to its growing roster of specialist agencies”. By bringing the New York and Beijing-based studio under its wing, The Independents said its network of entrepreneurs will enable the agency […]

Pimkie store in France. Credits: FashionUnited. Lille - Following a difficult period marked by a bankruptcy protection procedure, the French ready-to-wear brand Pimkie announced promising sales results for the first quarter and its intention to invest 10 million euros this year, particularly in the renovation of its boutiques. Encouraging First Quarter for Pimkie, Which Will Invest This Year In a statement, Pimkie welcomed the “very encouraging initial results” of its transformation plan, […]

CaaStle service: Derek Lam adds 'Borrow' button to website. Credits: Derek Lam 10 Crosby CaaStle has seemingly found a light at the end of the tunnel. The US fashion rental platform, which has worked with brands like LK Bennett and Derek Lam on branded rental offerings, is believed to have secured a 2.75 million dollar bridge loan to help support an impending Chapter 11 process and despite an ongoing lawsuit. According to a letter seen by WWD, the board of the company told shareholders that […]

Jonathan Anderson, Loewe SS2025. Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight. Paris - Designer Jonathan Anderson will direct Christian Dior's next men's show, scheduled for June, Bernard Arnault, CEO of French luxury giant LVMH, announced Thursday at the group's shareholders' meeting. Jonathan Anderson arrives at Dior "I can tell you that the next Christian Dior men's show, which will take place in June, will be designed by Jonathan Anderson," said Bernard Arnault, when asked about the name of the […]

Wristwatch. Credits: Pexels Zurich - Swiss watch exports rebounded by 1.5 percent in March, climbing to 2.38 billion Swiss francs (2.56 billion euros), driven by watch shipments to the US, the Swiss Watch Federation announced on Thursday. "Across the entire first quarter, however, the trend remains slightly negative, with a decline of 1.1 percent,” the Swiss Watch Federation said in a statement. Watch exports had fallen by 8.2 percent in February. In March, watch exports to the US, the […]

Credits: InPost InPost has expanded its presence in the UK market through the acquisition of local home delivery service Yodel. The European logistics firm snapped up 95.5 percent of Judge Logistics Ltd (JLL) share capital, the parent company of Yodel Deliver Network, while PayPoint retained a 4.5 percent stake. With this, InPost says it has moved up to become the “third-largest agnostic logistics player” in the UK, helping to “dramatically” accelerate its growth. By combining […]

Leeds, UK, shopping street. Credits: Unsplash Headline inflation in the UK marginally fell in March, however, prices rose in clothing and footwear, reversing trends seen earlier in the year. Prices for the category increased 1.1 percent in the 12 months to March 2025, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported, compared with a drop of 0.6 percent in the 12 months to February. ONS noted that prices typically rose in March as spring fashion continues to enter the shops. A further […]

Credits: Euratex On 8-9 April 2025, social partners from the Turkish textile industry met in Istanbul to discuss different topics such as the green and digital transition, due diligence and brand responsibility, skills and training in the textile sector, as well as the next steps in their efforts to achieve broader and more effective social dialogue. In the context of the EU-funded StitchTogether project, which aims at promoting social partnerships in the European Textiles and Clothing […]

Lauren Brindley, former Revolution Beauty CEO. Credits: Ulta Beauty. The chief executive officer of Revolution Beauty, Lauren Brindley, has stepped down from the helm position to take on the role of chief merchandising and digital officer of US beauty retailer Ulta Beauty. In Brindley’s place will be Colin Henry, who will take on the CEO position on an interim basis. Henry has served as a non-executive director of Revolution since August 2023, and also currently serves in the same role for […]

AllSaints’ new Meadowhall store. Credits: AllSaints AllSaints opened two new stores in the UK in April, further shaping the brand's expansion in its home market. The new locations opened at St Pancras station in London and in the Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield. The St Pancras store, which opened on April 10, is located on the ground floor of the station. With the opening of the St Pancras store, AllSaints now has 10 outlets in London, through a combination of standalone stores, […]

Credits: Movado via Facebook US-based, Swiss-founded watch firm Movado Group reported a 1.7 percent drop in net sales for the fiscal year 2025, amounting to 653.4 million dollars. The company, which owns and operates brands like Movado, Ebel, Concord and Olivia Burton, said the decline could be attributed to a drop in US wholesale clients’ brick and mortar stores, as well as the “negative impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Net sales were only partially offset by growth in […]

Credits: Levi's Levi’s® launched Refrigerator, the third chapter of the REIIMAGINE campaign, in collaboration with global icon Beyoncé. In the new film and accompanying visuals, Levi’s® continued to highlight the brand’s heritage as a source of inspiration for innovation. The first two chapters, Launderette and Pool Hall, reignited conversations about Levi’s®’ legacy. Launderette was a subversive reinterpretation of the brand’s classic advert, and Pool Hall paid homage to […]

A store of Monki. Credits: H&M newsroom. The H&M Group is officially moving fashion brand Monki to the Weekday website, as part of a broader online strategy. Customers can now find Monki on the Weekday platform, along with brands such as Cheap Monday and Weekday itself. According to the company, this consolidation of brands on one platform provides “the ultimate shopping experience”. The online move comes after the H&M Group already revealed plans to close all physical Monki […]

Sainsbury’s store Credits: Sainsbury’s Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s has reported a growth in its clothing sales for the year ended 1 March 2025, as its ongoing Next Level transformation plan continues to roll out. The category’s sales, which includes that of its own brand Tu Clothing, rose 2.9 percent over the year, driven by a 12.3 percent uptick in the fourth quarter. The company said that higher full price sales participation for clothing had delivered a 4 percent improvement in […]

Hermès campaign, West Hollywood, US. Credits: Hermès campaign, photo by Kevani. Paris - French luxury group Hermès is set to increase its prices in May in the US to offset the 10 percent tariff. The company also reported an 8.5 percent increase in turnover in the first quarter of 2025. Hermès, which on Tuesday ousted its rival LVMH as the leading French stock market capitalisation, will “fully offset” the impact of the 10 percent US tariffs by increasing its retail prices in the US […]

US president Donald Trump. Credits: Official White House Photo / Abe McNatt. US president Donald Trump has once again bumped up tariffs on Chinese imports. In the latest update from the White House, the Trump administration now said “China faces up to a 245 percent tariff on imports to the US as a result of its retaliatory actions”. This includes a 125 percent reciprocal tariff, a 20 percent tariff to address the fentanyl crisis, and Section 301 tariffs on specific goods, between 7.5 […]