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Credits: Mustang In January 2026, Mustang will be present at Pitti Uomo for the first time with its Fall/Winter 2026/27 collection, making a particularly high-quality debut. The German denim brand will have a 70 square metre special booth in a prominent location directly at the entrance to the Armeria pavilion, with a direct link to the Fureria. The trade fair will provide Mustang with a highly visible platform to effectively present the brand and its collections to a global professional […]

In Pictures Pour Moi ‘Off Duty’ collection Credits: Pour Moi British lingerie and swimwear retailer Pour Moi has launched its first dedicated athleisure collection, broadening its core offerings in response to a “shift in consumer demand” for lounge-able pieces. The 20-piece ‘Off Duty’ athleisure collection aims to offer “comfort and confidence” to its consumers' everyday style and features leggings, joggers, and bralettes, as well as wrap cardigans, jumpers, and cosy […]

Lane Crawford and AiDLab Partner to Innovate Fashion Retail through AI, Launching Interactive Personal Stylist Credits: Lane Crawford and AiDLab AiDLab is collaborating with iconic Hong Kong luxury department store Lane Crawford, fashion innovator Calvin Wong, CEO and Centre Director of AiDLab and Endowed Professor in Fashion at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), announced today on LinkedIn. AiDLab, which stands for the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design, is a joint […]

In Pictures P448 Shanghai iapm Mall store designed by Woody Yao Credits: P448 Italian luxury sneaker brand P448 has unveiled a new retail store concept in Shanghai, China, designed by acclaimed designer Woody Yao to invite “curiosity and discovery”. Located in Shanghai iapm Mall, the flagship store design has been exclusively conceived and designed by Yao, and embeds the P448 form language into every touchpoint, offering a three-dimensional brand statement to showcase the bold and […]

Wolf & Badger new UK flagship store at 102 Berwick Street, London Credits: Shaftesbury Capital/Wolf & Badger Wolf & Badger, the global marketplace for independent ethical brands, which operates stores in London, New York City, and Los Angeles, celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2025 and rounded out the year by surpassing half a billion US dollars in cumulative sales for independent brands since its launch in 2010. In a statement, the independent retailer said that 2025 was its […]

Tala Carnaby Street store in London Credits: Tala British activewear brand Tala, founded by influencer Grace Beverley, has reported a 19 percent growth in revenue to 19.8 million pounds, up from 16.8 million pounds the previous year. According to Tala’s Companies House filings for the year ending March 31, 2025, the record year-on-year growth was boosted by its own direct-to-consumer website alongside growth in wholesale with partners, including Selfridges and Asos. The activewear brand’s […]

Credits: mey Just days before the opening of ROOM 0126, Porte de Versailles is preparing to host one of the major highlights of Paris market week. From January 17 to 19, 2026, WSN will bring together five complementary trade shows in Hall 7. These include Who’s Next; Bijorhca; Shoppe Object Paris; and the Salon International de la Lingerie and Interfilière Paris, both operated by the group. Within this unified setup, the lingerie and materials duo stands out as a key destination for French […]

CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH-ONS SPARK SPEND SURGE OF UP TO 29%, REPORTS CACI / Christmas Credits: Carnaby Street Christmas Lights (owned by Aver PR) The crucial ‘Golden Quarter’ has failed to boost retail sales according to data from the latest High Street Sales Tracker from accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO, with sales marking a decline in December 2025. Total retail sales across discretionary spend categories fell by -1.4 percent in December, compared to the same month last year, […]

Gola trainer Credits: Gola Japanese conglomerate Marubeni Corporation, which operates across various business sectors, including lifestyle, food, agriculture, chemicals, and energy, has acquired UK-based footwear brand owner Jacobson Group Limited, which owns heritage British trainer brand Gola, as it looks to form a lifestyle brand business platform. The acquisition comes through Marubeni Consumer Platform US (MCPU), a dedicated investment platform under Marubeni’s Next Generation Corporate […]

Credits: Monsieur Charli With just a few days to go before its opening, ROOM 0126 is shaping up to be a key highlight of the buying calendar. From Saturday, January 17 to Monday, January 19, 2026, WSN will bring together five trade shows that shape the creative industries at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles (Hall 7): Who’s Next, Bijorhca, Shoppe Object Paris, Salon International de la Lingerie (SIL) and Interfilière Paris. The appeal for buyers is immediate: one trip, one pass and three days […]

Zara store at the Les Quatre Temps shopping centre (Puteaux, France). Credits: Photo by ERIC BERACASSAT / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP On Wednesday, Clément Beaune, France's High Commissioner for Strategy and Planning, unveiled a strategic study designed to combat the "massive influx" of fast fashion. The report advocates for a tripartite approach: revitalizing French manufacturing, scaling textile recycling, and imposing heavy taxes on low-cost imports. Ahead of the full report’s […]

Credits: Pre-Fall 26 Colour Combinations ©Launchmetrics/spotlight As FashionUnited reported in early December, Pantone has named a luminous, ethereal white called ‘Cloud Dancer’ as its Colour of the Year for 2026. The Spring/Summer 2026 runways have already confirmed a strong direction toward head-to-toe white looks. By contrast, when the pre-fall collections arrive in stores around June, selling floors are set to shift dramatically, erupting into colour. Designers showed a clear appetite […]

Kevin Hart partners with Authentic Credits: Authentic Brands Group Comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hart has entered into a strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) to co-own and scale his personal brand globally. Under the terms of the agreement announced Tuesday, Hart will become a shareholder in Authentic, a move that aligns him with fellow high-profile partners like David Beckham and Shaquille O’Neal. The deal positions the Kevin Hart brand within Authentic’s […]

Japanese fashion designer Soshiotsuki attends the 2025 LVMH Prize award ceremony at the Louis Vuitton Foundation Credits: Thomas SAMSON / AFP. Japanese brand Soshiotsuki, winner of the 2025 LVMH Prize, is set to further establish its global presence at the international Italian trade fair, Pitti Uomo, next week. While attention often focuses on classic Japanese culture such as kimonos, wabi-sabi and Zen, designer Soshi Otsuki dismisses clichéd nostalgia. His designs elevate elements from old […]

Illustrative image. Credits: Photo by RDNE Stock project via Pexels Opinion In fashion, moments of unintended transparency, a back-end inventory number accidentally exposed, a production document leaked, a “limited” capsule that seems available forever, often illuminate the gap between how brands describe themselves and how they actually operate. These moments are revealing not because they expose wrongdoing, but because they show how elastic marketing language has become. A recent example […]

Image for illustration. Credits: Alexander Andrews vía Unsplash. Anders Holch Povlsen, the owner of Danish fashion giant Bestseller Group and the largest shareholder of e-commerce retailer Asos, has snapped up a majority stake in British menswear brand Drake’s. New Companies House filings have revealed that a 75 percent stake in Drake’s has been transferred to 28.10.2025 Limited, a firm overseen by Povlsen. No official announcement has been made by either parties. FashionUnited has […]

Image: De Bijenkorf Amsterdam - Dutch department store chain De Bijenkorf has announced a further restructuring, confirming a report by the daily newspaper Het Parool to FashionUnited. Positions are set to be cut at the company's head office and in its stores. The exact number of redundancies has not yet been disclosed. On Monday, employees and other company stakeholders were informed of the plans. According to Het Parool, the affected employees will receive support. Further information is […]

A previous edition of Micam Credits: Micam Micam has leveraged artificial intelligence to create a trend guide. "Purchasing future bestselling products while reducing unsold stock and optimising commercial and environmental impact is not magic. It is a service offered exclusively by Micam, the first international trade show to present a data-driven trend guide and area generated by artificial intelligence," explained the fair organisers in a statement. The footwear trade show will take place […]

Credits: Asos Plc E-commerce giant Asos has reportedly acquired Noughts & Kisses and is preparing to launch the fashion brand on its site later in 2026. The news was confirmed to Drapers by Noughts & Kisses founder Jemma Bramley, who said the retailer’s customer “aligns closely” with Asos’ own. “Asos is the perfect next step for us because it expands our reach while still preserving the independent, boutique feel we are known for,” Bramley added. FashionUnited has contacted […]

ATP Store launching in January 2026 Credits: ATP Store The ATP, the global governing body of men's professional tennis, is launching an online shopping destination this month, which aims to offer fans “all things tennis”. The e-commerce store is being launched in partnership with Levy Merchandising, known for delivering bespoke retail solutions across sports, entertainment, and venues, which was named the official retail and merchandise supplier of the ATP Tour. The ATP Store will offer […]

David Obadia, former CEO and managing director of Sporty & Rich Credits: Sporty & Rich David Obadia, global chief executive and managing director of lifestyle and activewear brand Sporty & Rich, has announced his departure after seven years with the company to “pursue new projects”. Since joining the company in 2018, Obadia has been responsible for overseeing design, collection development and production, as well as distribution, wholesale, retail, e-commerce management, and […]

L'Officiel Malaysia cover. Credits: L'Officiel, AMTD. French authorities have launched an investigation into potential large-scale fraud surrounding the acquisition of L'Officiel magazine's publisher by a Chinese conglomerate. The founding owners, the Jalou family, are denouncing a “predatory” operation aimed at stripping the assets of the century-old fashion and luxury institution. Behind the glossy covers featuring Pierre Niney, Jessica Chastain and Michelle Yeoh, a full-scale […]

Phoebe Philo's first collection campaign. Credits: Phoebe Philo site web Phoebe Philo’s return to the industry in 2023 with an independent label bearing her name was one of the most closely observed developments in modern fashion. Insiders took interest in not only the creative significance of a seasoned designer establishing control over her output, but also the business model behind it. The brand launched with a clear intent: to pair a distinctive design philosophy with a controlled, […]

REPORT Saks Fifth Avenue Credits: Image: Saks Fifth Avenue Saks Global is reportedly in the process of securing a 1 billion dollar loan to avoid filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, as more vendors file lawsuits against the luxury department store group. The capital-constrained company is said to be in negotiations with some of its creditors to obtain a loan, according to media reports. Saks Global, which missed an interest payment to bondholders that was due on December 30 for more than […]

Credits: Fashion Club 70 With Fall/Winter 2026 on the horizon, the fashion industry is once again facing a season where astute buying, clear positioning and commercial appeal are crucial. In a conversation with Kim, a Senior Sales Representative at Fashion Club 70 responsible for brands including Lola Casademunt, it becomes clear how the agency views FW26. It is seen as a season where comfort, authenticity and a distinct style converge, provided the collection is well-curated. Market sentiment […]

British pounds. Credits: Pexels, Suzy Hazelwood UK fashion retailer Huh entered administration in November after facing a prolonged period defined by widening losses and supply chain issues. Now, administrators say that nearly 5,000 customers are unlikely to receive either their orders or a refund. Documents filed with the UK’s Companies House show that Huh owes 162,319 pounds to 4,983 customers. Administrators have said, however, that unsecured creditors are not likely to recover the […]

Farfetch Credits: Farfetch Farfetch UK Limited has reported a significant narrowing of annual losses for 2024, signaling a stabilising trajectory under the new ownership of South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang, Inc. According to the company's latest statutory financial statements, the loss for the year after taxation was 471.4 million pounds (638.7 million dollars), a 41 percent improvement from the 805.5 million pounds loss recorded in 2023. The reduction in losses comes despite a 12 percent […]

Claire's Les Ateliers Gaite, Paris Credits: Riccardo Milani / Hans Lucas via AFP The parent company of Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) is preparing to enter the two retailers into administration. Private equity firm Modella Capital said the current climate was “extremely challenging” for high street retailers, particularly due to “an alarming drop-off in pre-Christmas footfall”. In a statement to The Guardian, the firm ultimately concluded that an administration was the […]

Next Fosse Park store. Credits: Next PLC. Next Plc issued a robust trading update today, revealing that full-price sales for the nine weeks ending 27 December 2025 climbed 10.6 percent compared to the previous year. This performance significantly exceeded the Group's earlier guidance of 7 percent for the period, driven primarily by a massive surge in international demand. Highlights of the trading update The retailer attributed its holiday success to improved stock availability in the UK and […]

From left to right: Sophie Hersan, minister Bruno Le Maire, Fanny Moizant. Credits: ©Hamilton de Oliveira/MEFSIN After 16 years at the helm of Vestiaire Collective, co-founder Fanny Moizant announced her departure from the company on LinkedIn on Monday, January 5. Moizant co-founded the business in 2009, and her exit marks the end of a major chapter in the history of circular fashion. “This was not a decision I made, nor one I expected, but I accept that it marks the end of an […]

Kacey Sharrett, chief digital officer, Hanna Andersson Credits: Hanna Andersson Hanna Andersson, the premium children's apparel retailer celebrated for its sustainable "Hanna-Me-Down" quality and iconic family-matching pajamas, officially announced the appointment of Kacey Sharrett as chief digital officer. In this strategic leadership role, Sharrett is tasked with overseeing the brand’s entire digital ecosystem and customer experience. Her primary focus will involve spearheading innovative […]

Aspinal of London Credits: Image: Aspinal of London Aspinal of London Limited has announced a double-digit increase in annual turnover, underpinned by a robust digital-first strategy and a successful push into international markets. According to the company’s latest annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025, sales surged by 17.1 percent, reaching 45.2 million pounds (61.3 million dollars) compared to the previous fiscal year. The luxury leather goods retailer reported an adjusted EBITDA […]

Hush Credits: Hush via Facebook Hush Homewear Limited, the premium women’s fashion and lifestyle brand, has reported a strategic shift in its fiscal 2025 performance, prioritizing brand health and profitability over sheer sales volume. Despite a 14 percent decline in turnover to 45.1 million pounds (61.1 million dollars), the company successfully narrowed its operating loss to 4.2 million pounds, a significant improvement from the previous year’s 7.9 million pounds loss. This recovery was […]

Illustrative image. Cortex Vietnam Factory Sewing Floor. Credits: Cortex Vietnam reported an 8 percent growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) for 2025 on Monday, driven by services, construction and exports, despite the impact of US tariffs. “The 2025 GDP is expected to post significant growth, estimated at 8.02 percent compared to the previous year,” the Statistics Bureau said in a statement. For several years, Vietnam has been one of Asia's fastest-growing economies. This growth […]

Credits: Bleckmann In the worst-case scenario, shipments could even be seized by the authorities at the border and returned to the sender when documents aren’t correct and complete or when for example duties aren’t paid because of ignorance Alternatively, shoppers could find that their packages are being ‘held hostage’ until they themselves pay a fee they weren’t expecting and which will not boost their satisfaction ratings. Neither is a good look for your brand. A proven successful […]

Image for illustration. Credits: Re&Up The Chinese government has introduced a reduction to tariffs on certain raw materials, including strategic inputs for textiles and leather, as it looks to bolster its position as a key sourcing hub. The new plan, which came into effect January 1, 2026, was approved by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council and published by China’s Ministry of Finance. In it, the Chinese government said it would implement provisional reduced tariffs on […]

South Korea. Image for illustration. Credits: Unsplash. US private equity firm Bain Capital has snapped up a majority stake in Echo Marketing, the South Korean parent company of activewear brand Andar. The stake, valued at 344 million dollars, reflects Bain’s efforts to expand its presence in consumer brands, particularly in South Korea’s athleisure sector. A regulatory filing seen by Reuters stated that the firm would be taking over a 43.66 percent stake from the company’s founder for […]

Zanieri cashmere jumper Credits: Zanieri.it Italian luxury apparel and knitwear company Zanieri, known for its menswear cashmere and wool products, has acquired control of Everlert, Inc. (EVLI), a diversified holding and strategic advisory firm that focuses on identifying, acquiring, and enhancing growth-oriented businesses with long-term value potential. In a statement, Zanieri said the merger accelerates the company's long-term vision and will see its operating assets, management team, and […]

In Pictures Fabletics x Ja’Marr Chase collection Credits: Fabletics American activewear brand Fabletics, known for its subscription model featuring more than 2 million members, has launched its inaugural collection with American football star and Cincinnati’s wide receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, who became the brand’s first professional athlete ambassador in September 2025. Chase, who was sponsored by Nike, has been brought on to drive awareness and authenticity for Fabletics' menswear […]

Mango launches “Mango Style Club”. Credits: Mango Japan's mid-market brands offer a compelling alternative in today's fashion landscape, which is dominated by mass production, overconsumption and the display of status on social media. These brands embody a philosophy of high quality, understated style and contemporary relevance. Mid-market brands were once central to the Japanese apparel market. They ceded their leading position from the 1990s onwards with the rise of inexpensive imported […]

Tesco store Credits: Tesco media gallery Supermarket giant Tesco has broadened its reach to US investors by listing on New York’s OTCQX Best Market. The company, which can be found under the symbols ‘TSCDY’ and ‘TSCFD’, has been upgraded from the Pink Limited Market. By listing on this platform, Tesco joins a number of UK-based companies seeking to provide “transparent trading” for US investors. The format allows them to make reporting information more widely available to the US, […]

Image for illustration. Credits: Coupang. Coupang, the parent company of Farfetch, has said it will be dishing out approximately 1.685 trillion won (around 1.2 billion dollars) in compensation to customers impacted by a cyber incident that saw 33.7 million accounts accessed. In an SEC filing, Coupang stated that starting January 15 vouchers will be issued via a customer compensation programme to shoppers who had been notified of the incident at the end of November 2025. The company said the […]

Fanatics label Credits: Fanatics Global sports platform and leading provider of licensed sports merchandise, Fanatics, has appointed Sarah Flynn as the company’s first general manager for Australia and New Zealand. In a statement, Fanatics said the appointment marked a “significant milestone” in the company’s continued expansion across one of its fastest-growing international markets, as Australia has become Fanatics’ fastest-growing market outside the US. Flynn, who will be based in […]

In Pictures George at Asda Gym Locker x Ashley Roberts Credits: George at Asda Supermarket clothing brand George at Asda is looking to upgrade affordable activewear by unveiling broadcaster Ashley Roberts as the new face of its Gym Locker activewear collection, as part of the clothing line’s ongoing brand refresh. The Gym Locker range has been designed to deliver “performance without sacrificing comfort or style,” combining fitness and fashion with high-performance, premium […]

Milan, March 1961: portrait of Jacqueline de Ribes. Credits: © Farabola/Leemage. Bridgeman Images via AFP. Paris - Countess Jacqueline de Ribes, nicknamed “the last queen of Paris”, has died at the age of 96. The stylist, businesswoman, jet-set figure and symbol of Parisian elegance, particularly in the US, passed away on Tuesday. Her office confirmed the news to AFP on Wednesday, speaking on behalf of the family. De Ribes died in Switzerland, her assistant Stéphanie Mouly told AFP. A […]

Credits: Seasalt, Facebook Cornish retailer Seasalt is preparing for an expansion this year despite tackling a challenging business environment that doesn’t seem likely to subside. The company has confirmed to The Times that it is in the final stages of signing three new store openings in 2026, with further locations also on the cards. Seasalt is particularly targeting market towns for its expansion. There is also “ongoing opportunity” seen within the EU, with the company said to be […]

Asda sign Credits: TDR Capital British supermarket giant Asda has named Cal Corcoran as its new group chief information officer. Corcoran, who joined the company January 5, has been tasked with leading Asda’s technology and data teams, specifically as it develops and optimises its systems following a separation from Walmart. In a press release, Asda said Corcoran brings a wealth of IT transformation and delivery experience to senior leadership, having previously held related roles at the […]

Dominik Benner, CEO of the Platform Group. Credits: via Platform Group CEO Profile Dominik Benner has acquired no fewer than 38 companies with the Platform Group over the past five years. The Wiesbaden, Germany-based company initially started as an online platform for shoe and fashion retailers and is now active in 28 sectors. During a scheduled video call, the CEO of the e-commerce group appears visibly cheerful. The business model of offering brick and mortar retailers a digital sales […]

Peta: fur “has an unforgivable cost, namely the lives of animals” Credits: FashionUnited, image generated with the help of AI As the list of brands no longer using fur in their collections grows, and more fashion weeks ban it from their runways, New York is the latest to join the line-up. Following London, Copenhagen, Berlin, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Helsinki and Melbourne, the city has now implemented a ban. In response, the animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of […]

LK Bennett Credits: LK Bennett British retail giant Next is said to be among the parties eyeing a rescue bid for ailing fashion brand LK Bennett. According to sources for Sky News, Next is reportedly mulling a “cut-price offer” for LK Bennett and other intellectual property assets as the brand readies itself for administrator intervention. LK Bennett’s small estate of retail outlets is believed to not be among the interests of Next. Sky News said that Next is potentially up against Marks […]

Saks Fifth Avenue in New York Credits: Saks The rumors surrounding a potential CEO exit at Saks Global have been confirmed. Richard Baker, the company’s Executive Chairman, has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer while retaining his chairman duties, the company announced on Friday. Marc Metrick, who had led the luxury retail group as CEO, is stepping down after nearly three decades with the company. Baker has extensive experience in the international department store business. He was […]

Credits: FashionUnited ai The final week of 2025 brought a modest +0.35% increase in total like-for-like (LFL) sales, a resilient result considering it was measured against a massive +11.30% base from the previous year. In a week dominated by the Christmas and Boxing Day bank holidays, the UK retail sector saw a clear divide: physical stores thrived on festive footfall, while the online channel experienced a post-holiday slump. The fashion sector faced a challenging period overall, with total […]

Interview CAFT holds a protest outside of CFDA's New York City HQ. Credits: Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade. 2025 was a milestone year for animal welfare. From prohibiting animal-based materials on major global platforms to all round production bans, the period proved to be a promising inflection point for the industry. What was once seen as a niche concern has rapidly evolved into a commercial expectation, driven by consumer scrutiny, regulatory pressure, and the growing […]

Architectural illustration of Foster + Partners' plan for the former Fenwick New Bond Street buildings. Credits: Foster + Partners. Luxury fashion brands have long understood that shopping is more than a transaction. They excel at blending global prestige with local nuance, creating bespoke environments that reflect local values and aesthetics. These stores feel rooted in place, with a distinctiveness of place that makes them desirable. Written by Luke Bell, strategy director at Wiedemann […]

Remembering the fashion industry figures we lost in 2025 Credits: Unsplash Every year, the fashion world welcomes new talent and established names. Unfortunately, we must also say goodbye to individuals who have had a lasting impact on the industry. FashionUnited pays tribute to the fashion professionals who passed away globally in 2025. January: designer Rosita Missoni, photographer Oliviero Toscani Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the famous Italian fashion house Missoni, has passed away at the […]

Podcasts remained a popular news medium in 2025. Credits: Unsplash With over 4.5 million podcasts worldwide and an audience increasingly turning to audio for their news consumption, podcasts are an undeniable part of the culture, including in the upcoming fashion year. FashionUnited has selected a number of leading shows that are here to stay. Fashion neurosis Designer Bella Freud broke away from the rigid setting of the classic podcast studio to explore the emotional weight of clothing. […]

Fall-Winter 2026 Men's Trunk Edition. Credits: Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton introduces the Trunk Edition for Fall-Winter 2026 by Men's Creative Director Pharrell Williams. Launching on 5 February 2026, the collection carves out a complete transitional Men's wardrobe curated from deeply considered, high-end, timeless pieces founded in effortless elegance. Named after the House's first-ever creation – the canvas trunk crafted by the founder in 1854 – the line epitomises the enduring […]

Magazines, illustrative Credits: Pixabay Luxury giant LVMH announced on Tuesday it has acquired the magazines Challenges, Sciences et Avenir and La Recherche as planned. According to a statement, the group intends to ensure their “longevity”. Businessman Claude Perdriel, who was the majority shareholder until now, had agreed to the sale for a symbolic one euro. He has now retired from the press at the age of 99, after sixty years in the industry. LVMH, owned by billionaire Bernard Arnault, […]

Burlington, Uniqlo and Nordstrom Rack stores. Credits: Burlington, Uniqlo and Nordstrom. Despite widespread store closures anticipated at the start of 2026, it isn’t all doom and gloom for the US retail industry. In fact, many players still see significant market opportunities, driven by brand acquisitions, robust consumer demand, and a push to capture greater market share. As a result, some are planning ambitious, in some cases aggressive, expansion strategies for the upcoming period. Here […]

Garage, Fabletics and Lefties stores. Credits: Garage, Fabletics and Lefties. The UK retail market navigated a turbulent 2025. This dynamic year saw some brands abandon their brick-and-mortar presence, while others embraced new opportunities. The shifting landscape is set to continue into the new year, with a wave of store closures, expansions, and fresh market entries expected to shake things up. Here is a breakdown of what to anticipate. Closures River Island River Island Credits: […]

Eberhard Bezner celebrates his 90th birthday on December 31. Image: OLYMP Eberhard Bezner was born on December 31, 1935, in Stuttgart, Württemberg, as the only child of OLYMP founder Eugen Bezner and his wife Wilma (née Klaus). He grew up in Bietigheim and Ingersheim in the Ludwigsburg district. After completing his schooling in Bietigheim in 1950, he began a qualified apprenticeship in textile wholesale and retail in Ludwigsburg. He then joined his parents' company, OLYMP, as an employee on […]

Mikuta FW25. Credits: Mikuta CEO interview Berlin-based fashion brand Mikuta is gearing up for expansion. Its first international location in the Dutch capital also houses its own showroom, marking the launch of its wholesale business. Following the opening, we spoke with Mikuta's CEO, Christian Goossens, about further growth plans, product range expansion and key markets. Mr Goossens, you just opened a new store in Amsterdam. Why did you choose the Dutch market? Amsterdam has always been one […]

London Designer Outlet at Wembley Park Credits: London Designer Outlet London Designer Outlet (LDO) surpassed 1 million pounds (1.35 million dollars) in sales on Boxing Day for the first time since its 2013 opening. This strong performance represented a 9 percent increase over 2024, reinforcing LDO’s position as the capital’s premier destination for high-end brands at accessible prices. LDO said in a statement that the surge in activity highlights a significant consumer shift toward […]

Christian Louboutin store Credits: Christian Louboutin Christian Louboutin UK Limited, the British arm of the iconic French luxury footwear and accessories brand, has reported a resilient performance for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025. Despite a cooling luxury market and macroeconomic pressures affecting UK consumer spending, the company bolstered its gross margins and maintained a stable net asset position. The company's turnover for the year of 32.73 million pounds (44.05 million […]

Read up on fashion and culture for 2026 Credits: Unsplash Substack has become the new launchpad for compelling voices in fashion. Buyers, journalists, retailers and socialites inform their readership, who are often also fans, about the current state of the industry. FashionUnited has selected a line-up of leading series in anticipation of the new fashion year. Back Row (Amy Odell) Amy Odell is a fashion journalist and author of the bestseller “ANNA: The Biography”. In Back Row, she […]

New Look storefront. Credits: New Look. New Look reported a total revenue of 687.7 million pounds (928.8 million dollars) for the 52 weeks ended 29 March 2025, a decrease from the previous year. This decline was attributed to store closures and tough trading conditions, including a difficult macroeconomic backdrop characterized by persistent inflation and rising employee costs. The company’s physical estate was reduced to 337 stores by the end of the period, down from 356 in the prior year. […]

Credits: Mamas and Papas Mamas & Papas operated against a challenging economic backdrop in 2025 but delivered an improved underlying performance across the group, with profitability strengthening despite continued cost and consumer pressures. According to the holding company accounts filed with the UK's Companies House, which represent the full business, the group recorded a loss before tax of just 13,000 pounds for the period, a substantial improvement on the loss of more than two million […]

Lefties store in the Westfield Parquesur Shopping Centre in Leganés (Madrid). / Bershka store in Ibiza (Spain). Credits: Westfield Parquesur shopping centre. / Bershka. Inditex has confirmed that Bershka will open its first physical stores in the US in 2026, marking a significant step in the group’s long-term expansion strategy in the market. The announcement was made alongside the presentation of Inditex’s results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025. The launch will make Bershka […]

As luxury brands continue to invest in recognisable visual codes, few symbols illustrate the power of branding as clearly as the Louis Vuitton Monogram. Created in 1896 by Georges Vuitton in tribute to his father, Louis Vuitton, the canvas marks its 130th anniversary in 2026. To coincide with the milestone, the French luxury house is launching a year-long programme of product releases, campaigns and store windows centred on its Monogram bags and archival references. The Monogram was conceived […]

Scamp & Dude founder Jo Tutchener Sharp (left) with Ellie Simmonds and the brand's ‘Super Scarf’ Credits: Scamp & Dude Jo Tutchener Sharp, the founder of Scamp & Dude, has been awarded an OBE as part of the King’s 2026 New Year Honours, recognising her services to fashion and charity. Sharp, who also serves as the brand’s chief executive officer, expressed her excitement over the honour on LinkedIn, where she dedicated the recognition to the Scamp & Dude team, her […]

Image for illustration. New York City. Credits: Unsplash. Hong Kong-based apparel manufacturer Riverstone has filed for a US IPO, with plans to list on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol ‘DNJF’. The company is aiming to raise 15 million dollars by offering 2.5 million ordinary shares at an expected price range of five to seven dollars per share, a Securities and Exchange Commission filing revealed. Riverstone said it intends to use the net proceeds for technology […]

JCPenney Reno Center Credits: JCPenney A planned deal to sell 119 JCPenney locations to a private equity firm has fallen through. The 950 million dollar deal was initially introduced when the retail chain entered bankruptcy proceedings in 2020. Investment firm Onyx Partners had stepped up to acquire the stores from Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust. The trust had been formed at the time of the bankruptcy, and had been given until January 30, 2026 to complete the liquidation of […]

Chanel SS26 Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Fashion thrives on novelty, yet few years in recent memory have been as transformative as 2025. High-profile departures, strategic reshuffles, and behind-the-scenes leadership changes reshaped almost every major house, setting the stage for Spring/Summer 2026. The season has been hailed as historic, not for any single collection or trend, but for the unprecedented number of new creative directors stepping into the spotlight and revealing their […]

A piece by Simone Privitelli Credits: Istituto Modartech Titled “Mix & match. The art of making”, the exhibition presented by Istituto Modartech will take place on January 14 at The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini. It coincides with Pitti Uomo, which runs from January 13 to 16, 2026. The event showcases fashion as a process of research and a continuous dialogue between manual skill and experimentation. It will feature ten collections by students from the Fashion Design degree course at […]

Macy's, REI and Foot Locker stores. Credits: Macy's, REI, Foot Locker. Following a year marked by extensive store closures in 2025 – from the bankruptcy and eventual collapse of Joann Fabrics, to major network restructurings at Macy’s and Kohl’s – the US retail industry is likely anticipating some respite in the year. However, turbulence appears set to persist, at least through early 2026. Data from Business Insider suggests that around 270 store closures have already been planned […]

Lululemon in Amsterdam. Credits: Lululemon Lululemon Athletica Inc. has formally addressed a notice from its founder, Chip Wilson, regarding his intent to nominate three director candidates for election at the company’s 2026 annual meeting of shareholders. The announcement marks a significant escalation in tensions between the athleisure giant and its founder, who has been publicly critical of the company’s current strategic direction. In a statement released Monday, Lululemon’s board […]

OVERVIEW A collage to illustrate an article. Image: Alicia R. Sarmiento // FashionUnited. Every year, the FashionUnited editorial team strives to present compelling feature stories to you, our readers. Covering fashion, retail, business and people, 2025 has once again seen the publication of numerous outstanding articles. We have compiled some of our favourites for you, organised by category. Fashion Addictions to second-hand fashion platforms: A study reveals the risks While addictions […]

Opinion Chanel bag, handbag at Chanel Spring Summer 2026, Ready to Wear Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight If 2025 will be remembered for anything in fashion, it may be as the year luxury brands discovered that belief in the idea of luxury itself is not infinite. After more than a decade of uninterrupted growth, price inflation and relentless “newness,” the social contract between luxury houses and their customers began to fray. Factory and marketing scandals, the carousel of […]

Sidohui Studios made a statement in support of indigenous peoples Credits: @marcelosoubhia @agfotosite In Pictures In the first half of December, the Centro Cultural São Paulo in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, hosted the 57th edition of Casa de Criadores, an event that has become a platform for boosting the creative economy. This season's shows, the last of the year, demonstrated that the event continues its role as a manifesto for minorities while also providing a stage for less alternative […]

Marc Maurer, former On co-CEO. Credits: On Chip Wilson, the founder of Lululemon Athletica, has nominated three executives for the Canadian activewear brand’s board of directors as the company’s leadership remains at a crossroads. Among the nominees, each of whom will stand for election at Lululemon’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Wilson has put forth Marc Maurer, the former co-CEO of On Holding; Laura Gentile, the former chief marketing officer of ESPN; and Eric Hirshberg, the […]

Nike store in Ingolstadt Village. Credits: Nike Tim Cook, the chief executive officer of tech firm Apple, has snapped up shares in Nike valued at around three million dollars, nearly doubling his stake in the US sportswear giant. An SEC filing showed that Cook, who has served on Nike’s board since 2005, secured 50,000 shares at 58.97 dollars each, bringing his number of shares to 105,000, as of December 22. The move has been hailed as one of the largest open-market purchases of Nike stock by […]

Gentle Monster x Bratz Pop-Up, Los Angeles Credits: Courtesy of Gentle Monster) South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster and its parent company IiCombined Co., Ltd. is pursuing legal action against a fellow Korean label for allegedly copying its designs. The brand in question was cited in a press release from IiCombined as ‘Company B’, however, Korean media has since reported the identity to be Blue Elephant, another South Korean eyewear brand. In the complaint, Gentle Monster accused […]

Credits: Saks Marc Metrick, the chief executive officer of luxury retail group Saks Global, is believed to be preparing to exit the company. This is according to multiple sources for Puck News, which noted that Metrick had declined to comment on the matter. A source close to Saks Global told Puck that Metrick currently remains employed by the company. If Metrick was to step down, it would come at a time of ongoing uncertainty for the group. Last week, Reuters and Bloomberg reported that Saks […]

Loulou de Saison Credit: Loulou de Saison In late 2025 or early 2026, Loulou de Saison plans to open up 20 percent of its capital. This move aims to strengthen the company's structure and accelerate its international development, particularly in the US and Asia. It will also support the opening of new boutiques and the development of strategic partnerships. Loulou de Saison is an independent premium French fashion house, founded in 2019 by Chloé Harrouche (artistic director) and Ugo […]

Bath, UK. Credits: Unsplash. New figures by MRI Software have shown a year-on-year increase in footfall across all UK retail destinations as shopping activity intensified ahead of a later Christmas Day. According to the platform, footfall rose 3.9 percent compared to the same week last year, despite declining 12.8 percent week-on-week, reflecting the disruption of Christmas Day itself. Activity surged on December 22, when footfall rose 38.6 percent WoW, driven by high streets. Momentum […]

The Princesse Tam Tam store in Paris, in June 2023. Credits: Photo by VALERIE DUBOIS / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP Paris - Under pressure from fast fashion and second-hand fashion, the ready-to-wear sector is faltering: 2025 has been marked by a series of bankruptcies, receiverships and liquidations. However, experts believe a rebound is possible, driven by a renewed focus on brand DNA, innovation and moving upmarket. At the end of this year, the brand IKKS has just been acquired but will […]

Typically competitors (from left to right): Maria Ries from Sport Conrad; Mareike Heubel from Globetrotter; Mick Austermühle from Patagonia; Jens Oellrich and Jule Schneider from Bergzeit. Credits: Bergzeit As the political deregulation of sustainability targets becomes the new norm, voluntary initiatives from industry and retail are gaining even greater importance. With these introductory words, representatives from Bergzeit, Globetrotter, Sport Conrad and Patagonia met at the Bergzeit […]

Skims Dubai store. Credits: Skims. Kim Kardashian’s Skims has entered the Middle East with the opening of its first store in Dubai. The launch was enacted alongside the brand’s regional partner, luxury retail group Al Tayer Insignia. For Skims, the opening marks a milestone in the brand’s global expansion. The company has set out to strengthen its presence in select regions, to some of which it has already brought a store concept reflective of its signature minimalist aesthetic. The […]

AI generated image of AI powered shopping / AI shopping / AI Agents / AI product discovery / AI Credits: FashionUnited Picture this: you want a pair of Balenciaga black boots. You open Google and type “Balenciaga boots black”, and begin the routine: endless results, tabs, filters, sizes, prices… scroll, compare, doubt, repeat. This is what shopping experience has become: product choice explodes, while consumer attention collapses. Searches feel time-consuming, customer journeys stretch […]

ANALYSIS Reformation's first store in Paris. Credits: Reformation The wave of insolvencies sweeping through French textile retail marks the end of an economic model based primarily on volume. This is characterised by mass store closures, with nearly 3,000 mid-market shops shutting in five years, and a cumulative increase in raw material costs estimated at over 70 percent. The model also relied on customer activation through a high level of sales, which have constantly increased in recent […]

Credits: Hanky Panky Intimates brand Hanky Panky has been snapped up in a joint acquisition by Crown Brands Group and Rafar Group, with each to collaborate on marketing strategy and execution. Under the agreement, Crown will oversee brand strategy and global licensing while Rafar, the parent company of Gelmart International, will serve as the core operating partner, driving operational and product excellence, a press release revealed. Hanky Panky is Crown’s first acquisition as a newly […]

Dune London Westfield Stratford store Credits: Dune London Dune Group Limited, the prominent footwear and accessories retailer, has reported a widened pre-tax loss of 9.8 million pounds for the 53-week period ending February 1, 2025. Despite achieving a modest turnover growth to 97.1 million pounds, the company continues to grapple with a "challenging and unpredictable" macroeconomic environment in the UK. The group’s operating loss grew to 8.3 million pounds, fueled by rising cost […]

Credit: Unsplash. Paris - The French state's fight against Shein and other e-commerce giants is initially “symbolic” and “regulatory”. However, it must be coupled with a “cultural strategy” to confront platforms that sell clothing and, above all, “instagrammable emotions”. This is according to Benoît Heilbrunn, a philosopher and marketing professor. “Shein's great strength is that it has transformed the relationship with clothing,” the professor at ESCP Business School […]

Credits: Bleckmann For many successful fashion and lifestyle brands looking to grow their customer base, entering the US market is a key step in their international expansion strategy – whether it’s household names such as Gymshark or high-end brands like Sézane. But with the cost of setting up US logistics operations often prohibitively high, how can less established brands make the leap into the US? Global Bridge by Bleckmann provides an affordable solution. Read on to learn how it […]

Brigitte Bardot in Les Femmes by Jean Aurel (1969). Credits: Photo by ASCOT - CINERAID - LIRA FILMS / COLLECTION CHRISTOPHEL VIA AFP Paris (France) - She had the art of elevating simplicity. Brigitte Bardot consistently inspired with her relaxed, head-to-toe style, turning simple pieces like the Breton top and ballet flats into cult classics. Beyond these timeless womenswear staples, the Brigitte Bardot style also encompassed silhouettes that were both sexy and liberated. It was a blend of […]

Christmas at the Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet. Credits: Vincent Dommer The German retail sector is navigating a challenging festive period, with many companies resorting to aggressive discounting to stimulate demand. German fashion chain Peek & Cloppenburg (P&C) launched a significant advertising campaign during the final weekend of Advent, offering price reductions of up to 50 percent on coats, jackets and jumpers. Other major players, including German e-commerce giant Otto and […]

Clear improvement in the third quarter (-0.9% turnover) compared to the first half of the year Credits: FashionUnited, image generated with AI The Italian footwear industry demonstrated increased resilience in the third quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the Confindustria Moda Research Centre for the Italian footwear manufacturers' association (Assocalzaturifici). While revenues for the first nine months fell 4.1 percent year-over-year (YoY), the third quarter saw turnover […]

The merger aims to optimise and enhance industrial synergies Credits: Golden Season Italian apparel group Golden Season srl will formally absorb its subsidiary Goodfellas srl on December 31, 2025. The transaction, led by chief executive officer Luca Orsatti, marks a strategic consolidation of the group assets which also includes the textile company Atpco. From this date, Golden Season will assume all rights, obligations, and legal relationships previously held by Goodfellas. This includes all […]

E-commerce trends 2026. Credits: Shkrabaanthony for Pexels.com Buenos Aires - Latin America will enter 2026 with a more mature and selective e-commerce landscape. After years of growth, the focus is shifting towards profitability, operational reliability and technological adaptation, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and local payment methods. The differences between countries will dictate distinct strategies for brands and retailers looking to scale in the region. Brazil and […]

Credits: Top 10 Runway Models 2026 Main Photos ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Chanel Creative Director Matthieu Blazy staged the house’s annual Métiers d’Art show in a disused New York subway station. At the start of the show, a lone figure descended the stairs onto the platform: it was Bhavitha Mandava, a recent NYU graduate from India. Credits: Chanel Métiers d’Art 2026 ©Launchmetrics/spotlight In a fitting twist, Mandava was discovered just over a year ago on the platform of a […]