News

An Emporio Armani watch Credits: Morellato Group Morellato Group has acquired the distribution operations of Fossil Group in Italy. “The deal establishes a new and important synergy between two leading groups in the international watch and jewellery market. Its aim is to further strengthen the presence in Italy of prestigious brands such as: Fossil; Emporio Armani; Armani Exchange; Michael Kors and Diesel, with a primary focus on the normal trade channel,” a statement read. New management […]

JD Sports, Vancouver flagship store. Credits: JD Sports. JD Group, the parent company of sportswear giant JD Sports, has confirmed the departure of its managing director, Michael Armstrong. It has subsequently announced the promotion of Paul Orange as the new managing director of JD EMEA (UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa). Armstrong’s exit comes over 30 years after he initially joined JD, and three years after he took on the MD position. In a statement to FashionUnited, JD said Armstong […]

FatFace campaign imagery. Credits: FatFace. Interview In 2025, British lifestyle brand FatFace made significant strides in adapting to shifting consumer demands. Following its 2023 acquisition by UK retail giant Next, the company has built on strategic and operational momentum, with the partnership further propelling it towards global opportunities within an evolving retail landscape. The past year was therefore marked by key milestones. On its home turf, FatFace ventured into the new realm […]

Hugo Boss' showroom in Metzingen, Germany Credits: Hugo Boss Metzingen, Germany-based fashion group Hugo Boss has appointed Kerstin Dorst to the newly created role of senior vice president of womenswear. Dorst will take up her new role effective January 15, Hugo Boss announced on Thursday. In this position, she will report to Oliver Timm, chief sales officer at Hugo Boss. New head of womenswear comes from Tory Burch She joins from the US fashion company Tory Burch, where she worked for more […]

Julia Bösch, founder and chief executive officer of Outfittery, alongside Oier Urrutia, founder and chief executive officer of Lookiero. Credits: Patrycia Lukas, courtesy of Lookiero and Outfittery. Lookiero Outfittery Group has closed a 17 million euro investment round. The funding will boost its growth, strengthen its logistics structure and accelerate the development of new artificial intelligence-based features. The round saw participation from new investors including Ekarpen Private […]

Liverpool FC players wearing Tommy Hilfiger Credits: Tommy Hilfiger American premium fashion and lifestyle brand Tommy Hilfiger is getting into football (soccer), after being named the official global partner for English Premier League team Liverpool FC to showcase a new “modern expression of club dressing”. The move marks Tommy Hilfiger’s first football club partnership and will see the preppy American brand collaborating with Liverpool FC’s men’s and women’s players throughout […]

Credits: Woodbird Woodbird has promoted Jonas Reinhold Enghave to commercial director. Enghave, who was previously brand manager for the Danish streetwear brand, announced his new role on the professional networking site Linkedin on Tuesday. He has held the new position since the beginning of the year. He joined Woodbird almost four years ago as country manager. Before that, he was sales manager for the Swedish sportswear brand Björn Borg in Denmark. He also gained experience at the Danish […]

New York Credits: Michael Pewny / Pixabay The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has teamed up with Ralph Laurent to launch two grant programmes designed to bolster the US manufacturing industry. With additional funding support from the New York State Department of State, the CFDA x NY Forward Grant Fund will provide grants to designers and manufacturers based in New York City’s Garment District. Two rounds of funding will be distributed between 2026 and 2027, with one […]

Credits: JImmy Choo With a completely new style, Sunny reinterprets the femininity and refinement that characterize Jimmy Choo , reinventing them in the form of a modern sneaker. Its name evokes positivity and joy; the ease of each step and the lightness of movement. Credits: Jimmy Choo Presented in diaphanous lace, a seductive and feminine material that reinforces the lightness of Sunny's silhouette, this new shoe captures the inherent duality of Jimmy Choo: athletic yet elegant, […]

Updated Zalando parcels Image: Zalando German online fashion retailer Zalando is closing its logistics centre in Erfurt at the end of September, employing 2,700 people. The Berlin-based, Dax-listed company made the announcement. Employees are currently being informed of the plans. According to the company, the reason is a realignment of its Europe-wide logistics network following the acquisition of online fashion retailer About You last year. The site's operating company in Erfurt, […]

York, UK. Credits: Unsplash. New figures by MRI Software have shown an unexpected uptick in footfall for December, with Boxing Day driving the way. According to the platform, the month’s footfall saw the “biggest annual boost since 2011”, with visits up 1.3 percent year-on-year. MRI said activity was driven by a surge in evening and night-time activity (+5.3 percent after 5pm) and a standout Boxing Day, which recorded its strongest performance in 10 years (+4.4 percent YoY). Despite a […]

Beauty Anya Hindmarch x Boots Credits: Anya Hindmarch / Boots Anya Hindmarch’s Village Hall concept on London’s Pont Street is set to turn into a retro pharmacy in collaboration with British health and beauty chain Boots. The Anya Hindmarch x Boots pop-up store will run from January 10 to March 8 and feature a 1970s-inspired concept celebrating Boots’ pharmacy roots and rich history as an institution on the British high street. Anya Hindmarch x Boots Credits: Anya Hindmarch / […]

Autumn 2026. Credits: ARMEDANGELS With its autumn 2026 collection, Armedangels presents a range that consistently sharpens its brand profile. Radically minimalist silhouettes, natural colour palettes and strong key styles form the serene foundation of the season. Building on this, the collection introduces specific highlights through material innovations like DetoxDenim with SaXcell® and a reimagined seamless athleisure activewear line. Autumn 26 is deliberately grounded at its core, yet […]

Polène - Milan boutique. Credits: Polène French leather goods brand Polène is continuing its international expansion with the opening of its first physical store in Italy. Located in the Quadrilatero della Moda in Milan, a few steps from the Armani hotel, this new location illustrates the brand's desire to strengthen its presence in strategic European markets. Architectural design inspired by local identity For this Milanese project, Polène collaborated with the firm Norm Architects, which […]

Tesco store Credits: Tesco media gallery Tesco PLC has reported a resilient performance in its Home & Clothing division during the critical third-quarter and Christmas trading periods of 2025/26. Defying a broader market trend where rivals saw significant declines in discretionary spending, Tesco’s Home & Clothing like-for-like (LFL) sales grew by 2.1 percent over the 19-week period. The performance was particularly bolstered by the clothing segment, which saw a sales increase of 4.4 […]

Credits: Bleckmann Bleckmann, a leading supply chain management partner for fashion and lifestyle brands, announces the expansion of its Bscale solution to the UK and the Netherlands. Bscale is Bleckmann’s modular, plug-and-play warehousing and fulfilment offering, designed to support brands of all sizes by streamlining access to enterprise-grade logistics services. This geographical expansion marks the next stage of Bscale’s growth journey, enabling more brands to benefit from this […]

Premiere Vision New York, 2025 edition. Credits: Premiere Vision New York. The US fair season is officially upon us, and the calendar is looking as bustling as ever. For this period, events come amid an industry in flux. Demand for traceability and supply chain reliability is heightened, and suppliers that are able to offer end-to-end capabilities are being prioritised. Such shifts have been integral to the formatting of this season’s shows, particularly for Première Vision New York, which […]

Primark store in Italy Credits: Primark Associated British Foods plc (ABF) today issued a trading update for the 16 weeks ending January 3, 2026, revealing a complex performance across its global operations. While the Group continues to navigate a difficult consumer environment, chief executive George Weston highlighted a stark contrast between the company’s resilient UK operations and ongoing weakness in continental Europe. Despite the headwinds, management remains confident in the […]

TheLittleLoop pre-loved children’s clothing Credits: TheLittleLoop In a strategic move to bolster its leadership team, the UK’s first aggregated garment circularity platform, TheLittleLoop, has appointed former JoJo Maman Bébé CEO Gwynn Milligan as a non-executive director. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the company prepares for a major 2026 expansion into adult fashion under the new brand name Lloop. With over 25 years of retail and e-commerce experience, Milligan is […]

Puma's headquarters in Herzogenaurach Credits: Image: Christoph Maderer Puma has appointed Levin Reyher as its new senior director of marketing for Europe. Reyher, who officially stepped into the role in November, announced his appointment on LinkedIn this Wednesday. “Puma is in a restart phase, fueled by the ambition and hunger to return to where it belongs: the podium of global sports brands,” Reyher stated. “You can feel that energy within the teams, the partners, and the […]

Credits: Spring Fair As retail continues to evolve beyond category silos, Fashion at Spring Fair 2026 arrives as a destination shaped by how buyers now think, source and trade. Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 1–4 February 2026, the reimagined fashion offering sits at the intersection of inspiration, insight and intelligent buying, uniting apparel, accessories and jewellery within a broader lifestyle marketplace designed for modern retail diversification. More than a buying hall, […]

arks & Spencer store in Spain Credits: La Vaguada Shopping Center While Marks and Spencer Group PLC (M&S) celebrated a record-breaking Christmas in its Food division, the Fashion, Home & Beauty (FHB) segment faced a more complex trading environment during the 13 weeks ending December 27, 2025. The company said that the FHB segment at M&S is currently navigating the "tail end of recovery" as part of the company's broader growth strategy. For the 13 weeks period, the division […]

John Lewis Horsham store Credits: JLP Claire Miles has announced her departure from John Lewis, where she had served as head of women’s brands and own label for over three and a half years. Miles confirmed her exit in a post on LinkedIn, in which she stated that her time at the retailer had been “deeply rewarding”. “I’m grateful for the trust placed in me to be part of the transformation journey, the breadth of opportunity, and the chance to work alongside exceptional colleagues who […]

Uniqlo Wagram Credits: Uniqlo On Thursday, Japanese ready-to-wear giant Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, raised its profit and revenue forecasts for its 2025/26 fiscal year. The company cited robust profits for the September-November period and a turnaround in the Chinese market. The Japanese apparel giant had achieved its fourth consecutive year of record profits in its 2024/25 fiscal year, which ended in late August. It has significantly accelerated its international expansion […]

Francesco Risso at Marni Spring Summer 2024, Ready to Wear Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Fast Retailing Group has announced the appointment of Francesco Risso as creative director of GU. In his new role, Risso will define GU’s creative direction as it enters its next phase of growth, the Japanese apparel conglomerate stated in the press release. His debut collection for the brand is scheduled for autumn/winter 2026. Alongside his appointment at GU, Risso will also develop a new […]

Centric Brands logo Credits: Centric Brands via Facebook Centric Brands, a prominent lifestyle brand collective, announced the strategic acquisition of select assets from Fownes Brothers & Co., Inc. The deal includes the operations, intellectual property, and product lines of the historic cold-weather accessories firm, marking a significant expansion of Centric’s footprint in the category. Founded in 1777 as a leather glove manufacturer in Worcester, England, Fownes Brothers has evolved […]

Amandine Ohayon and Alessandro Valenti. Credits: LVMH. Luxury group LVMH officially announced major leadership changes at two of its flagship houses on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Amandine Ohayon has been appointed CEO of Givenchy, while Alessandro Valenti becomes the deputy managing director of retail at Christian Dior Couture. According to a statement from the group, these appointments will take effect on January 9 and January 12, 2026, respectively. New leadership for Givenchy Amandine […]

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 […]

AI image Recycled Polyester Sweater Credits: FashionUnited The global clothing and textile recycling market is projected to reach a total worth of 20.2 billion US dollars, up from 13.6 billion US dollars in 2024, according to the latest Valuates Report, highlighting the growing value of this sector. Driven by the advancement of circular-economy initiatives around the world, this increase represents a compound annual growth rate of 5.9 percent over the forecast period, signaling strong momentum […]

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 […]