News

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 […]

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 […]

Credits: Yours Clothing The fashion retail group have been sourcing, packing, and delivering 400 Christmas hampers to give to families most in need across Peterborough, where the Head Office is based. The Christmas hampers have been packed throughout the week and were delivered on Tuesday 23rd December. The 33,840 items required for the hampers have been sourced, shopped for, paid for and packed by the Yours Clothing team over the past month with the fresh meat and veg being delivered in on […]

(From left) Peter Baldaszti and Sandra Sándor of Nanushka; Rae Temily of Temily; Jessica Asling of Toms; Elin Alemdar of Stylein. Credits: Nanushka / Temily / Toms / Stylein. 2025 has been a busy period for the industry, with leadership overhauls, retail expansions and international growth reflecting a dynamic market. To get insight into this continuous evolution, FashionUnited spent the year catching up with business leaders, founders and more. Here are some of the best interviews of the […]

Marcolin headquarters Credits: Marcolin VSP Vision has completed the acquisition of Marcolin from PAI Partners and other minority shareholders, as announced in September. "The acquisition of Marcolin marks another important milestone in our 70-year history dedicated to offering members, customers, VSP network physicians, owned retail locations and our key partners ever-greater value and choice," said Michael Guyette, president and CEO of VSP Vision. Marcolin to continue operating as […]

UK Parliament. Credits: Ugur Akdemir via Unsplash The UK regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly, and 2025 has seen a series of changes that will shape how fashion and retail businesses operate in 2026. From employment and apprenticeship reforms to intellectual property, sustainability and cyber security, these updates impact staffing, supply chains, product claims, and compliance obligations. Staying ahead is essential for managing flexible workforces, complex sourcing networks, and growing […]

Overview Versace SS26 Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight From JCPenney’s merger with SPARC Group to Versace and Stuart Weitzman changing ownership, Dockers, Hanesbrands, and Dickies finding new buyers, Forever 21 shifting to a digital-only model, and Saks Global nearing bankruptcy, 2025 marked a year of blockbuster acquisitions and bankruptcies across the US fashion industry. While successful, strategic players orchestrated deals that often exceeded one billion dollars, other struggling […]

Lorenzo Bertelli in Scandicci yesterday, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Prada Academy Group Credits: Courtesy of Prada Group Scandicci (Florence, Italy). “Technology and artificial intelligence will give us efficiency and free up time for high value-added work,” stated Lorenzo Bertelli, chief marketing officer and head of corporate social responsibility for the Prada Group, and the future CEO. Bertelli was in Scandicci in November, together with current CEO Andrea Guerra, to […]

Credits: Tendam lab Fashion group Tendam and the University of Design, Innovation and Technology (UDIT) have released a pioneering study analysing the consumer carbon footprint of fashion e-commerce, offering new data-driven insights into the environmental impact of online shopping in the sector. Titled Consumer Carbon Footprint of Fashion E-Commerce, the research was led by the Tendam Sustainability Lab and applies life-cycle analysis and multi-criteria environmental evaluation to assess […]

LK Bennett Credits: Archive LK Bennett British fashion brand LK Bennett is urgently seeking a buyer, raising renewed concerns about its future just six years after its previous insolvency. According to Sky News, the company’s owner has appointed restructuring advisers Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) to run an accelerated sale process, with potential buyers and investors contacted in recent days. Industry sources told Sky News that contingency plans, including a possible insolvency, are being […]

Interview Brand loyalty Credits: Pexels As the festive rush fades and discount fatigue sets in, many retailers are entering the new year questioning whether traditional promotional playbooks are still fit for purpose. While deep discounts continue to generate short term spikes in traffic, they are increasingly failing to deliver what brands need most: repeat engagement, loyalty and sustainable margins. For a growing number of retailers, the focus is shifting away from one off price cuts […]

Decathlon Pulse plans to acquire a majority stake in Bikeleasing Image: Bikeleasing-Service GmbH & Co. KG Bicycle service provider Bikeleasing is set to get a new owner. On Tuesday, the company announced that Decathlon Pulse SAS, the investment subsidiary of French sporting goods retailer Decathlon, intends to acquire a 65 percent stake in Bikeleasing from the Brockhaus Technologies AG group. Bikeleasing explained that the transaction is still “subject to the fulfilment of all regulatory […]

Credits: Saks. Saks Global, the parent company of luxury department store Saks Fifth Avenue, is considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US. This move is being considered a last resort amid growing financial difficulties, according to reports from Reuters and Bloomberg News. The potential filing comes as the company grapples with high debt and lower-than-expected sales. The business, which unites several iconic luxury brands following a series of acquisitions, is also navigating a […]

Etro SS26 Credits: Launchmetrics/spotlight Milan - The year concludes with two significant financial transactions involving two prominent Made in Italy brands: Etro and Golden Goose. Golden Goose has been acquired by the Chinese company Hsg, an international venture capital and private equity firm, which now holds a majority stake in the group. Meanwhile, Temasek, a global investment company, and a fund managed by its wholly-owned asset manager, True Light Capital, have taken a minority stake. […]

Tombolini is officially a historic brand Credits: Tombolini Tombolini is now officially an Italian historic brand. It has just been awarded the title of historic brand of national interest by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. This institutional recognition is dedicated to brands that represent and preserve the history and excellence of Italian manufacturing. Previously brands like Gilmar, Pitti Uomo, Emilio Schubert and Lubiam have been awarded the same title. Tombolini will […]

Havaianas flip-flops. Credit: Nando Martins via Unsplash. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil— The famous flip-flop brand Havaianas is facing calls for a boycott from Brazilian political figures. The calls follow an advertisement deemed to be anti-right-wing ahead of next year's presidential election. In a video posted on the brand's social media accounts, Fernanda Torres asks the public “not to start 2026 on the right foot,” but rather “on both feet.” Torres is the lead actress in the Brazilian […]

Mothercare Credits: Mothercare Mothercare PLC, the British heritage brand for parents and children, today released its unaudited half-year results for the 26-week period ended September 27, 2025 (H1 FY26). The report highlights a period of stabilization and strategic repositioning, characterized by a significant reduction in net debt despite a contraction in worldwide retail sales. The Group reported worldwide retail sales by franchise partners of 90.7 million pounds, representing a 25 percent […]

Topshop campaign imagery. Credits: Zeb Between a Boohoo to Debenhams rebrand; the creation of new specialised fashion groups; and turnarounds that have seen some high street darlings get back on track, 2025 has been a definitive year for the UK fashion industry. Major shifts are underway, and so for many this year is just the start. Here are some of the most notable chop and changes, and where they stand now. Acquisitions and mergers: From new groups to reclaiming ownership The turnover of […]

Pringle of Scotland Credits: Pringle of Scotland via Facebook Pringle of Scotland Limited has reported strengthening of its financial position for the 52-week period ended December 29, 2024, characterized by a rise in turnover and a return to profitability. The heritage knitwear brand, headquartered in Hawick, saw its turnover climb to 3.79 million pounds (5.11 million dollars). This increased commercial activity helped the company deliver a profit after tax of 1.49 million pounds, a […]

Crew Clothing store. Credits: Crew Clothing. Crew Clothing Co Limited has announced a robust financial performance for the 52-week period ending December 29, 2024, characterized by a significant leap in profitability and continued retail expansion. The British lifestyle brand reported a 7 percent increase in turnover to 123.4 million pounds (166.5 million dollars) compared to the previous 52-week equivalent, fuelled by double-digit growth in its digital channels and a resilient performance […]

Safilo and Pierre Cardin renew eyewear licence until 2031 Credits: Safilo Safilo Group and the maison Pierre Cardin have signed an early renewal of the global licence agreement for the design, production and distribution of its optical frames and sunglasses collections. The agreement extends the current partnership until December 31, 2031, consolidating an industrial and commercial relationship that began in 1991. The move is part of Safilo's strategy to stabilise its portfolio of licensed […]

Credits: Unsplash. While Vinted currently dominates the European second-hand fashion market, a Finnish player is poised to challenge its supremacy. The Helsinki-based company, Bought, has launched an app of the same name designed to simplify the sale of second-hand clothing and other items for consumers. “Superfast second hand” In 2025, the Finnish start-up acquired the resale platform Zadaa, an app that was highly popular in Northern Europe at the time. It invited Zadaa users to transfer […]

Vivaia Les 4 Temps La Défense Credit: Vivaia Following its first store in the Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, footwear brand Vivaia has opened its second French boutique in Westfield mall, Les 4 Temps, La Défense. Vivaia is an independent American footwear brand founded by Michelle Yang in 2020, offering a range of styles including boots, loafers, ballet flats, trainers and sandals. The brand is known for its comfortable shoes, which feature a stretch-knit upper without rigid seams. This design […]

A Gabor store Image: Gabor Shoes AG Swiss investor Arklyz has acquired the German footwear brand Gabor. The company, based in Stans on Lake Lucerne, did not disclose the purchase price. According to the announcement, all regulatory approvals have been received. Gabor, previously owned by its founding family, is primarily known for its womenswear shoes. The company is now 100 percent owned by Arklyz. The Gabor brand will be retained, and the current management team will also remain in place. […]

Tony Ward | Haute Couture Fall Winter 2025/2026 Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Experience the Tony Ward Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2025/26 runway from Paris Haute Couture Week. This full fashion show showcases the Lebanese designer’s latest couture collection — where meticulous craftsmanship, sculptural silhouettes and luxurious fabrics come together in an unforgettable display of artistry. Watch models glide in exquisitely tailored gowns, opulent embellishments and elegant evening […]

Esprit CEO William Pak and his wife are leaving the company Credits: Esprit Esprit continues to face turmoil. Following the insolvency of its European entities and a shift away from its traditional retail model, Esprit Holdings Limited has announced further significant changes to its senior management just before the year's end. The Hong Kong-listed fashion group has announced that chairwoman Christin Su Yi Chiu and executive director William Pak resigned from their positions on December 19, […]

Julian Daynov Credits: Julian Daynov As 2025 draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the past few months and look to the year ahead. We spoke with various industry experts about their expectations, aspirations, and highlights. Julian Daynov knows the fashion industry from multiple angles: as a designer, trend expert, consultant, and former buyer. This gives him a unique perspective on the past year and what the future holds, from both a creative and a commercial standpoint. What were your […]

The new Sandro store in the Mexican tourist destination of Los Cabos Image: Sandro French fashion group SMCP is expanding its brand Sandro's presence in Latin America. Two new stores have already opened in the region this month, with more set to follow according to current plans. On December 10, Sandro opened its first store in Chile in partnership with local company Leuru Group. The clothing brand chose the capital, Santiago, for its “official market entry” into the country. The brand now […]

Philippe Model Credits: Swinger International Philippe Model, an internationally recognised sneaker brand, has been sold to Swinger International spa. The seller was 21 Invest, the private equity fund founded by Alessandro Benetton. With this acquisition, the company strengthens its presence in the premium fashion segment. The brand's sneakers are available in key European, American and Asian markets. “Philippe Model has a very strong aesthetic and value-based heritage. The acquisition stems […]

FashionUnited ai A growing number of brands are unveiling their Autumn Winter 2026 collections as the buying season is upon us. The digitisation across various sectors, such as trend forecasting, design, manufacturing, retailing and advertising, compels the fashion industry to accelerate its pace. Consequently, fashion professionals must respond quickly to remain competitive. In its commitment to offering a comprehensive perspective on the latest trends and developments, FashionUnited has […]

Men's informal over-kimono with a stylised fishing scene, Japan 1920-1940 Credits: Courtesy of Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo, Manavello private collection The exhibition "Men's kimono: Weaves of life, a story of style" opened in Venice on December 5. Curated by Silvia Vesco and Lydia Manavello, it will run until April 4, 2026, at the Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo, Study Centre for the History of Textiles, Costume and Perfume. Museum opens a window onto the little-explored field of Japanese menswear […]

Credits: Bleckmann From 2025 onwards, many large companies across Europe will have to comply with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) (CSRD). This rule significantly expands the number of organisations required to report on environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts, and introduces the requirement to align with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The CSRD requires firms not only to disclose on their own activities but to deliver transparency […]

Image: 8848 Altitude Protest Sportswear has made an acquisition. The Dutch company announced just before the festive season that it is acquiring 8848 Altitude, a Swedish ski and outdoor brand. Protest Sportswear stated that the acquisition strengthens its position in the high-end technical winter sportswear segment. This move expands the Dutch company's portfolio. Protest Sportswear is already active in surf, ski and outdoor apparel. The statement emphasised that 8848 Altitude will retain its […]

AW26. Image: OLYMP The autumn edit 75 Years of OLYMP. And More to Come. The new collection creates hybrid worlds, bridging the gap between business and casualwear. It is clean, modern and confident. Which styles are key this autumn? This season, we are focusing on modern essentials that are taking centre stage. We have deliberately developed these key pieces to offer clear guidance, creating a style handbook of sorts. It demonstrates how to build numerous everyday looks with just a few […]

JOTT store in Paris, December 21, 2025. Credits: Photo by RICCARDO MILANI / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP Marseille - Marseille-based ready-to-wear company JOTT, which employs nearly 200 people, was placed in receivership on Thursday. A source close to the matter confirmed this on Friday, corroborating a report from La Provence. According to the ruling reviewed by AFP, the Marseille economic activities court has initiated receivership proceedings for the company SAS JOTT, noting its state of […]

Scoop July 2024 edition. Credits: Scoop. As we approach the new year, buyers, manufacturers and brands alike will be battening down the hatches in preparation for the upcoming buying period. With the event season in constant flux, it can be hard to keep track of which fairs will be rolling through in the UK. With this in mind, FashionUnited has highlighted some of the fastest growing fairs due to takeover the English capital, and beyond. Jan 13 - 14: The London Textile Fair, London The […]

White Stuff store in Glasgow Credits: TFG London TFG Brands (London) Limited, the central UK hub for The Foschini Group (TFG), has reported a significant revenue increase for the financial year ended 29 March 2025. Despite a challenging global economic backdrop, the Group’s turnover rose to 377.5 million pounds, up 16.7 percent, bolstered by the successful acquisition of White Stuff in October 2024, which contributed 81 million pounds to the total turnover and 4.5 million pounds in profit […]

Justin Cavanas Credits: Hanne Fransen Interview Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the fashion industry. While some companies are waiting, others are taking bold steps forward. For the ‘AI in Fashion’ series, FashionUnited speaks with Justin-Caine Cavanas, XR and AI lead at Playar, a company specialising in immersive experiences. 1. Who are you and what do you do? I am Justin-Caine Cavanas, XR and AI lead at Playar in Antwerp-Berchem. I have been working in the immersive […]

Scott Lipinski. Credits: Axl Jansen CEO interview 2025 is drawing to a close – high time to reflect on the past months and look ahead to the coming year. To do so, we spoke with various industry experts about their expectations, wishlists and highlights. First up is Scott Lipinski, CEO of Fashion Council Germany (FCG), who can look back not only on 2025 but also on the tenth anniversary of the German fashion association. What expectations did you have for 2025 and were they met? We had set […]

Credits: Pre-Fall 2026 Plaid and Checks ©Launchmetrics/spotlight An early read on Pre-Fall 2026 signals the strong presence of plaids and checks, positioning them once again as key patterns for the season. Pre-Fall product begins landing in stores as early as May and June, and plaid’s versatility across materials makes it a natural fit for this delivery. In fact, it remains one of the strongest—and most reliable—year-round patterns in the market. The “See now, buy now” concept has […]

Mango partners with Circulose Credits: Unsplash Swedish recycling textile pulp manufacturer Circulose has entered into a strategic partnership with Birla Cellulose, a sustainable viscose fiber manufacturer, to help accelerate textile recycling through enhanced brand collaborations and access to end-to-end solutions across the value chain. Under the new partnership, Circulose will supply Birla Cellulose with pulp made from 100 percent recycled textile waste. Birla will then develop viscose […]

Credits: FashionUnited ai The UK retail sector faced its toughest trading week since early spring, with total like-for-like (LFL) sales plunging by -7.13%. This sharp decline marks the lowest result since the second week of March, a downturn exacerbated by the disruptive arrival of Storm Bram, which brought heavy rain, gale-force winds, and snow to much of the country. The fashion sector was hit particularly hard, with total LFL sales falling by -7.75%. This represents the category’s third […]

Shein display at BHV Marais to celebrate its opening Credits: F. Julienne On Friday, the Paris judicial court rejected the French state's request to temporarily block the Shein website. It deemed the measure “disproportionate” following the e-commerce giant’s voluntary removal of illicit products. The court acknowledged “serious harm to public order”, citing the sale of sex dolls resembling young girls, weapons and medicines. However, it deemed these sales “isolated” and noted […]

Volcom store, Hawaii. Credits: Authentic Brands Group. Boardriders is set to make its return to Hawaii through new partnerships under the group’s current parent company, Authentic Brands Group. The Levy Group has stepped up to reopen Volcom’s store in Haleiwa, while BR Japan will oversee the reopening of Boardriders’ Waikīkī location. Speaking on the plans, David Brooks, EVP of action and outdoor sports at Authentic, said: “This more than retail returning to the islands – it’s […]

Hermès SS26 Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) has just released its provisional schedule for Paris Fashion Week Men's January 2026. Paris Fashion Week Men's will take place from January 20 to 25, 2026. It will showcase the autumn/winter 2026/2027 menswear collections. The provisional line-up includes 35 shows and 32 presentations, comparable to January 2025 which featured 37 shows and 30 presentations. The presentations are scheduled […]

Nicolas Bargi, CEO and founder of Save The Duck. Credits: Save The Duck. CEO Interview Innovation has long defined the outerwear sector, where performance, protection and material experimentation drive the market forward. For Save The Duck, which sits at a crossroads between technical outerwear and city fashion, this innovative mindset is embedded in its DNA. Built on an ethical and sustainable vision, the brand continues to seek opportunities in an effort to prove responsibility and […]

Pacsun's Soho, New York store. Credits: Pacsun. Pacsun has confirmed the opening plans of its first store outside of the US. The American youth retailer is due to open its inaugural international store in spring 2026 at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. The news comes on the back of the company securing a regional partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, with which it is planning to open up to 20 stores across the Middle East over the next five years. An additional flagship location will also […]

Kylie Jenner in Miu Miu's FW25 campaign. Credits: Prada Group. Lyst’s Year in Fashion report has become a definitive marker in highlighting the most influential movements across fashion. For 2025, the industry was shaped by divisive trends, intense controversy, and a collective desire for greater accessibility. It was Miu Miu, described as Prada’s “coquettish little sister”, that emerged as the undisputed overall champion in Lyst’s data. For the third consecutive year, the Italian […]

Credits: YKK YKK has received two recognitions at the latest ISPO Textrends Awards, with its 3D Composite Puller named Best Product in the Accessories category and the NATULON Plus® Fiber Sourced™ zipper with Recycled PET Open Parts selected as a Top 5 product. The awards highlight materials and components expected to influence upcoming performance and outdoor collections. The 3D Composite Puller was developed in collaboration with Variloom and uses a recyclable bio-based TPU with an […]

Regent Street in London. Credits: Pexels UK retail sales painted a nuanced picture in November as the Office for National Statistics data showed modest resilience beneath a soft monthly headline. While total sales volumes dipped slightly over the month, fashion and non food categories continued to hold steady, reinforcing the sense of selective rather than broad based consumer spending as the industry heads toward the final weeks of the Golden Quarter. Sales volumes rose across the three […]

The interior of the Golden Goose store in Milan Credits: Golden Goose In a statement this evening, Golden Goose Group spa announced that Hsg, an international venture capital and private equity firm, will acquire a majority stake in the group. Temasek, a global investment company, and a fund managed by its wholly-owned asset manager, True Light Capital, will also acquire a minority stake. Silvio Campara to continue leading the group as chief executive officer The funds managed by Permira have […]

Inditex 2025 Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting, held on July 15, 2025, in Arteixo, A Coruña (Spain). Credits: Screenshot. Inditex, the Spanish fashion group behind brands including Zara and Massimo Dutti, hit a new all-time high on Thursday, surpassing the record set in December last year and underlining the strong momentum behind the company. The stock climbed to as much as 56.38 euro per share, buoyed by better-than-expected quarterly results and growing confidence among international […]

A Tissot watch. Credits: Unsplash. Zurich, Switzerland – Swiss watch exports to the US plummeted again in November, as manufacturers delayed shipments in anticipation of a tariff reduction to 15 percent. According to data from the watchmaking federation published on Thursday, exports to the US fell by 52.3 percent in November. This follows declines of 46.8 percent in October, 55.6 percent in September and 23.9 percent in August. The drop was due to the 39 percent tariffs Washington imposed […]

Etro, SS26 Credits: Etro Following recent speculation, an official statement has been released: the Etro family is exiting the company. A consortium of industrial investors, comprising the Turkish company Rams Global, Mathias Facchini of Swinger International, and the banker Giulio Gallazzi via Sri Group, has acquired the minority stake previously held by the Etro family, in agreement with L Catterton. L Catterton remains the majority shareholder and will continue to actively support the […]

Puma Oxford Street store. Credits: Puma. Puma SE has successfully expanded its financial toolkit, securing more than 600 million euros in new financing to strengthen its balance sheet and support its long-term growth objectives. The package consists of a 500 million euros bridge loan, fully underwritten by Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (Santander CIB), alongside 108 million euros in additional confirmed credit lines. Both facilities carry a maturity of up to two years and are […]

The headquarters Credits: Safilo Safilo has announced its acquisition of shares in Inspecs Group. Between December 15 and 18, the company purchased a total of 25 percent of Inspecs' share capital for approximately 21.7 million pounds. In a statement, the management explained that this shareholding “reflects Safilo’s confidence in the long-term prospects of Inspecs, offering the group a strategic opportunity in the company's future developments”. On December 15, Safilo announced that it […]

Kering has taken an initial 20 percent stake, valued at 115 million euros Credits: Raselli Franco Group, media centre The French luxury giant is heading to Valenza, a town in the Piedmont region's province of Alessandria. The area is home to the most important production units for international high jewellery. Kering is acquiring Raselli Franco Group, one of Europe's largest independent producers of luxury jewellery. This marks the first acquisition since the appointment of CEO Luca de Meo. […]

Nike store Credits: Nike Nike, Inc. announced financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2025, revealing a complex landscape of modest top-line growth and significant bottom-line pressure as the company navigates a multi-year turnaround. Total revenues reached 12.4 billion dollars, representing a 1 percent increase on a reported basis but remaining flat on a currency-neutral basis. Nike's Greater China woes deepen The company’s "Greater China playbook" is also facing […]

Dubai fashion Credits: Photo by Kel Avelino on Unsplash When one thinks of fashion capitals, images of Paris, New York, Milan, and London immediately spring to mind. These Western cities, icons in their own right, are seen as the definitive and leading hubs each Fashion Week. However, new evidence indicates that the global fashion landscape is slowly changing, with new, upcoming fashion centers across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East emerging.  These style cities are quickly gaining […]

Phan Huy Credits: Courtesy Phan Huy At just 26 years old, Phan Huy has reached a milestone few designers ever approach: selected to present at Paris Haute Couture Week. His upcoming show on January 29th marks not only a personal breakthrough, but also a historic first for Vietnam, which will have an official representative on the couture calendar for the first time. Paris Haute Couture Week remains one of the most tightly controlled platforms in the global fashion industry. Governed by the […]

MadaLuxe Group acquires Ippolita Credits: Ippolita 2025 Lookbook Luxury goods company MadaLuxe Group has acquired a majority stake in New York-based fine jewelry brand Ippolita. The acquisition comes as MadaLuxe Group continues to expand its existing portfolio of fashion and lifestyle brands, which includes premium tequila brand Tequila Enemigo. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are thrilled to welcome Ippolita into the MadaLuxe Group family,” said Adam Freede, CEO and […]

Free People to relocate Regent Street store Credits: Free People Lifestyle brand Free People is set to relocate its flagship store on Regent Street to Argyll Street, in line with its wider retail strategy for the UK. The current flagship store on Regent Street will continue operating as normal until December 24, 2025, before closing in preparation for the move. The new location will open sometime in spring 2026 and will feature an elevated retail experience that is designed to reflect Free […]

Laura Burdese appointed managing director of Bvlgari. Credits: Bvlgari Luxury giant LVMH announced on Thursday the appointment of Laura Burdese as managing director of the Italian jewellery brand Bulgari, effective July 1, 2026. Burdese, 54, who has served as deputy managing director since July 2024, will succeed Jean-Christophe Babin. Babin will remain chairman of the board of directors at Bulgari, “while continuing to serve as CEO of Bulgari hotels and president of the Bulgari […]

A visual from the collaboration between the Netflix series Emily in Paris and Intimissimi. Credits: Intimissimi In 2024, the fourth season of Netflix's hit series Emily in Paris revolutionised product placement strategy by fully integrating brands into its storyline. In 2025, the brand Intimissimi (Oniverse group) has secured a prime role in the fifth season, which was unveiled this Thursday, December 18. Storyline In the third episode of the new season, Emily works for a marketing agency. […]

Future Credit: Louis Vuitton – All rights reserved Rapper Future has been named a “Friend of the House” for luxury brand Louis Vuitton. Future, whose real name is Nayvadius Wilburn, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and producer. He was born in 1983 in Atlanta, Georgia, US. At the 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, Future was dressed in Louis Vuitton. He also attended the house’s spring/summer 2026 menswear show at the invitation of his friend and […]

Lululemon Regent Street store Credits: Lululemon An activist investor is believed to have snapped up a stake worth over one billion dollars in Canadian athleisure brand Lululemon. According to sources for Reuters, Elliott Investment Management has been working with former Ralph Lauren executive Jane Nielsen as it circles the currently unoccupied helm position. FashionUnited has contacted Lululemon and Elliott Investment Management with a request to comment. The news comes just days after […]

Saint Laurent Rive Droite, the house's cultural concept store conceived by Anthony Vaccarello, is opening a location in Beijing, China. In the 1960s, Yves Saint-Laurent Rive Gauche democratised luxury with its ready-to-wear line, Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. In 2019, Anthony Vaccarello, the house's artistic director, launched Saint Laurent Rive Droite. This concept extends fashion into a broader lifestyle notion and brand universe. More than just a clothing and accessories boutique, Saint Laurent […]

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Credits: Tron Le, for Unsplash The quarterly letter published by the French Treasury offers a detailed diagnosis. The textile and apparel industry remains the industrial and social core of the economies of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. As a pillar of exports, a mass employer and a key driver of female employment, the sector has long relied on a simple competitive advantage. This advantage is an abundant, low-cost workforce dedicated to standardised, […]

Lululemon Running Gives campaign. Credits: Lululemon. Canadian athleisure giant Lululemon has confirmed plans to expand into six new markets in the new year as part of a franchise partnership model that responds to growing demand. Making up what is set to become a “record” year in market rollouts, the company is due to enter Greece, Austria, Poland, Hungary and Romania through a new partnership with Arion Retail Group, while also preparing for a launch in India with Tata CLiQ. In the new […]

Interview Bastien, head of personal shopping and private salons at Le Bon Marché. Credits: Martin Colombet Bastien, head of personal shopping and private salons at Le Bon Marché (LVMH), discusses his career at the iconic Paris' department store. He covers the organisation and accessibility of these services, the central role of human connection in his profession and the inter-brand exchanges encouraged by the Virtuosos 2025 programme. What has your career path been at Le Bon Marché? […]