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Gucci Design Ancora Credits: Gucci. Milan Design Week may have the spotlight directed at all things furniture, interiors, lighting and design, but fashion brands have increasingly joined the fray, showcasing their collaborative collections alongside other design icons. Demonstrating this trend is the Milano Moda Design calendar curated by the National Chamber of Italian Fashion, showcasing luxury fashion houses' foray into the Fuorisalone with bespoke initiatives, events and collaborations. […]

Antler campaign Credits: Antler Antler, an under the radar British heritage accessory brand that was founded over 100 years ago, has launched an Icon Collection, to mark a significant moment in the brand's history. The company, founded in Lancashire in 1914 where it made its first suitcase, has continually evolved over the decades to meet the needs of modern travellers. The Icon Colletion, comprising three distinct silhouettes – the Icon Stripe suitcase, the Soft Stripe suitcase, and […]

Credits: Alexander Otto, Head of Corporate Relations, Tradebyte Alexander Otto, Head of Corporate Relations, Tradebyte With 50 different countries, more than 200 languages spoken, and 28+ currencies used, the European retail market is a complicated space to navigate. But with every second e-commerce pound now spent on marketplaces, retailers looking to expand and find new customers cannot afford to ignore the opportunity. Agility is key. And at the heart of this agility lies data. By […]

Textile Exchange's 'Future of Synthetics' report. Credits: Textile Exchange. In its latest report, ‘The Future of Synthetics’, non-profit Textile Exchange has issued a call on the industry to reevaluate its relationship with synthetic fibres and textiles, while cautioning suppliers on a potentially overbearing reliance on raw materials. While the organisation is urging fashion to eliminate the use of new virgin, fossil fuel-derived synthetic materials in order to cut greenhouse gas […]

Asics Nimbus Mirai running shoe Credits: Asics Japanese sportswear brand Asics has launched its most circular performance running shoe to date, designed to be remade at the end of its life without comprising on quality or performance. The Asics Nimbus Mirai running shoe has been designed with recycling in mind and launches with a new returns programme to encourage runners to give back the shoes at the end of their use “so they can be remade to run again”. The running shoe is described as […]

Gucci Design Ancora, 2024, by Anthony Seklaoui. Credits: Gucci. In Pictures Adapted iterations of five iconic Italian design pieces have been unveiled at Gucci’s flagship store on via Monte Napoleone, Milan, where this year’s design week is currently underway. From April 15, an exhibition at the location, conceived by Spanish architect Guillermo Santomà, will house the objects that “represent the golden age of Italian design”, albeit with re-edited pieces that now come in Gucci’s […]

Mr P. x G/Fore collection Credits: Mr Porter Mr P., the private label from luxury menswear e-tailer Mr Porter, has launched a limited-edition golf collection with LA-based golf apparel brand G/Fore. The 12-piece collection features seven ready-to-wear styles, including two cotton polos in a stone and blue colourway with navy trims and two open-collar polos, a silhouette synonymous with Mr P., in pink and faded denim, alongside a pair of stretch twill trousers and shorts in stone and single […]

Newcastle United Football Club. Credits: NUFC. Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct has been unable to secure an injunction against Newcastle United Football Club (NUFC) that would have allowed the retailer to sell the club’s replica kits for the 2024/25 season. The sportswear retailer filed a complaint against NUFC with the Competition Appeal Tribunal during March, in which it had alleged that the club had “abused its dominant position in the market” by refusing to allow Sports Direct to […]

Umbro 100: Sportswear x Fashion exhibition Credits: Geoff Pugh In Pictures The Westminster Menswear Archive, part of University of Westminster in London, has opened a new exhibition exploring 100 years of the Manchester-founded brand Umbro, and its influence on British sportswear. The free ‘Umbro 100: Sportswear x Fashion’ exhibition is open until April 28 and features more than 120 archive Umbro styles drawn from the Westminster Menswear Archive, including historical examples of Umbro’s […]

Nike Flyknit Credits: Nike Nike prefers to have its creative teams back in the office. At least according to CEO John Donahoe, who in an interview with CNBC said the company's lag in innovation is partly due to the challenges of remote work. Mr Donahoe said that it's difficult to foster disruptive ideas when employees are not physically together. Speaking in an interview with CNBC's Sara Eisen from Paris, Donahoe acknowledged investor concerns about the lack of fresh products in Nike's lineup. […]

Xia Ding Credits: Sephora Beauty retailer Sephora has appointed Xia Ding as the managing director of Greater China. Based in Shanghai, Ding will directly report to Asia president, Alia Gogi. Prior to Sephora, she spent five years as vice president & general manager of e-commerce Asia Pacific and Latin America at Nike. Commenting on Ding’s appointment, Gogi said in a statement: "Xia Ding is a quintessential leader with a wealth of experience in running businesses, digital transformations, […]

AGOA Forum 2023. Credits: AGOA. The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has welcomed and expressed support for a new bill attempting to extend the currently in place African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is set to expire September 2025. The AGOA Renewal and Improvement Act of 2024, introduced by Senators Chris Coons and James Risch, calls on the original AGOA to be extended a further 16 years, which would take it from 2025 to 2041. According to the proposal, the […]

Dr. Martens in Frankfurt, Germany. Credits: Dr. Martens Footwear specialist Dr. Martens is preparing to take on Temu for alleged trademark infringement, launching a lawsuit in an attempt to halt the Chinese marketplace from using keywords associated with the brand. The legal action was taken to the UK’s High Court, according to a report by the Times, for which a case filing alleged that Temu had been using Google advertisements to promote boots on its platform, where it utilises phrases […]

Primark kids essentials for springsummer 2024 Credits: Primark High street retailer Primark has announced it is lowering its prices on hundreds of essential kids’ holiday clothing and accessories to help families during the cost-of-living crisis. In a statement, Primark said it would be lowering prices across selected kidswear essentials in its spring/summer 2024 range, including swimwear, T-shirts, shorts, sliders and baseball caps. For instance, a T-shirt and swim shorts, with sliders and […]

Patagonia Amsterdam store Credits: Patagonia by Margriet Hoekstra In Pictures Outdoor technical apparel and accessories brand Patagonia has opened its first store in the Netherlands in Amsterdam to serve as both a retail store and a space for local activist and sports communities. Located at historic Singel 465-467, the store offers the brand’s technical products for outdoor sports, including climbing, snow sports, and trail running. The store layout has been designed to provide space for […]

Salomon store in Barcelona (Spain). Credits: Amer Sports. The chief executive officer for footwear specialist Salomon, Franco Fogliato, has departed from the brand for “personal reasons”, parent company Amer Sports announced in a regulatory filing. Following Fogliato’s departure, the CEO of sportswear conglomerate, James Zheng, will oversee Salomon and the Outdoor Performance segment of the company on an interim basis to “ensure business continuity until a successor has been […]

Pop-up store Esprit in Printemps Haussmann. Credits: Esprit Following bankruptcy filings for its Belgian and Swiss businesses, Esprit is now said to be laying off employees at its New York offices, yet a similar restructuring is not likely to be pursued. This was confirmed by the company’s chief executive officer, William Pak, who told WWD that while the restructuring strategy and Switzerland and Belgium had been “in motion for quite some time”, there were “no plans for the North […]

Roberto Cavalli at the finale of his FW15 menswear show. Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Renowned Italian designer Roberto Cavalli passed away on Friday at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy rife with exotic luxury that had been revolutionary to the fashion industry over his eponymous brand’s lifespan. As such, his death has naturally struck a chord with those he has worked with and alongside, many of whom took to social media over the weekend to express their admiration and […]

Thom Browne x Frette Credits: Thom Browne website New York-based designer Thom Browne is bringing his iconic preppy aesthetic to the realm of home interiors via a collaboration with Italian heritage brand Frette. The new partnership features a collection of luxurious bed and bath accessories, set to debut at Milan Design Week. Browne's classic sensibility, characterised by his signature four bars and sober palette of grey and white, shines throughout the range using fabrics such as white […]

Festival Credits: Anderson Costa The Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF) at London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London (UAL), have announced a new festival in east London, commemorating fifteen years of groundbreaking work and research in the intersection of fashion and sustainability. Titled "Imagining Possibilities," the festival presents a dynamic program of events that delve into fashion's role in shaping a future where everyone can flourish. The events include workshops, […]

Dr. Walter Bickel Credits: Lenzing AG Lenzing has appointed Dr. Walter Bickel as a member of the managing board and chief transformation officer with effect from April 15, 2024 until December 31, 2025. The company said in a statement that Bickel will be responsible for the further development and implementation of the performance program. Lenzing’s performance program initiated in autumn 2023 focuses on positive free cash flow, strengthened sales and margin growth, and sustainable cost […]

Robert Cavali, Cavalli F14 163 Credits: Spotlight Launchmetrics Roberto Cavalli, the Italian designer best known for his bold prints, sensual designs, and pioneering spirit, passed away at the age of 83. Born on November 15, 1940, in Florence, Italy, Cavalli revolutionised the fashion industry with his distinctive style, blending exotic patterns and luxurious fabrics to create iconic pieces that adorned celebrities and fashionistas alike. A taste for the exotic Cavalli's eponymous fashion […]

The spires of Milan Cathedral. Credits: Pexels, Julie Aagaard In what has been established to be an event that merges fashion and design, Milan Design Week returns to the Italian fashion capital alongside the Salone del Mobile, running from April 15 to 21, during which time a curation of home collections by fashion brands will be showcased. Over the course of the week, 33 brands with 44 appointments will be on the schedule, as well as 12 home collection presentations and 32 more general […]

Investment Credits: Pexels, Karolina Grabowska Investment bank Goldman Sachs has appointed Cosmo Roe to head up its global luxury and beauty division. The appointment showcases the firm's recognition of the sector's potential for growth. With a history of involvement in major deals such as the sale of Tom Ford to Estée Lauder, Roe, who previously was a partner in the company’s consumer division, underscores his expertise in dealmaking, reported WWD. Since joining Goldman Sachs in 2007, Roe […]

Iveta Vecmane (Latvia) and Riga Fashion Week Credits: Alicia Reyes Sarmiento // FashionUnited Latvia's capital became the epicentre of Baltic fashion from April 8 to 11 for the 33rd edition of Riga Fashion Week, bringing together designers from Lithuania, Estonia and, of course, Latvia, and even Uzbekistan and Finland. The first day's shows were held in the Office Complex Verde, a modern building in the city's business centre, before moving to the RFW Hall in the Hanzas Perons, a former […]

Signa hoarding around the KaDeWe Group’s upcoming site at Carsch Haus in Dusseldorf, Germany. Credits: FashionUnited Signa Holding GmbH, long-time co-owner of the Selfridges Group, is turning its insolvency proceedings into bankruptcy, the company announced in a press release. The restructuring plan is thus withdrawn. What the bankruptcy means for Belgian department store Inno is not yet known. The focus of the restructuring plan was mainly on the value-based restructuring of the main […]

Ebay launches AI-powered Shop the Look feature. Credits: Ebay. Resale marketplace Ebay has introduced a new feature to its app that provides customers with a personalised carousel of inspirational outfits tailored to their shopping history. Dubbed ‘Shop the Look’, the generative AI-powered addition looks to speak to users’ style preferences through recommendations made of images and items that evolve alongside the consumer and current trends. Each of the outfits are made up of new and […]

A pop-up at Hudson Yards Credits: Spanx U.S. shopping centers are experiencing a notable resurgence, marking a promising shift in consumer’s shopping behavior. According to the latest update to Placer.ai's Mall Index for March, visits to shopping malls have seen a steady increase for the second consecutive month. The data reveals that visits to indoor malls surged by 9.7 percent year-over-year in March, while open-air shopping centers and outlet malls experienced even more substantial […]

Tiffany & Co.'s Tiffany Wonder exhibition at Tokyo Node gallery. Credits: Tiffany & Co. LVMH’s Tiffany & Co. has celebrated the opening of a new exhibition in Tokyo that takes visitors on a visual journey through the jewellery house’s history via design masterworks and Tiffany diamonds. Entitled ‘Tiffany Wonder’ and located in the Tokyo Node gallery, the exhibition also explores the brand’s relationship with Japan, which dates back to 1897 when founder Charles Lewis […]

Amazon packages Credits: ANIRUDH via Unsplash Amazon is leveraging its Innovation Lab, a diverse team of scientists and engineers from around the globe, to pioneer new technologies aimed at enhancing support for employees and improving customer satisfaction. Situated in Vercelli, Italy, the Amazon Operations Innovation Lab is shaping the trajectory of work across Amazon's network where advanced robotics and AI innovations are crafted and tested. Since its establishment in 2017, the lab has […]

Credits: Russell & Bromley Accessories label Russell & Bromley has announced what it says is a “new phase” in the company’s ongoing retail expansion with the opening of a new store in Hampstead. Opening April 12, the location was dubbed “an exciting milestone for the brand” as it continues to grow its presence in the UK, following on from its most recent store opening in Canary Wharf, London, last year. This latest conceptual store, located on Hampstead High Street, further […]

Wolf & Badger UK flagship store at 102 Berwick Street, London Credits: Shaftesbury Capital/Wolf & Badger B-Corp certified Wolf & Badger has announced the launch of a new brand ambassador programme designed to allow content creators to “help generate for independent ethical brands”. Dubbed ‘Tastemakers’, the in-house developed programme serves as a platform for creators to edit, style, feature and ultimately share their favourite products with their audience in return for a […]

Alpaca. Credits: Unsplash. Shearers from an alpaca farm in Peru are scheduled to go to court in July after a report by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) outlined evidence of severe animal abuse at the site. An undercover investigation carried out by the organisation revealed alleged gruesome practices carried out at the Mallkini farm, where five shearers were ultimately charged with cruelty to domestic animals by the national police force. According to PETA, which had […]

Debra Lee Credits: Burberry Burberry Group has announced that Debra L Lee, independent non-executive director, has decided to retire with effect from the conclusion of the company's annual general meeting in July 2024 in order to concentrate on her personal media interests in the US where she is based. Commenting on the development, Gerry Murphy, Burberry’s chair, said in a statement: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Debi for her partnership and wise counsel since joining the […]

Buckle store. Credits: 42031454 © Boggy | Dreamstime.com Buckle reported a 9.4 percent drop in comparable store net sales for the five week period ended April 6, 2024, continuing the lifestyle retailer’s streak in quarterly and monthly decreases seen over the past year. During the period, net sales for the company also fell by 8 percent to 104.3 million dollars, dropping from the prior 113.4 million dollars in the same period the year before. For the nine-week period ended April 6, […]

Brunello Cucinelli. Credits: Neiman Marcus Group, NMG Awards Italian knitwear specialist Brunello Cucinelli has underlined his support of research into treatments for various diseases through a new cooperation agreement via its subsidiary Foro delle Arti, which manages the brand's activities outside of fashion. Together with Italian biotech company Tes Pharma Srl, the group will work towards scientific innovations for the treatment of diseases. The agreement looks to promote innovations in […]

Mango expands investment umbrella to fund alternative mobility start-up, Hoop Carpool. Credits: Mango. Spanish retail giant Mango is growing its portfolio of investments to now fund Hoop Carpool, a start-up offering companies a mobility alternative allowing employees and students to share short-distance journeys. Made through the company’s Mango StartUp Studio accelerator, the investment comes in the form of a convertible equity loan, which will be paired with mentorship and advice from […]

Credits: JD Sports The Foschini Group (TFG) is set to bring British sportswear retail giant JD Sports to the South African market through a newly established franchise agreement with the group. As JD Sports’ exclusive retail partner in the region, TFG’s CEO Anthony Thunström said the company would be bolstering its existing sports positioning, building on its portfolio of similar brands, including Sportscene, Totalsports and Sneaker Factory. Thunström continued: “Through our group’s […]

Knot Standard and Billy Reid form strategic merger. Credits: Knot Standard. Billy Reid has announced the acquisition of the direct-to-consumer (DTC) arm of Knot Standard through a strategic merger that will allow the American retailer to incorporate a made-to-measure offering into its own business. Through the transaction, Billy Reid said it would be bringing the customisation service to a total of 20 store locations, while the brand will further takeover eight of Knot Standard’s own […]

Credits: Hunters Race, Unsplash. Patek Philippe's chief says he is not anxious about the prospects for top-end timepieces, despite Swiss watch exports slowing overall after three years of spectacular growth. Thierry Stern told AFP he was "not worried about the high end" of the market during the Geneva watch fair, which brings together 54 major brands at Swiss watchmaking's landmark annual event. For lower- and mid-range brands, "I think it must be tougher", especially as there is "more […]

Roku shoe from Camper. Credits: Camper The sneaker world is just one area of fashion that needs to become more sustainable and those in the sector have been working on new ideas and better solutions for years. As such, new materials, new recycling concepts and shorter supply chains are helping to reduce the carbon footprint. The global market for sustainable sneakers was estimated at 7.7 billion dollars in 2021 and is expected to grow to 13.5 billion dollars by 2031, with an average annual […]

Digital assistent as part of new AI features by Tailoor, the software arm of Successori Reda S.p.A. Credits: The Shirt Dandy The Shirt Dandy, the Viennese start-up that manufactures customised shirts for men in India, has deepened its strategic partnership with Tailoor. Tailoor is the software arm of Italian wool mill Successori Reda S.p.A, an AI-driven phygital platform. The collaboration aims to bring innovative AI capabilities to the Indian market. Reda and Tailoor will make new features […]

Trendstop brings FashionUnited readers an insight into the key catwalk print and graphics directions informing Fall Winter 2024 womenswear. Print and patten inspiration drawn from classic sources, undergo a radical reimaging for the contemporary consumer market. Florals, stripes, and geometric shapes play with proportion, color, texture, surface treatment and placement, creating dynamic looks with a youthful modern sensibility. Softly Textured Vintage Stripes The classic stripe is […]

Gianluca Flore Credits: Stock photography Levi Strauss has appointed Gianluca Flore as executive vice president and chief commercial officer, effective July 29, 2024. Reporting to Michelle Gass, president and chief executive officer, Flore will join the company’s executive leadership team and will be responsible for the commercial operations of the Levi’s brand across all global channels, including stores, e-commerce and wholesale. “Gianluca is an industry veteran with an exceptional […]

Harm van de Camp Credits: Alpargatas Havaianas has announced the appointment of Harm van de Camp as the new president for parent company Alpargatas, Europe. With over 18 years of brand experience, the company said in a statement, Harm van de Camp brings to Alpargatas expertise gained at Nike serving in several EMEA leadership positions in wholesales as well as direct to consumer. Commenting on his new role at Alpargatas, Harm van de Camp said: "I am looking forward to elevating the brand to […]

Blake Harrop Credits: Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton has appointed Blake Harrop as executive vice president, image and communications effective May 1, 2024. Based at the Maison’s headquarters in Paris, the company said he joins the management committee, reporting to Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s chairman and CEO. The company added that Blake holds extensive communications and marketing expertise, with over 20 years of international experience, over half of which was acquired at the […]

Nike Alphafly 3 Credits: Courtesy NIke As sneaker technology evolves, Nike's has unveiled the Alphafly 3, a testament to the company's commitment to athletes of all disciplines. Building upon its iconic Air technology, Nike has crafted a range of performance-enhancing footwear designed to elevate athletes on the track, court, and pitch. This latest evolution in Nike's shoe lineup reflects the company's dedication to pushing the boundaries of athletic achievement. At the core of Nike's of its […]

Offshore wind turbines Credits: Global Fashion Agenda Underwear brand Yamamay and beauty giant Shiseido are two prominent fashion brands backing Project M.A.R.E. (Marine Adventure for Research and Education), now in its third edition. The initiative aims to combine seamanship, scientific research, and advocacy for the preservation of the Mediterranean Sea. The project included several weeks of sailing aboard the One catamaran, to monitor pollution from chemicals and marine biodiversity. The […]

Rainforest Credits: Pexels Brazil has long been under scrutiny for deforestation of the Amazon rainforest, but new research from Earthsight shows the destruction of the Cerrado biome, a biodiversity hotspot, has largely escaped notice. While efforts to address the Amazon's plight have seen some progress, deforestation rates in the Cerrado are worsening, driven in part by the demand for cotton by major fashion brands like H&M and Zara. Earthsight's investigation reveals the complicity of […]

Campaign for Parthenope, a film by Paolo Sorrentino for Saint Laurent Productions. Credits: Saint Laurent Productions. Saint Laurent Productions, the subsidiary for the French fashion house of the same name, has announced three long featured films that will be competing in this year’s official selection of Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Jacques Audiard and starring Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez, ‘Emilia Perez’ follows the story of a lawyer who helps a cartel leader withdraw from his […]

Dove ‘Campaign for Real Beauty’ fronted by singer-songwriter Jessie J Credits: Dove Beauty Skincare brand Dove states that artificial intelligence (AI) is threatening the representation of real beauty, and it commits to never using AI to represent real women in its adverts. The pledge comes as the Unilever-owned brand celebrates 20 years of its ‘Campaign for Real Beauty,’ where it challenges society, media, and the beauty industry to change its representation of women, be transparent […]

Prada interior Credits: Prada As FashionUnited has reported, Gucci’s sales have tumbled in the first quarter of 2024, falling by 20 percent mostly due to a slowdown in Asia, while Kering’s overall revenue is forecast to be down 10 percent compared to Q1 last year. The group’s other brands, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen, have also taken a hit, and after several roaring years, in the last quarter of 2023, the deceleration also caught up with brands such as Burberry […]

Casablanca CMO, Txampi Diz. Credits: Casablanca. French luxury brand Casablanca Paris has announced the appointment of Txampi Diz to the newly created role of chief marketing officer, a position he will take up this month. Diz joins the company from Balmain, where he was also named the first CMO in 2017, and was then credited with building up the fashion house’s marketing and communication team while overseeing “entertainment-centred marketing efforts”. Prior to this, he spent 15 years […]

Ann Ray. Art and Craft, 2000. Archival gelatin silver print; 70 7/8 x 47 1/4 in. Credits: Barrett Barrera Projects The Frist Art Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, will open an exhibition exploring the creative partnership between the late British fashion designer Alexander McQueen and his trusted friend, French photographer Ann Ray. Organised by Barrett Barrera Projects, ‘Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous’ exhibition will run from May 30 to August 25 and promises to offer an […]

Uniqlo store in Peking Credits: Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. Thanks to the strong international business of its Uniqlo clothing chain, the Japanese retail group Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. was able to close the first half of the 2023/24 financial year with solid growth in sales and earnings. In light of the latest figures, the company raised its profit forecast for the full year on Thursday. However, the sales target was revised slightly downwards. Uniqlo achieves sales growth of 17 percent in […]

JCA Gallery Credits: JCA | London Fashion Academy In Pictures Jimmy Choo’s JCA | London Fashion Academy has opened a gallery to showcase the talent of its students, supported by an e-commerce website. The JCA Gallery aims to offer an immersive experience, offering young designers a platform to enter the world of retail, where their work is presented in an “exhibition style,” as it looks to celebrate “the boundless potential of emerging designers”. Located on the ground floor of […]

Galeria store in Frankfurt Credits: FashionUnited NRDC Equity Partners, the New York-based parent company of Hudson’s Bay, and BB Kapital SA, the investment firm of businessman Bernd Beetz’s family, have come together to acquire German department store firm Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof GmbH. The consortium have joined hands as part of Galeria’s insolvency plan, with the company’s administrator expected to submit the plan to the Essen District Court at the end of April, a decision for which […]

Beauty Kiki investment Credits: Kiki Kiki, the community commerce beauty company, has raised 7 million US dollars from investors, including A16z Crypto and The Estée Lauder Companies' investment arm New Incubation Ventures (NIV). Other initial funding round investors included consumer-tech funds Double Down, 2Punks Capital and Advancit, digital communities RedDao and OrangeDao, and the digital creator GMoney. The investment from A16z Crypto follows Kiki's participation in its spring […]

Ted Baker Credits: FashionUnited OSL, the US operator of Ted Baker, has reportedly joined the line up of interested parties eyeing the struggling retailer’s European business after its UK arm collapsed into administration in March. According to Sky News, OSL is the “leading contender” to take over the brand’s British operations, a move that would come a year on from when the firm was appointed to run its US retail business. OSL isn’t alone, however. British retail giants Next and […]

Gucci storefront. Credits: Gucci. The Italian luxury goods group Kering has appointed Stefano Cantino to the role of deputy chief executive officer at Gucci. Cantino will take up his new position on 2 May and will report to Gucci CEO Jean-François Palus, the Italian fashion house announced on Thursday. In this newly created position, Cantino will share responsibility with Palus for defining and implementing the brand strategy. In a statement, Palus said: "I am delighted that Stefano Cantino […]

Robyn Lynch AW24. Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight In what comes as a part of continued efforts to rejuvenate its mission, the British Fashion Council (BFC) has revealed a new concept for its upcoming London Fashion Week (LFW), set to take place from June 7 to 9. The event, which will be presented by headline sponsor 1664 Blanc, “aims to ignite a cultural moment in London”, the council said in the announcement, offering a platform for diverse British designers as well as “brands with […]

Brighton, UK. Credits: Unsplash. The first quarter of the year has outlined the tough reality of the current market, with last year’s challenging financial period leaving many companies with no option but to initiate strategic reviews. And, as part of this process, inevitably the question of jobs comes into play, with roles, departments and geographies coming under the microscope of cost-saving initiatives. Here are some of those that have already had to make that tough move. John Lewis […]

Fashion Revolution Week will start on 15th April. Credits: Fashion Revolution From 15th to 24th April, Fashion Revolution Week will be held again worldwide to raise awareness about those who make our clothes and under what conditions. Established in 2014 after the Rana Plaza disaster, this year marks the tenth anniversary of what non-profit Fashion Revolution calls “the world’s largest fashion activism movement”. FashionUnited, a supporter of the movement since day one, will be […]

Cotton Credits: Aid by Trade Foundation Better Cotton, the world's largest cotton sustainability programme, is being asked to answer to growing concerns raised by fashion giant Inditex. In a letter to Better Cotton CEO Alan McClay, Inditex demanded a plan to clarify transparency on cotton traceability following allegations of "illegal practices" by the NGO Earthsight, according to Spanish business platform Modaes. Inditex's demand comes after an investigation was launched by Earthsight late […]

Credits: Esprit Esprit Holdings Limited is reportedly in talks with an international private equity firm to secure new funding. The fashion company is struggling to maintain its European operations, resulting in the bankruptcy of its Swiss and Belgian subsidiaries. "The potential investor has expressed interest in submitting a non-legally binding memorandum of understanding for a possible cooperation," Esprit told The Wall Street Journal. "The potential collaboration is subject to the signing […]

Sprinter in Amsterdam Credits: FashionUnited Mike Ashley’s retail giant Frasers Group is continuing its expansion in the EMEA market with the acquisition of the Netherlands-based sports retailer Twin Sport Holding. The company operates as part of the Intersport Franchise, owned by EKS Netherlands, through 17 stores across the country and its online presence. As such, the business as a whole generated revenue of around 75 million euros in FY23. In addition to this, Frasers also confirmed […]

Malina Ngai, CEO AS Watson Credits: AS Watson AS Watson has announced the promotion of Malina Ngai to Group CEO, effective from May 1, 2024. The company said that Malina Ngai currently holds the position of group chief operating officer, AS Watson, and chief executive officer, AS Watson (Asia & Europe). Commenting on Ngai’s promotion, Dominic Lai, group co-managing director of CK Hutchison and group managing director of AS Watson said in a statement: “After a very fulfilling 17 years […]

Macy's store Credits: Macy's media centre Macy’s has appointed two new independent directors, Richard (Ric) Clark and Richard (Rick) L. Markee, to its board. The appointments follow the board’s engagement with Arkhouse Management, resulting in the withdrawal of its director nominations. Macy’s said in a statement that Tony Spring, chief executive officer and chairman-elect of the company, has assumed the chairman role. In addition, Douglas (Doug) W. Sesler has been appointed as an […]

Pepco store in Barcelona Credits: Pepco Group Discount retailer Pepco Group, which owns the Pepco and Dealz brands in Europe and Poundland in the UK, reported second quarter revenue of 1,349 million pounds, up 11.7 percent, while like-for-like sales were down 2.9 percent. In the first half, revenue of 3,200 million pounds with constant currency growth of 11 percent versus last year, while like-for-like (LFL) revenues declined by 2.5 percent. The company also announced the appointment of […]

Marc Jacobs Credits: Safilo Group Safilo Group and Marc Jacobs have announced the early renewal of their multi-year global licensing agreement for Marc Jacobs branded eyewear until December 2031. "During these 20 years Marc Jacobs has grown to become one of the most emblematic brands of Safilo's contemporary and premium offering, with a strong global appeal for both men and women, and with still many new opportunities for growth in its core US market as well as worldwide," said Angelo […]

Roots Credits: Roots via Facebook Outdoor lifestyle brand Roots sales were 108.2 million Canadian dollars in the fourth quarter, down 2.9 percent. DTC sales of 97.8 million Canadian dollars were down 0.8 percent year-over-year. Total sales decreased 3.5 percent to 262.7 million Canadian dollars in FY2023 and DTC sales were 222.5 million Canadian dollars, down 3.8 percent. The company said in a release that the positive omni-channel traffic experienced throughout the quarter was offset by […]

Credits: (l. to r. ): Yumi Seyama, Hayato Kaga, Naoki Kokubu As the class of 2024 completes their academic journey in becoming fashion professionals, Bunka Fashion College recently showcased the graduates' final collections with huge success. Stepping into the fashion industry, those collections play a crucial role for graduates to expand their network and share their work. As the international B2B network, FashionUnited aims to promote emerging designers, like the graduates of Bunka Fashion […]

A shop floor Credits: CAST British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced new measures to combat retail crime, taking a U-turn after the government previously ruled out legislating to create a new offence. Assaulting shop workers will be designated a separate criminal offense, reflecting the need to safeguard retail employees and maintaining community safety, reported Reuters. The proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, applicable to England and Wales, introduces stringent penalties for […]

Stock exchange Credits: Pexels Investors are bracing for a notable downturn in luxury sales as companies prepare to release their first-quarter results, reflecting weakened demand from China, reported Reuters. Kering's unexpected forecast of a 10 percent decline in first-quarter sales, contrasting with the 3 percent anticipated by analysts, has already cast a shadow over the reporting season, primarily attributed to a sales slump in Asia, notably from its flagship label Gucci, raising concerns […]

Spotlight Launchmetrics Credits: Backstage at Giorgio Armani SS24 Opinion Workers in an Italian factory who were found to be exploited while producing accessories for Giorgio Armani highlight the complexity of fashion supply chains. Even in a heavily regulated continent like Europe, it is possible to evade the systems in place to ensure worker safety and protection. Fashion supply chains are fragmented, involving multiple entities in the production process, including suppliers of raw […]

Credits: (l. to r. ): Raiah Chavah Young, Ronald Harris Jr., Olivia Ronayne (FIDM) by ABImages As the class of 2024 completes their academic journey in becoming fashion professionals, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) recently showcased the graduates' final collections with huge success. Stepping into the fashion industry, those collections play a crucial role for graduates to expand their network and share their work. As the international B2B network, FashionUnited […]

Puma ‘Forever. Faster. See The Game Like We Do’ campaign Credits: Puma Sports brand Puma has unveiled its first worldwide brand campaign in 10 years, marking its “biggest marketing investment ever” to strengthen its sports performance positioning. The ‘Forever. Faster. See The Game Like We Do’ campaign has been launched to position Puma as the “fastest brand in the world,” in terms of how its products help athletes across football, running, basketball and handball. Richard […]

M&S Kingsley Village Exterior Credits: M&S British retailer Marks & Spencer has launched a 1-million-pound Plan A Accelerator Fund to invest in projects to help it achieve its net zero goals by 2040. M&S said it was turning its “market-leading approach to innovation to tackle climate change,” to reduce scope 3 emissions and become a net zero business across all its operations and entire value chain by 2040. One of the projects it is investing in is a new fibre-to-fibre […]

THG Credits: THG/Facebook THG Group’s preliminary revenue declined 8.4 percent, while the group’s continuing revenue of 1,983.7 million pounds, declined 2.8 percent as the company prioritised profitable sales and territories reflected in the higher quality EBITDA. Fourth quarter revenue improved 1.1 percent. The company said in a statement that the UK was a key growth market and international sales remained a significant portion of Group sales at 54.2 percent. Adjusted gross margin […]

Chrono24 Credits: Chrono24 Chrono24, the online marketplace for luxury watches, has launched a new ‘Certified’ authentication programme to provide transparency and a guarantee in vetting pre-owned timepieces for collectors. The programme will be available for pre-owned timepieces above 1,000 euros from professional and private sellers. The certification includes a comprehensive authenticity check of a purchaser’s watch, box, and papers, alongside a theft check, where the serial number is […]

Online fashion retailer Shein has announced it is opening a pop-up shop in Liverpool One from April 19 to 21. The pop-up will mark Shein’s first of 2024 and will showcase its latest spring/summer 2024 collections, including partywear, workwear, swimwear and curve, as well as its beauty range ‘Sheglam’ and homeware. In addition, the pop-up will also introduce its new fashion label ‘Musera’ to consumers for the first time. The label, created by Shein’s new design team in Manchester, […]

Cotswolds Designer Outlet Credits: Multi-Realm Retail Dutch retail management and development company Multi Corporation is returning to the UK after acquiring a majority stake in retail asset and property manager Realm, which represents 45 percent of the UK outlet market. Realm, founded in 2021, is a leading operator of retail destinations and designer outlets. Its portfolio includes the London Designer Outlet, Wembley Park, Resorts World, Birmingham, Lakeside Village, Doncaster, Ringsted […]

The Honest Company logo Credits: The Honest Company Beauty Actress Jessica Alba has announced that she is stepping down from her role as chief creative officer of The Honest Company, the clean beauty and lifestyle brand that she co-founded in 2012. In a statement, Alba said: “When I created The Honest Company, I set out to change the consumer product industry and I can proudly say, we did just that. Honest has been a true labour of love for me - one that showed me what’s possible when you […]

Boudoir Dressing main image Credits: Boudoir Dressing©Launchmetrics/spotlight “What goes around comes around,” is the saying, and this was certainly one of the strongest messages of the Fall/Winter 2024 runway season. Designers harked back to the 1920s and 1930s, and more specifically, the garments found in a stylish woman’s boudoir, including corsets, satin and lace underwear, slips and other sheer layers, in a color palette that included shades of black, ochre, pale pink and nude, […]

In Pictures Donde Esteban campaign Credits: Donde Esteban Colombian designer Esteban Cortázar is launching a new resortwear brand, ‘Donde Esteban,’ infused with a Caribbean-meets-Mediterranean flavour. Created to offer a destination “for endless summer lovers,” Donde Esteban offers resortwear celebrating Cortázar’s roots, which spans Cartagena, Miami, Ibiza, and Paris, featuring unisex laidback silhouettes in vivid prints, created in close collaboration with his father, […]

Credits: Austrian Fashion Association The Austrian Fashion Association (AFA) has launched its revamped website, austrianfashionassociation.at, showcasing a new look and an updated corporate identity that reflects its commitment to promoting Austrian fashion. Designed by the creative team at EXEX, the new website features a modern, user-friendly interface filled with comprehensive information on the AFA's services, projects, events, and interviews with fashion luminaries. At the heart of the […]

P448 store in New York Credits: P448 P448 has announced a joint venture partnership with The Camp Brands to expand and grow P448's European wholesale distribution and open stores in Europe. In addition, The Camp Brands will also manufacture and market P448 branded apparel globally. P448 Europa The company said in a release that the new division will be called P448 Europa, and managed by its newly appointed managing director Javier Carrera, who as co-founder and managing partner of The Camp […]

Woolrich, Superdry and PME Legend. Credits: FashionUnited Marketplace.What it is: Geometric patterns are the defining mark of a Fair Isle sweater, a staple knitwear item that has made its way from the coast of 18th century Scotland to the runways of luxury designers. The sweater aptly takes its name from the Fair Isles, where it is believed that a fisherman began experimenting with the look firstly in the form of hats. Now, this piece of former fishing workwear has become a classic, favoured […]

Fashion Eye United Kingdom at Le Bon Marché, Paris Credits: © ARR via LVMH Louis Vuitton has unveiled its latest addition to the Fashion Eye Collection, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the United Kingdom through the lens of acclaimed photographer Martin Parr. The presentation took place at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche in Paris as part of the "Mise En Page" event curated by Sarah Andelman, co-founder of the iconic Colette concept store and publisher of Just An Idea Books. Running until April […]

The race to acquire luxury real estate is getting hotter as Chanel and Louis Vuitton are bidding for the same building in Manhattan’s prestigious Fifth Avenue retail area. As top-tier luxury brands vie for their space in the world’s most iconic shopping corridors, the building at 745 Fifth Ave and 58th Street is a most prestige location and according to Bloomberg has both companies interested in its acquisition. The pursuit of properties along Manhattan's Fifth Avenue underscores the […]

Whistles. Credits: TFG London. In what has been dubbed as a “significant step forward” in its strategic growth plans, TFG London has announced a successful 90 million pound funding. The group, which owns Hobbs, Whistles and Phase Eight, said that it had secured the refinancing of an existing 60 million pound debt facility on top of an additional 30 million pound, giving it “flexibility for further investment in its brand platform”. The debt facility, which will also support the […]

L'Occitane en Provence Credits: FashionUnited Cosmetics giant L’Occitane has announced that it has halted the trading of its shares pending an announcement related to takeover and merger codes. The revelation comes amid recent media speculation suggesting that asset management firm Blackstone Inc. was circling the skincare group, mulling a bid while conducting preliminary due diligence, as Bloomberg News reported last week. According to the media outlet, L’Occitane International’s owner […]

Staffonly AW23, Shanghai Fashion Week. Credits: Dia Communications Swedish fashion giant H&M has announced it will be partnering with Shanghai Fashion Week on a new collaborative collection with Chinese designers in a bid to showcase local design. Set to be released in autumn 2024, the collection will come as part of the duo’s efforts to diversify commercial channels and leverage fashion industry resources as they aim to support contemporary Chinese fashion. Building on Shanghai Fashion […]

Sephora Newcastle hoardings Credits: Sephora Beauty Beauty emporium Sephora is continuing its UK expansion with two new stores set to open in Newcastle this autumn. Sephora said it will open a 6,515-square-foot store at Eldon Square and a 6,180-square-foot unit at the MetroCentre, offering local customers “an unparalleled shopping experience” and brands across make-up, travel, fragrance, skincare, haircare, grooming and wellness. Exclusive brands will include Makeup by Mario, GXVE by Gwen […]

Veja Brooklyn store Credits: Veja French sustainable trainer brand Veja is opening its second location in New York City in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, today, April 9, featuring its first in-house cobbler in the US. Veja Brooklyn store Credits: Veja The new 2,300 square-foot space features original brick walls, concrete floors and wooden ceilings with wooden benches and plaster displays to showcase its collection of sneakers. Veja Brooklyn store Credits: Veja The store, located at 111 […]

The new workwear collection by Engelbert Strauss in collaboration with the US Stuntmen’s Association. Credits: Engelbert Strauss, Inc. German workwear manufacturer Engelbert Strauss has partnered with the US Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures for a collection of co-branded workwear and apparel. The collection includes hoodies, t-shirts and polo shirts, as well as signature workwear attire like cargo work shorts, work pants and work jackets. All pieces carry custom, co-branded tonal […]

Leeds high street Credits: Unsplash Non-essential spending growth hit an 18-month low in March in the UK, as a new report from Barclays shows that consumer card spending growth flatlined, on par with February’s modest 1.9 percent uplift and significantly less than the latest CPIH inflation rate of 3.8 percent. This was due to a slowdown in non-essential spending, which saw its smallest increase (1.6 percent) since September 2022, as wet weather dampened retail and restaurant sales. The […]

Credits: Fashion Revolution Fashion Revolution Week is almost upon us. The organisation is gearing up for its 10th anniversary year, with 10 days of global action and locally driven activities set to take place from April 15 to 24. The theme for this year, ‘How to be a Fashion Revolutionary’, draws inspiration from the efforts of Fashion Revolution’s global community over the last decade, exploring what it means to be part of the movement and putting on a pedestal those who are behind […]

Rendering of Rixo New York pop-up Credits: Casa Angulo Studio British womenswear brand Rixo, known for its vintage-inspired and feminine print designs, is to open its first-ever bricks-and-mortar presence in the US with a pop-up in New York as part of the brand’s international expansion plans. The pop-up, located at 19 Prince Street, Soho, New York, will be open from April 22 for three months and will offer a curated selection of the brand’s latest spring/summer 2024 collection alongside […]

Eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica has completed its acquisition of Washin Optical Co., a Japanese optical retailer with around 70 direct stores in the country. The acquisition is part of the eyewear group’s investment in ‘Made in Japan’ manufacturing and will allow it to strengthen its optical retail presence in Japan. Francesco Milleri, chairman and chief executive at EssilorLuxottica, said in a statement: “When we look at Japan, we see a long runway ahead with potential for growth and […]