News

Sale window displays at Galeries Lafayette in Rennes (January 2026). Credits: FashionUnited / Julia Garel Paris - Building on “solid performance” in a “complex environment”, the Galeries Lafayette group announced on Wednesday an investment plan of 260 million euros by 2030. The company has the ambition of making its Parisian flagship on Boulevard Haussmann the “world's leading department store”. The historic brand has an international presence with 17 integrated and 38 affiliated […]

Marta Lastra Moro, CEO of Altuzarra. Credits: Marta Lastra Moro. Madrid – New York-based fashion brand Altuzarra, founded by French-American fashion designer Joseph Altuzarra, is restructuring its management with the appointment of Spanish executive Marta Lastra as the brand's new chief executive officer. She assumes the position with immediate effect, taking over from the designer himself. He will now rely on the Spanish executive's expertise to refocus all his efforts on the brand's […]

Credits: Helly Hansen Kontoor Brands has expanded the role of chief financial officer Joseph Alkire, who will now also take on global responsibility for the Helly Hansen business. The move, effective immediately, adds brand leadership to Alkire’s existing responsibilities as CFO and global head of operations, reflecting a strategic focus on accelerating growth across Kontoor’s portfolio. In a statement, Scott Baxter, president, CEO and chairman of Kontoor, said: “Joe has been my […]

Tom Holland starring in Vuori’s spring 2026 campaign Credits: Vuori photographed by Cass Bird American performance and lifestyle brand Vuori is continuing to drive its global presence after signing a new multi-year partnership with British actor, producer, and entrepreneur Tom Holland. In a statement, Vuori said that Holland would be joining forces with the company as a “creative, strategic, and financial partner,” where he would become a long-term collaborator on future storytelling, […]

FatFace campaign imagery. Credits: FatFace. FatFace has launched its first in-store personal styling service as part of a broader investment into enhancing the customer experience across physical and digital channels. The new service, Face to Face, offers complimentary one-to-one styling sessions designed to provide customers with tailored guidance in a relaxed setting. The initiative is currently being trialled in six UK locations, with plans to expand to additional stores over the coming […]

Jack Draper working with the Axel Arigato team on his collaboration Credits: Axel Arigato Tennis star Jack Draper, currently the UK’s number one-ranked tennis player, continues to be one of the sport's most marketable athletes after announcing a new sneaker partnership with Swedish footwear brand Axel Arigato. The move marks Axel Arigato’s first collaboration with an athlete, as part of the Swedish brand’s strategy to expand its cultural influence in sport, as well as Draper’s first […]

A Valentino handbag Image: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight The court-ordered judicial administration for Valentino Bags Lab SrL, a company belonging to the fashion house Valentino, has been ended early, according to media reports. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the measure was imposed in May last year because the company, which produces accessories for the Valentino brand, allegedly worked with Chinese-led subcontractors where exploitative working conditions were prevalent. A […]

Harrods/Schiaparelli Credits: Schiaparelli In London, the department store Harrods is dedicating an installation to Schiaparelli, following the “Fashion Becomes Art” exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A). By engaging with this cultural moment, the retailer is creating a dialogue between the shopping experience and artistic references. Harrods is combining its in-store activation with the “Fashion Becomes Art” exhibition at the V&A, which runs until November 8, […]

David Nussbaum, Michael Greenberg, and Howie Mandel at Proto Hologram launch in Skechers Manhattan Beach Store Credits: Skechers Footwear and apparel brand Skechers has launched its debut permanent proto hologram retail experience at its Manhattan Beach store in Los Angeles.  The experience sees Skechers brand ambassador Howie Mandel ‘brought to life’ via an interactive, immersive 3D hologram installation. Said to be among the first permanent proto-hologram installations to open in a […]

AI-generated models and outfits at Otto Image: Otto A perfect smile, a flawless body, an outfit that fits like a glove. The image looks normal in an online shop; after all, it is a model. Or is it? Increasingly, these images are not created by real people, but by artificial intelligence (AI). Companies are using AI more and more in their online shops, promising speed, efficiency and lower costs. For models worldwide, this raises a fundamental question: will the industry even need real people […]

Interior of the Palacio de la Bolsa de Madrid, Spain. Credits: Creative Commons. Madrid – Optimism is taking hold of the markets following the hopeful bilateral ceasefire agreed between the governments of the US and Iran in the early hours of Wednesday, April 8, Central European Summer Time. The agreement, reached for the next two weeks, is based on open negotiations for a “definitive” and “long-term” peace deal. It will also guarantee “safe passage” through the Strait of […]

Stephen Belfer, CEO and president of Joseph Ribkoff. Credits: Joseph Ribkoff. Interview When Stephen Belfer was appointed as VP, global sales and business development for Joseph Ribkoff in November 2025, he didn’t think that just weeks later he would actually be taking up the helm of the Canadian heritage label. “I guess somebody had a different plan for me,” he joked in a conversation with FashionUnited. Now serving as president and chief executive officer, Belfer has been tasked with […]

Fashion Trust U.S. 2026 winners Credits: Fashion Trust U.S. by Getty Fashion Trust U.S. (FTUS), the non-profit organisation founded by Tania Fares to provide business and financial support to US-based designers, hosted its fourth annual awards in Los Angeles on Tuesday night (April 7), celebrating emerging designers and honouring Tory Burch and Michèle Lamy. Hosted by American actress and comedian Ego Nwodim, the award ceremony featured a performance by Lykke Li and celebrated designers […]

Credits: Superdry & Co Fashion SEO agency Verde Digital has been appointed by global fashion brand Superdry & Co. to support its organic growth strategy following the retailer’s recent rebrand. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Cheltenham, Superdry operates more than 700 stores across 65 countries. The partnership with Verde Digital comes after the brand’s transition to Superdry & Co. in late 2025, marking a new phase for the business as it advances its product offering and […]

Credits: Persol Persol turns to the Riviera as both setting and muse: a place where natural splendor meets a refined yet genuine way of life, and where luxury is measured in time well spent and in the quiet precision of every detail. The campaign unfolds at an unhurried pace, shaped by sunlight, sea air, and moments of stillness, where past and present blend effortlessly. Among sunlit palazzos overlooking the water and landscapes untouched by time, the Riviera becomes a reflection of Persol's […]

Whistles SS26 campaign Credits: Whistles London fashion brand Whistles has announced two new senior appointments, a new design director and commercial director, to support the retailer’s ambition to drive long-term, sustained growth. James Blacklock joins as commercial director, a newly created role designed to accelerate Whistles’ commercial momentum, while Mo Riach has been appointed design director, another new role, to shape "the next era of Whistles’ product design". In a statement, […]

Cartier decorative watchmaking Credits: Cartier The King’s Foundation, a charity founded by King Charles III, has announced a three-year partnership with luxury jewellery house Cartier to form a new education programme to teach the next generation of specialist artisans for the watchmaking industry. In a statement, The King’s Foundation said the move with Cartier was born of a “shared belief in the importance of preserving rare artistry crafts and supporting the next generation of […]

Credits: Photo Credits: La artesana japonesa Eriko Inazaki, ganadora del Loewe Craft Prize de 2023, junto a Jonathan Anderson, director creativo de Loewe, y la escritora estadounidense Fran Lebowitz. Fotografía de cortesía. Legendary writer and cultural critic Fran Lebowitz makes her return to Harper's Bazaar to discuss 'Then and Now,' offering her signature witty commentary on the current state of the world. She weighs in on everything from fashion, literature, and politics to technology. […]

Credits: Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM) Designer Silvia Tcherassi and Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM) have announced the second installation of the "Silvia Tcherassi Scholarship," expanding the program's scope to accept applicants from all Latin American countries. The initial scholarship launch in 2024 had been restricted to students in Colombia. The partnership aims to foster emerging talent in the region’s fashion industry by providing young designers with educational development and […]

Pierre Gasly joins Lacoste as ambassador. Credits: Lacoste French driver Pierre Gasly joins Lacoste as an ambassador, embodying its iconic polo. Passionate about tennis and golf, he represents the intersection of sport, style, and culture. Born in Rouen in 1996, he began karting at six and rose quickly through motorsport, making his Formula 1 debut in 2017. He became the youngest French driver to reach a podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2019, and won the Italian Grand Prix in Monza in […]

Valentino store front Credits: Image: Valentino Valentino is strengthening its management team. Antonio Achille will become the new chief operating and transformation officer, effective April 8. According to a statement, the appointment is part of the Mayhoola-controlled brand's wider organisational evolution. The goal is to consolidate operational efficiency, innovation and international development. In his new role, the University of British Columbia graduate will report directly to CEO […]

Kingston store. Credits: Sports Direct Frasers Group plc has opened a new Sports Direct store in Kingston upon Thames, further strengthening its London presence. Spanning 31,000 sq. ft across two floors, Sports Direct Kingston offers a comprehensive selection of sports and lifestyle clothing, footwear and equipment for men, women and children - reinforcing Sports Direct’s position as the UK’s leading sports retailer. Lauren Barrie, Chief Retail Officer at Frasers Group commented, “Sports […]

This image was created using artificial intelligence (an AI tool) to illustrate this background article. Microplastics are so small that you cannot see them with the naked eye Credits: FashionUnited The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a federal government department focused on protecting the health of Americans and providing essential human services, has launched a 144 million US dollar programme to investigate how microplastics build up within the human body and […]

Credits: The Art Academy of Latvia Art Academy of Latvia will host its annual LMA Fashion Show on 29 May, bringing together emerging designers under the overarching theme “Definition,” which also connects the institution’s Design Days and Graduate Days events. The show, taking place at Hanzas Perons, marks the 33rd edition and will explore how fashion, art and design define their role in a changing cultural landscape. The event aims to provide a platform for young designers to present […]

Interview SS26. Credits: Enorsia For Spring/Summer 2026, UK-based fashion brand Enorsia sharpens its minimal identity with a collection built around breathable fabrics, refined silhouettes and elevated everyday essentials. Designed for men and women aged 30 and above, SS26 reflects a season of clarity, lighter layers, functional tailoring and understated confidence. FashionUnited spoke with Enorsia’s Founder about the direction behind SS26, the role of sustainability and how the brand […]

Exterior of the Puig corporate headquarters in Barcelona, Spain, with the facades of the Puig-T1 and Puig-T2 towers. Credits: Puig. Madrid – Since confirming on March 24 that they were in negotiations for a potential merger of their respective businesses, Puig and The Estée Lauder Companies have not provided any new official information. The only exception was a statement in which the Spanish company updated its financial calendar at the end of that week. This has not prevented information […]

In Pictures Aries x Champion collection Credits: Champion American athleticwear brand Champion, part of the Authentic Brands Group portfolio, has unveiled a collaboration with UK streetwear brand Aries, centred around boxing. The capsule collection is rooted in the “raw physicality and spirit of boxing,” explains Champion, and sees the London-based Aries reworking the brand’s classic Reverse Weave, using deadstock jerseys that have been aged and printed with graphics created by […]

Rapha + Patta 2025 Credits: Rapha British cycling apparel brand Rapha has appointed Scott Mellin, former Salomon global chief brand officer, to its board of directors. Mellin, who has more than three decades of brand-building, product innovation, and cultural marketing expertise from brands within the outdoor and performance sport sector, including The North Face and Salomon, has been added to the board for his experience shaping brand identity across material innovation, sustainability, […]

Grassington High Street, Skipton, UK Credits: Unsplash by Jonathan MONCK-MASON New data from MRI Software has shown Easter weekend boosting footfall performance in the UK, as warmer weather and local events motivated visits to towns and cities. According to the analytics platform, for the period April 3 to 6, overall footfall rose 3.4 percent year-on-year, with high streets welcoming a notable 4.1 percent uptick followed by shopping centres (3.8 percent) and retail parks (1.8 percent). Easter […]

Retail crime Credits: Pexels Sportswear giant Nike is facing a class action lawsuit over its alleged failure to secure consumer information amid a data breach on January 21, 2026. The suit, filed with an Oregon federal court and reported on by WWD, was brought by complainant Maria Gomez who claimed that the company did not safeguard shopper details stored in its network, including billing addresses, phone numbers, and transaction data. Nike is also accused of neglecting to notify shoppers to […]

Vera Wang Bride Credits: courtesy of Pronovias Group US-based luxury label Vera Wang has named Stephan Schuster as its new commercial director for the UK and Europe. Schuster, who announced the appointment via the professional networking platform LinkedIn, will be tasked with establishing and driving the brand’s business across both e-commerce and wholesale channels within these key markets. Schuster joins the New York-headquartered fashion house with extensive experience in the premium and […]

ChannelEngine Announces New Partnership with Monta. Credits: ChannelEngine ChannelEngine, the global marketplace integration and automation platform, today announced an expansion of its partnership with Monta, a leading fulfillment provider. With this expanded partnership, brands can now combine marketplace connectivity with scalable, local fulfilment, seamlessly integrated and powered by Monta. This development marks a significant step in ChannelEngine’s evolution, extending its offering […]

Dr. Martens store Credits: Dr. Martens British footwear brand Dr. Martens has announced the appointment of general managers for its primary global markets. The move follows a broader initiative to simplify the operating model of the company in alignment with its new consumer-first strategy. The brand is transitioning to a market-level structure designed to increase proximity to the consumer base. This shift is accompanied by a reinforcement of global brand, technology and support functions. […]

Credits: Unsplash. Can fashion journalism reinvent itself? As traditional media faces a crisis, journalists are turning to the paid newsletter platform Substack. The platform promises editorial independence and substantial revenue for the most astute writers. Founded in the US in 2017, Substack is not a media outlet but a website. It allows users to subscribe to free or paid newsletters, which cost around six euros per month. The author then receives the income, minus a 10 percent commission. […]

Image: OLYMP Just in time for the 2026 wedding season, OLYMP Bezner KG is presenting an attractive collection of festive looks. The brand, known for its high-quality menswear and based in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany, has designed the collection to make the big day fashionably unique. The special wedding range from OLYMP includes shirts in various designs, colours, patterns, fits, collar styles and sleeve lengths, all available in a wide spectrum of sizes. All shirts feature high-quality […]

President Donald J. Trump during a press conference on March 9, 2026. Credits: The White House, by Daniel Torok. Madrid – Diplomacy has prevailed over conflict following an announcement made in the early hours of this morning, Central European Summer Time, by US president Donald J. Trump. The statement concerns the armed conflict involving the armies of the US, Israel and Iran since February 28. This crisis appears to be on track according to the American president, who announced a two-week […]

Levi's store Credits: Levi's US-based denim leader Levi Strauss & Co. has reported robust financial results for the first quarter ended March 1, 2026, prompting the group to increase its full-year outlook. The company saw broad-based growth across all regions and channels, bolstered by its strategic pivot toward a direct-to-consumer (DTC) denim lifestyle model. Quarterly revenue and regional performance Net revenues reached 1.7 billion dollars, representing a 14 percent increase on a […]

Leicester, UK. Credits: Unsplash. The UK government has officially launched the Fair Work Agency (FWA), an organisation designed to protect workers’ rights and ensure accountability from businesses required to follow employment laws. Its formation addresses a system that has been historically fragmented, providing both workers and employers with a single entity to turn to regarding workplace rights. Context and backdrop The UK fashion supply chain is currently undergoing a profound […]

Pioneer Denim's Perfume of the Highlands collection, created in collaboration with Adriano Goldschmied Credits: Pioneer Denim Interview This interview was previously published in Italian on 26 March 2026. With the passing of Adriano Goldschmied earlier this week we decided to translate it. Denim's roots date back to the 1500s. Despite its age, this fabric is still very much in fashion and relevant. Many luxury brands have featured it in their latest collections, appealing to both new […]

Credits: University of Palermo University of Palermo has introduced a new industry-focused workshop as part of its Bachelor of Design programme, connecting students with professionals to develop solutions for real-world projects. The initiative is part of the “Real Works for Real Clients” programme and involves collaboration with Metrar and Solar Concept Gallery. Third-year students were tasked with creating proposals for the gallery, combining creativity with production feasibility and […]

Credits: Montclair State University Montclair State University students are set to present their annual fashion show, offering a platform for emerging designers to showcase original work across a wide range of styles and silhouettes. According to coverage from Montclair Local, the student-produced event highlights creative experimentation, with collections exploring diverse aesthetics and concepts through design and styling. The runway serves as a space for students to translate coursework […]

Pronovias store at 70-71 New Bond Street, London (UK). Credits: Pronovias. Madrid – This marks the latest chapter in the turbulent decline of the Spanish bridal fashion group Pronovias, a journey that began with its sale by Alberto Palatchi in 2017 to the British private equity fund BC Partners. This transaction is seen as the root of the financial difficulties the company has since faced. Pronovias is now on the brink of filing for insolvency and is embroiled in a bidding war, with notable […]

Credits: Zimmermann Following Brussels, Australian brand Zimmermann has announced the opening of a new boutique in Knokke, on the Kustlaan coastal boulevard. This opening is part of Zimmermann's European rollout, which relies on a hybrid model of its own stores* and wholesale distribution. Founded in 1991, the brand is positioned in the contemporary luxury segment. Majority-owned by investment fund Advent International since 2023, Roberto Eggs (formerly of Moncler) will become the new chief […]

Credits: XPOOOS While a coordinated outfit or a pair of sneakers might start a conversation, it is often the hidden space between the shoe and the cuff that truly tells your story. In an era where personal branding is everything, socks have undergone a "2025 glow-up," evolving from a functional underdog into a powerful stylistic signature. According to The Guardian, socks have become fashion’s "hottest topic of the decade," shifting to center-stage as a tool for "minor rebellion" and […]

In Pictures ViX Paula Hermanny x Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Credits: ViX Paula Hermanny Luxury Brazilian swimwear and resort wear brand ViX Paula Hermanny has announced British model and entrepreneur Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as its new designer and global ambassador. Described by Huntington-Whiteley as an “incredibly personal” collaboration, the model has co-designed three collections with Paula Hermanny featuring swim and ready-to-wear pieces, centred around the duo's shared vision […]

Beijing Image: Zhang Kaiyv / Pexels Just days after a historic visit from a delegation of nine MEPs, Beijing published new national strategic guidelines on Monday, April 6, 2026. Amidst reinforced customs duties and a push for “harmonisation with international rules”, China is reforming its ultra-fast fashion model, which has become a major issue in economic diplomacy. Trigger: explosion of small parcels and safety scandal The conflict reached a climax in March 2026 following the […]

Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the AAFA. Credits: American Image Awards, 2020. The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has filed a legal complaint challenging the implementation of California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, marking a significant development in the rollout of the US’s first extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for textiles. The complaint targets regulator CalRecycle, arguing that its initial designation of a Producer Responsibility […]

Sean Wotherspoon, chief community curator at Klekt Credits: Klekt Klekt, Europe’s sneaker and street culture marketplace, has announced that American sneaker designer, collector, and entrepreneur Sean Wotherspoon has invested in the platform, which was acquired by Belfast-based fashion technology firm Responsible in November 2025. In a statement, Klekt said that Wotherspoon would be investing an undisclosed sum in the platform and joining as its new chief community curator to help guide […]

As Colour's first European store. Credits: As Colour New Zealand-based apparel brand As Colour has opened in the Netherlands. It is the brand's first European store. For its first location, it has chosen the Negen Straatjes shopping district. Internationally, the brand has 27 stores and six distribution centres across Europe, the United States, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The Amsterdam store opening marks its 28th store worldwide. As Colour was founded in Auckland in 2005. The brand […]

Topman design competition with ST.ART Gallery Credits: Topman Menswear brand Topman has launched a design competition to spotlight emerging artists from photography, painting, illustration, and printmaking. The open call competition is being launched in collaboration with contemporary London-based space, the ST.ART Gallery, and is looking to discover three winners. The competition is calling on artists to submit their interpretations of Topman’s latest collection, ‘Gentle Transition,’ […]

Leicester, UK. Credits: Pexels. Labour Behind the Label has warned that widespread labour exploitation persists across the UK’s fashion supply chains, despite planned reforms aimed at improving worker protections. In a new briefing, the organisation outlines the scale of non-compliance in the UK labour market, particularly in fast fashion production. Citing research from Resolution Foundation, the report highlights that 32 percent of low-paid workers are underpaid, while 900,000 workers […]

Credits: CO2. Image: Unsplash In 2017, the Kering group announced its intention to reduce its emissions by 50 percent by 2025 through optimisation and offsetting. Nine years later, in 2026, the industry no longer aims to reduce its footprint; it is transforming carbon into a resource. This marks a paradigm shift, with fashion moving from the realm of textiles to that of Climate-Tech. Historically, fashion has always been an extractive industry. Fibre is created by cultivating crops, felling […]

Norwich, UK. Shopping Street. Credits: Unsplash. Marks & Spencer has called for urgent government action to tackle rising retail crime, warning that increasing violence and theft are eroding confidence in UK high streets. In a statement, the department store’s retail director Thinus Keeve said crime in stores is becoming “more brazen, more organised and more aggressive”, with frontline retail workers facing daily abuse and violence. The comments come amid growing concern across the […]

Unspun's 3D weaving facility in California. Credits: Unspun. A number of US retailers, including Walmart and REI, have signed letters of support for Unspun’s plan to build automated apparel manufacturing hubs in the US using AI-enabled 3D weaving technology. The initiative aims to bring production closer to consumers at a commercial scale, supported by supply chain partners such as Bethel Industries, Peckham and PDS Ltd / GSC Link. Unspun is currently evaluating sites across multiple US […]

Credits: Abercrombie & Fitch Co.; Hollister A US district court has denied attempts by Abercrombie & Fitch, operating as Hollister, to compel arbitration in a consumer lawsuit alleging deceptive pricing practices, allowing the case to move forward as a potential class action. The lawsuit, filed with the US District Court of the Southern District of California, centres on claims that Hollister misled consumers through “strike-through” pricing on its website, displaying higher […]

Credits: Minelli Facebook Shoe brand Minelli has once again been placed into administration, two and a half years after a similar procedure led to the brand's acquisition, according to a court document seen by AFP, confirming a report by L'Informé. Minelli had been in a safeguarding procedure since September, which was converted into administration in March by a ruling from the Paris commercial court. This decision means the company is now officially insolvent. A fragile rescue in 2024 […]

Matt Madrigal joins Tapestry board Credits: Business Wire American luxury group Tapestry, the parent company of Coach and Kate Spade, has announced the appointment of Matt Madrigal to its board of directors. Madrigal, who currently serves as the chief technology officer of US visual discovery platform Pinterest, joins the board effective immediately. The addition of Madrigal increases the board membership to 11, of which ten are independent directors. The move aligns with the group strategy to […]

Feng Cheng Wang's show during Shanghai Fashion Week is accompanied by a performance. Credits: via the label More than almost any other fashion week, Shanghai demonstrates how the trends of tomorrow become relevant through a country's cultural heritage. The autumn/winter 2026 collections of many emerging labels were particularly compelling because they were as rooted in the zeitgeist as they were in history. The city, too, continues to serve as a testing ground for global corporations, from […]

FW26 season trends; (from left to right): Erdem, Alaia, Dior Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight The autumn/winter 2026 season has concluded, leaving an unexpectedly quiet echo. After several cycles marked by sensational debuts from new creative directors and a near-constant rotation at the helm of luxury fashion houses, a calmer phase is now emerging. Many designers seem to have settled into their roles. This is reflected in collections that feel considered, are precisely executed and place a […]

Zara Man store in the Mall Of Berlin shopping centre in Berlin, Germany. Credits: Zara. Madrid – Inditex continues to advance its careful segmentation strategy for Zara with the opening of a new store in Berlin. The store is exclusively dedicated to showcasing and selling its menswear collection. This type of store was renewed and relaunched by the flagship fashion brand of the group, chaired by Marta Ortega, in November 2024. This followed the closure of all stores that had previously been […]

View of the city of Barcelona, Spain. Credits: Unsplash. Madrid – Kick-starting the celebrations for the 37th edition of the 080 Barcelona Fashion catwalk, Barcelona is preparing to host the International Days of European Designer Fashion from Monday, April 13, to Tuesday, April 14. European Designer Fashion Summit in Barcelona Officially titled the "European Designer Fashion Summit," the event will take place at the Tinglados event space in the Port of Barcelona. Organized by the Fundación […]

Interview Buenos Aires - For Peruvian designer Annaiss Yucra, opening her first physical store recent was not an impulsive decision, but the result of a process built over time—shaped by textile heritage, experimentation and commercial validation. In today’s digital era, where many brands are born and grow through social media, physical retail continues to play a strategic role in the fashion business. However, far from being an immediate step, opening a store usually responds to a […]

A portrait of Adriano Goldschmied Credits: Adriano Goldschmied Adriano Goldschmied, known as the godfather of denim, has passed away today in Castelfranco Veneto at the age of 82. He was known everywhere for the brands he created and for his commitment to sustainability in the denim industry. A true gentleman with a kind manner, Goldschmied was always willing to share his vast knowledge in the field of denim and innovation. He died at dawn in the Castelfranco hospital after a long illness. […]

Credits: 80's Statement Dressing ©Launchmetrics/spotlight On the FW 26 runways, designers showed a renewed interest in the bold silhouettes of the 1980s, reflecting a broader shift toward statement dressing. The decade’s defining styles, jewel-toned colors, strong shoulders on blazers and blouses, and the little black dress for evening, conveying female confidence and authority. Embellishments, like bows, were similarly oversized. These looks tap into a type of power dressing originally […]

Toni Sailer Sports autumn/winter 2025/26 collection Credits: Toni Sailer Sports As tulips begin to bloom in the valleys and trees start to bud, the winter high season returns to the mountains. At Easter, snow enthusiasts travel to the mountains one last time to enjoy the final runs of the season. What is the current state of the ski and snowboard market? For decades, the health of the industry could be reliably gauged at the Ispo sports trade fair in Munich, which was long dominated by winter […]

Fashion for Good Mobilises Industry To Adopt Mass Balance Attribution And Accelerate Decarbonisation Credits: Fashion for Good Fashion for Good has launched the Mass Balance Demonstrator, a new collaborative industry initiative to implement and scale a chain-of-custody system that traces biomass-based PET through textile supply chains.  The project is part of the global innovation platform's broader goal of accelerating decarbonisation across the apparel sector. Today, biosynthetic materials […]

CAFT anti-fur protest outside of Etsy HQ in Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY Credits: CAFT Etsy is set to ban the sale of all animal fur from August 2026, following a 50-plus-day protest campaign by the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (CAFT). The global online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods has updated its Animal Products Policy as part of its broader shift in its sustainability pillars and confirmed the changes in a separate email to CAFT.  In addition to prohibiting the sale of products […]

Artificial intelligence. Credits: Unsplash. Artificial intelligence (AI) is regarded as a key future technology in European retail. However, a recent study by London-based market research firm Retail Economics and Swedish technology provider Voyado reveals a significant gap between strategic ambition and practical implementation within the sector. The report, “The State of AI in European Retail Marketing & E-Commerce”, highlights that the industry is in a transitional phase. While […]

Green cap designed by Ecoalf with the slogan “Make Planet Earth Great Again”. Credits: Ecoalf. Madrid – To mark the Earth Month celebrations that begin every April, Spanish brand Ecoalf, a pioneer in merging sustainability and fashion design, has launched a controversial and striking campaign. The campaign reinvents the “Make America Great Again” slogan, which is associated with the presidential terms of US President Donald J. Trump. This initiative will be followed by the launch of […]

Credits: FashionUnited ai The UK retail sector faced a harsh reality check this week as total like-for-like (LFL) sales plunged by -7.74%. This represents the sharpest decline since the beginning of 2025 and stands in stark contrast to the robust +10.74% growth recorded during the same period last year. A sudden and dramatic shift in weather—from mild, settled spring conditions to a cold and unsettled spell—was the primary catalyst for a week that saw sales sink across all categories and […]

Credits: FashionUnited ai The global fashion industry entered March 2026 under mounting pressure from the Middle East conflict, yet delivered resilient earnings, strategic repositioning and landmark corporate transactions. Sentiment remained cautiously optimistic, with profitability gains offsetting topline softness while geopolitical disruption injected fresh uncertainty into supply chains. Profitability over volume The clearest trend was the pivot from revenue growth to margin expansion. […]

Credits: Van de Velde The daisy bra turns 30, and Marie Jo is celebrating in style. To mark the occasion, the brand teamed up with Belgian fashion designer Jordy Arthur for an exclusive couture collaboration: a one-of-a-kind reinterpretation of the archival daisy corset. The result is both a love letter to three decades of iconic design, and a showcase of what fashion can do. A match made in fashion heaven Jordy Arthur is a Hasselt-born fashion designer. Known for his joyful approach to […]

EssilorLuxottica has acquired a “significant” stake in Top Charoen Credits: EssilorLuxottica Eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica has made an overseas acquisition. The company has acquired a “significant” stake in Top Charoen, making it a partner. The transaction, for which financial details were not disclosed, consolidates the long-standing collaboration between the two companies. “The partnership with Top Charoen strengthens our presence in one of the most significant Asian countries. […]

Textile Exchange. Image for illustration. Credits: Luisa Bravo / Textile Exchange. Interview As the gap between sustainability goals and industry reality grows, Textile Exchange is shifting from a focus on guidance to one of shared accountability. In an interview with FashionUnited, Sarah Needham, chief engagement and partnerships officer, and Beth Jensen, chief impact officer, discuss the organisation's new action-oriented membership structure, designed to bridge the divide between ambition […]

Used clothing as a valuable resource. Credits: FashionUnited, image created with the help of artificial intelligence A recycling plant has been developed in China that uses artificial intelligence to quickly and automatically analyse textile waste according to its material composition. The “Fastsort-Textile” machine was developed by the Chinese company DataBeyond and named one of the best inventions of 2025 by The Times Magazine. The plant combines a conveyor belt system with an AI scanner […]

Credits: Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton presents the Speedy P9 in a series of still-life photographs and videos embodied by several Louis Vuitton Ambassadors and Friends of the House who open their Speedy P9 to reveal personal belongings that hint at their individual lifestyles. Credits: Louis Vuitton Epitomizing Louis Vuitton’s savoir-faire and travel legacy, the Speedy P9 boldly reimagines the iconic Speedy, first introduced in the 1930s. This medium-sized carryall has become […]

A bride-to-be stands in the "Free Fashion" pop-up store at Utrecht station, Netherlands, on April 2, 2026. Credits: Photo by STEPHANIE HAMEL / AFP Utrecht, Netherlands - "After about 30 minutes, I knew it was the one," confides Lara Peters, looking at her sleek, second-hand wedding dress. She had just said "I do" to her partner amidst the hustle and bustle of Utrecht station in the Netherlands. Two days earlier, the bride found her dress in a pop-up shop at the station. The shop is run by the […]

Burberry HQ at Horseferry House SW1 Credits: Derwent London UK commercial real estate owner Derwent London has exchanged contracts for the disposal of Horseferry House SW1 to an overseas investor. The 164,900 square foot building serves as the global headquarters for British fashion brand Burberry. The transaction is valued at 131.8 million pounds (174.5 million dollars) before rental top-ups. The sale price is reported to be marginally below the December 2025 book value. Completion of the […]

Sessùn store. Credits: Sessun Thirty years, 80 million euros in turnover and an unwavering global ambition. As it celebrates three decades of success, Sessùn is accelerating its international expansion. This provides an opportunity to review the retail strategy of a Marseille-based success story. Sessùn and its boutiques: a curatorial approach Sessùn currently generates 64 percent of its business through its own stores, with the online channel accounting for 19 percent and wholesale for […]

Lululemon store. Credits: Unsplash. US sportswear giant Nike has seen a jury verdict in its favour reversed by a federal judge in Manhattan, effectively nullifying a 355,450 dollars damages award against Canadian athleticwear company Lululemon USA Inc. (Lululemon). The decision, signed by district judge Arun Subramanian on March 24, 2025, follows a legal battle initiated in 2023. Nike had originally alleged that Lululemon infringed two patents regarding innovations in sneaker structures, […]

This image was generated using artificial intelligence (an AI tool) to illustrate this feature article. Microplastics are so small they are invisible to the naked eye. Credits: FashionUnited The way jeans are processed in the factory largely determines their environmental impact when washed by the consumer. New research, shared by The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) on LinkedIn, shows that combining mercerised yarn (treated cotton) with specific washes can reduce fibre shedding by 77 to 93 […]

Credit: Clear Fashion France's Clear Fashion app has reached a major operational milestone; more than 27,000 products can now be scanned in-store to instantly retrieve their official environmental impact score. The achievement comes five months after the country's government launched the French Environmental Cost scheme, a labeling initiative that entered its voluntary phase in October 2025. Through the scheme, every garment gets a numerical score based on environmental impact: the lower the […]

Image for visualisation Credits: Tom Fisk / Pexels During the crisis meeting on the largely blocked Strait of Hormuz, participating countries discussed possible further sanctions against Tehran. The British Foreign Office announced this following an online meeting convened by the UK with representatives from more than 40 countries. Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper spoke of a determination among many countries to open the strait, which is vital for global trade. No concrete steps have been taken […]

Alex S. Yu SS25. Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight The autumn/winter 2026 edition of Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) is almost here, and with it comes an internationally-fronted schedule bolstered by homegrown talent. Spanning April 8 to 12, VFW is bringing together more than 40 designers from over 10 countries to reflect its “multicultural approach” to fashion week. The decision to maintain a more global perspective is one that has been championed by organisers over the fashion week’s […]

Juan Carlos Mesa, fundador y director creativo de Maison Mesa, durante uno de los talleres formativos impulsados por el programa Moda Cálida en abril de 2024. Credits: Gran Canaria Moda Cálida. REPORT A growing skills gap in technical fashion education could slow the UK’s transition to a circular economy, according to a new industry report highlighted by Ecotextile News. The report, developed through the “Back to Baselines” project and funded by the Natural Environment Research […]

Credits: MARNI On the occasion of Design Week 2026, Marni x Cucchi opens in Milan as an experience celebrating quintessential Milanese social rituals — from the morning cappuccino to an espresso at the counter, through to the aperitivo. Lasting over three months, the project reimagines one of the city’s most iconic social places, blending the DNA and codes of Marni and Pasticceria Cucchi into a distinctive aesthetic envisioned by RedDuo Studio. Credits: MARNI Milanese cafés are […]

Sportsshoes.com app Credits: Sportsshoes.com UK running specialist Sportsshoes.com has transformed its digital strategy by integrating a native mobile application designed to foster customer loyalty and enhance commercial performance. The business, which was founded in 1982 and now reports a turnover exceeding 100 million pounds (133 million dollars), developed the platform as a key component of its transition toward a composable digital architecture. Working alongside UK software specialist […]

AI-generated image to illustrate traceability along the garment supply chain. Credits: FashionUnited Is the textile supply chain really as complex as commonly claimed? Does traceability thus remain merely a corporate buzzword rather than a reality of Tier 4 operations? What role does the informal sector play in the textile supply chain? And how can the physical-digital gap be bridged in rural farming? These and other pertinent questions prove that sustainability is no longer a moral luxury or […]

ThredUp's 2025 rebrand. Credits: ThredUp. Interview Resale is no longer a niche or sustainability-led initiative. It is taking measurable market share from traditional retail, with the global market projected to reach 393 billion dollars by 2030. ThredUp remains one of the sector’s leading players in the US. Here, resale grew at nearly four times a faster rate than the overall apparel market, even outpacing its global trajectory, according to ThredUp’s latest Resale Report. Now in its […]

Decathlon City Montparnasse, rue de Rennes, in Paris. Credits: Decathlon The Decathlon group published its annual results this Thursday, announcing a 4.0 percent increase in turnover compared to the 2024 financial year. It also reported a 7.1 percent growth in gross merchandise volume (GMV) at constant exchange rates. These improving figures are accompanied by strong operational profitability, with an EBITDA of 1.8 billion euros. As the sports retailer celebrates its 50th anniversary this […]

Credits: Saks Fifth Avenue US luxury retailer Saks Global has entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement with an ad hoc group of senior secured bondholders, securing a commitment for 500 million dollars in exit financing as it prepares to emerge from Chapter 11. The agreement is a key step in the company’s broader restructuring process, with Saks continuing discussions with stakeholders on a Plan of Reorganisation, which is expected to be filed in the coming weeks. Saks Global aims to […]

SS26. Credits: GANT Set in a sun-drenched garden, the campaign captures an intimate outdoor lunch among family and friends: a gathering where style feels natural, personal, and lived-in. The collection features light linen tailoring, soft colors, and fluid dresses designed to move seamlessly from casual daytime invitations to elevated evening occasions. At the heart of the campaign is chef Erika Blu of Atelier Renata, joined by her mother as they prepare a seasonal meal. Their presence grounds […]

Credits: The Lycra Company The Lycra Company, a global leader in innovative and sustainable fiber solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, today announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with Texhong International Group Limited (“Texhong”), one of the world’s largest suppliers of core-spun cotton textiles. Under the agreement, Texhong will exclusively partner with The Lycra Company to bring Renewable Lycra® fiber made with 30 percent plant-based content* […]

From left to right, Óscar García Maceiras, Mara Ortega Pérez and Javier Monteoliva Díaz during the 2025 Inditex Annual General Meeting, held on July 15, 2025 in Arteixo, La Coruña (Spain). Credits: Inditex. Madrid – Following the guidelines set for the execution of its 2023 to 2027 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Spanish fashion multinational Inditex group has distributed 14.8 million euros (17.06 million dollars) in shares among its top executives. The company has included Carlos […]

Kent&Curwen, autumn/winter 2026 collection ‘Whipplesnaith' Credits: Kent&Curwen Interview British heritage brand Kent&Curwen, established in 1926, has come a long way from creating ties for Oxford and Cambridge universities and inventing the first cricket jumper, to become synonymous with collegiate and sporting styles, blending British tradition with a "rebellious spirit” under the creative leadership of Daniel Kearns. 2026 marks the British brand’s centenary year, and chief […]

Fabletics is coming to KaDeWe with a shop-in-shop Image: Fabletics US activewear brand Fabletics is further expanding its presence in Germany. On Thursday, the company announced a “groundbreaking partnership” with the Berlin luxury department store KaDeWe. The brand will now open its own shop-in-shop space on the fourth floor. The opening, planned for the spring, holds special significance for the sportswear provider. “With more than 160 square metres, the new space will be Fabletics' […]

Credits: Dior At the heart of the Dior Fall 2026 collection, Jonathan Anderson continues his reinterpretation of the Medallion embellished with a delicate bow, the House’s emblematic seal since 1947 Conceived as an everyday essential, the Médaillon Flap bag features a clasp decorated with this signature motif. In small or medium versions, it is offered in several colours or in Dior Oblique jacquard, while its adjustable shoulder strap or sliding chain allow for different carrying options. […]

Credits: FIRE 3D fashion has moved beyond experimentation. Digital product creation is now embedded in collection development across the industry. Virtual prototyping. Reduced physical sampling. Faster development cycles. Photorealistic garments. The creative transformation is well underway. But wholesale monetisation is the real test. As brands scale digital product creation, a more strategic question is emerging: What actually defines the best 3D fashion B2B platform for wholesale? Because […]

Credits: BARTS For the Spring Summer 2026 season, Barts Amsterdam is strategically positioning its Slow Sunday Beach Club collection to meet the growing market demand for a blend of functional comfort and sporty elegance. This collection marks a deliberate shift toward a more refined beach aesthetic, aiming to capture the mid-to-premium segment through a balanced mix of timeless silhouettes and contemporary design elements. Credits: BARTS Strategic Market Positioning and Materiality The […]

In Pictures Primark’s adaptive swimwear for SS26 Credits: Primark High street fashion and lifestyle retailer Primark has expanded its adaptive clothing collection to include swimwear for the first time for spring/summer 2026, developed in partnership with adaptive fashion designer, disability campaigner and founder of Unhidden, Victoria Jenkins. Primark’s adaptive clothing collection, designed to make dressing easier and more comfortable for disabled people or those experiencing […]