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Robert Hanson, former AEO CEO, former president of Levi’s Americas, and shareholder in Dr. Martens. Credits: Akita Biosciences, Inc. Robert Hanson, the former president of Levi’s Americas, has increased his shareholding in Dr. Martens just days after initially snapping up a stake in the British footwear company. According to a London Stock Exchange filing, Hanson, who joined the board as an independent non-executive director in March, has secured another 104,000 shares in Dr. Martens. His […]

Credits: Texworld Geopolitical tensions, social expectations, digital transformations, shifting markets... At a time when fashion (and the world) is going through strong turbulence, Very Middle Ages chooses to look to the future by invoking a reinvented past. Not as a nostalgic refuge, but as a magnifying mirror of our contemporary tensions. This new edition of the Trend Book offers ideas to help creators combine imagination and a desire for renewal while developing the Spring-Summer 2027 […]

Save The Duck store in Hong Kong. Credits: Save The Duck. Italian outerwear label Save The Duck is preparing to rollout 30 stores over the next three to five years, alongside additional locations in Japan. The plans were confirmed to FashionUnited by the luxury brand’s chief executive officer, Nicolas Bargi, who said the retail expansion intends to support wider growth, particularly among Save The Duck’s strongest markets. According to Bargi, who founded the company in 2012, the US, a […]

Destination XL retail store. Credits: Calvin L. Leake via Dreamstime Destination XL Group (DXL) has announced its intention to merge with FBB Holdings I, Inc. (FullBeauty) to create a “scaled, category-defining retailer for inclusive apparel”. The news comes as the US commerce retailer of Big + Tall men’s clothing reported widening losses in the third quarter, with consumers said to be shopping less frequently. DXL said that by merging with FullBeauty, a retailer for size-inclusive […]

Lululemon store. Credits: Unsplash. Lululemon Athletica simultaneously announced its third quarter fiscal 2025 financial results and a major leadership transition, confirming that Calvin McDonald plans to step down as chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors, effective January 31, 2026. The board has commenced a comprehensive search for a new CEO. The leadership change at Lululemon follows a period characterized by underperformance, particularly within the crucial U.S. […]

A Brunello Cucinelli boutique Image: Brunello Cucinelli Italian fashion house Brunello Cucinelli SpA has raised its revenue forecast for the current financial year 2025. According to an interim statement published on Wednesday, management now expects currency-adjusted growth of 11 to 12 percent. Previously, the knitwear specialist had forecast an increase of 10 percent at constant exchange rates. Management expects successful final quarter In the first nine months of the year, Brunello […]

Mango store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois (US). Credits: Mango. Mango is accelerating its expansion and consolidation strategies in the US with the opening of its first store in the state of Illinois. The Spanish fashion multinational has entered a new region with the opening of a first store in the commercial and tourist heart of Chicago. This is the 60th store for the company founded by Isak Andic across the entire North American country. Located at the foot of the exclusive […]

Vetements SS20. Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight A representative for the US government has urged the Supreme Court to decline Vetements’ attempt to register its name as a trademark in the region. In a newly filed petition, solicitor general John Sauer has backed an initial decision by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in 2021 to deny the registration due to the generic nature of the word ‘vetements’, which translates to ‘clothing’ in French. The fashion brand turned to […]

Paballo Sannah Mafotake Credits: MAXXAM MAXXAM has renewed its partnership with the Graduate Fashion Foundation (GFF) for the second edition of their national student design competition, following the strong response to last year’s inaugural programme. The 2025/26 competition invites fashion students from GFF member universities in the UK and abroad to create a womenswear S/S 2027 capsule collection using MAXXAM’s signature seamless, four-way stretch textiles. This year's brief emphasises […]

Efforts to reduce dependence on China are instead accelerating the global expansion of Chinese companies, according to the Global Supply Chain Report 2025 released by the HKUST Li & Fung Supply Chain Institute. The report finds Chinese firms are rapidly building production, R&D and logistics hubs across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, shifting from a “world’s factory” role to global supply-chain coordinators. It also highlights how AI, automation and new materials […]

Tissa Fontaneda Credits: Tissa Fontaneda Madrid-based, Spanish leather goods brand Tissa Fontaneda is entering its 15th anniversary in 2026 with its first-ever external investor, as it looks to accelerate its international expansion in key markets, including the US and the Middle East. In a statement, Tissa Fontaneda, which has become known for its handcrafted ready-to-wear and accessories alongside its signature ‘bubble’ leather and textiles, said that the company has taken on its first […]

Credits: MARKE MARKE is an emerging conceptual fashion brand that has quickly gained international attention since its launch in 2022. Founded by designer Mario Keine in Cologne, Germany, the label is known for blending historical references with modern streetwear sensibilities. Its key aesthetic revolves around "hybridity, fluidity and eclecticism," as said on their brandpage mixing high culture and pop culture, think classic tailoring paired with urban elements and artistic flair. Geared […]

The Row SS20 fashion show. Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Certain brands stand out as unshakeable pillars in the second-hand fashion market. Hermès immediately comes to mind, with handbags perceived as investments as profitable as prime property. However, this rapidly developing segment also holds surprises. The recent Clair Report, published by resale site Rebag, revealed the impressive performance of The Row. The label entered the “unicorn” category for the first time, a […]

Image for illustration. Credits: Coupang. The chief executive officer of South Korean tech giant Coupang has announced his resignation on the back of a data breach that was said to have compromised 33.7 million customers and resulted in the launch of class-action lawsuits. Park Dae-jun, who had joined the company in 2012 before taking up the helm in May 2025, said in a statement to the press: “I am deeply sorry for disappointing the public with the recent personal information incident. I […]

Cribbs Mall Credits: Cribbs Mall Cribbs Mall, the largest indoor shopping centre in the South West of England, located north of Bristol, has reported a 13 percent increase in GenZ visitors, after evolving its fashion offering to include Mango, H&M, and River Island, alongside recent arrivals AllSaints and Animal. In a statement, the retail and leisure destination said that GenZ, which represents the demographic cohort that follows Millennials and precedes Generation Alpha, is becoming its […]

Roots Credits: Roots via Facebook Canadian premium outdoor-lifestyle brand Roots has reported sales were up 6.8 percent to 71.5 million Canadian dollars for its third quarter ended November 1, as direct-to-consumer momentum continues. The Q3 growth was driven by direct-to-consumer sales, from its retail stores and e-commerce sales, which were up 4.8 percent to 56.8 million Canadian dollars, following enhancements made to the omnichannel customer experience, as well as “strong customer […]

Prerna Deshbratar (IAS), MD LIDCOM; Paolo Zannoni, executive deputy chairman and executive director, Prada Group; K.M. Vasundhara, MD LIDKAR. and Mauro Battocchi, with Walter Ferrara Credits: Prada Group Luxury fashion house Prada has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Indian government corporations, LIDCOM and LIDKAR, to launch the “PRADA Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals” project. The agreement was finalized yesterday at the Consulate General of Italy in […]

Credits: PR Newswire The 2025 Taiwan International Student Design Competition (TISDC) held its award ceremony this week, recognising 76 winning works selected from a record 16,329 submissions representing 1,029 schools across 73 countries and regions. Organised by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education and executed by National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), the competition remains one of the world’s largest platforms for emerging design talent. Taiwanese students delivered a […]

Rae Temily, founder and creative director of Temily. Credits: Temily / by Isabella Bejarano. Interview Having dedicated much of her career to developing other people’s brands, Raechel Temily – Rae to everyone that knows her – eventually embarked on a journey to establish her own luxury label. Launched April 2025, the brand, fittingly dubbed Temily, emerged almost as a response to a market that seemed to have lost touch with the emotional core of design. As the founder and creative […]

Stella McCartney x LeMieux collection Credits: Stella McCartney British fashion label Stella McCartney has unveiled an equestrian collaboration with LeMieux, for both rider and horse, which combines luxury fashion with technical performance wear. McCartney, a lifelong rider, states the conscious collection celebrates her love of horses and nature, while also combining the sustainable vision of the Stella McCartney brand and the technical mastery of LeMieux, founded by former Olympic event […]

US-based lifestyle brand BuDhaGirl is expanding its global presence with the acquisition of two French jewellery brands, Kumali and ShanShan. BuDhaGirl, which is rooted in the belief that beauty becomes meaningful when paired with ritual, and known for its All Weather Bangles, is utilising the acquisition to the Zen Collective, a new holding company of luxury brands within the wellness space, uniting all three brands under the umbrella led by founder and chief executive Jessica Jesse. […]

Temu Credits: Temu The European Commission has raided Temu’s European office in Dublin during an announced inspection, the Financial Times reports. The investigation stems from allegations that the Chinese e-commerce platform receives state aid from Beijing to secure subsidies. This financial support reportedly enables the company to offer products at even lower prices, creating unfair competition for other online retailers. The regulation designed to prevent such practices, granting the EU […]

Harper's Bazaar magazine stand, image for illustration. Credits: Unsplash. Media publication group Hearst Magazines has outlined a commitment to not promote fur across any of its platforms. The move was confirmed in an email sent to the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (CAFT), and was then detailed in the sustainability section of the company’s website. In the email, addressed to Allison Keane, CAFT’s VP of communications, and shared with FashionUnited, Hearst said: “Across our […]

Reebok SS25 Campaign Credits: Reebok Authentic Brands Group, the global brand development and licensing platform, which includes brands such as Reebok, Champion, Quiksilver, Juicy Couture and Forever 21, has tapped Pattern Group Inc. to accelerate its marketplace growth across TikTok Shop. Pattern Group accelerates brands on global e-commerce marketplaces, leveraging proprietary technology and AI by utilising more than 46 trillion data points, sophisticated machine learning and AI models. As […]

In pictures Wrstbhvr retail space at KaDeWe Credits: Wrstbhvr Berlin-based label Wrstbhvr has secured its own retail space at KaDeWe. The brand is opening its permanent location on the fourth floor of the Berlin luxury department store, Wrstbhvr announced. Spanning approximately 70 square metres, the retail space follows previous collaborations with KaDeWe. These included pop-ups and a presence in the retailer’s Men’s Design Department. This new location marks a further milestone in […]

Nicole Kidman wearing Chanel for the Met Gala 2023. Credits: Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP Music powerhouse Beyonce, tennis legend Venus Williams and Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman will co-chair the 2026 Met Gala on May 4 alongside Vogue's Anna Wintour, the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced Wednesday in New York. The annual Met Gala, traditionally held on the first Monday in May, was first organized in 1948 and for decades was reserved for New York high society. Wintour, the high […]

llustrative image. Lacoste Footwear Launch FW25 - Spinor Credits: Lacoste Opinion With 2026 fast approaching, FashionUnited asks six sustainability and circularity experts what fashion and retail should expect next. Fashion in 2026: Sustainability and circular experts on what’s coming next 1. Tiina Nyman, founder at Circular Fashion News Resale continues to drive the strongest momentum in circular fashion. The number of brands launching resale initiatives is steadily growing, and the pace […]

Credits: bugatti The city glides from business to dolce vita, from ambition to a soft, almost floating sense of enjoyment. This is where the world that inspired our new bugatti collection begins. A place where generations, lifestyles and personalities meet – and our collection accompanies them: with effortless elegance, with colours and silhouettes that radiate lightness, with pieces that tell stories. Warm natural shades, urban neutrals and delicate accent colours create the foundation for […]

Exclusive Fashion to Reconnect Exhibition, Hong Kong Fashion Fest Credits: FashionUnited HONG KONG — On a cool December evening, a runway hidden inside the waterfront Palace Museum, filled with models wearing looks from London, Paris, Seoul, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, all within the same show. It was a tableau few other cities could stage: a genuinely international mix, with designers from Italy, the mainland, the UK, France and Korea sharing the same catwalk as emerging Hong Kong […]

Conor Turley x Essentiel Antwerp Credits: Essentiel Antwerp Following its collaboration with the now-graduated Paula Van Dyck, Belgian fashion label Essentiel Antwerp has once again partnered with the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. The second collection comes from third-year student Conor Turley. Working alongside Essentiel Antwerp's design team, Turley reimagined silhouettes from his previous collection. These were inspired by the Roaring Twenties and Berlin […]

Biarritz. Credits: Unsplash. Chanel has opted for a local setting over the far-flung destinations often favoured by luxury brands for cruise presentations. Biarritz will host the show for its resort 2026/27 collection on April 28, 2026. This location holds significant historical importance for the house. New cruise collection in Biarritz marks historical return Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion at Chanel, emphasised the significance of the location. “Biarritz occupies a fundamental place […]

Credits: LCCA Since September, Oxfam Bethnal Green and the London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA) have been collaborating on a bold circular fashion initiative that fuses sustainability, heritage tailoring, and creative storytelling. Today, students unveil their final creations at the Oxfam Bethnal Green store, where the collection will be on public display for one week. Over the past months, fashion students have been reimagining donated outerwear — from vintage trench coats to classic […]

Space in a modernist building in Barcelona, available on Go-PopUp. Credits: Go-PopUp. Barcelona-based platform Go PopUp has closed a 300,000 euro funding round led by Ona Capital. The platform connects space owners with brands and agencies seeking unique locations for launches, activations or immersive campaigns. Ona Capital is a Catalan venture capital fund specialising in promoting tech start-ups in their growth phase. Several business angels also joined the round, providing capital and […]

Braintree Village Credits: Landsec Landsec, owner of the UK’s leading retail and hospitality platform, has reported an 8.1 percent year-on-year sales growth across its outlets during Black Friday week, from November 24 to 30. Its outlets Gunwharf Quays, Braintree Village and Clarks Village generated a combined spend of 16.3 million pounds across Black Friday week, with footfall up 8.6 percent year-on-year, which Landsec states demonstrates the continued strength of in-person retail during […]

Paris/64 opens first international store in SoHo, NYC Credits: Paris/64 Spanish accessories brand Paris/64 is set to open its first international store in New York this month. Located in the heart of SoHo, at 465 Broadway, the opening underlines a key milestone in the brand’s retail strategy. With the US market accounting for 35 percent of the brand’s global revenue, the store's opening underscores strong consumer appetite for its products. The new 160-square-meter store’s interior […]

Asos pop-up, SoHo Credits: Asos Global online retailer Asos is hosting a special winter pop-up in New York City to promote a curated edit of its festive collection. Running from December 5 to December 21, the ‘Winter Wonderland’ pop-up at 182 Spring Street in SoHo includes pieces from the Asos Design, Arrange, Asos Collective, and the relaunched Topshop and Topman brands.  Asos pop-up, SoHo NYC Credits: Asos Designed to offer customers a personalized, immersive shopping experience, […]

Interview Peter Alexander Christmas 2025 collection Credits: Peter Alexander Australian premium sleepwear and lifestyle brand Peter Alexander has been in the UK for just over a year. Since its online launch, the sleepwear and gifting brand, a household name in its home country and New Zealand, has opened three stores in London and Kent, and is fast becoming a high street staple. What started with a 3,000 Australian dollar loan from his dad and a mission to offer comfortable women's […]

The exterior of the Punt Roma store in the El Ingenio shopping centre in Torre del Mar, Málaga. Credits: CC El Ingenio. In a year marked by significant strategic moves for Victrix Group, the parent company of Punt Roma, the company closed 2024 by reinforcing its expansion drive. This was previously signalled mid-year with the acquisition of brand rights for the German company Gerry Weber and subsequently for Samoon. Six months later, the accounts for the full 2024 financial year confirm the […]

In Pictures The exterior façade of Calvin Klein's new SoHo flagship store Credits: Bridgit Beyer American fashion brand Calvin Klein, a subsidiary of PVH Corp., has opened its latest global flagship store in SoHo, New York City.  Officially opening its doors on December 9, the flagship sees the brand return to its roots and expand its presence in one of the US’s main fashion hubs, as Calvin Klein continues to roll out its retail expansion strategy, with flagship store openings in […]

Topshop collection Credits: Topshop British brand Topshop is continuing its relaunch in Australia, after signing a deal to launch across all 56 Myer department stores across the country from February 2026. The move follows the brand's relaunch this year in the UK, Ireland, France and Denmark with various fashion retailers, including British retailers John Lewis and Liberty, Irish department store McElhinneys, French department store Printemps, Magasin de Nord stores across Denmark and Zeb in […]

In Pictures Target SoHo concept store in New York City Credits: Target American retailer Target has transformed its SoHo store into a one-of-a-kind concept store “where everyday shopping meets play, discovery and style,” bringing to life the brand’s DNA in an immersive, experiential format. Located at 600 Broadway, Target SoHo is described as a “new expression of the Target brand,” geared around inspiring consumers with a focus on style and design, from trend-led apparel and […]

Interview Nike SB Air Max 95 by Eric Koston. Credits: Amadeus Thüner Sneakers remain relevant in 2025, particularly within the streetwear scene, even as classic shoe models gain popularity among younger consumers. We reviewed the year with Berlin-based sneaker expert Amadeus Thüner and discussed the top releases, highlights and wishlists for 2026. Which sneaker releases impressed you most this year? The “Sneaker of the Year” discussion is a love-hate relationship every year. On one […]

From left to right: Dior Men SS26, Pom x Claes Iversen, Chloe FW25 Credits: Launchmetrics Spotlight and Pom Amsterdam At the end of each year, Pinterest delves into its platform's search queries to predict trends for the coming year. The inspiration platform has published Pinterest Predicts 2026, featuring a total of 21 trends across fashion, beauty, interiors, travel and food. FashionUnited outlines the fashion trends. Glamoratti Minimalism is scarce among Pinterest's fashion trends. Several […]

Club L London campaign imagery Credits: Club L London Club L London, the premium womenswear and lifestyle brand, has reported a record-breaking financial year for FY24-25, primarily driven by a surge in international expansion and strategic investments in infrastructure and technology. The company's turnover soared by 48 percent year-on-year, rising to 65.9 million pounds versus the previous year. This significant growth translated into an impressive 351 percent increase in profit before tax, […]

Updated Credits: Marc Cain Patric Spethmann is set to become the new chairman of the management board at German womenswear brand Marc Cain. He will assume his new role effective June 1, 2026, Marc Cain announced on Tuesday. Schlotterer will remain chairman of the board, “primarily for the onboarding of Patric Spethmann and as a coach and consultant”. Around two and a half years ago, during the 50th anniversary, the owner and founder announced his plans to transfer the Bodelshausen […]

Advertising Credits: Pexels Pulse Advertising has observed a decisive shift in how consumers form trust, and it’s a shift with real consequences for fashion brands planning their 2026 strategies. Instead of buying what brands are telling them, audiences are paying attention to real voices, experiences, and personalities. Audiences (especially Gen Z) are gravitating toward something much simpler: people. The agency notes that consumers now connect most strongly with brands anchored in real, […]

Art Basel Awards Night in Miami Beach Credits: Courtesy Boss Art Basel’s first-ever Awards Night in Miami Beach brought a new fashion–art crossover moment: the debut of the Boss Award for Outstanding Achievement, which went to Moroccan-born, New York–based artist Meriem Bennani. The honour was presented by Hugo Boss CEO Daniel Grieder and Creative Director Marco Falcioni as part of the brand’s broader partnership with the fair. Bennani’s practice—spanning video, animation, sound, […]

Mia Burton e-commerce Credits: Mia Burton Mia Burton, the global e-commerce platform for premium sunglasses and optical eyewear, which merged with Italian eyewear and optical retailer Lipari in July, has announced it is targeting revenue growth of 40 million euros by 2027, up from 23.7 million euros in 2025, by accelerating its global expansion and marketplace project. In a statement, Mia Burton said it is projecting “strong financial growth” following the merger and is forecasting 68 […]

Donna Karan New York Fall 2025 campaign Credits: Donna Karan New York via Facebook G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. announced its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, ended October 31, 2025, revealing net sales decrease of 9 percent to 988.6 million dollars compared to 1.09 dollars billion in the prior-year quarter. The company’s net income was 80.6 million dollars, or 1.84 dollars per diluted share. Despite the sales decline, G-III is raising its full fiscal 2026 earnings […]

CEO Rohit Aggarwal will leave Lenzing Credits: Lenzing AG Austrian fibre producer Lenzing AG must plan without CEO Rohit Aggarwal. On Tuesday, the company announced that the chief executive will step down from his position on January 31, 2026. The decision was made "for personal reasons," according to a statement. Aggarwal had risen to the helm of the company at the beginning of September last year as successor to Stephan Sielaff. Following his announced resignation, he will continue to […]

Future Fabrics Expo 2025 Credits: Future Fabrics Expo Future Fabrics Expo (FFE), the largest showcase dedicated to sourcing sustainably and responsibly produced, best-practice and certified materials for the fashion, footwear, home, interiors and lifestyle sectors, is heading to Brussels, Belgium, for its 2026 edition in June. The tradeshow, which has traditionally taken place in London since 2011, with smaller FFE editions and curations held in New York and Paris, will run its next edition […]

Vince European flagship on Marylebone High Street, London Credits: Vince Vince Holding Corp. reported robust financial results for the third quarter ended November 1, 2025, with total company net sales climbing 6.2 percent to 85.1 million dollars compared to the same period last year. This growth was widespread, fueled by a 6.7 percent increase in the wholesale segment and a 5.5 percent increase in the direct-to-consumer segment. CEO Brendan Hoffman highlighted the strength of the […]

Team USA’s opening ceremony uniforms for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 by Ralph Lauren Credits: Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren has been named the Official Outfitter of Team USA for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2026 Milano Cortina, marking the 10th time for this partnership. The company will provide uniforms for the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls and athletes, which will be worn throughout the Games, from the lighting of the torch to the Closing Ceremony.

Credits: © Christopher Payne/ESTO CEOWorld Magazine has released its 2025 list of the world’s best fashion schools, naming the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York as the top institution globally. Parsons School of Design and Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design follow in second and third place, reinforcing the United States’ continued dominance in fashion education. 2025's top fashion schools European institutions also performed strongly. London College of […]

River Island Credits: River Island River Island Clothing Co. Limited reported a sharply increased pre-tax loss of 64 million pounds for the 52 weeks ended December 28, 2024, nearly doubling the 33.2 million pounds loss from the previous year, as the retailer grappled with a challenging market and prepared for a major restructuring. The primary driver of this deepened loss was a significant 35.7 million pounds non-cash provision for unrecoverable debt owed by group undertakings. Turnover for […]

The 1916 Company handbag display Credits: The 1916 Company The 1916 Company, which has become known for resale in the watches and jewellery categories, is expanding into the pre-owned luxury handbags as it looks to become a destination for “modern luxury”. The addition of handbags is described as a “natural evolution,” for the company, as it seeks to “serve collectors across every dimension of luxury”. The new category will be led by Lauren Lynch Schuster, a known figure in the […]

De pakketjes van NAAI bevatten de ontwerpen van Tijns afstudeercollectie Credits: HvA AMFI alumnus Tijn Roozen devised a business in sewing kits that allow people to make their own stylish garments. The kits of the start-up NAAI include a clothing design by Tijn himself, a piece of fabric, yarn, matching zip or buttons, and all other necessities. “We have all forgotten how to do this, and with it, our relationship with clothing has also changed.” The raw - often fossil - materials for […]

Rotostitch logo Credits: Rotostitch San Francisco-based manufacturing start-up Rotostitch, which is looking to redefine apparel production through automation, has raised 1 million US dollars in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round, led by Boost VC and Nova Threshold. Rotostitch, founded by former engineers from Tesla, Neuralink and Apple, said the new capital would accelerate product development, scale manufacturing capabilities, and expand go-to-market efforts. Leah McClure, an […]

Credits: London College of Fashion A group of London creatives, alumni and educators is calling for the preservation of the original London College of Fashion (LCF) building at 20 John Prince’s Street, ahead of Westminster Council’s decision on a proposed full demolition set for 9 December. The mid-century building, located just off Oxford Circus, has served as a fashion education hub for more than 60 years, training generations of stylists, designers, pattern cutters, photographers and […]

Pexels Credits: Image: Pexels The UK government has announced a 725 million pound reform package for the apprenticeship system as it looks to address youth unemployment and push for economic growth. Among the initiatives to be carried out under the Growth and Skills Levy will be a 140 million pound pilot programme in which regional Mayors can connect young people, specifically those not in education, employment or training, with apprenticeship opportunities at local employers. The government […]

YSL Beauty Love Game Pop-Up, Madrid Credits: Courtesy of YSL Beauty If 2025 has taught us anything, it’s that retail has shed its old skin. The store is no longer just a place to buy something, it’s a canvas, a stage, a laboratory, and a playground all at once. The smartest spaces this year were treated like ecosystems, where every touchpoint became part of a narrative designed to capture attention, emotion, and memory. We are no longer talking about transactions; we’re talking about […]

Card spending Credits: Pexels. Consumer card spending fell -1.1 percent year-on-year in November in the UK, marking the greatest fall on record since February 2021 (-9.5 percent), as consumer confidence remains subdued, according to findings from Barclays. Amid ongoing consumer uncertainty, essential spend dropped -2.9 percent, marking seven consecutive months of decline, while non-essential spending fell -0.3 percent for the first time since July 2024. The Barclays Consumer Spend report adds […]

In Pictures NFL x Fear of God Credits: NFL The National Football League (NFL) has signed a multi-year licensing deal with luxury streetwear brand Fear of God to create both team and NFL shield apparel, as it seeks to elevate its fanwear offering. In a statement, the NFL said the move would allow both brands to “work to bridge the worlds of sport and fashion through an American luxury lens,” offering fanwear that brings together the NFL shield, select team marks and Fear of God’s […]

Baffin footwear Credits: Baffin.com Canadian cold-weather footwear and apparel specialist Baffin has named Jessica Liut as vice president of marketing to reinforce its leadership team as it looks to focus on brand growth, market expansion, and enhanced integration across commercial teams. Liut, who joined Baffin in 2020, most recently served as director of marketing, and is described by the brand as having played a “pivotal role in advancing brand visibility and fostering meaningful […]

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley attending London Fashion Week SS26. Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight FWRD, the fashion retailer owned by Revolve Group, has appointed model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to the role of fashion director in what the brand said is an expansion of its global leadership. In the role, Huntington-Whiteley has been tasked with overseeing fashion curation, merchandising, and seasonal strategy, building on FWRD’s efforts to cement itself among the modern luxury sector. Her […]

Turkey Credits: The Turkish flag for illustration. Image via Unsplash Global Fashion Agenda (GFA), the organiser behind the annual Global Fashion Summit, has announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at backing the development of textile waste systems in Türkiye. Türkiye becomes the fourth manufacturing region to implement this programme, following the path of Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Akin to other countries, GFA will work with brands producing in Türkiye to create a […]

Alibaba Credits: Alibaba media centre Led by France, eight European countries are calling on the European Commission and member states to “strengthen” their “collective mobilisation” against the “systemic risks” they believe are posed by e-commerce platforms such as Shein and its competitors. The letter was sent to Brussels on Monday. “We call on the Commission to mobilise strongly and relentlessly on the issue of unfair competition from third-country e-commerce platforms,” […]

EU flag Image: Studio Idea via Pexels The EU is set to weaken its European supply chain law, designed to protect human rights, even before its implementation. Negotiators from EU member states and the European Parliament have agreed in Brussels that the regulations will now apply to a much smaller number of large companies, as announced by both parties. The amendment still requires approval from the Parliament and EU member states, which is usually a formality. In future, the regulations will […]

Swindon Designer Outlet Credits: Swindon Designer Outlet via Facebook Frasers Group plc, announced today its acquisition of the Swindon Designer Outlet, in a move it describes as a significant step toward its ambition of "building the planet's most admired and compelling brand ecosystem." The acquisition of the 250,000 sq. ft. outlet, which first opened in 1997 and attracts over 3 million visitors annually, is a central part of the Group's ongoing strategy to expand its physical retail […]

Nike store. Credits: Nike The global sportswear market is set to achieve its most significant growth in the coming years within emerging markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions. This states the “Global Sportswear Market to 2029” report by UK market research firm GlobalData. It analyses the development of the global sportswear market up to 2029. Sportswear to take the lead The sportswear market is also poised to take a leading position within the overall […]

Ann Summers storefront. Credits: Ann Summers. Ann Summers Ltd has demonstrated resilience and strategic adaptation in the 52-week period ended June 28, 2025, achieving a notable financial turnaround despite persistent economic headwinds, rising inflation, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. In a filing with Companies House, Ann Summers reported a substantial financial turnaround, moving from an adjusted EBITDA loss of 5.6 million pounds in 2024 to an adjusted EBITDA profit of 0.1 million […]

Lacoste x Kleep Credits: owned by Kleep Opinion 2026 is approaching fast. FashionUnited asks six AI experts what they expect from artificial intelligence in fashion and retail: 2026 AI Predictions for Fashion and Retail: FashionUnited’s Expert Outlook 1. Carmen Martínez Ferrer, senior data analyst at Farfetch and founder of @thedatafashionbrief As Senior Data Analyst at luxury webshop Farfetch, she integrates AI into marketing analysis and campaign optimization to drive data-informed […]

Brand loyalty Credits: Pexels As 2026 approaches, loyalty programmes are evolving from simple retention tools into strategic growth engines, reshaping how brands engage with consumers. According to Lena Kleinwechter, Customer Engagement & Loyalty Strategist at Talon.One, four key trends are set to define the loyalty landscape next year. “The momentum behind loyalty has never been stronger,” Kleinwechter notes. Data from Mintel shows that in the UK, 80 percent of consumers actively […]

Versace SS26 Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Opinion If fashion’s game of musical chairs has felt unusually frenetic this season, you’re not imagining it. Across the SS26 cycle, designer rotations have at times overshadowed the collections themselves, reflecting an industry where creative tenures are shrinking and corporate restructurings are accelerating. Data shows the average creative director tenure at major houses has dropped to about 3 years in the 2020s, down from nearly ten in […]

Beauty Gap x Summer Fridays collection campaign Credits: Gap American retailer Gap is collaborating with cult-favourite beauty brand Summer Fridays to launch a curated collection of “cosy essentials,” such as soft knits, fleece sets, and matching pyjamas for the holiday season. The collaboration, launching on December 12, marks the first-ever apparel collection from the beauty brand, and blends Gap’s classic comfort and timeless design with Summer Fridays’ minimalist Southern […]

Sweaty Betty campaign imagery Credits: Sweaty Betty / Redical. Sweaty Betty is facing renewed criticism after a second small business alleged the activewear giant lifted its marketing language, intensifying a debate about big brands drawing “inspiration” from independents, according to a report in The Times. Following last month’s viral complaint from fitness influencer Georgina Cox, leak-proof underwear label Nixi Body says elements of its long-used messaging appear in Sweaty Betty’s […]

Interview Gordon Smit, chief technology officer (CTO) of Hunkemöller Credit: Courtesy of Hunkemöller Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the fashion industry. While some companies are waiting, others are taking bold steps forward. In this edition of the AI in Fashion series, FashionUnited speaks with Gordon Smit, the technology director of Dutch lingerie company Hunkemöller. 1. How do you view AI and what does Hunkemöller use it for? AI has become indispensable in modern […]

Martin Parr poses during a photo session in Paris (October 31, 2025) Credits: Joel Saget / AFP Celebrated British documentary photographer Martin Parr has died at his home in the western English city Bristol, his foundation announced on Sunday. He was 73. Famous for his kitschy colour-saturated images capturing all aspects of life in Britain and beyond, Parr had a sharp eye for mundane oddities, whether it was the rich at play or working-class scenes. At times a controversial figure accused […]

Black Friday Credits: Photo by Romy Arroyo Fernandez / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP The final week of November, typically a retail bonanza due to Black Friday promotions, delivered a surprisingly lukewarm performance this year. According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales inched up by just +0.38%. While this growth is positive, it pales in comparison to the solid +18.96% surge recorded during the same week last year, suggesting that deep discounting is […]

Natalie Portman at the Christian Dior, spring/summer 2024, Haute Couture show in Paris Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Academy Award–winning actor and producer Natalie Portman, who has been a long-standing advocate for animal welfare and veganism, is joining biomaterial company Uncaged Innovations as a strategic partner and an “advocate for sustainable luxury”. New York-based Uncaged Innovations, founded by serial entrepreneur Stephanie Downs and biomaterials scientist Dr Xiaokun Wang […]

The Brioni store in Zurich Image: Brioni Fashion house Brioni, owned by French luxury goods group Kering, and Austrian designer Norbert Stumpfl are parting ways after seven years. This is according to a report by trade publication Women’s Wear Daily (WWD). Stumpfl was appointed creative director of the brand in 2018, succeeding Nina-Maria Nitsche. He previously held leadership roles in the design teams of Berluti, Balenciaga and Lanvin. The designer also worked for Louis Vuitton and Adidas. […]

Sketch of the new Alohas store in Copenhagen. / Alohas's unisex 'Aven' loafer. Credits: Alohas. Spanish brand Alohas continues its journey to becoming a global brand, accelerating its efforts to coincide with the start of the Christmas 2025 season. Alejandro Porras' company has made new advances across the three strategic pillars that support its growth strategy: customer experience, product, and international footprint. Founded in 2015 as a digital pure-play brand specialising in […]

In Pictures Team USA’s opening and closing ceremony uniforms for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 by Ralph Lauren Credits: Ralph Lauren American designer brand Ralph Lauren has unveiled Team USA’s opening and closing ceremony uniforms for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, which kicks off on February 6. The move marks Ralph Lauren’s 10th consecutive Olympic Games outfitting Team USA and highlights include a statement winter-white […]

In Pictures The North Face x Skims collection campaign Credits: The North Face / Skims shot by Laura Obermeyer and Jackie Nickerson Skims, the shapewear, underwear and swimwear brand co-founded by Kim Kardashian and Jens Grede, has expanded its collaboration with outdoor brand The North Face to include its first-ever kidswear assortment. The debut of The North Face x Skims limited-edition winter collection last year saw most of its pieces selling out within 20 minutes, and for the […]

Matalan storefront. Credits: Matalan. British chain Matalan has said it will continue to roll out its retail refurbishment plans into the new year, with 40 stores now due to undergo renovations. The updated strategy, which will see 10 more locations refurbished than initially planned, comes in response to the positive response of already refreshed stores, which Matalan said are outperforming its wider retail network by 14 percent, ahead of expectations. The company has completed its 30 […]

Andrew Price, executive director at Shaftesbury Capital Credits: Shaftesbury Capital Property company Shaftesbury Capital, which owns retail properties in Covent Garden, Carnaby, Soho and Chinatown in London, has announced that executive director Andrew Price will step down from his role at the end of the year to “pursue other opportunities”. Price joined Shaftesbury Capital in 2001 and has undertaken several significant investment, asset management and leadership roles, including leading […]

Wonderland trade show. Credits: Wonderland. Interview Lingerie is a lucrative sector in the UK. According to Grand View Horizon, the market reported a revenue of 4.5 billion dollars in 2024, and is expected to reach eight billion dollars by 2033. Despite its prevalence, regional trade representation for the category has been fairly scarce – reflecting a gap in the market the founders of Wonderland were willing to dive into. Nicky Clayton and Lucy Dowler of Philippa Bradley Agency launched […]

Mark Matthews, retail director, New Look Credits: New Look New Look, a prominent UK womenswear brand targeting the 18–44 sector, today announced the appointment of Mark Matthews as its new retail director. Matthews steps into the role with immediate effect, succeeding Elaine Cartwright, who departs after over a decade with the company. In his new position, Matthews will take responsibility for the entirety of New Look’s store estate and will be crucial in implementing the company's […]

Poundland, Pepco Credits: Pepco Budget retailer Poundland has confirmed another round of store closures as it continues rolling out its court-approved turnaround plan. The chain has told various media, including Sky News, that it is due to close an additional 14 stores by February, alongside the 19 already set to shutter. By early next year, this will bring Poundland’s store closures to 100 locations since it officially embarked on its restructuring in August. The company, which was taken […]

SS26: Craig Green, Aubero, Fiorucci Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight According to Dutch trend forecaster Edwin van den Hoek, understanding the menswear landscape for summer 2027 requires starting with the body. This refers not to the one on the catwalk, but to the real male physique. Like the female form, it is facing increasing scrutiny; it is being studied, idealised and polished. This 'male gaze' is also changing the fashion landscape. Van den Hoek, who has been forecasting for over a […]

Dr. Martens store in Berlin. Credits: Dr. Martens Robert Hanson, the former president of Levi’s Americas, has joined the board of directors at Dr. Martens after snapping up 96,000 shares in the company. Hanson, who has been serving as an independent non-executive director for Dr. Martens since March, secured the stake at a price of 0.7886 pounds per ordinary share, valuing the deal at 75,000 pounds. The executive boasts extensive experience across the industry, having served as CEO at […]

FIFA World Cup Trophy. Credits: Unsplash. Sports platform Fanatics has confirmed that it has secured the license to manage on-site retail for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The company said it will manage the in-venue retail operations for 104 matches across 39 days throughout Canada, Mexico and the US. Alongside venue-based retail, Fanatics has further been tasked with establishing retail experiences at FIFA Fan Festival locations within host cities, where it will stock country and player […]

Roberto Menichetti, Turnbull & Asser's creative director. Credits: Turnbull & Asser. British shirtmaker Turnbull & Asser has appointed Roberto Menichetti as its new creative director. The Italian designer will oversee all aspects of the company’s creative division, including bespoke shirting, tailoring, outerwear and accessories. Menichetti worked alongside French designer Claude Montana at the beginning of his career prior to joining Gruppo Finanziario Tessile, where he […]

Credits: Alison Toby Belgian-born, Paris-based content creator Alison Toby (@alisontoby) is redefining the meaning of timeless fashion for a new generation. With 881K followers on Instagram and 235K on TikTok, Alison has quietly built a loyal and global community drawn to her refined, feminine aesthetic that blends 1960s elegance with contemporary ease. Her signature looks, rooted in craftsmanship and minimalism, reflect a fashion philosophy that values quality over quantity. At the core of […]

Birkin Voyageur. Credits: Sotheby's. A Hermes handbag that once belonged to Jane Birkin was sold for 2.86 million dollars (2.45 million euros) at auction in Abu Dhabi on Friday, just months after the record-breaking sale of her first bag from the French brand, Sotheby's said Tuesday. Hermes first created the design for the British singer and actress in 1984 and it has gone on to become a modern and highly prized classic, sought by fashionistas the world over. The first prototype was sold for […]

Credits: by-bar. by-bar is reaffirming its presence in the UK. The Dutch womenswear label has tapped Magpie Agency London to handle local distribution as it continues to build on a broader international growth strategy. The decision to expand into the UK comes as the brand continues to see rising demand across the region, a press release stated. Magpie Agency has been tasked with further establishing by-bar's foundations through leading boutique retailers, a strategy it has already pursued via […]

Credits: Victoria's Secret Lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret is remaining on course with CEO Hillary Super’s ‘Path to Potential’ strategy, driving outperformance in the third quarter and improving guidance for the full year. For the quarter ended November 1, 2025, the company posted a net sales increase of 9 percent versus the same period last year, amounting to 1.472 billion dollars – above previous guidance. Total comparable sales rose 8 percent. The quarter marked a breakeven point […]

Credits: Bleckmann Bleckmann, a leader in sustainable logistics and circular fashion solutions, is proud to announce the expansion of its Renewal Workshop services to include dedicated customer repairs for Db Journey’s premium travel gear. This new offering empowers customers to extend the life of their products, reduce waste, and actively participate in a more sustainable retail model. Repair first: a new standard in circular retail The newly launched customer repair service allows Db […]

Matteo Calonaci and Johnattan Leon Credits: Burberry plc Burberry has announced the appointments of Matteo Calonaci as chief operating and supply chain officer and Johnattan Leon as chief customer officer, effective immediately. Both executives will join the executive committee and report directly to CEO Joshua Schulman. Calonaci, previously senior vice president of strategy and transformation, will now oversee supply chain and planning, strategy and transformation, and data and analytics, […]

Superdry CEO Julian Dunkerton signing the contract with Tango Fabric Credits: Superdry. British fashion retailer Superdry is plotting an expansion into Argentina through a new franchise partnership with Tango Fabric. The company confirmed the launch of a dedicated regional e-commerce platform for the market, and said it was planning to open five stores in the capital, Buenos Aires. The first, a flagship site, is targeted to open August 2026. The goal is to ultimately extend this store fleet […]