Fashion

R. Brand Group CEO Raphael Heinold Departs

Gap Returns to Beauty with Relaunch of Fragrance Collection

Gap Inc. is re-entering the beauty category with Gap Beauty, reviving its iconic fragrance line.

Mid-Market Fashion Brands Accelerate African Expansion

The trend of international fashion brands entering Africa is picking up speed, led by mid-market players, while luxury labels face stiff competition from European rivals.

East Asian Graphics Archive Celebrates Contemporary Design

The East Asian Graphics Archive, founded in 2023, curates and preserves contemporary graphic art from the region as a counter to homogenized visual trends.

Jewellery Sales Emerge as Key Differentiator for Luxury Groups Amid Fashion Slump

As luxury conglomerates face declining fashion sales and geopolitical headwinds from the Middle East conflict, investors are zeroing in on jewellery performance as a critical factor in determining market winners.

Fashion's Trademark Battles Intensify Over Colors, Patterns and Logos

Three trademark disputes emerged in a single week this July, reflecting a growing industry trend to treat colour palettes, patterns and logos as legally protected assets rather than mere design choices.

Sports Direct Opens Dublin Flagship, CEO Criticizes UK Retail Taxes

Sports Direct and Everlast Gyms+ have opened a combined flagship store on Dublin's Henry Street, replacing a former Debenhams. The CEO also used the occasion to criticize UK tax policies.

Under Armour names François Arnaud brand ambassador

Faye Wong’s 1998 Aesthetic Prefigured Today’s Y2K Revival

Hong Kong singer Faye Wong’s 1998 album art, featuring sunburn makeup and sci-fi futurism, anticipated the Y2K look now popular among Gen Z.

Denim Takes Center Stage as Back-to-School Shopping Season Lengthens

Retailers including Pacsun, Kohl's, and Gap are launching denim-focused back-to-school campaigns earlier than ever, as shopping begins weeks ahead of past years.

Patrick McDowell Enters US Market Through Two Major Retailers

British designer Patrick McDowell has launched in the United States via partnerships with two key retail names, expanding his brand's reach despite challenging tariff conditions for UK exporters.

Xu Yang Steps Down as Anta Brand CEO, Signaling a Reset

Xu Yang has resigned as CEO of Anta Brand, citing family reasons, and will take on another role within the group. Lai Shixian, Anta Group's executive director and co-CEO, steps in as replacement amid slowing growth.

Staged Marriage of Sticker Characters Drives Record Sales at Nanjing Mall

Chinese sticker IP Siam Lip and Japanese character My Friend Rabbit staged a mock wedding at Jingfeng Center in Nanjing, leading to a pop-up store that sold out many of its 200 limited-edition products within days.

Brexit Slows Cross-Channel Fashion Wholesale Trade, Joor Data Shows

A decade after the Brexit referendum, data from wholesale platform Joor reveals a significant decline in fashion trade between the UK and continental Europe, as local brands gain ground.

About You’s Scayle Studios Brings AI-Powered Photo Studio to UK

About You’s Scayle Studios has launched its AI-driven photo and video production service in the UK, promising to cut turnaround times from weeks to minutes.

Berlin Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2027 Showcases 53 Shows Across Historic Venues

Berlin Fashion Week ran from July 2 to 5, hosting 53 shows at venues including ICC Berlin, Charlottenburg Palace, and Kronprinzenpalais, reinforcing its role as a hub for international networking.

Elon Musk's son sparks surge in Chinese heritage bag sales, highlighting US$14.8b e-commerce sector

A tiger-head bag worn by Elon Musk’s son has gone viral in China, driving sales for traditional artisan brand Yestee and underscoring the rapid growth of the country’s intangible heritage e-commerce market, valued at US$14.8 billion.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Takes Over Nolita Café for Portofino ’97 Celebration

Victoria Beckham Beauty has launched a limited-time pop-up at Caffe Paradiso in New York's Nolita neighborhood to celebrate its signature fragrance, Portofino ’97.

Exoceuticals Launches with Regenerative Skincare Powered by Biotechnology

Exoceuticals has entered the beauty market with a science-driven range that applies regenerative medicine and longevity research to skincare and haircare. The brand launched in April 2024 in New York City.

China’s Gen Z Coins New Slang for Emotional Exhaustion and ‘Villain Era’

Chinese Gen Z internet users have popularized new buzzwords including 'spiralling' for mental fatigue, 'villain era' for aggressive self-assertion, and 'crispy' for sudden physical fragility, reflecting deeper cultural shifts.

Reworld MediaConnect Appoints Two Senior Figures to Fashion Unit

Ivory Coast Designers Capture Global Attention with Celebrity Endorsements

Fashion designers from Ivory Coast are gaining international traction, driven by celebrity fans like Beyoncé and Aya Nakamura and amplified through social media.

Footballers Turn Man Bags Into Luxury Must-Haves

Elite footballers like Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham are driving demand for high-end man bags, including $50,000 Hermès designs, helping revitalize the luxury sector.

Nobody's Child opens 10th standalone store in Cambridge

The womenswear brand has launched a 1,000 sq ft boutique in Grand Arcade, Cambridge, marking its third store opening this year and 10th standalone location overall.

Primark Refreshes Cartagena Store as Part of €85M Iberian Investment

Shein secures China regulator approval for Hong Kong IPO after years of geopolitical hurdles

After a year-long wait, Shein has received approval from China's securities regulator to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, clearing the way for investor roadshows and a potential debut as early as September or October.

Baldinini Secures New Investor, Sets 40% Growth Target

Italian footwear brand Baldinini has received a capital injection from an undisclosed global footwear manufacturer and aims to boost revenue by 40% through new store openings and product launches.

Maredamare Returns to Florence with Over 250 Brands, Highlighting Sustainability

The international beachwear and resort wear trade fair Maredamare will take place in Florence from July 18 to 20, featuring more than 250 brands and placing sustainability at the forefront.

Race-Day Fashion Drives Search Surge at Debenhams Group

Britain's summer horse racing season is fueling increased demand for occasionwear, with Debenhams Group reporting significant rises in searches, sales, and page views for race-day attire.

Freitag Taps China's Bag Charm Craze with Blind Boxes and Recycled Tarps

Swiss bag maker Freitag launched bag charms and blind boxes on Tmall to mark its seven-year anniversary, tapping into China's trend for personalized accessories.

H&M to Partner with Nick Knight for Innovative London Fashion Week Presentation

H&M will return to London Fashion Week on 17 September with a collaborative event featuring photographer Nick Knight and his digital fashion platform SHOWstudio, promising a fresh perspective on the traditional runway show.

Damson Madder Opens First Permanent Store at Selfridges London

Source Fashion’s Debut at Excel Draws Record Attendance

Source Fashion held its largest edition to date at London’s Excel last week, marking a successful venue change.

Football Stars Get an Otome Makeover in Chinese Meme Trend

Chinese netizens are reimagining top footballers like Haaland, Bellingham, and Mbappé as romantic leads in mobile otome games, sparking a viral meme across social media.

Kering Signs MoUs with Eight Italian Schools to Revitalize Craft Education

Kering has signed memorandums of understanding with eight educational institutions in Milan's Mind innovation district, launching a network to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.

Alo Yoga to open first German stores in Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Düsseldorf

The US activewear brand is expanding into Germany with plans for physical stores in four major cities.

Fast Retailing Lifts Profit Forecast Despite Yen Weakness and European Heatwaves

Fast Retailing, the Japanese parent company of Uniqlo, raised its annual profit forecast on Thursday citing strong global sales, while warning that the weak yen and heatwaves in Europe pose challenges.

TOTEME Opens Miami Boutique at Bal Harbour Shops

Swedish fashion label TOTEME has opened a 1,010-square-foot boutique at Bal Harbour Shops in Miami, blending Scandinavian aesthetics with local tropical influences through a design by Stockholm architects Halleroed.

Clothink Debuts AI-Powered Workspace for Fashion Design

Clothink has launched an AI-driven platform aimed at streamlining fashion design and product development.

France Unveils Financial Penalties for Ultra-Fast Fashion Brands

The French government has introduced a draft order proposing penalties of up to €19.50 per item for ultra-fast fashion products, targeting companies like Shein.

Martin Margiela Sells Part of His Personal Archives

The reclusive Belgian fashion designer, known for shunning the spotlight, is offering a selection of his personal archives for sale.

Extreme heat in India frays fashion supply chains, study finds

Scorching temperatures are causing higher employee absenteeism and productivity losses of up to 10% for garment manufacturers in India during peak summer, according to a new study.

Korean Fragrance Brands Rise as Next K-Beauty Export Wave

South Korean fragrance brands are gaining global traction, blending traditional ingredients with modern luxury. UK interest in Korean perfumes rose 20% year-over-year as of April 2026, and exports reached $635 million in 2024.

Marine Serre seeks court protection amid cash flow crisis

French fashion label Marine Serre has been placed under court-supervised reorganisation in Paris to address cash flow issues caused by client non-payment.

JW Anderson opens first Paris pop-up boutique near Louvre

JW Anderson has opened a pop-up boutique at 15 Rue du Louvre in Paris, marking the brand's first retail space in the French capital. The store will operate until September 24, offering men's and womenswear alongside curated homeware pieces.

Saucony opens first Hong Kong flagship as China momentum builds

Saucony has opened its first flagship store in Hong Kong, a 150-square-metre space at the K11 Art Mall, as the running shoe brand accelerates its expansion in Greater China.

Louis Vuitton Sues Bubble Tea Chain in China Over Trademark

Louis Vuitton has taken legal action against a bubble-tea chain in Suzhou, China, to settle a trademark case, highlighting the challenges luxury brands face in protecting their IP in the Chinese market.

Francéclat launches Le Rendez-Vous jewellery platform during Paris Fashion Week

Francéclat will debut Le Rendez-Vous, a new fine jewellery design event, at the Tuileries Garden from October 2 to 5, coinciding with Paris Fashion Week.

Reflx Lab Unveils Fiery Experimental Film Diablo 100

Chinese brand Reflx Lab launches Diablo 100, a reverse-loaded analog film that produces dramatic red, orange and yellow tones, targeting young creators seeking unique visual effects.

Chinese Youth Adopt Mango Seeds as Low-Maintenance Pets

A growing online community in China is treating mango seeds as pets, grooming and dressing the pits as alternatives to traditional animals.

Grunge Beauty Resurges as Consumers Reject Perfection and Wellness Pressure

Smudged eyeliner, lived-in hair, and deliberate dishevelment are replacing the polished 'clean girl' aesthetic as a cultural backlash against aspiration and optimization drives a darker, more grunge-led beauty mood.

Birkenstock and Repetto Unveil Ballet-Inspired Capsule Collection

Birkenstock has teamed up with French ballet footwear heritage brand Repetto on a three-style capsule collection under its 1774 line, launching July 16 with designs blending contoured comfort and ballet elegance.

Valentino to Sell €450M in Bonds to Refinance Bank Debt

Maison Valentino has approved a €450 million senior secured bond sale to repay bank debt and fund investment and working capital, with shareholders Kering and Mayhoola backing the issue with a potential €250 million equity injection.

Fashion and beauty sales lifted as Britons prioritise summer holidays, KPMG survey finds

Despite gloomy economic conditions, UK consumers are spending on clothing, shoes and beauty products in preparation for summer trips, according to a KPMG survey.

Luís Figo’s Fashion Brand Unveils Refreshed Identity and Strategy

LF Luís Figo, the fashion label founded by former Portuguese footballer Luís Figo, is entering a growth phase with a redesigned identity, a see-now-buy-now model, and a seasonless wardrobe concept.

Zhang Ling He and Jelly Lin Star in Period Drama ‘The Road to Glory’

New Chinese period drama ‘The Road to Glory’ follows a street ruffian’s rise to King of Wei, blending political intrigue with a complex romance.

MyTheresa Launches Mobile Luxury Boutique in the Hamptons

MyTheresa has launched a mobile bespoke retail experience in the Hamptons for summer, offering private appointments and public walk-ins at iconic locations.

Marques'Almeida turns former canning factory into nightclub for Portugal fashion show

The brand transformed the historic Vasco da Gama Canning Factory into a vibrant nightclub setting, blending industrial heritage with modern fashion.

Tiffany & Co. Unveils Renovated South Coast Plaza Flagship

Tiffany & Co. has opened a newly renovated flagship boutique at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California, featuring a design inspired by the brand's New York Landmark.

Renzo Rosso: Artificial Intelligence Is a Stimulus for Fashion Competitiveness

OTB Group founder Renzo Rosso advocates for AI as a driver of growth and competitiveness in fashion, while emphasizing a local sourcing strategy within 20 kilometres of headquarters.

CHANEL Acquires Historic Parisian Shirtmaker Charvet

CHANEL has acquired Charvet, the historic Parisian shirtmaker founded in 1838, aiming to preserve its craftsmanship and ensure creative independence.

Ermanno Scervino opens six new stores in luxury destinations

Italian luxury brand Ermanno Scervino has opened six new stores in key international markets, including Saint-Tropez, Los Angeles, Beijing, Capri, Taormina and Prague, as part of its retail expansion strategy.

ASUR Airports Launches ‘Game on at LAX’ World Cup Activations

ASUR Airports is hosting FIFA-themed activations at Los Angeles International Airport, offering exclusive LAX-branded soccer jerseys to shoppers who spend over $75 with select retail partners.

Manto Reale rebrands and enters South Korea after 10 years

Italian menswear label Manto Italia has rebranded as Manto Reale and made its South Korean market debut, with plans to expand in the Middle East.

MBFWMadrid Taps Latin American Fashion Awards, Opens September Edition with Agua by Agua Bendita

Madrid Fashion Week will present the Colombian label Agua by Agua Bendita with the International Designer Award and open its September 14-19 edition with the brand's runway show, following a partnership with the Latin American Fashion Awards.

Saucony to Open Paris Flagship Store Blending Running Heritage with Urban Culture

American running brand Saucony is preparing to open a flagship store in Paris, combining its athletic roots with urban culture. President Rob Griffiths discusses how the challenger brand approaches spending creatively to fuel growth.

ToWorkFor Outfits Saul Nash for Milan Fashion Week Runway

Portuguese safety footwear and workwear brand ToWorkFor collaborated with London-based designer Saul Nash to dress his runway show at Milan Fashion Week.

Ferrari Launches British Grand Prix Capsule Collection with Circular Design Focus

Ferrari's fashion arm has unveiled a limited-edition British Grand Prix capsule collection that blends motorsport heritage with sustainable fashion, featuring Union Jack-inspired pieces and reconditioned garments from previous collections.

Gucci Unveils 2026 High Jewellery Collection Inspired by Flora and Nautical Motifs

Gucci has introduced a new high jewellery collection for 2026, featuring four families that draw on floral and maritime themes, including the iconic Flora motif and knot-inspired designs.

Birkenstock Opens Largest In-Mall Store in India, Retail Network Reaches 63

Birkenstock has opened a new store in Chennai, its largest in-mall location in India, expanding its national retail network to 63 brand stores, including 26 company-owned outlets.

Marcolin and Heinemann Launch Travel Retail-Exclusive GUESS Eyewear Sunglasses

A new crystal blush colourway of a best-selling GUESS Eyewear summer style is now available exclusively at Gebr. Heinemann airport stores, complete with a collectable branded cloth.

Chinese luxury brands crack premiumisation code as Songmont leads growth surge

A wave of Chinese fashion labels is successfully moving upmarket, with handbag brand Songmont posting 340% Tmall GMV growth in May while raising prices and maintaining customer loyalty.

Armani enlists BCG for growth strategy ahead of potential stake sale

Giorgio Armani SpA has hired Boston Consulting Group to identify growth opportunities in key luxury segments, as the Italian fashion house prepares for a stake-sale process expected later this year.

Oi Polloi Plans Comeback Under Founder's Direction

David Gandy Wellwear Teams Up with Touker Suleyman to Drive Expansion

Premium menswear brand David Gandy Wellwear has entered a strategic partnership with retail entrepreneur Touker Suleyman, owner of Hawes & Curtis, Ghost and Finery, to accelerate its growth.

New Book 'Warpaint' Traces the History of Male Makeup From Ancient Kings to Modern Influencers

A new book by Josh Sims examines the long history of men's cosmetics, from ancient symbols of power to today's gender-neutral beauty market.

Adidas Taps Street Football Culture in China World Cup Push

Adidas launches an offline activation in China during the World Cup, featuring non-professional players and a Messi exhibition to deepen local engagement.

VEJA Debuts in China via Tmall, Eschewing Physical Stores for Now

French sustainable sneaker brand VEJA has entered the Chinese market with an online-first strategy, launching a flagship store on Alibaba's Tmall platform to build brand awareness and gather consumer data before opening physical retail locations.