Articles by Isabella Naef
Isabella Naef has been the Senior Editor of FashionUnited Italy since 2008. She is in Milan and covers fashion and luxury goods, with a particular focus on financial and economic news and sustainability. A dual Italian and Swiss citizen, Isabella graduated in Political Science from the University of Milan. She is member of the Professional Journalists' Association since 2000, contributing to newspapers and magazines. She is passionate about covering the fashion industry during this dynamic period, where sustainability, Gen Z, and artificial intelligence are paving the way for new and exciting chapters in economic, creative, and trend history.
Patagonia sues drag queen and activist Pattie Gonia for trademark infringement
A legal dispute is underway between the sportswear and accessories brand Patagonia and the American drag queen Pattie Gonia. On January 21, Patagonia filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Pattie Gonia, citing a need to respect intellectual property. Patagonia stated in its complaint at the federal court of California that the artist,...
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Safilo Group sales up 1.8 percent at constant exchange rates in FY 2025
Preliminary sales for 2025 reached 983.4 million euros (1.2 billion dollars) for Safilo Group. This represents a growth of 1.8 percent at constant exchange rates, following a fourth quarter that saw a 0.4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. At current exchange rates, sales recorded a 1 percent decline for the year and a 4.6...
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Prada terminates 222 suppliers over compliance violations
Prada has cut ties with 222 suppliers for compliance violations over the past five years. This follows a “zero tolerance” audit in response to allegations of labour abuses in the fashion supply chain. The data was provided by Prada and reported by the British newspaper, the Financial Times. The company confirmed this to FashionUnited. Since...
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OECD-EUIPO study reveals strong links between counterfeiting and labour exploitation
Counterfeiting has long plagued the fashion industry, but a new joint study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) reveals a darker reality: the illicit trade in fakes is inextricably linked to severe labour exploitation. Titled “From Fakes to Forced...
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LVMH increases stake in Loro Piana to 94 percent
Yesterday, during a conference call with analysts, LVMH chairman and chief executive officer Bernard Arnault announced that the group has strengthened its hold on the Italian brand, Loro Piana. The company conducted a partial buyout in 2025 of the brand's shares held by the Loro Piana family, as reported by Italian news agency Il Sole 24 Ore...
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Salvatore Ferragamo's 2025 revenue declines to 977 million euros
Salvatore Ferragamo has reported its preliminary consolidated group revenue figures for the 2025 financial year and for the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2025, preliminary consolidated revenues were 282 million euros (338 million dollars). This represents a decrease of 2 percent at constant exchange rates and 3.2 percent at current...
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Spring/summer 2027 trends seen at Milano Unica
The trends for the spring/summer 2027 season showcased at Milano Unica, a trade fair that recently concluded in Milan, are led by the Natural and Shadow concepts. The Sun theme stands out for a broader and more detailed selection. It maintains strong consistency with the imagery and needs of the summer season. The next edition of Milano Unica is...
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Pitti Immagine reports strong buyer attendance at Filati and Bimbo fairs
Pitti Filati and Pitti Bimbo have concluded with over 4,000 visitors. This figure includes at least 3,100 buyers, with international attendees making up over 40 percent. “It has been a very intense and equally interesting three days here at the Fortezza da Basso,” commented Raffaello Napoleone, chief executive officer of Pitti Immagine. “The...
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Milano Unica sees growth in international buyers
Milano Unica has concluded its 42nd edition with an increase in international buyer attendance. The Italian high-end textile and accessories trade show took place at Fiera Milano Rho from January 20 to 22. It presented the spring/summer 2027 collections and saw France (+8.5 percent) and the US (+13.5 percent) emerge as the two most represented...
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Passing of Valentino Garavani closes an era in 'Made in Italy' history
With the passing of Valentino Garavani at 93, we witness the end of an era where Italian style reigned supreme. Joining the ranks of departed legends like Gianni Versace and Gianfranco Ferrè, Valentino’s legacy represents the pinnacle of Italian excellence. His work, rooted in the elegance of Rome and the industrial chic of Milan, inspired...
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