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.
Prada and Versace: Two different stories and, now, a shared future
Now that the merger between Prada and Versace has been finalized, what will happen next? Will Prada be able to maintain Versace's DNA as promised by the Milanese company in todays press release? The Prada group is no stranger to acquisitions, having previously acquired Helmut Lang and Jil Sander, both of which were later sold, and the Church's...
BusinessMember8 hours ago
Prada-Versace deal: Rumours of 2.5 billion euro financing with Goldman Sachs
A banking consortium led by US investment bank Goldman Sachs is reportedly ready to provide Prada with a 2.5 billion euro financing line to support the Italian fashion group's acquisition of Versace, the Milan daily MF Fashion reported on Friday. Approximately 1.5 billion euros would be used for the acquisition, while the remaining one billion...
BusinessMemberApr 4, 2025
International Woolmark Prize 2025: Duran Lantink Wins
Dutch designer Duran Lantink has won the International Woolmark Prize 2025. Pieter Mulier, Creative Director of Alaïa, and Südwolle Group were awarded the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation and the Supply Chain Award, respectively. The awards ceremony, which recently concluded, took place at the Palazzo del Ghiaccio in Milan. The winner of the...
Fashion FeaturedApr 2, 2025
Dsquared2 faces lawsuit from Staff International over license agreement termination
Dsquared2 Group announced today they are immediately terminating their license agreement with Staff International spa, stating they will take direct control of the production and distribution of their ready-to-wear collections. However, Otb, which controls Staff International, is challenging this move. Staff International has filed a lawsuit...
BusinessMemberMar 29, 2025
Moncler: Alexandre Arnault (LVMH) candidate for the Board of Directors
Alexandre Arnault (born 1992), head of LVMH's Wines and Spirits division and third son of Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH, is on the list of candidates for nomination to Moncler's new board of directors, as reported by the Italian publication Mffashion. The proposed candidacy of Arnault Jr. is part of the agreement reached with LVMH...
PeopleMar 27, 2025
Versace’s legacy: 47 years since the first show in Milan
On the eve of the 47th anniversary of March 28, 1978, when Gianni Versace presented his first women's collection under his own name at the Palazzo della Permanente, we reflect on the legacy of both the designer and the brand he created. Though Versace was tragically murdered in Miami on July 15, 1997, his fashion house has secured its place in...
Fashion Mar 27, 2025
H&M closes quarter with 3 percent sales increase, profits halved
H&M reported increased turnover (though weaker than analysts' forecasts) for the quarter spanning December 1 to February 28. Furthermore, the Swedish group's sales are projected to increase by 1 percent in local currency in March compared to the same month last year. In a statement released today, March 27, the company estimates that the overall...
BusinessMemberMar 27, 2025
The economic situation and the "surreal" threat of American tariffs in Europe
Milan - According to Confcommercio, the current threats of the American administration towards Europe appear surreal. According to a report released today, 24 March 2025, by the Italian Confcommercio Research Office, European goods exports to the US in 2023 totaled approximately 504 billion euros, while imports reached over 347 billion euros,...
BusinessMemberMar 24, 2025
Its Contest awards 10 new talents in Trieste
The 2025 ITS Contest concluded on Friday in Trieste. The Trieste-based competition, which has long championed emerging fashion talent, including Demna Gvsalia, who will become the creative director of Gucci this July, currently at Balenciaga. Maximilian Raynor Receives the International Jury Prize All designers in this year's edition were...
Fashion Mar 24, 2025
Donatella Versace to chair jury of International Woolmark Prize 2025
The final of the International Woolmark Prize (IWP) will take place in Milan on April 2, when eight global design talents will compete to shape the future of fashion through innovation and sustainability. One finalist will be awarded the central award and will receive prize money, which this year has been increased to 300,000 Australian dollars,...
Fashion Mar 20, 2025