The latest “Best Global Brands” ranking from New York-based brand consultancy Interbrand reveals increasing polarisation in the international fashion market. While Hermès, Chanel, Zara and Uniqlo gain brand value, Nike, Gucci and Prada suffer significant losses. Notably, traditional brand strength alone no longer protects against decline.

US brand management company Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) has appointed Victor Fonseca as senior vice president, head of Brazil.

US kidswear company Carter’s, Inc. (Carter’s) has posted a 91.7 percent jump in third-quarter operating income to 55.80 million dollars, up from 29.10 million dollars in the prior-year period. Consolidated net sales for the three months ended in the third quarter of fiscal 2026 decreased 0.7 percent to 752.50 million dollars, compared to 757.80 million dollars in the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2025.

Danish fashion brand Samsøe Samsøe has unveiled its pre-spring 2027 campaign, a partywear edit designed to take the wearer from the office into the night. The campaign was photographed by Casper Sejersen and is set in a pared-back space modelled on a backstage party, the moment after a performance has ended but before the energy has fully faded.

Rather than showing a party itself, the imagery focuses on what it leaves behind, according to the brand. Sculptural lighting and oversized shadows move across the set, which Samsøe Samsøe describes as balancing restraint with intensity. A seasonal zebra print runs through the set design as a subtle accent rather than a dominant motif.

The campaign consists entirely of still images. Samsøe Samsøe says this was a deliberate choice, so that each photograph carries its own tension.

Leather, sheer fabrics and statement accessories

The collection is built around the transition from winter to the first days of spring, moving from late-night gatherings and intimate settings towards a lighter, more pared-back elegance. The line-up includes leather pieces, transparent materials, shimmering details and eye-catching accessories, ranging from daytime looks to more expressive party styles.

The accessories are designed to complement the ready-to-wear and draw on modern dandy codes and a discreet approach to eveningwear. The brand positions them as finishing touches for lounges, late-night invitations and the start of spring.

Styling for the campaign was done by Rikke Wackerhausen, with model Greta Hofer in front of the camera. Hair was by Kasper Andersen, makeup by Trine Skjoeth and set design by Creative Collective.

Interview

BCR Online-Warenhandels GmbH (BCR), which operated the namesake luxury fashion online shop as Fashionette GmbH, has filed for insolvency. According to the official insolvency announcement, the Local Court of Offenbach am Main ordered the provisional administration of the company's assets on Wednesday. Lawyer Sebastian Netzel from the Frankfurt law firm Brinkmann & Partner has been appointed as provisional insolvency administrator. Consequently, any disposals made by the company are only valid with his approval.

Capri Holdings generated revenue of 809 million dollars in the second quarter of the 2027 financial year, which ended on September 26. This represents a year-over-year (YoY) decline of 5.5 percent, while revenue fell by 4.9 percent on a constant currency basis. According to the company, around 20 million dollars is attributable to wholesale shipments that were delivered earlier than planned and were originally scheduled for the third quarter.

Japanese sportswear brand Asics has launched the Gel-Nimbus 29, the 29th generation of its cushioned running shoe. The new model introduces FF Luxe Plus, a lightweight foam that the brand says makes the shoe softer underfoot.

The Gel-Nimbus 29 will be available worldwide from December 1.

Redesigned sole and upper

Alongside the new foam, the shoe has a reshaped sole with a wave pattern on the underside, designed to compress more for a softer feel. Asics has also placed its PureGel technology under the heel to absorb shock on landing.

The upper is made from a new engineered mesh, with a knitted tongue, a ribbed collar and a pull tab. The Hybrid AsicsGrip outsole has more rubber coverage than the previous model. The shoe weighs around 279 grams for men and 238 grams for women.

The design concept, called 'Soaring Cloud', draws on the movement of clouds and the lines of classical Japanese painting. According to Asics, the shoe has a carbon footprint of 11.4 kilograms of CO2 equivalent per pair.

"The Gel-Nimbus series has always been synonymous with comfort. For its latest evolution, we focused on creating an even more plush and uplifting experience for runners," said Laura Bolgen, director of global product, performance running footwear, at Asics.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in fashion are deals in which a company buys, merges with or invests in a fashion brand, retailer, manufacturer or service business. Buyers range from luxury groups and brand management firms to private equity, retailers and investors from other countries. FashionUnited, the international B2B platform for the fashion industry, reports these deals as they happen and collects them on one page.

Key facts

• What M&A means: any change in who owns or controls a fashion business, from a full takeover to a minority stake.
• Main deal types: acquisitions, mergers, majority and minority stakes, brand and intellectual property sales, divestments, private equity buyouts and exits, and take-privates.
• Typical buyers: luxury and fashion groups, brand management companies, private equity firms, retailers and online platforms, and international groups.
• Common reasons: new categories or markets, scale, new capabilities, portfolio focus, and founder succession.
• Sectors: apparel, luxury, watches, beauty, retail, resale and rental, textile manufacturing and fashion services.
• Where to follow new deals: FashionUnited's mergers and acquisitions page, updated whenever a new deal story is published.
• Access: the page is free to browse. Many deal reports are member articles (see the FAQ below).

Types of fashion deals

Fashion M&A covers every kind of ownership change, from full takeovers to small stakes.

• Acquisition: one company buys another, or a controlling stake in it.
• Merger: two companies combine into a single business.
• Majority or minority stake: an investor buys more or less than half of a company. A minority stake brings money and expertise without control.
• Brand or IP sale: the buyer takes over the brand name and intellectual property, sometimes without the stores or staff. In 2026, for example, Debenhams Group sold Nasty Gal's global IP rights to WSG Brands.
• Divestment: a group sells a brand or division, often to focus on its core business.
• Private equity buyout and exit: an investment firm buys a company, grows it, and later sells it on.
• Take-private: a listed company is bought out and leaves the stock exchange. In 2026 fashion and beauty technology company Perfect Corp left the New York Stock Exchange after merging with an entity controlled by its founder.

Who buys fashion brands

Five kinds of buyer account for most fashion deals.

• Luxury and fashion groups: groups such as LVMH, Kering and Richemont own portfolios of brands and buy to add houses or categories. They also sell: in 2026 LVMH sold Marc Jacobs.
• Brand management companies: firms such as WHP Global, Marquee Brands and WSG Brands buy brands, often for their intellectual property, and grow them through licensing and operating partners. When WHP Global and G-III bought Marc Jacobs, WHP took charge of licensing and G-III of wholesale, retail and e-commerce.
• Private equity firms: they buy a company, grow it over several years and sell it on, to another investor, a strategic buyer or the stock market. In 2026 Sycamore Partners sold Hot Topic to Spencer Spirit Holdings.
• Retailers and online platforms: they buy brands they already sell, or businesses that bring new customers. In 2026 eBay bought resale marketplace Depop from Etsy, and Frasers Group took majority control of Hugo Boss.
• International groups: buyers from other countries use stakes and takeovers to reach new markets. In 2026 China's Anta Sports became the largest shareholder of Puma.

Why fashion companies buy and sell brands

Most fashion deals come down to one of six reasons.

• New categories: a buyer enters a segment it does not yet cover, such as Revolve Group's minority stake in activewear brand 437 in 2026.
• New markets: a buyer with international distribution can take a local brand abroad, or use a stake to reach a market where it is small.
• Scale: combining businesses spreads costs such as sourcing, logistics and marketing over more sales.
• New capabilities: a deal can add resale, rental, production or technology. In 2026 CTR Group, the owner of Thrift+, bought rental platform Hirestreet, and Reshoring Textiles bought US yarn maker Sans Technical Fibers to expand domestic production.
• Portfolio focus: groups sell brands that no longer fit, to invest in the ones that do. LVMH's sale of Marc Jacobs and Etsy's sale of Depop are examples.
• Succession and exits: founders hand over or sell their companies, and investors sell to realise their returns. In 2026 the founder of German skiwear brand Toni Sailer handed the company to its managing director.

How a fashion acquisition works

Most deals pass through the same stages, which is why news reports describe them as "in talks", "agreed" or "completed".

What happens to a brand after it is acquired

The outcome depends on the buyer, but four are common.

• It keeps running independently: many buyers keep the brand's name, team and culture. eBay kept Depop's brand and platform, and Sanctuary kept its leadership after WSG Brands bought it.
• It moves to licensing: brand management owners license the brand to partners that make and sell the products, as WHP Global does for Marc Jacobs.
• It gets new operating partners: a buyer may hand design, production or distribution to a partner, as Marquee Brands arranged with JM&A for Roots.
• It is folded into the group: the buyer merges functions such as sourcing, logistics or retail into its own.

For retail buyers, suppliers and staff, this decides who they deal with after the sale.

Why fashion M&A news matters

A change of owner affects more people than the buyer and the seller.

• Executives and strategy teams: to track competitors and potential partners, and see how rivals reshape their portfolios.
• Investors, analysts and advisers: to follow deal values, buyers and the structures behind each transaction.
• Brand founders: to see who buys brands like theirs, and on which terms, before raising money or selling.
• Retail buyers and suppliers: a new owner can change a brand's distribution, licensing or production partners.
• Jobseekers and employees: to understand what a takeover may mean for a company, and to browse fashion jobs around the world.

How to follow fashion deals on FashionUnited

• Bookmark the mergers and acquisitions page for every deal as it is reported.
• Sign up for the FashionUnited newsletter to get fashion business news by email.
• Read the Executive section for financial results, CEO interviews and market statistics.
• Look up the brands involved in the FashionUnited Brand Directory.
• Explore Fashion Business Intelligence for market data on the fashion industry.

Frequently asked questions

Follow the latest deals

Swedish sportswear and lifestyle brand J.Lindeberg has moved its entire supplier base onto Trimco Group's ProductDNA Certificate Manager, a traceability platform, as it prepares for incoming EU textile regulations.

The rollout extends a partnership of around 20 years in which label and packaging supplier Trimco Group has produced J.Lindeberg's care labels, hang tags and packaging. The companies are now also mapping suppliers and linking certificates and factory audits to the specific products and purchase orders they relate to.

Preparing for ESPR and the DPP

The move responds to the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which introduces a mandatory Digital Product Passport (DPP) for textile products. The detailed requirements for textiles have yet to be set, but are expected to cover fibre composition, recycled content, chemical compliance and supply chain traceability.

According to Trimco Group, the DPP will typically be accessed via a QR code printed on the garment label, a product the company already makes for J.Lindeberg.

The platform collects supplier certificates and data such as fibre composition, recycled content and chemical compliance, flags missing or inconsistent documents and links the information to the brand's purchase orders and products.

Pilot ahead of full rollout

Before the full onboarding, the companies ran a pilot followed by a review phase to test the data, assess how ready suppliers were and align the software with the evolving EU rules.

"The pilot allowed us to strengthen the collaboration with our suppliers and make sure that they had the right tools in place to deliver what we needed for the system to work," said Sofia Bothelius, chief product officer at J.Lindeberg. She added that Trimco's local teams helped some suppliers get set up.

Camilla Mjelde, sustainability and C&C director at Trimco Group, said the company originally built ProductDNA for traceability in its own supply chain. "Most brands are about to face the task J.Lindeberg started early," said Mjelde. "The data work is far easier when it sits with a partner who is already deeply embedded in the supply chain."

Both companies describe the rollout as an ongoing project that will be adapted as EU regulations develop.

British fashion label Represent has appointed Priya De Souza as chief marketing officer, effective immediately.

In the role, De Souza will report to chief executive Paul Spencer and lead marketing, communications and brand strategy across Represent and its performance line, 247 by Represent, the Manchester-founded company said in a release.

De Souza joins from Casablanca, where she was chief marketing officer, built the marketing team and led the brand’s communications and marketing strategy. Before that, she led global marketing communications at Adidas Originals. There she ran end-to-end campaigns for collaborations with Gucci, Balenciaga and Wales Bonner, and oversaw global social and PR. Earlier in her career, she spent almost a decade at Dazed Media, where she led the youth culture publisher’s partnerships arm.

The hire comes as Represent expands into new global markets. Since 2024, the brand has opened its first stores in Los Angeles, Manchester, London and, most recently, Cape Town.

“Priya brings an incredible depth of global brand experience across culture, sport and luxury, but just as importantly, we loved her as a person from the start,” said Spencer.

Co-founder George Heaton added: “Priya has spent her career where fashion and culture meet, working with brands we have a lot of respect for. As we grow, she’ll be central to how we tell our story.”

De Souza said: “Represent has built something rare as an independent brand: a loyal community and real credibility in fashion. I’m looking forward to working closely with George, Spenny and the team on this next chapter.”

Founded in 2011 by brothers George and Mike Heaton, Represent launched 247 in 2020 as a performance line spanning running, hybrid training and fashion.

This article was written with the assistance of AI.

Finals of the Real Leather Stay Different (RLSD) International Student Design Competition concluded with a runway presentation and awards event at Jim Thompson House in Bangkok, Thailand. Organised to promote sustainable fashion practices among emerging talent, the competition drew entries from design institutions worldwide.

Israeli designer Tal Zohar from Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art in Israel secured the overall title with her collection entry ‘Neo-Heritage Tennis Club’. The design incorporates stylistic references from the 1920s and 1970s, interpreting tennis court construction lines and palettes into modern sportswear silhouettes.

Zohar paired a leather jacket, quilted to mimic tennis racquet strings, with a pleated leather skirt made entirely from natural materials. The ensemble was presented alongside accessories including a sun visor and a leather ball bag.

“The brief challenges designers to think about a more sustainable future for fashion asking us to work only with leather and natural materials,” Zohar said. “The strength and durability of leather and the growth of athleisure gave me both inspiration and audience. Tennis Club draws on the journey for female tennis players from the first modern skirts allowing freedom of movement on court to the athleisure of today.”

The competition is backed by the US-based trade association Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) in partnership with the UK-based platform Arts Thread. Entrants are required to use natural fibres with a minimum composition of 50 percent bovine leather.

Christopher Koerber, managing director of Swiss entity Hugo Boss Ticino and member of the judging panel, noted the alignment between creative exploration and market readiness.

“We work in a commercial world – where designs need to stand out and sell. But this competition also recognises that change is needed – towards a more considered fashion that has a soft footprint on the planet and a long-lasting imprint on the wardrobe,” Koerber said. “Tal’s work is what this competition is about; stunning design, commercial application and sustainable delivery. No plastics, no untried materials, just a showcase for slow style that is at home at the sports club as it is on the catwalk.”

LHCA president Kerry Brozyna highlighted the role of agricultural co-products in mitigating synthetic textile waste across the global supply chain.

“Most of us understand the damage that fast fashion is doing to the planet,” Brozyna stated. “Every year the leather industry diverts millions of hides, created by our demand for meat and dairy products, from landfill. And from those hides we make leather goods that last a lifetime.”

Brozyna added that providing emerging professionals with technical material experience remains fundamental to counteracting misinformation surrounding natural materials.

The evaluation panel comprised Interhides Public Company Limited board director and general manager Wasin Thumrongsakunvong; Hugo Boss Ticino managing director Christopher Koerber; Asava Group founder and creative director Polpat Asavaprapha, who also serves as chairman of the Bangkok Fashion Society; US sportswear brand New Balance innovation designer Ashin Zhou; Accademia Costume & Moda international director and fashion education consultant Adrien Roberts.

Category winners announced

• Apparel: Tal Zohar from Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art in Israel for ‘Neo-Heritage Tennis Club’, combining bovine leather and natural cotton.
• Accessories: Siang-Ying Lu from SAIC School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the US for ‘Playscape’, a bag patterned from a single circle of surplus leather using zero additional cuts.
• Footwear: Roscha Dinler from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany for ‘Fragmented Structure’, featuring footwear assembled from leather production scraps shaped directly on the last.
• People’s Choice: Tran Trong Nghi Nguyen from Ton Duc Thang University in Vietnam for ‘Champa - The Legacy’, an evening dress referencing Bàu Trúc ceramic textures through leather craftsmanship.
• Host Nation Award: Kittidech Chankraithong from Srinakharinwirot University in Thailand for ‘Rode-Mail’, featuring an ensemble incorporating traditional Thai gold-leaf gilding techniques on leather substrates.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is positioning its Merchandising, Textiles and Design program as a cross-disciplinary springboard for corporate retail and creative leadership, according to an article published on Deltaplex News. Housed within the Department of Human Sciences, the degree addresses a long-standing disconnect in traditional fashion curricula by simultaneously combining commercial retail analytics, textile science, and garment construction into a single accredited course of study.

Rather than treating technical design and retail merchandising as competing silos, the program’s tripartite framework reflects how contemporary apparel organizations operate, where creative design decisions are increasingly tied to supply chain realities and data-driven merchandising strategies.

The operational focus of the curriculum emphasizes hands-on technical competency alongside broader market literacy. According to Dr. Yunru Shen, an instructor within the program, students are trained across retail buying, consumer behavior analysis, and portfolio development, complemented by external experiential touchpoints such as industry study tours to New York City and participation in regional showcases.

To connect regional talent with major commercial networks, faculty actively channel students into competitive corporate recruitment pipelines, including early preparation for structured retail internships with department store chains such as Nordstrom. Looking forward, the department is seeking external capital to enhance design laboratory facilities and embed emerging digital tools, specifically artificial intelligence, into design ideation without displacing foundational craftsmanship.

For historically Black colleges and universities, the institutional viability of fashion and textile programs increasingly hinges on their ability to deliver tangible career mobility across global fashion capitals and regional economies. Programs structured around technical adaptability allow graduates to bypass narrow entry-level creative tracks and instead pursue viable positions in retail management, product development, technical design, and secondary fashion education.

By cultivating a pipeline of diverse candidates who possess both analytical fluency and material understanding, UAPB demonstrates how smaller public institutions can build relevant, sustainable academic models that feed directly into the corporate apparel ecosystem.

Students from the Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design (PLC Detroit), the nation's only design-focused Historically Black College and University, engaged in an exchange with American couturier and CFDA member B. Michael at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The discussion, titled "Stitched in Excellence," centered on historical literacy, creative identity, and navigating the operational demands of the apparel industry, according to an article published on Vocal Media. By directly questioning an established practitioner rather than studying finished artifacts in isolation, emerging designers interrogated the commercial and cultural strategies necessary to build an enduring practice.

The session examined the progression of Michael’s career, which encompasses millinery, ready-to-wear, and couture collections, as well as high-profile collaborations with figures such as Cicely Tyson. Student interviewers led the dialogue, focusing on the research, decision-making, and client relationships that underpin commercial design. According to Nikki Taylor, director of student services at PLC Detroit, direct engagement with established practitioners enables students to contextualize foundational coursework while understanding how individual heritage and market discipline translate into viable design careers.

For design education, the initiative illustrates a shift away from abstract theory toward narrative-driven, hands-on mentorship that addresses persistent representation gaps in the commercial apparel market. Incorporating primary access to working industry veterans inside institutional learning expands professional networks and prepares students for the rigor of corporate and independent studios alike. As specialized institutions like PLC Detroit seek to cement their pipelines into the broader industry, institutional partnerships that combine cultural history with direct professional critique remain central to sustainable talent development.

Sportswear manufacturer Puma continues to experience a decline in revenue.

US materials science and digital identification solutions provider Avery Dennison Corporation (Avery Dennison) has announced its preliminary financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, delivering top-line growth and increased cash flow. Net sales rose 5.2 percent year-over-year (YoY) to 2.33 billion dollars, compared to 2.22 billion dollars in the prior-year period. On an organic basis, net sales increased 3.7 percent.

US e-commerce giant Amazon.com reported a 12 percent increase in net sales for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, reaching 201.94 billion dollars compared with 180.17 billion dollars in the prior-year period. Excluding an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of 0.90 billion dollars, net sales expanded 13 percent year-over-year. The retail and technology corporation saw operating income rise 61 percent YoY to 28.08 billion dollars, up from 17.42 billion dollars in the third quarter of 2025.

US outdoor apparel group Columbia Sportswear Company reported an increase in third-quarter net sales, exceeding management projections as direct-to-consumer gains and international momentum offset domestic wholesale shipping shifts.

US luxury resale platform The RealReal (TRR) has reported a 19 percent increase in total revenue to 206 million dollars for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026. Gross merchandise value (GMV) rose 23 percent year-over-year (YoY) to 642 million dollars, supported by a 15 percent increase in orders.

Summer has always had its color codes: sun-bleached pastels, tropical brights, crisp linens and optimistic shades that capture the energy of longer days. For Spring/Summer 2028, that picture is shifting. Deep aubergines, inky blues and murky greens are bringing a darker, more atmospheric mood to warm-weather dressing.

“This is one of the most difficult seasons, as nobody in this industry really has any idea what is currently happening.” With this admission, trend expert David Shah opened his seminar at the textile and swimwear trade fair Mare di Moda (MdM). Long-time attendees might recall his opening remarks from a few years ago, when he similarly began with a confession of perplexity. Starting this way again underscores just how volatile the industry and the world currently are. Nevertheless, Shah remained “very, very positive” about the swimwear market.

World in state of emergency

The list of uncertainties is long. The war in Ukraine is not over, tensions between Iran and Israel remain high, conflicts are escalating in the Red Sea and the US heads to the polls in November. Shah also turned his attention to China. Having worked in the People’s Republic since 1985, he views the country not as belligerent, but as culturally self-confident. It is advancing rapidly in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and electrical engineering, pushing imports worth around one billion euros daily into Europe, which now firmly includes fashion, cosmetics and lifestyle.

The fashion industry is feeling the impact of the situation in its own way. At the same time, the luxury sector faces criticism over its pricing. Young people, in particular, feel cheated and are taking their anger over inequality to the streets. Added to this are fewer tourists in Paris, a decline in US buyers and fluctuating markets. Surprisingly, quiet luxury continues to perform well, a phenomenon Shah describes as “non-status status”.

What people want

From this environment, Shah identified several developments that will become vital for swimwear. Today, consumers prefer to spend their money on experiences rather than possessions. Luxury travel is booming, with some counting visited countries as if in a competition. This has previously hurt the swimwear sector; those travelling just for a weekend and a photo opportunity do not need 14 days on the beach. However, as many now yearn for a genuine escape from everyday life, Shah expects a turnaround here.

Body ideals are also shifting. The status symbol is no longer a six-pack, but the number of healthy years of life, which favours lightweight, soft fabrics and a form of wellness swimwear. Simultaneously, the older female consumer is returning to the spotlight following actress Jamie Lee Curtis’s appearance in Vogue. This demographic has both the money and time to travel, yet often finds buying swimwear unpleasant and prefers to order online. The industry must therefore position the category to be age-inclusive.

Alongside this, sensuality is returning, from the comeback of the Victoria’s Secret (VS) show to provocative cinema films and series. Behind this lies a generation that feels lonely, finds dating expensive and longs for romance and tenderness. These same young consumers embrace flaws, disruptions and oversized silhouettes, while loving playfulness. Toys, Lego and puzzles are booming, while tennis and padel remain fashionable. Cuteness has also returned, featuring teddy bears, plush, fluffy textures, pastel shades and a candy-coated sheen.

For the trend expert, the conclusion is clear: swimwear must above all offer escapism.

5 movements shaping beachwear in 2028

1. Hyper hyper

The first movement draws from hyperpop and internet culture. Colours are artificial and uninhibited, chrome recalls the early internet and glitter is borrowed from glam rock and the Y2K style of the 2000s. This aesthetic is designed less for the beach itself and more for what follows, such as cocktails at the beach bar.

Ruffles, flounces and 3D embellishments with a kitsch factor are just as integral as references to showgirls and burlesque. Shah was particularly fond of sequined varsity sportswear, which he described as “trash culture at its best”. Here, everything is permitted to be exaggerated, shrill and self-ironic, as the goal is to transport oneself into another world.

2. Chill

As a counterpoint, chill represents lo-fi music, California and authenticity over perfection. The colours appear sun-bleached and washed-out, reminiscent of water, flower petals and honey. The surf look does not arrive in a bright Hawaiian style, but rather pared-back and in the spirit of the 1960s, as though children had raided their parents’ wardrobes.

Simple two-tone palettes, motifs with nods to indigenous art, batik and other hand-dyeing techniques are typical. Crochet, knitwear and needlework are pieced together anew. These are complemented by heirloom details such as ruching and smocking, cream-white embroidery, Missoni-style colourways, reworked checks and soft, fine stripes. Overall, the look strikes a balance between loud and quiet.

3. Hot

Hot is the Latin movement, standing for passion, elegance and seduction. Saturated colours meet dark backgrounds that heighten their drama, while a silky sheen makes the shades glow. Shah spoke of “maximalism at its best”, featuring ruffles, flounces and anything that appears exotic, dramatic and theatrical.

Added to this are hyper-realistic feathers, intensely printed skin motifs and colour blotches that look like an “ink storm”, according to Shah. Body-hugging contours and a touch of boudoir provide sensuality, while gender boundaries simultaneously dissolve.

4. Flow

The topic of sustainability has lost momentum in fashion, Shah explained following a conversation with a responsible apparel expert. Instead, it is evolving into a “next nature”, where nature and technology merge. The colours are atmospheric, mossy and mushroom-like, yet possess a clinical, synthetic edge. The tactility becomes “jelly-like”, semi-transparent and opalescent. This is accompanied by fluidity, technical gradients, biomorphic spots and an oxidised metal patina.

Water also shapes both the visual appeal and construction. Wave patterns, aquatic camouflage and marbling are prominent, alongside permeable laser-cut and openwork structures. Reliefs created through smocking, 3D printing and technical knitwear also feature. Furthermore, Shah observes a trend towards monochromatic looks, from yoga mats to hair clips, even if he remains a maximalist himself.

5. Bang bang

The final movement is the loudest, standing for protest, hip-hop and music as an act of rebellion. The motto “I am doing this for me” applies primarily to youth building their own universe. Strong contrasts against black, colliding shapes and concepts, and saturated colours bleeding into one another are in demand. Clothing thus becomes a dialogue and a statement, much like the iconic slogan T-shirts by designer Katharine Hamnett.

Accordingly, there are stickers, badges and transfers bearing witty, social or political messages, alongside spray paint, graffiti and gestural brushstrokes in the style of Jackson Pollock. The patterns appear constructivist, dynamic and geometric. Dazzle camouflage stripes shape the silhouette, similar to First World War ships, while strapping defines the form in place of the cut.

Shine as signal

Colour provided the clearest statistic. According to Shah, 25 percent of the shades in the new 2028/29 colour card are shiny. This means they are pearlescent, glossy, glassy or shimmering, rather than merely metallic. The French colour authority Comité Français de la Couleur (CFC) arrived at the same proportion, with holographic, prismatic and chaotic colours completing the picture.

Which shade Pantone will crown as its colour of the year will not be announced until December, and Shah was not permitted to reveal any details yet. However, he hinted that the tone will suit swimwear exceptionally well.

His conclusion was correspondingly clear. In a time full of anxieties, loneliness and scepticism towards luxury, people are seeking joy, fantasy and a place to switch off, and swimwear can deliver all three.

French fashion house Lemaire has appointed Clarisse Godbillon to the position of managing director. She succeeds Laetitia Mergui, who left the company a few months ago.

Godbillon is already familiar with the house. According to her LinkedIn profile, she previously served there as chief financial officer and subsequently chief operating officer before joining Jacquemus as COO. She returned to Lemaire in September to take on the role of managing director.

This appointment comes as Lemaire continues its retail expansion. The company opened a new boutique at the Palais-Royal in Paris last May, following the launch of its third store in China in Beijing earlier this year.

“Some houses have a soul. Lemaire is one of them,” Godbillon wrote in a post on LinkedIn. “It is an honour to take over as managing director and a true joy to continue its story with teams whose high standards and passion I share.”

European textile and apparel association Euratex, the Canadian Textile Industry Association (CTIA) and the Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF) have issued a joint statement calling for closer transatlantic cooperation in the sector. The statement coincides with the EU–Canada Summit in Montréal on October 29 and 30.

The three associations are urging EU and Canadian leaders to use the summit to strengthen implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which has been provisionally applied since September 2017.

Trade still has room to grow

According to the associations, EU exports of textiles and clothing to Canada came close to 997 million euros in 2025, while imports from Canada reached 147 million euros. In the first half of 2026, EU exports rose 5.7 percent year-over-year to 702 million euros.

The groups say small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up most of the sector, are not yet making full use of CETA. Citing European Commission figures, they note that the preference utilisation rate for EU exports to Canada rose from 38.7 percent in 2018 to 63.2 percent in 2024, meaning many eligible exporters still do not claim the available tariff preferences.

They are calling on EU member states that have not yet ratified CETA to complete their national procedures, and for clearer practical guidance for SMEs on both sides of the Atlantic.

Research and regulation

The associations also back joint research and industrial partnerships in technical textiles, advanced materials, circularity and recycling technologies. On regulation, they are calling for more coherent approaches to traceability, eco-design and digital product information, as well as alignment of technical requirements and, where appropriate, mutual recognition of standards.

The statement builds on joint policy statements that Euratex signed in April 2026 with CAF at Première Vision Montréal and with CTIA at Techtextil Frankfurt, which launched an EU–Canada Textile and Apparel Dialogue.

The FashionUnited womenswear brand directory lists 2000 women's clothing brands from 50 countries, for retail buyers, store owners, merchandisers, agents and distributors looking for brands to stock. It covers the market from high-street labels to luxury houses. Search by brand name or filter by country, then open a brand profile for its product categories, country, website and, where available, contact details. The directory is run by FashionUnited, the international B2B platform for the fashion industry, and is free to use without an account.

Browse womenswear brands: fashionunited.com/brands?industries=Womenswear

Key facts

• What it is: the womenswear section of the FashionUnited Brand Directory, an international directory of fashion brands for the B2B fashion industry.
• Number of womenswear brands: 2000 as of October 2026.
• Countries: womenswear brands from 50 countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Italy, Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom.
• Segments: high street, contemporary, designer, premium and luxury.
• Filters: brand name search and country of origin.
• Cost to browse: free, no account needed.
• Who uses it: buyers at independent boutiques, multi-brand stores, department stores and online retailers, plus merchandisers, agents and distributors.

What womenswear brands are in the directory?

The directory lists womenswear brands at every price level, from high-street and contemporary labels to designer and luxury houses. Many also make footwear, bags, jewelry or accessories, and some are listed as sustainable. Brands that are FashionUnited members carry a Premium label.

A brand profile shows the brand's description, product categories, country of origin, website and, where the brand has supplied them, contact details and related FashionUnited news. Profiles do not show wholesale prices, minimum order quantities or stockist lists. Buyers get those directly from the brand.

Womenswear brands by country

Each link opens the womenswear brands listed for that country of origin. For other countries, use the country menu in the directory.

Sustainable womenswear brands

The directory has a separate Sustainable category for brands that focus on sustainable, circular or responsible production. Browse sustainable fashion brands, or narrow the list by country, for example sustainable brands from the Netherlands. Buyers who need certifications or production details should ask the brand directly.

How to find new womenswear brands for your store

1. Open the womenswear category at fashionunited.com/brands?industries=Womenswear.
2. Narrow it by country with the country menu or the links above.
3. Open a brand profile to see its categories, country, website and contact details.
4. Read the related FashionUnited coverage on the profile, where available, for recent news such as new collections or store openings.
5. Contact the brand through its website or the profile's contact details, and ask for its wholesale terms.

Before placing a first order, buyers typically ask a brand about:

• Wholesale and recommended retail prices, to check the margin
• Minimum order quantities for opening orders and reorders
• Delivery windows for the season
• Which retailers nearby already stock the brand, and whether it offers area exclusivity
• Payment terms and returns

When buyers source womenswear

Womenswear is bought in two main seasons, about six months before the collections reach stores. Each season can also have an earlier pre-collection. Timings are approximate and vary by brand and market.

• Spring/summer pre-collections: shown and ordered in May and June, and delivered to stores from October to December.
• Spring/summer (SS) main collections: mid-market brands sell at trade fairs and showrooms in July and August, while designer and luxury brands sell around the fashion weeks in September and October. Collections are delivered to stores from January to April.
• Autumn/winter (AW): collections are shown and ordered from January to March and delivered to stores from July to September.

Many brands also offer a pre-fall collection ahead of autumn/winter, and some take in-season or from-stock orders all year. For the collections behind these order windows, follow FashionUnited's fashion week coverage.

Frequently asked questions

For womenswear brands: how to get listed

The directory includes fashion brands that sell wholesale. Listing is on request and subject to editorial selection. A basic listing is free, and Premium membership adds extra features. Brands are shown alphabetically, so payment does not affect ranking.

To be listed or to correct a profile, email marketplace@fashionunited.com. See all categories and countries in the International Fashion Brand Directory.

Director is one of the most senior titles on any fashion job board, but on its own it says surprisingly little about the day to day. In short, a director in fashion is a senior leader who owns a function, a product category or a market, manages the team within it and is accountable for its commercial results. A scan of current director jobs in fashion shows the title attached to almost every part of the business, from the shop floor and the design studio to the supply chain and head office functions such as finance and HR.

Browse all current director openings on FashionUnited.

Merchandising and category leadership

A large share of what's open right now sits on the commercial product side. Merchandising and category directors decide what a brand sells and in what depth: building the assortment, setting pricing and promotional plans, and managing vendor partnerships for a category such as womenswear, kidswear or footwear. These roles are usually scoped by product and often by geography, with global merchandising directors setting a long-range strategy that regional teams then adapt to their own markets. At department stores and multi-brand retailers, the same work often appears under the title divisional merchandise manager, or DMM.

Creative director, design director and fashion director

Where merchandising decides what the range should be, the directors on the creative and technical side lead the teams that actually build it. At the top sits the creative director, who sets the overall vision for a brand, from collections to campaigns. Design directors lead a specific category or product team and set its seasonal direction with the category lead, while some roles are narrower still, covering colour, material and graphics. Fashion director is a related but distinct title, used mainly at department stores and in fashion media for the person who curates trends and translates them into an assortment or an editorial direction, as explored in our interview on what it takes to become a fashion director. Further along the chain, product development, production and sourcing directors take a collection from first development through to factory execution: building a reliable supplier base, managing capacity and making sure product arrives on time, at quality and at cost.

Digital, marketing and corporate functions

A third cluster sits closer to the customer and to the running of the company itself. E-commerce and digital commerce directors lead online trading for a market or region, while product marketing, communications and PR directors shape how a category or brand is presented. A large share of current openings also sits in finance, HR, talent acquisition, data and engineering: functions found in any large organisation, but applied to the rhythm of a fashion business, with its seasons, launches, stores and supply chains.

Store director, art director: when the title means something else

Not every director title sits at the same level, which is worth knowing before applying. In US retail, store director is commonly used for the person running a single large or high-volume location, a role broadly comparable to what other markets call a store manager. It carries the responsibilities of a store at scale, from leading a team of managers to owning sales, payroll and customer experience. The title also translates unevenly across languages: in French-speaking markets, directeur de magasin is the standard term for a store manager, and directeur adjoint for the assistant role. Art director is a different case again: in creative teams it describes a discipline rather than a rung on the ladder, which is why it can appear on openings ranging from internships to senior leadership. For more on the retail track, see our look at what a store manager actually does.

Director, senior director, VP: how the seniority ladder works

At the head office, director is typically the step above senior manager or head of a function, and usually reports into a vice president. Senior director sits in between, often with a wider remit or several teams reporting in. Above manager level, though, scope matters as much as the title itself: a director for one category in one country and a global senior director across several categories share a word in their job title, but not the size of the job. Across functions, these roles ask for the same core skills: people leadership, ownership of a budget or P&L, cross-functional collaboration, data-led decision-making and the confidence to present to senior leadership, all backed by substantial experience in the field.

How to become a director in fashion

For jobseekers, the practical takeaway is that being a director is rarely a career path in itself. It is where a path leads once someone has owned a category, a team or a market at manager level. The function chosen earlier on, whether merchandising, design, retail, supply chain or a corporate specialism, decides which director roles become reachable later. Current openings across all of these areas can be found on FashionUnited's director jobs page.

Interview

Miss Sixty was born out of a gap nobody in the industry was filling: denim dedicated to women, at a time when the category was still designed almost entirely around men. More than three decades on, Terry Xu, Brand and Global Marketing Director, is channeling that same pioneering spirit to reclaim the brand's former global reign. In an exclusive interview with FashionUnited, Xu talks about that comeback. "At one point, Miss Sixty was the world’s leading denim brand dedicated to women," he says. "I feel like we need to get back to that position."

A gap in denim

"Given the era that Miss Sixty was founded in, it was a time that denim was almost restricted towards menswear," Xu explains. Womenswear denim existed, but no brand had dedicated its research to it specifically, and Xu says that gap is what the brand's founders saw: technology and fabric innovation going to waste because it was never applied to women's fits. "We were the first one to introduce skinny jeans and flare jeans," he says, made possible by combining stretch materials with cotton to create an entirely new denim category.

That same instinct now drives Miss Sixty's sustainability work. Through the Future Denim Lab, run with Central Saint Martins, the brand is pushing into fabric innovation as much as sourcing. "Denim is something you have an association with rigidness and longevity, as well as being stiff and kind of hot," Xu says, "but we've been doing, for example, silk denim to create almost like a summertime denim, or even more wintry cashmere denim. We were one of the first in the industry to really push that forward."

Playfulness, pop art and a menswear label called Energy

Staying relevant to new generations, Xu says, comes down to two things: cultural relevancy through movements like music, and keeping the brand's DNA intact while reinterpreting it with culturally relevant artists. That DNA has three parts: "playfulness, sexiness, and pop art," rooted in the 1960s and 1970s. "Fashion for a long time has been very still," he says. "It's been trying to be unapproachable. I feel like the people we want to associate with are unapologetically themselves." That shows up in details as small as the size of a button or a thread, deliberately "slightly disproportionate, in a playful, fun, this is not so serious way."

The brand's roots explain why music runs so deep. Miss Sixty grew out of Energy, a unisex menswear line through which the Sixty Group was originally founded. "The founder was very much into pop art, and his design was quite ahead of its time, very unisex," Xu says. Female customers were already buying into Energy before the brand addressed them directly, prompting a dedicated womenswear line. Before it became Miss Sixty, the brand briefly carried another name: Memphis, after Elvis. Lady Gaga performed at Miss Sixty's first New York store before she was "the Lady Gaga," Xu notes, and the brand continues working with emerging pop artists, including creating stage looks for Blackpink's Jennie. "Supporting up and coming musicians is something that we really want to ensure," he says, adding that Miss Sixty sees itself as building the same kind of shared memory a concert or festival creates.

Bella Hadid, the muse who became the ambassador

Miss Sixty is selective about who it works with: "The criteria is that their fan base and who they're associated with are ones that are strongly tied in with the brand's value and identity," Xu says. Bella Hadid is a strong example. “Bella connected with Miss Sixty’s brand ethos long before we partnered. It’s a mutual fit: our timeless denim culture complements her signature style, and her authentic voice helps more people discover what Miss Sixty stands for,” he says.

"Bella is without a doubt almost the queen of streetwear, and she's always been a long-time fan and a muse for Miss Sixty." Her habit of wearing archival pieces, Xu says, helped fuel a wider archive trend and a younger generation's search for vintage Miss Sixty.

A supply chain built like a denim swatch card

Operating across very different markets comes with trade-offs, Xu says. "As we expand, it's easier to lose your central direction," which is why Miss Sixty keeps a centralised hub its teams report back to, with regular meetings to keep brand value aligned, "especially during this current cultural moment where every country seems to be more independent, less globalised." That same logic extends to sourcing: “It's really trying to take what is the best out there," Xu says, in service of giving customers the best value for their money. The approach is also why Miss Sixty's headquarters sits where it does: "Guangzhou is arguably the textile hub of China, which is then one of the textile hubs of the world as well."

On business model, Miss Sixty leans deliberately retail-heavy. "Retail is the only channel that can really ensure that the brand value and identity remains," Xu says, contrasting that with Europe, which he describes as a more wholesale-driven market.

The comeback: reclaiming number one

Reclaiming the number one position, Xu says, means putting denim research, styling and campaigns "everything surrounding denim", at the centre of the brand, while reconnecting with global markets and the creative forces tied to its identity. Denim is the area Xu wants Miss Sixty to lead, alongside a deeper tie to music: "I think music is one of the things that we really want to be super connected towards," he says, pointing to how artists now wear luxury brands to events like the Met Gala. "Miss Sixty wants to be there, with the right talent."

Bergdorf Goodman has appointed Lanessa Elrod president, effective November 2, bringing the former Louis Vuitton Americas chief back to the retailer where she spent part of her early career.

Elrod will join the management team at Exemplar Luxury Group, the parent company of Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Her appointment comes as Bergdorf Goodman celebrates its 125th anniversary and the group pursues a broader transformation.

Most recently, Elrod served as president and chief executive officer of Louis Vuitton Americas, overseeing the French luxury house’s operations across the United States, Canada and Latin America. According to ELG, she led substantial business growth while championing innovation and strengthening relationships with employees and customers.

Her earlier career included merchandising positions at all three of ELG’s retail banners, giving her experience across the department store businesses she now rejoins.

“Bergdorf Goodman played a defining role in my career, so returning as President is especially meaningful,” Elrod said in a statement. She added that she plans to deepen customer relationships and bring the store’s “spirit of discovery to life in new ways.”

ELG chief executive Geoffroy van Raemdonck described the appointment as an important step in advancing the group’s strategic priorities and strengthening Bergdorf Goodman’s luxury positioning. He highlighted the retailer’s role in identifying and nurturing designer talent.

Alongside the appointment, Tracy Margolies will transition to executive advisor at Exemplar Luxury Group, reporting to van Raemdonck. The company said she will draw on her institutional knowledge and leadership experience to support its ongoing transformation.

For Elrod, the remit centers on developing Bergdorf Goodman’s customer experience while preserving its distinctive merchandising perspective. Founded in 1901, the New York institution is emphasizing curation, personal service and discovery as it seeks to connect its established identity with a new generation of luxury shoppers through its next chapter.

Madrid – Coinciding with the launch of the first collection designed by John Galliano for Zara, Inditex has hired Serge Ruffieux on a freelance basis. The renowned Italian-Swiss creative and designer stepped into the role of design director for Galliano's team at Inditex and Zara in October 2026.

Ruffieux announced his appointment at the Spanish fashion multinational via his social media channels. Since early October, he has served as design director under the creative direction of Galliano. Neither the Paris-based designer nor the Spanish company has revealed further details about the position. However, based on his title, Ruffieux is expected to lead the creative strategy and oversee design and product development for Galliano's upcoming Zara collections. Following an announcement by Inditex's flagship chain in mid-March, these proposals are scheduled to launch at the beginning of each new season, from autumn/winter 2026 through to 2027.

In this role, Ruffieux will oversee the realisation of Galliano's concepts and sketches for at least three additional seasonal collections for Inditex's main fashion brand. The Italian-Swiss designer has focused heavily on such responsibilities throughout his established career in the luxury sector. He has held senior positions at houses including Moschino, Sonia Rykiel, Cacharel and Dior. At Dior, he previously worked under Galliano's creative direction. He also led the artistic direction of the design team following the departure of Raf Simons in October 2025 until the arrival of Maria Grazia Chiuri in July 2016. Ruffieux then left the historic French house to become creative director at French label Carven. He held that post for nearly two years, from December 2016 to November 2018. Subsequently, he developed creative initiatives for brands such as Pucci, Jimmy Choo and Marni. In 2021, he launched his own footwear and accessories brand, 13 09 SR, alongside French journalist Emilie Faure. Ruffieux now adds this latest chapter to his career by joining Inditex as design director under Galliano.

From the Spanish company's perspective, bringing a profile like Ruffieux into Inditex aligns with the clear intentions of the multinational chaired by Marta Ortega. The group is moving beyond its initial goal of democratising fashion to take that commitment a step further through the democratisation of couture and fashion design. FashionUnited termed this strategy “fast couture” in September 2024, and Inditex continues to scale it with Ruffieux's appointment. It remains to be seen how this strategy will evolve in the coming months as the two-year creative collaboration agreed between Zara and Galliano approaches its conclusion.

In Pictures

Gap has partnered with boy band Just Your Type (JYT) on a multi-city US mall tour and a co-designed clothing collection, marking the start of a multi-year partnership.

The tour has already visited Miami, Atlanta and Houston, combining live performances with fan activities and exclusive merchandise at Gap stores. Upcoming stops include NorthPark Center in Dallas and The Grove in Los Angeles.

Drawing on 1990s mall culture, the events offer giveaways and opportunities to personalise selected products, while members of Gap’s Encore Rewards programme receive exclusive VIP access.

The accompanying Gap x JYT capsule launches online on October 30. Co-designed by band members Recker Eans, Toby Green, Caden Adamonis, Bryan Chan and Tyler George, it comprises five heavyweight hoodie designs and matching sweatpants.

Each hoodie incorporates a reworked JYT arch logo, the band’s star emblem and members’ signatures, alongside details reflecting their individual styles.

Eans’ green-and-blue zip-up features a cheetah-print hood lining and a concealed pocket designed to hold drumsticks. Green’s grey version pairs pink chenille lettering with a matching hood interior.

Adamonis’ pullover includes a raw-edge hem and a sleeve print reproducing his arm tattoos. Chan’s blue-and-orange design references his New York sports fandom, while George’s washed-red hoodie features camouflage details and a personal illustration on the back.

Hoodies cost 118 dollars and sweatpants 88 dollars, with both available in sizes XXS–L.

The partnership connects Gap’s fashion-and-music positioning with in-store fan experiences, using performances, product customisation and band-designed merchandise to give shoppers reasons to engage with the retailer beyond the collection’s online launch.

UNESCO has operationalized two specialized vocational training units in the West Bank to provide secondary students with applied technical skills in fashion design and personal care, according to an article published on UNESCO’s official portal.

With its FW26 collection, Dutch fashion brand DANTE6 puts knitwear centre stage. Soft jumpers, cardigans and a wrap top form the base for layered looks that carry through the fall/winter season. There is also a clear story behind the collection: much of the knitwear is made with certified merino wool and alpaca. Sustainability Manager Emily Niemöller explains how this ties into DANTE6’s Sustainability Strategy.

Four pillars, six goals

DANTE6’s Sustainability Strategy is built on six of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “We are focusing on the six SDGs which are closest to our brand values,” says Niemöller. In practice, the strategy is divided into four pillars where the brand aims to make a positive impact: Our People, Our Planet, Our Product and Our Operations.

Under Our People, the brand works towards healthy and fair working conditions in its supply chain and engages actively with production partners for continuous improvement. Our Planet focuses on packaging made from recycled materials where possible, or from certified responsible sources. Our Product centres on certified sustainable raw materials, with the aim of increasing the share of more sustainable options with each collection. Our Operations stands for zero overproduction and a contribution to the circular economy through the UPV Foundation.

That product goal is reflected in the FW26 knitwear, which uses merino wool certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and alpaca certified to the Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS).

Benyo: the wrap top as a base for layering

Benyo, currently DANTE6’s bestselling style, is a knitted wrap top in 100 percent RWS certified merino wool. The long tie around the waist creates a defined silhouette. In the campaign, DANTE6 shows how the top works as a base for layering: with a lace top underneath, its cuffs peeking out from the sleeves, and a soft stole draped over the shoulders.

Tysio: button details and an asymmetric neckline

Tysio is a jumper with button details along the sleeves, an asymmetric neckline and split cuffs. Its yarn contains 50 percent RWS certified merino wool. The jumper comes in espresso brown and off-white.

Siega: fringes and a cut-out

Siega is also made with 50 percent RWS certified merino wool. The turtleneck stands out with fringes along the sleeves and a cut-out at the shoulder.

Toronto: alpaca in green and yellow

The short Toronto cardigan contains 52 percent RAS certified alpaca and is made in Italy from the finest Italian yarn. According to Niemöller, the wearer notices the positive characteristics of alpaca straight away. “Alpaca fibres are lightweight and airy, and feel smooth and soft against the skin,” she says. “They offer excellent warmth for their weight, while still staying breathable.” The fibres are also non-itchy, hypoallergenic and resist pilling, helping the cardigan keep a clean appearance.

Retailers as part of the story

DANTE6 involves both its DANTE6 Brandstore Teams and multibrand stores in its sustainability story. “We engage them by informing and inspiring them through our newsletters and our sales agencies,” says Niemöller. The brand reaches end consumers through its Conscious Journey on social media.

DANTE6 is currently finalising its Care & Material guide. “It will help our sales teams to express our sustainability efforts to end customers by educating them about our material choices and what they can do to take responsibility with the right care,” Niemöller explains.

Investors reacted positively on Thursday to the detailed quarterly figures from Adidas. By midday, the shares topped the firm DAX benchmark index with a gain of nearly 4 percent. For the first time since mid-August, they reached a peak of 165 euros, having fallen below 140 euros at the beginning of October.

Canadian outdoor brand Arc’teryx will open its first Scottish retail location in Edinburgh in spring 2027. The upcoming site joins existing doors in London and Manchester as part of the label’s ongoing retail development strategy across the UK.

Natalie O. Fine Jewelry will launch a seasonal residency at Donna Karan’s Urban Zen in Palm Beach in mid-November, marking the brand’s first retail presence in the market.

Running through April 2027, the residency will feature pieces from the Café Society, High Street and La Serenissima collections, including the Harlow Cuff. Founder and designer Natalie Katz O’Brien will also be available for custom design appointments throughout the season.

The move adds a Palm Beach location as the brand continues to develop its New York business. For O’Brien, it also builds on longstanding ties to South Florida.

“Palm Beach has always been a special place for me. I grew up spending our winters in Boca, and for the past 15 years, I’ve spent so much time here with my daughter riding in Wellington,” she told FashionUnited. “I’ve always loved walking along Worth Avenue, so there’s a real personal connection for me.”

The residency gives Natalie O. a seasonal setting to introduce its collections to new customers and work directly with clients on bespoke commissions. Custom options will include birthstone-led designs, astrological pieces through the Soulmates collection and the reworking of existing heirlooms.

The brand’s collections draw on different cities, with Café Society referencing Paris, High Street taking inspiration from London and La Serenissima from Venice. Its jewellery is made in 18-karat gold, according to the company.

O’Brien sees a connection between her existing customer base and the Palm Beach market.

“There are so many similarities between New York and Florida in the way people appreciate style, elegance and getting dressed in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. I think there’s a natural connection between the two,” she said. “Expanding into Palm Beach gives me the opportunity to meet new clients, build relationships and spend time with people who connect with the way I see jewelry and personal style, while continuing to grow our presence in New York.”

The residency places direct interaction with the designer alongside the ready-made collection. O’Brien described those conversations as central to how she develops relationships with customers.

“For me, nothing replaces meeting someone in person, hearing their stories and seeing how they wear the pieces. Being in Palm Beach allows me to do more of that in a place where I feel completely at home.”

Urban Zen, founded by Karan, brings together fashion, home furnishings and artisanal craftsmanship within a broader lifestyle retail concept. For O’Brien, the seasonal partnership also represents a personal transition.

“For me, this residency is an opportunity to grow as an artist and as a person, while reconnecting with a place that has been part of my life for so long,” she said. “It brings together a little bit of my past and a little bit of my future, which feels very special.”

US casual footwear group Crocs, Inc. (Crocs) reported a 4.6 percent increase in consolidated revenues for the third quarter of 2026, reaching 1.04 billion dollars on both a reported and constant currency basis. Growth was registered across brand portfolios and direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels, prompting management to raise full-year enterprise revenue guidance to approximately 3 percent.

The Circular Economy Act (CEA) is a legislative proposal by the European Commission (EC) designed to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy within the European Union (EU).

The Italian industrial group HModa has launched Accademia Holding Moda France, a training organisation dedicated to the creative and product development teams of luxury fashion houses. This initiative enables them to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of Italian manufacturing.

Accademia Holding Moda France was established in May 2025 (prior to HModa setting up operations in France) as an extension of the expertise developed by the Italian group HModa. There is one key difference: in Italy, the academy primarily trains future artisans. In France, it caters mainly to existing teams to deepen their knowledge of manufacturing processes.

“Our mission is to support our clients, which are fashion houses,” Valentina Vaccarini, director of Accademia HModa, who is overseeing its rollout in France, explained to FashionUnited. “Today, luxury brands want to know how their collections are made and by whom.”

At the time of publication, 118 people were trained in 2025, representing 713 hours of delivered classes, and 226 in 2026.

Training courses to better understand luxury manufacturing challenges

This Qualiopi-certified training organisation primarily targets professionals from creative and product development studios based in France. “These are also individuals who started their careers in beauty, for instance, and are retraining for manual trades,” the director noted.

The academy aims to improve mutual understanding between different professional spheres: Paris-based design and creative teams; product development technicians and managers; Italian industrial workshop teams; and production and supply chain managers.

The programmes enable participants to learn about and better understand the technical constraints of a product. They also cover its manufacturing possibilities and the working methods of Italian workshops. The courses are tailored to the specific needs of client companies.

They include: language courses (such as acquiring professional Italian vocabulary), eligible for funding through France's personal training account scheme (CPF); technology courses (such as industrial-scale product development); and management courses, which can be funded by French skills operators (OPCO).

“Sometimes, classes begin in English or French. However, when it comes to technical vocabulary, it is always in Italian,” Vaccarini pointed out.

From Aubervilliers premises to Italian districts, training closely aligned with production realities

Training sessions can take place in France at the HModa site (126 C rue des Fillettes, Aubervilliers). In this case, technical directors travel to the location. The sessions last between one day and one week.

Alternatively, immersive sessions are organised in Italy, directly at production sites, lasting from three days to one week.

Accademia Holding Moda France also collaborates with French fashion schools, including the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM). Masterclasses are organised for students. These focus on luxury product and supply chain management.

The academy also welcomes final-year international students, particularly those studying fashion, design and management.

Spanish fashion multinational Tendam, owner of Cortefiel, Springfield and Women'secret, has appointed Mónica Sala as its new chief artificial intelligence (AI) and transformation officer.

Joining from telecommunications operator Orange España, the executive will start at the group on January 1, 2027. She will sit on its management committee and report directly to Jaume Miquel, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Tendam.

In this role, Sala will oversee the company's AI strategy and transformation programmes. According to a statement from Tendam, her remit involves generating value from data and technology, enhancing the customer experience across all its brands and channels, and moving towards more efficient operations.

Sala joins Tendam from the executive committee of Orange España. There, she led divisions including strategy, business-to-business (B2B), systems and networks, bringing experience in digitalisation processes and technology deployment within large corporations.

With Sala's arrival, Tendam's management committee will expand to 12 members, four of whom are women. Sitting alongside Miquel are the heads of the corporate divisions: Manuel Serrano in finance; Elisa Gómez de Bonilla in legal; and Ramón Amorós in human resources.

The board is completed by the operations and channel executives: Manel Jiménez heading supply chain, operations and Fifty; Pedro Esquivias in customer; Javier Figar in global retail; and Antonis Kyprianou in franchises. They are joined by the managing directors of the group's three major chains: Eva Romeo at Women’secret; Carlos Domínguez at Springfield; and Marie Castellví at Cortefiel.

AI as a primary growth driver

The appointment gives executive structure to a priority Tendam has pursued since its change of ownership. Multiply Group, the Abu Dhabi holding company now integrated into 2PointZero, completed the acquisition of a 67.91 percent stake in the company from funds CVC and PAI Partners in July 2025. At the time, it highlighted AI as one of the primary levers to accelerate growth, aiming to integrate it across all areas of the business.

Technology already features in the financial results as one of the group's growth engines. Tendam closed the first half of its 2026 financial year, running from March to August, with sales of 744.9 million euros, up +10.7 percent, and a net profit of 59.3 million euros, up +27.9 percent. Among the drivers of this growth, management cited AI applied to demand management and margin optimisation.

Tendam states it already has nearly 30 AI use cases applied to the business. These are built on years of work in customer relationship management (CRM), loyalty programmes, omnichannel operations and advanced analytics, alongside a base of more than 27 million unique members in its loyalty clubs.

Integrating AI across value chain

The roadmap led by Sala plans for the integration of AI across all areas of the value chain. This spans from planning and sourcing to supply chain, inventory management, pricing, marketing, e-commerce and customer service. Key priorities include improving demand forecasting and margin optimisation, as well as driving personalisation and strengthening in-store service.

“We now want to extend that capability across the entire value chain, with a clear priority: turning it into business results,” Miquel noted in the statement. He specified these results as better anticipating demand, managing inventory with greater precision and improving customer service to protect margins.

Meanwhile, Sala described AI as “a historic opportunity” to rethink how fashion is designed, produced and sold, emphasising her intention to work with the teams to “turn that opportunity into results”.

Tendam currently operates 13 own brands, including Pedro del Hierro, Hoss Intropia, Slowlove, Ooto and Hi&Bye, and retails more than 210 third-party brands through its multi-brand platform. The group is present in over 80 countries with more than 1,900 points-of-sale, comprising directly operated stores, concessions and franchises, in addition to its online channels.

Danish footwear company Ecco is losing its chief executive officer (CEO). Thomas Gøgsig has stepped down after almost two years at the helm and will leave the company.

The Board of Directors has decided to recruit an external CEO, Ecco announced on Tuesday. Together with the other members of the Management Board, the new CEO is to lead what the company described as the “necessary long-term transformation”. The Board expects the position to be filled during 2027.

Until then, the current Management Board will continue to run the business. It consists of chief financial officer Marco Bossen, chief product officer Adam Meek and chief commercial officer Neal Taylor. Meek and Taylor only joined the leadership team in August.

“The Board of Directors would like to extend sincere thanks to Thomas Gøgsig for his significant contribution, personal commitment, and dedication to ECCO over the past 14 years - most recently as CEO,” the statement read. Ecco declined to comment further when contacted by FashionUnited.

Gøgsig is the third generation of his family to work for Ecco. He joined the company in 2012 and has been a member of the Management Board since 2021. He took over as head of the company from Panos Mytaros at the end of 2024, who had also left without a stated reason.

The change in leadership comes at a difficult time for the company. In 2024, Ecco posted a net loss of 37.6 million euros on revenue of 1.49 billion euros. Last year, revenue fell to around 1.4 billion euros, while the loss narrowed to 24 million euros, according to Danish news agency Ritzau, citing the annual report.

Founded in Bredebro, Denmark, in 1963, the family-owned company operates in more than 100 markets and employs over 20,000 people worldwide.

This article was updated on 29 October 2026 at 14:48 CET to include a press release from Ecco, which FashionUnited received upon request.

This article was created with the help of AI.

In Pictures H&M Move hosted a community run and recovery event in New York on Tuesday to mark the launch of its H&M Moves New York running capsule ahead of marathon weekend.

The event began at H&M’s SoHo store, where participants changed into pieces from the collection before setting off on a guided five-kilometre run through Manhattan. The route ended at The Altar, a wellness venue where guests could use saunas, cold plunges and red light therapy.

The format combined a product introduction with a group running session, followed by recovery activities. H&M did not disclose attendance figures in its announcement.

The capsule combines technical running apparel with casual pieces, including cotton hoodies, boxy T-shirts and graphic accessories. Cobalt blue leads the colour palette, while graphic elements draw on New York’s urban setting.

“New York is a city in constant motion, and we wanted our running capsule to reflect that energy,” said Marie Fredros, head of design at H&M Move. “Technical pieces sit alongside cotton hoodies, boxy tees and graphic accessories, bringing a relaxed streetwear feel to the capsule. It reflects how running can move naturally between sport, style and the city.”

The range incorporates the brand’s DryMove moisture-management technology and lightweight CoolMove materials. Product details include laser-cut ventilation, storage features and reflective elements, with apparel and accessories intended for use before, during and after runs.

Launched in 2022, H&M Move is H&M’s activewear brand. The event placed its running offer in a community setting, giving participants an opportunity to wear the collection during the organised run.

Edit SwimShow concluded its second edition in Miami on Tuesday, bringing swimwear and resortwear brands together with retail buyers for a fall market focused on orders, collection previews and business relationships.

Held over two days at Mr. C Miami in Coconut Grove, the event offered an additional buying opportunity outside SwimShow’s main summer show. Retailers could source core collections and interseasonal styles, discuss immediate and custom orders, and preview spring/summer 2027 ranges.

The exhibitor lineup spanned swimwear, resortwear, accessories, intimates and menswear. Participating labels included Vitamin A, Gottex, Luli Fama, Helen Jon, Sanctuary, Trina Turk, Michael Kors and Sperry Men’s Swim, alongside emerging brands.

A smaller setting for fall orders

Launched in 2025, Edit operates on a smaller scale than SwimShow’s flagship event at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Its hotel setting was designed to give buyers more time with exhibitors and allow closer examination of collections during appointments.

For brands, the October dates provided an opportunity to reconnect with retail accounts and present products between the industry’s larger seasonal markets. The inclusion of categories beyond swimwear also gave retailers a broader assortment to consider in one location.

“In an industry where so much business happens behind a screen, there’s still no substitute for sitting across from someone, seeing a collection firsthand, and having a real conversation. That’s what Edit is about. We’re creating a space where buyers and brands can slow down, connect, and build relationships that turn into lasting business,” said Judy Stein, executive director of SwimShow.

Buyer relationships on the agenda

The commercial focus extended to the event’s SwimTalks programme, where a panel examined the buyer–brand relationship. Moderated by John James Muller, founder of John James PR, the discussion addressed expectations, communication and maintaining partnerships beyond an initial order.

Speakers included Lauren Ucha, a buyer at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts; Sheena Goldhagen, founder of Nā Lei Boho Clothier; Virginia Meloro, representing Gottex; and Russell Kniep, representing Vitamin A.

Alongside appointments and industry discussions, the programme included networking mixers, product personalisation activities and professional headshots. These sessions created further opportunities for attendees to meet outside scheduled buying appointments.

The organisers did not provide attendance figures, order volumes or other commercial results in the post-event announcement, leaving the scale of business conducted at the second edition unclear.

The fall format gives the organiser a second annual touchpoint with retailers sourcing across different delivery schedules and product categories.

SwimShow’s next flagship summer event is scheduled for June 5–7, 2027, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The larger market will follow Edit’s fall edition with three days of collection presentations and meetings for swimwear and resortwear buyers and brands.

This article was written with the assistance of an AI tool.

There are roughly ten days left until the close of the public auction set for LuisaViaRoma.

Madrid – Spanish fashion and beauty multinational Puig Group experienced a turbulent day this Wednesday, October 28, as it held its first “Capital Markets Day” as a listed company and presented its new roadmap to 2032. The strategic plan was met by the markets with a -2.66 percent drop in its share valuation. This occurred amid rumours of its potential acquisition of French luxury perfume house Parfums de Marly.

Romeo & Juliette Inc., the parent company of Bearpaw, has acquired Joybees, adding the family footwear brand to a portfolio that also includes Pawz, Strive and Skuze. Financial terms were not disclosed in the announcement.

US menswear retailer Men’s Wearhouse has expanded its physical retail presence across Idaho with the opening of a new store in Nampa. The 5,140-square-foot store is situated within the Treasure Valley Marketplace, increasing retail accessibility across the greater Boise metropolitan area.

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has named Yohji Yamamoto as the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award at The Fashion Awards 2026, honouring his contribution to the global fashion industry and his lasting influence on contemporary design.

The ceremony will take place on November 30 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The BFC announced the news on Wednesday, 28 October.

The award recognises Yamamoto’s design language, which the BFC describes as defined by innovation, craftsmanship and artistic integrity. The council pointed to his tailoring and his radical reimagining of womenswear, as well as an avant-garde approach that has consistently challenged convention and widened what fashion can express creatively.

The BFC said the label bearing his name and the wider Yohji Yamamoto fashion house have built a legacy that has influenced generations of designers, shaping the intersection of fashion, art and culture.

“Few designers have changed the way we think about clothes as profoundly as Mr. Yamamoto,” said Laura Weir, chief executive of the British Fashion Council. “His work has always challenged convention while remaining deeply rooted in craft, precision and an uncompromising creative vision. For generations of people around the world, he has shown that fashion can be simultaneously intellectual, emotional and deeply human. It is a privilege to recognise his extraordinary contribution to our industry at The Fashion Awards 2026.”

The Outstanding Achievement Award is given to a British or international designer whose contribution has had a lasting impact on the global industry and whose career has consistently shaped and redefined fashion through innovation, creativity and originality. Previous recipients include Tom Ford, Valentino, Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard, Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada, Ralph Lauren and Karl Lagerfeld.

When women stop defining beauty as a flawless, assembly-line face, the underlying logic of the beauty and wellness industry fundamentally shifts.

Over the past few years, the concept of "self-care" has been heavily commercialized—ranging from elaborate skincare rituals to a proliferation of dietary supplements. Yet today's consumers are far more clear-eyed and discerning than ever before. Standing in front of their vanities, they are asking a tougher question: When we spend money to maintain our well-being, what actual value is this brand creating for society? Behind all the glossy marketing rhetoric, is there a genuine commitment to real life?

Prompted by this critical gaze, the women's nutritional science brand VIVI Youth chose a path less traveled. Eschewing empty grand narratives and tired tropes of traditional marketing, they tightly integrated their latest product line with the national non-profit Pink Fund, turning daily personal care into a tangible act of social solidarity.

When Wellness Products Confront Hard Realities

The market is hardly short on high-end supplements boasting premium ingredients, but very few brands genuinely grasp the fast-paced pain points of modern women's lives. Many products look immaculate on paper in a lab, only to become cumbersome burdens in reality—heavy glass jars and tedious scoops that fail to accommodate a woman's fast-spinning life juggling career, family, and travel.

Take VIVI Youth's flagship product, the 16-in-1 Verisol Multi Collagen Peptides Powder. It tackles physical inconveniences head-on by ditching bulky tubs in favor of 20 precision-sealed, travel-friendly single-serve packets. Whether slipped into a commuter tote, tossed into a weekend carry-on, or left on a kitchen counter, it demands no elaborate prep rituals. Whether stirred into a morning iced Americano or Greek yogurt, it dissolves instantly to fit seamlessly into high-pressure urban routines.

Yet pragmatism never comes at the expense of efficacy. The formulation delivers uncompromising standards: a robust 2,500 milligrams of German GELITA-sourced VERISOL® Collagen Peptides per serving, combining Types I, II, III, and V collagen. To support comprehensive micro-biome health, it is further fortified with 1 billion CFU of 7 active probiotic strains, inulin prebiotics, and 100 milligrams of sodium hyaluronate for deep cellular hydration. Free of complicated chemical jargon, every metric is purposefully engineered to combat skin elasticity loss, joint fatigue, and digestive stress.

Harder-Hitting Than an Ingredient List: Visible Solidarity

The real turning point is that VIVI Youth didn't relegate philanthropy to a footnote in an annual corporate report; instead, they baked compassion directly into the commercial life cycle of the product.

When women face a major diagnosis like breast cancer, they confront not only the physical toll of surgery and chemotherapy, but also the sudden financial toxicity—rent, utilities, and daily living expenses put on pause. Pink Fund steps in specifically to help patients weather this brutal 90-day gap, covering non-medical bills so patients aren't crushed by everyday expenses mid-treatment.

By weaving commerce and charitable relief together, VIVI Youth established a twofold commitment:

Tangible Support per Purchase: For every co-branded collagen product sold, the brand makes a direct, designated donation of $1 to Pink Fund, giving every purchase a meaningful baseline.

The Social Ripple Effect: Launching the "Every Share Cares. Every Care Counts" initiative (running through October 2026), the brand encourages users to share women's health and support stories on social media, matching every valid share with an additional $1 donation from the brand itself.

Conclusion

Stirring a scoop of collagen powder into a morning cup used to be driven purely by smoothing fine lines and maintaining joint vitality. But when that routine carries a deeper layer of collective support and a safety net for peers, daily wellness sheds its "enlightened self-interest" label entirely.

The partnership between VIVI Youth and Pink Fund offers a masterclass to the entire industry: the highest form of female empowerment is never about solitary perfection. Rather, it is about taking care of oneself while still having the capacity to reach out and pull someone else along. This synthesis of advanced science and genuine human empathy is actively redefining the civilizational depth of modern commerce.

The VIVI Youth collagen product is intended for general adult wellness and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Donations made through this campaign support Pink Fund’s charitable mission and do not constitute a medical benefit of the product.

Source Fashion, the European trade event focused on responsible garment and textile production, has introduced a new thematic direction titled ReGen Futures ahead of its upcoming edition, according to a press release shared by the organisation. Scheduled to take place at ExCeL London from 19 to 21 January 2027, the trade show plans to convene international apparel manufacturers, retail executives, and product developers. The initiative frames the sector’s current restructuring around shifting global trade parameters, tightened environmental legislation, technological adoption, and the commercial margins required to implement sustainable manufacturing methods.

The upcoming showcase centres on practical approaches to supply chain adaptation rather than conventional output volume, according to event director Suzanne Ellingham. Discussions and floor programming are structured around several core industry pressure points, including circular production systems, alternative regenerative raw materials, artificial intelligence integration, and compliance with tightening regional trade regulations. By connecting commercial buyers directly with audited suppliers and technical specialists, the event aims to translate broader decarbonisation targets into viable procurement strategies.

For academic institutions, fashion educators, and students, the shift reflected in the ReGen Futures agenda highlights an evolving requirement for technical literacy within design and merchandising curricula. As commercial brands increasingly align purchasing decisions with regulatory compliance and lifecycle analysis, academic programmes face growing pressure to integrate supply chain mechanics, material science, and circular systems into design coursework. Initiatives of this nature offer critical visibility into how corporate procurement functions in practice, providing students and future professionals with a pragmatic understanding of the operational trade-offs shaping the modern apparel industry.

Turin-based fashion house Borbonese has appointed Marie-Laure Lequain as chief executive officer (CEO).

Lequain is the first woman to hold the role in the company's history, Borbonese announced on Wednesday via LinkedIn. According to the company, she brings thirty years of experience in fashion and luxury, with expertise spanning product, merchandising and digital business development.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Lequain has been a member of Borbonese's board since September. Before that, she served as chief digital and merchandising officer at MCM Worldwide from 2023 to 2026, where she drove the expansion of the brand's own digital business. Prior to MCM, she worked as a senior consultant for The Level Group, including for Italian brand La DoubleJ, and taught at the Institut Français de la Mode in Paris in 2022.

Lequain spent most of her career at Gucci, where she worked from 2006 to 2022. She began by building up the brand's jewellery and watches division in Rome and, from 2011, established Gucci's first digital merchandising function. After serving as merchandising director for women's ready-to-wear, she became vice president digital in 2017. In that role, she oversaw the brand's digital transformation and e-commerce expansion and launched Gucci Vault, the online concept store for vintage and archive pieces. From 1997 to 2001, she was worldwide jewelry product manager at Bulgari.

The company said the appointment reflects its ambition to strengthen the brand's relevance and create new opportunities for growth. Innovation and experimentation have shaped Borbonese since its founding in Turin in 1910 and provide a strong foundation for a contemporary expression of its heritage, it added.

“Our work starts with people, their expertise and a careful understanding of what makes Borbonese unique to its customers,” said Lequain.

In September 2024, Borbonese appointed Stefano Ferro as CEO. Ferro succeeded Alessandro Pescara, who had led the company since March 2018.

This article was created with the help of AI.

French technology group Lectra reported an increase in operating profitability for the third quarter of 2026, supported by operational cost discipline and an expanding recurring revenue base.

German sportswear giant Adidas reported record financial results for the third quarter of 2026, supported by robust direct-to-consumer (DTC) expansion and double-digit apparel growth across its Performance and Lifestyle categories. Group revenues rose 9 percent to 7.25 billion euros (8.08 billion dollars) during the quarter, or 7 percent on a currency-neutral basis. Consequently, the group upgraded its full-year 2026 outlook, projecting operating profit to reach approximately 2.5 billion euros.

US western and workwear retailer Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (Boot Barn) has reported a 15.1 percent increase in net sales to 581.80 million dollars for the second quarter ended September 26, 2026. Consolidated same store sales rose 1.4 percent, supported by a 1 percent increase across retail stores and a 5.2 percent uptick in e-commerce.

US luxury resale platform The RealReal has appointed Alexis Hoopes as chief merchandising officer.

US-based e-commerce marketplace Ebay reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, delivering a 14 percent revenue increase to 3.20 billion dollars. Revenue rose 13 percent on a foreign exchange (FX) neutral basis, supported by continued consumer migration towards pre-loved fashion and recommerce.

British contemporary fashion group AllSaints has reported a recovery in its profitability for the first half of financial year 2027, surpassing levels achieved during its record financial year 2025. The London-based company, which also owns US menswear label John Varvatos, announced its trading update for the 26 weeks ended August 1, 2026, alongside audited results for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 2026.

ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is most often associated with relaxing sounds, such as gentle tapping and whispering, or pleasurable forms of touch, such as hair brushing or scalp massage. These sensory triggers can create a calming, almost tingling response in the brain. But ASMR can also have a visual dimension. Certain color combinations — particularly soft tonal shifts, harmonious palettes and repetition — can create a similar sense of visual satisfaction and sensory calm. Rather than being purely about individual colors, it is the relationship between them that can produce this soothing effect.

For SS27, many designers worked with muted colors that felt visually soft without necessarily being pale: dusty pinks, pale yellow, powder blue, cream and lavender were often combined within the same look rather than presented as isolated shades. When these palettes were translated into fluffy surfaces, sheer layers, tulle, brushed textures, lace, lightweight tailoring and translucent fabrics, the effect became almost tactile. The clothes appeared so soft and inviting that the eye itself seemed to want to touch them.

Blumarine SS27 by David Koma

A pale yellow and pastel purple long-sleeved raglan baby tee featuring the Blumarine logo and the wording, ‘Since Forever.’ with a floor-length maxi skirt in a powder-lilac hue constructed from heavily layered ruffles of tulle.

Bottega Veneta SS27 by Louise Trotter

An asymmetric draped pink satin top featuring an integrated long panel wrapped around the neck, styled over a blue and white striped shirt with high-waisted, pleated pants in a soft butter yellow. The waist was cinched with a thin, dual-ring woven brown leather cord belt.

Christian Dior SS27 by Jonathan Anderson

A pastel yellow cable-knit A-line mini dress paired with a matching cardigan embroidered with pearls. Accessories included a cascading pink fabric-petal statement earring, a beige ostrich leather satchel and sage-green sandals.

Diesel SS27 by Glenn Martens

A faded pastel butter yellow and pale powder blue draped, multi-layered crop top with printed graphics, paired with a trompe l'oeil denim-print midi skirt that simulated the appearance of traditional blue jeans on fluid fabric. The styling was completed with vertically striped blue, green and white hose and pointed-toe burgundy pumps.

Genny SS27 by Sara Cavazza Facchini

A warm tan brown suede shirt-jacket with a soft, relaxed drape and a pale yellow, low-cut silk chiffon romper with a high-low hem and a flowing train. Accessories included a single duster earring, a yellow rope belt and embellished flat butter yellow lattice mules.

Moschino SS27 by Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo

A pastel peach-pink mock-neck cropped shirt with an elastic waistline and an exaggerated, baby pink puffball bubble skirt featuring structured gathering and built-in draped hip-pockets. The look was styled with neon red sporty sunglasses and cream-colored strappy sandals.

Ulla Johnson SS27

A soft butter yellow trench coat layered over a lilac button-down shirt and a mint green knit peplum top detailed with delicate beading. The outfit was styled with a textured taupe mini skirt and woven pointed-toe mules.

Dries Van Noten SS27 by Julian Klausner

An oversized, single-breasted blazer in a pale mint tint, with a subtle turquoise stenciled star motif, over a yellow and grey striped polo and a lavender tee featuring a graphic star outline, with a tiered chartreuse and yellow sheer midi skirt. Accessories included a blue and orange leather belt and pink pumps.

Nicky Zimmermann SS27

A watercolor-inspired, multi-tonal pastel chiffon draped mini dress with inspiration from the butterfly exhibits at the Australian Museum, which translated into the wingspan-like draped panels and soft, shifting gradients seen throughout the garment. Sage green ankle strap sandals finished the look.

Lyst’s Q3 2026 Index was led by Prada, but three emerging names stood out further down the report: Conner Ives, Emily Dawn Long and Mfpen.

Based in London, New York and Copenhagen respectively, the three labels share an approach rooted in craft, vintage references and deadstock materials. Lyst named them the quarter’s brands moving fast, as a sign of growing shopper interest in designers with a clear point of view.

“This quarter, the brands that did well across the board had a unique point of view and design language," Katy Lubin, Lyst's VP brand and comms, told FashionUnited. "Conner Ives, Emily Dawn Long and Mfpen all embody this: they are instantly recognisable and have a strong visual identity. Each also had a standout moment that pushed them to new audiences, driving discoverability as well as desire. For Emily Dawn Long, it was the ‘Crack of Dawn’ campaign; for Conner Ives, the Reconstituted Vintage Robe, worn by everyone from Kate Moss to Hailey Bieber; and for Mfpen, its collaboration with New Balance."

Lubin added that, in terms of markets, the US and Europe are the key drivers of demand on Lyst and the company has seen a consumer appetite for pieces and design language that feel handcrafted, ornate and have a story to tell. "It’s also why Dries Van Noten has made it into Hottest Brands for the first time, with its Scarf-Skirt among the Hottest Products," she said.

Conner Ives

Searches for Conner Ives rose 49 percent in the quarter, helped by the label’s Reconstituted Vintage Robe. Born in Bedford, New York, Ives moved to London in 2014 to study at Central Saint Martins and graduated in 2020. While still a student, he dressed Adwoa Aboah for the 2017 Met Gala, which led Rihanna to hire him at Fenty.

Ives founded his label in 2021, the same year he was named a finalist for the LVMH Prize. He works largely with vintage and deadstock garments, which he reworks into new pieces. One of his best-known items is the bias-cut headscarf dress. His slogan T-shirt “Protect the Dolls” became a sensation in 2025. That May, Ives won the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, which came with a 150,000-pound grant and a year of mentorship.

Emily Dawn Long

Emily Dawn Long launched her label in 2019, starting with tie-dye pieces made in her New York apartment. The brand now uses a range of artisanal techniques, from crocheted hats to halter sweaters. It became a cult label for its vegetable-dyed tie-dye styles and its hand-crocheted cotton “A Hat Named Wanda,” famously worn by Kendrick Lamar. In 2025, Long turned her Lower East Side studio into a by-appointment store.

Originally from Georgia, Long makes both menswear and womenswear. She is a 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist. For spring/summer 2027, she unveiled her collection through a four-minute short film, “The Crack of Dawn.” Her best-known pieces include the Kipling Tank and the Utah Dress.

Dawn Long's "Spoiled Boys" T-shirt was featured in the Lyst Q3 26 Index as one of the trending products, generating a 17 percent increase in demand.

Mfpen

Founded by Sigurd Bank, Mfpen turns deadstock fabric left over from other brands’ production into limited product runs. The Danish label is built on simplicity, functionality and sustainability. It marked its 10th anniversary with its spring/summer 2027 “Deadlines” show at Copenhagen Fashion Week.

At that show, Mfpen unveiled a New Balance Made in USA 992 with the brand’s signature “N” logo removed from the sidewalls, leaving only a faint outline. The grey suede-and-mesh sneaker is expected in March 2027.

Mfpen x New Balance 991v1 was also featured in trending products driving a 37 percent rise in demand for the label.

Madrid – Following a postponement prompted by talks regarding a potential, and ultimately unsuccessful, merger with The Estée Lauder Companies, Puig finally held its first “Capital Markets Day” as a listed company on Wednesday, October 28. The historic, century-old Spanish group used this investor day to unveil its new strategic plan. The primary ambition of this roadmap is to surpass the 8 billion euros (8.91 billion dollars) sales mark by 2032.

French fashion brand Lacoste, part of the MF Brands Group, returns as an official partner for the 40th edition of the Rolex Paris Masters from October 31 to November 8, 2026. For the tournament, the company presents a 2026 collection that combines on-court performance apparel with a lifestyle line.

Lacoste has been an official partner of the Rolex Paris Masters, the final Masters 1000 tournament of the season, for two years. The brand uses the partnership to underscore its connection to tennis and to bring together sport, fashion and culture.

Joint lifestyle collection since 2025

Since 2025, alongside the performance apparel, Lacoste and the Rolex Paris Masters have also developed a joint lifestyle collection across womenswear, menswear and kidswear. It comprises polo shirts, sweatshirts, jackets and other tennis-inspired classics that combine the brand's sporting heritage with urban style.

Monochrome outfits for Djokovic, Medvedev and Fils

On court, players including Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev and Arthur Fils wear monochrome outfits in burgundy, royal blue and all-black. According to Lacoste, the colours were selected to match the personality of each player.

In doing so, the brand builds on a tennis tradition that began almost a century ago with René Lacoste.

The ball kids are also once again outfitted by Lacoste. Their blue uniforms were specially designed for the tournament and crafted using Back on Court technology, which reuses materials from previous collections. A reflective crocodile logo provides additional visibility on court.

During the tournament, Lacoste presents the collection in dedicated spaces at the venue as well as in selected stores in Paris.

In Pictures Lucky Brand has teamed up with motorcycle leather specialist Vanson Leathers on a collaboration combining leather outerwear, graphic apparel and fleece.

The collection brings together Lucky Brand’s denim heritage and lived-in Americana with Vanson’s motorcycle roots and bench-made leather craftsmanship, reimagining familiar staples for everyday wear.

Leather outerwear anchors the line, built with Vanson’s signature durability and classic construction. Key pieces include the Lucky Brand x Vanson Leather Jacket, priced at 1,100 dollars, and the Skeleton Leather Jacket at 1,400 dollars.

Alongside the jackets, graphic tees, thermals and fleece feature racing graphics, skeleton motifs and flame details. Highlights include the Skeleton Full Zip Hoodie at 199 dollars, the Tonal Heather Hoodie at 169.50 dollars and the Skeleton Thermal Long Sleeve at 69.50 dollars. Graphic tees are priced at 49.50 dollars, while a Quarter Zip Flame Sweater retails for 149 dollars and the Star Fleece Hoodie for 159.50 dollars.

The accompanying campaign highlights the link between moto culture and everyday style, pairing Vanson’s mechanical edge with Lucky Brand’s laid-back West Coast aesthetic.

The Vanson x Lucky Brand collection launches Wednesday exclusively on LuckyBrand.com and the Lucky Brand app.

French luxury house Balenciaga, part of the Kering group, has launched a skiwear collection. The line is presented in a dedicated campaign photographed by Adam Peter Johnson, which focuses on the pieces' versatility for both indoor and outdoor wear.

The images place the collection in distinctly Parisian interiors, where snow falls surreally inside the rooms.

The range centres on material innovation, according to the brand. It includes thermoregulating down outerwear in streamlined silhouettes, as well as layering pieces developed for cold climates.

Styles include high-collar parkas, reversible blousons, cropped puffer jackets, stola jackets and snow pants. The pieces are made in techno cotton or nylon, and are insulated and finished for resistance.

The Balenciaga skiwear collection is available in select stores worldwide and online.

COS has launched its own e-commerce site in India and is now also selling through the fashion platform Nykaa Fashion. It is the first time shoppers across the country can buy the brand online.

H&M has announced the eight finalists for the H&M Design Award 2026, alongside the international jury that will select the winner of the emerging talent competition.

The finalists each receive 10,000 euros to support the next step in their careers, H&M announced on Wednesday. They were selected from bachelor’s and master’s programmes at more than 70 fashion schools worldwide. The winner will be announced in London later this year.

The emerging designers come from institutions in Tokyo, London and Paris, as well as Antwerp, Brussels and Florence. Their work spans womenswear, menswear and designs that bridge both categories. Their sources of inspiration range from love, memory and a mother’s story to the overlooked streets of London and Hong Kong, alongside archaeology and the Arte Povera art movement.

The finalists are Chico Yu (Bunka Fashion Graduate University in Tokyo); Ennis Finnerty Mackay and Macy Grimshaw (both Central Saint Martins in London); Evelina Kryvopust (Polimoda in Florence); Fantin Delattre Pirenne (La Cambre in Brussels); Jessica Lin (Institut Français de la Mode in Paris); and Yichun Liu and Yvonne Schichtel (both Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp).

“Selecting this year’s finalists was truly exciting. Each of their portfolios captures the exact spirit of creativity, craftsmanship and innovation that we wanted to champion with the relaunch of the award,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative advisor at H&M. “Having them meet such a prestigious jury means they will be seen, challenged and supported by people who have shaped the industry themselves.”

Jury, prize money and new scholarship programme

Alongside Johansson, who also serves as head of design at H&M, the jury comprises model Paloma Elsesser; Beka Gvishiani of Style Not Com; IB Kamara, former editor-in-chief of Dazed; fashion journalist Luke Leitch; and creative director Calum Knight. They are joined by designers Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena of the London-based label Chopova Lowena, as well as Hillary Taymour, founder of the New York-based label Collina Strada.

The winner will receive 150,000 euros and a one-year tailored mentorship covering production, marketing and public relations, as well as sustainability and circularity. In addition, the winning collection will be produced and sold in selected H&M stores worldwide and online.

A new addition this year is a scholarship programme at Central Saint Martins at the University of the Arts London, designed to make fashion education accessible to talented students regardless of their financial background. Two UK or international students accepted onto the bachelor’s degree in fashion will receive funding across all three years of their studies. Furthermore, two final-year students will receive an annual living-cost grant for three years. By relaunching the award after a six-year hiatus, H&M aims to give emerging talent a strong start and bring their ideas to a wider audience.

This article was created with the assistance of AI.

Wonderland has appointed stylist and fashion director Carlos Nazario as editor-in-chief. Nazario will oversee the publication across digital and print, starting with the spring 2027 edition, set for release in March 2027.

The appointment is the first editorship named under Alastair McKimm, chief creative officer of Visual Talent Group, Wonderland’s parent company.

“When it came to appointing an Editor in Chief for Wonderland, the immediate choice was Carlos. We have collaborated closely together for over a decade, and it was obvious he was the most deserving and capable candidate to take on this role at such a pivotal time in Wonderland’s history,” said McKimm.

Nazario is a New York-born fashion stylist, editor and creative consultant who has helped shape fashion’s visual language for close to two decades. He previously served as style director at large of Harper’s Bazaar and global fashion director of i-D, and has contributed to Vogue, Vogue Italia, W Magazine and T: The New York Times Style Magazine. His collaborators include Rihanna, Naomi Campbell, Rosalía, Tyler Mitchell, Mario Sorrenti, and Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

“Magazines introduced me to people, places and ideas that expanded my world and allowed me to dream. I want Wonderland to offer that same sense of discovery, with fashion at its heart and a curiosity that takes us far beyond it,” Nazario said.

Peter Jones, chief executive officer of Visual Talent Group, added: “This appointment reflects our commitment to Wonderland’s long-term growth, both in print and well beyond.”

Wonderland is a quarterly pop culture magazine covering fashion, film, music, sport and art. It was founded in London in 2005.

US apparel group VF Corporation (VF Corp) exceeded its own expectations in the second quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. In light of the latest figures, the parent company of brands such as The North Face, Vans and Timberland confirmed its full-year guidance on Wednesday.

US outdoor brand The North Face, part of VF Corporation, has introduced two new versions of its Nuptse jacket, the Summit Nuptse and the Pertex Reversible Nuptse. The launch comes as the brand marks six decades of making apparel and equipment for explorers.

Both styles keep the jacket’s familiar silhouette while adding newer performance materials and technical details. According to the brand, the collection is designed for use in alpine environments as well as in the city.

Summit Nuptse

The Summit Nuptse was developed with input from The North Face’s athlete team and tested in demanding conditions. The company describes it as the lightest and warmest Nuptse to date. It keeps the brand’s colour-blocked look and is the first Nuptse with an insulated hood.

The jacket is made from recycled nylon, with an ultralight woven ripstop fabric containing Spectra yarns in targeted areas for durability and abrasion resistance. Its Cloud Down construction is designed to reduce cold spots and improve packability, while the 800-fill ProDown insulation helps the jacket retain loft in wet conditions.

Further details include a relaxed fit that allows for layering; secure zip hand pockets; two internal drop-in pockets; stretch-knit cuffs with FlashDry technology; and an adjustable, packable hood that fits over a climbing helmet.

Pertex Reversible Nuptse

The Pertex Reversible Nuptse is aimed at both mountain use and everyday wear. One side has a cleaner, more modern look, while the other references the original Nuptse with oversized baffles and classic colour blocking.

The jacket uses Pertex Quantum fabric, which is wind resistant and water repellent and supports the thermal efficiency of the 700-fill recycled down insulation. It also features zippered hand pockets, internal hem adjustment on both sides, articulated sleeves and elastic fold-over cuffs.

From expedition gear to lifestyle icon

“When the Nuptse jacket first launched in 1992, its innovative construction and reliable protection in extreme conditions quickly made it a sought-after essential on expeditions. It soon achieved icon status in both performance and lifestyle circles around the world,” said Chris Goble, global brand president at The North Face.

“The introduction of two reimagined Nuptse styles not only honors the heritage of the original jacket through its distinctive, beloved design, but also delivers pinnacle performance through innovative product features and modern materials for explorers everywhere, no matter where their journey takes them,” Goble added.

The Nuptse collection is available on the brand’s website and at select retailers.

The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) unveils the dates for its Paris Fashion Week and Haute Couture Week calendars for 2028 and 2029.

Year 2028

Menswear autumn/winter 2028/2029: from Tuesday, January 18 to Sunday, January 23, 2028

Haute Couture spring/summer 2028: from Monday, January 24 to Thursday, January 27, 2028

Womenswear AW28/29: from Monday, February 28 to Tuesday, March 7, 2028

Menswear SS29: from Tuesday, June 20 to Sunday, June 25, 2028

Haute Couture AW28/29: from Monday, July 3 to Thursday, July 6, 2028

Womenswear SS29: from Monday, September 25 to Tuesday, October 3, 2028

Year 2029

Menswear AW29/30: from Tuesday, January 16 to Sunday, January 21, 2029

Haute Couture SS29: from Monday, January 22 to Thursday, January 25, 2029

Womenswear AW29/30: from Monday, February 26 to Tuesday, March 6, 2029

Menswear SS30: from Tuesday, June 19 to Sunday, June 24, 2029

Haute Couture AW29/30: from Monday, July 2 to Thursday, July 5, 2029

Womenswear SS30: from Monday, September 24 to Tuesday, October 2, 2029

As a reminder, FashionUnited has earlier published the 2027 calendar.

Blue jeans are a wardrobe classic, and for good reason. Black denim deserves a place right alongside them, because few pieces change the mood of a look as easily. Denim brand Cup of Joe offers black jeans across its men's and women's collections, from slim and straight fits to wide legs, showing how one colour can work in many directions.

A sharper, calmer base

Black jeans give an outfit a clean, polished finish. The deep tone reads as more refined than most casual trousers, so the jeans work in settings where denim might otherwise feel too relaxed. In Cup of Joe's men's styling, a slim fit black jean with a crisp white band collar shirt and black leather sneakers moves easily from the office to dinner. Change the shirt for a plain white T-shirt and black leather boots, and a straight fit becomes a relaxed weekend look that still feels put together.

Room for colour, texture and print

Because black works as a neutral, it lets other pieces lead. Bright knitwear, printed shirts and textured fabrics such as wool, leather and corduroy stand out against it. Tonal black looks, on the other hand, create a long and streamlined line. Washed black finishes soften the effect with a faded character, while deeper shades keep things sleek.

Fits that shape the look

The cut changes the feel of an outfit as much as the colour does. In Cup of Joe's women's collection, a black jean with a high waist, patch front pockets and a straight leg pairs with a fitted ivory knit and ankle boots for a refined silhouette with a seventies feel. A washed black wide leg style with a raw hem, cropped just above the ankle, looks more relaxed and contemporary with the same top and boots. The fit alone does a lot of the work.

Black denim throughout the year

Black jeans don't belong to one season. In fall/winter, they anchor layered looks with chunky knits, wool coats, leather jackets and sturdy boots, and their darker tone suits the season's palette. In spring and summer, lighter pieces such as linen shirts, simple T-shirts and loafers or sneakers keep the look fresh. Cropped lengths and rolled hems make black denim feel lighter in warmer months, and a white top adds instant contrast.

A reliable choice for retailers

For retailers, black denim is a natural addition next to blue in the denim assortment. It appeals across age groups, occasions and seasons, and customers can easily combine it with what they already own and with new arrivals each season. With a range of fits and washes, black jeans can serve both the customer looking for a smart everyday staple and the one looking for a more fashion forward silhouette.

Black jeans have earned their place right next to the classic blue. Whether dressed up with a shirt or kept casual with a T-shirt, they adapt to the person wearing them, all year round.

Zegna will show in Beijing on June 11 with its spring/summer 2028 collection.

From the following day, Villa Zegna, a temporary invitation-only private club dedicated to top clients, will open for several days.

According to preliminary figures recently published by the company, revenue for the Ermenegildo Zegna Group reached 433.8 million euros (482.8 million dollars) between July and September, exceeding the same quarter of the previous year by 8.9 percent. On an organic basis, excluding currency effects and changes to the group's portfolio and licensing business, revenue grew by 8.2 percent.

The direct-to-consumer retail channel remained the primary growth driver, with revenue increasing by 13 percent (+11.4 percent on an organic basis) to reach 335.3 million euros. Conversely, sales in the wholesale channel fell by 5.2 percent (-3.8 percent on an organic basis) to 63.4 million euros.

Meghan Roach has stepped down as president and CEO of Roots after the Canadian outdoor and lifestyle brand completed its sale to Marquee Brands and its operating partner JM&A Design and Development.

“Today, I am stepping down as President and CEO of Roots after successfully completing its sale to Marquee Brands and JM&A. It has been an honour to lead the company through this process and to position Roots for its next chapter as a private company,” Roach wrote in a LinkedIn post.

Under the deal announced in August, JM&A acquired all outstanding Roots shares for 4.10 Canadian dollars per share in cash. That represents a 36 percent premium to the closing price on March 2, 2026, the last trading day before Roots announced its strategic review. Shareholders approved the transaction in October.

JM&A is led by Club Monaco and Joe Fresh founder Joe Mimran and retail veteran Frank Rocchetti. As Roots’ core operating partner, it will oversee design, development, manufacturing and distribution of the brand’s men’s and women’s apparel. It will also run retail and e-commerce operations across Canada and the US, including more than 100 North American stores. Marquee Brands, whose portfolio includes Martha Stewart, Laura Ashley and Roberto Cavalli, will focus on global brand expansion and new category development. It plans to take Roots into markets including Korea, India and Mexico.

Roach led Roots for nearly seven years. “There is no way to capture almost seven years in a LinkedIn post. What I can say is that I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to be a steward of this brand,” she wrote.

She also thanked Searchlight Capital Partners, which became Roots’ majority investor in 2015, before the company’s 2017 IPO.

“Congratulations to Marquee Brands, Joe Mimran, and Frank Rocchetti. I look forward to supporting Roots through this transition over the next few months, and I am excited to see where the brand goes from here,” Roach added.

Secondhand has become a go-to choice for holiday shoppers in the US — at least that’s what ThredUp’s 2026 Holiday Resale Report shows.

German menswear brand Olymp is now using Livinguard Fresh, a textile finishing technology designed to keep shirts, polo shirts and T-shirts fresh for longer. The company, based in Bietigheim-Bissingen near Stuttgart, says the step is part of a wider effort to combine modern menswear with functional properties that offer a practical benefit in everyday wear.

Livinguard Fresh is developed by Livinguard Technologies, a Swiss materials science company headquartered in Pfäffikon. The technology gives the surface of a treated textile a permanent positive charge, which attracts odour molecules electrostatically and neutralises them directly.

The finish is anchored to the fabric during the production process and is designed to have a lasting effect. According to Olymp, the treatment is bonded to the fibre, withstands washing and is reactivated each time the garment is washed.

Officewear for a longer working day

"Modern officewear today has to do far more than just look good. It should adapt to the different situations of a long day while providing comfort and confidence," said Heiko Ihben, managing director for brand, product and human resources at Olymp.

"This is exactly where Livinguard Fresh comes in," Ihben added. "The technology creates an immediately noticeable added value and complements our aim of developing high-performance shirts, polos and T-shirts that meet the demands of a modern and flexible everyday life."

Olymp says the use of the technology underlines its development from a shirt specialist into a brand for the complete modern look. High functionality, comfort and versatile styling options are playing an increasingly important role across its product groups.

Prada is back on top. Under the creative direction of Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, the Italian house reclaimed the number one position in Lyst’s Q3 2026 for the first time since Q4 2023.

According to the report, demand for the brand increased 55 percent quarter-over-quarter. Prada’s Wish Pouch bag — a soft silk duchesse pouch whose appeal lies in its fluid silhouette, glossy texture — also led the quarter’s hottest products ranking with a demand of nearly 500 percent.

Prada has been a consistent high performer in Lyst’s quarterly reports, ranking No. 5 in Q4 2025, No. 7 in Q1 2026 and No. 6 in Q2 2026. Since the end of 2023, however, the top spot has gone to Miu Miu, Loewe, Saint Laurent and Chanel.

Hottest Brands Q3-26

Chanel slipped one place to No. 2 and Miu Miu fell one to No. 3. Dior, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Chloé and Celine complete the top 10. Celine rose five places to No. 10, its first time in the top 10, under creative director Michael Rider. Lyst credited the climb to the brand’s Reebok collaboration, the L’Été collection and its recent runway shows. Demand for Celine menswear also rose 62 percent year-over-year.

Further down the ranking, Dries Van Noten entered at No. 16 after a 27 percent quarterly increase in demand. Diesel returned to the index for the first time since Q1 2024, following Glenn Martens’ final show for the brand, for spring/summer 2027. Khaite debuted at No. 20, as shoppers searched for its Danielle Jeans and its eyewear collaboration with Oliver Peoples. Lyst also named Conner Ives, Emily Dawn Long and Mfpen as the quarter’s fastest-rising brands. Searches for Conner Ives rose 49 percent.

Accessories and footwear dominated the hottest products ranking. COS’ Trullo Flap Bag placed second behind Prada’s Wish Pouch, and the Celine x Reebok Freestyle Lo came third. Vans’ Premium Authentic sneaker and Dries Van Noten’s Long Wrap Scarf-Skirt completed the top five. Phoebe Philo’s Peak sunglasses came sixth. Collaborations were a recurring driver of demand, including Celine x Reebok, Mfpen x New Balance and Khaite x Oliver Peoples. Lyst compiles the index from the shopping behavior of its 160 million annual users, combined with search, social and other discovery signals.

British heritage brand Barbour and Brazilian label Farm Rio have reunited for their third collaboration, a Pre Spring Summer 2027 collection inspired by friendship across continents.

Titled Tropical Greenhouse, the collection spans outerwear, ready-to-wear and accessories, reinterpreting classic British design through Farm Rio's colourful aesthetic.

Print and pattern are central to the range. Farm Rio has reworked Barbour's tartan into two exclusive designs: one inspired by Barbour's tartan sett in brown and blue hues, and a second combining tropical florals with Farm Rio's signature banana motifs.

Signature Barbour silhouettes are reimagined across the outerwear offer, which includes showerproof jackets, quilted styles, reversible liners and overshirts. These are complemented by knitwear, skirts, dresses, accessories and coordinating separates. Details include floral-lined interiors, intricate trims and dual-branded finishes.

Building on the success of the brands' previous collaborations, the collection centres on a shared appreciation for optimism and adventure.

Founded in 1894 in South Shields, England, Barbour is family-owned and sold in more than 55 countries. Farm Rio, founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1997, began its global expansion in 2019 and is stocked by more than 2,000 retailers worldwide.

The Barbour Farm Rio collection launches globally on 30 October at Barbour.com, FarmRio.com and selected retail partners.

This article was written with the assistance of AI.

Opinion

Patience with luxury is wearing thin. Three (or maybe four) creative directors are on their way out, online critics hand down verdicts within days, and shoppers would rather buy vintage than pay full price for something new. LVMH reported a 5 percent fall in fashion sales in the third quarter, a reminder that the downturn is far from over. Louis Vuitton sits at the centre of that division. Luxury CEOs, especially at Kering, have their work cut out for them, and more changes among designers and other executives look likely.

The clearest sign comes from shoppers. Spending a couple of months’ salary on a new bag is a hard sell for many people. The RealReal’s 2026 resale report says demand for vintage on its platform is up 432 percent since 2020. It also says resale is growing two to three times faster than new luxury, and that 47 percent of shoppers check a piece’s resale value before buying new. The RealReal sells secondhand, so those figures come from a company with a stake in the trend. They still show shoppers weighing what an item might be worth later, not only what it costs now.

Then there are the exits. Kering confirmed on October 9 that Anthony Vaccarello is leaving Saint Laurent after ten years. Not long after, Calvin Klein confirmed that Veronica Leoni will leave Calvin Klein Collection when her contract ends. Kering also announced that Seán McGirr is leaving McQueen after three years. None of the three houses has named a successor.

Balenciaga's Pierpaolo Piccioli conundrum

Balenciaga could be next, if the rumblings are true. De Meo reportedly singled out the brand’s falling menswear sales after Demna moved to Gucci, a comment that Piccioli reportedly felt was directed at him. Martine Rose is widely tipped to replace Piccioli. The appointment has not been confirmed, but the industry is already talking. Let’s wait and see what happens at Kering’s houses, although none of this will come as a surprise.

These exits are not all part of the same story. Calvin Klein is not part of Kering, and Leoni had held the role only since May 2024. Puck reports that McGirr’s contract was up, and that Kering CEO Luca de Meo is taking an unsparing approach to cutting the group down to size, with almost every brand underperforming.

Kering falls short of ambitions

The financial backdrop is hard to ignore. Kering shares are down 28 percent since the start of the year. At Saint Laurent, sales topped 3 billion euros at their peak but fell to 2.64 billion euros in 2025. It is worth remembering how ambitious the plan was. At its June 2022 Capital Markets Day, Kering said it aimed to double Saint Laurent’s sales to 5 billion euros in the medium term, by 2026. That didn’t happen.

Francesca Bellettini, who ran the house at the time, had said that at 2 billion euros, thinking of 3 billion was too easy. Analysts interpreted “medium term” as a four-to-five-year horizon. Then the market slowed sharply, and the house shifted its focus from volume targets to tightening its retail network and raising its exclusivity. That period of transition also brought leadership changes, capped by Vaccarello’s exit. Bellettini is now at Gucci.

At McQueen, Bernstein estimates the house made less than 200 million euros in 2025, down sharply from a peak of 850 million euros in 2022–23. That is an analyst estimate, since Kering doesn’t break out sales for individual houses apart from Gucci. The picture is not entirely one-sided. It was widely reported that McGirr’s contract was up and would not be fully renewed. W Magazine noted that the business had become overly reliant on one very popular sneaker line. Virginia Burlina has been widely tipped as McGirr’s successor.

The mood around designers has changed

Anonymous accounts now move fast and are often early. BoringNotCom, a once-anonymous London account, first noted Jonathan Anderson’s departure from Loewe months before it was official, and was one of the first to report Piccioli’s move to Balenciaga. After McGirr’s exit, the account said McQueen had lost the public’s trust and would need serious damage control to win it back. That is an opinion, not a finding, and the sales figures above paint a more mixed picture. It still shows how quickly online verdicts now arrive. Brands and investors read these accounts, and designers get a few seasons to show results, not years.

The weekend ends with more unrest in the French capital. Last week about 550,000 people protested across France over the weekend, including 110,000 in Paris. The protests were about living costs and other grievances, and looters hit shops ranging from a high-end brand to a bakery. Police said the looters arrived late in the day with the sole aim of stealing. A day earlier, Italian students, including those in Milan, took to the streets in support of French pupils, although those marches were largely calm. The unrest does not explain the designer exits. It does fit the wider consumer mood and shows how sensitive prices are right now, just as luxury houses try to win customers back.

Kering published its third-quarter earnings last Friday, with sales down 1 percent. The group closed more than 100 stores and is set to shutter a total of 126 boutiques by the end of the year. Investors were listening for any word on McQueen and Balenciaga. After that comes the harder question: who gets the open jobs, and whether their clothes will sell at today’s prices.

Chloé’s Chemena Kamali is widely reported as the frontrunner for Saint Laurent. The appointments are not yet official, but the names are already circulating. The wait for news and the high turnover of creative directors are part of the black cloud hanging over the luxury industry. Because what all the quarterly reports tell us is that success is only measured by an increase in sales.

As shoppers in the US face persistent inflation and climbing petrol costs, individuals aged 18 to 45 are shifting their discretionary budgets toward established labels. Rather than seeking out the lowest market prices, buyers are actively investing in heritage apparel brands with proven track records, according to a survey conducted by US firm Wired Research.

US footwear company Rocky Brands (Rocky Brands) posted a 13.3 percent increase in net sales to 138.80 million dollars for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, up from 122.50 million dollars in the year-ago period.

In Paris, the sixth edition of Semaine des Autres Modes brought together designers championing upcycling, reuse and an alternative approach to garment production.

When asked whether another kind of fashion is possible, the artistic collective Une Autre Mode Est Possible (UAMEP), chaired by Arielle Levy, has answered “yes” for nearly 10 years. It has taken determination and courage to unite nearly 100 designers, independent artisans and associations around an alternative vision of fashion.

To bring her projects to fruition, Levy received financial backing from the City of Paris, alongside private partners and members of the collective. These allies enabled her to inaugurate the Maison des Autres Modes.

UAMEP: collective, artistic and activist dimension

The aim is to develop a new aesthetic centred on recycling, upcycling and repair. These terms have become buzzwords, yet they are essential if the fashion industry is to become truly responsible and sustainable.

Held from October 5 to 18, the sixth Semaine des Autres Modes brought together those committed to this irreversible movement at the Consulat Voltaire, a former electrical substation converted into a cultural hub.

The opening featured a photographic exhibition titled Le Tour du Monde à Paris by Marie Meerson and a manifesto exhibition by UAMEP designers, followed by a screening of the Manifeste runway show by Naco Paris.

Naco: fashion's last punk

Naco rose to fame with the slogan “Art is Resistance”. His greatest badge of honour is the “Karl Who?” bag, which nearly earned him a lawsuit from Chanel before becoming iconic once carried by Karl Lagerfeld. By night, the designer takes on the persona of Madame Paris.

After collaborating with La Fabrique at the Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès, he stepped back from the frantic and unmanageable pace of the fashion industry. He relocated to Toulouse to produce inspired pieces at his own rhythm.

For the UAMEP event, Naco celebrated 25 years of design by screening the film of his Toulouse runway show. Far from conventional catwalk standards, the inclusive presentation featured a cast of characters across all genders and body types, asserting an artistic freedom he has never compromised.

Collective runway show focused on upcycling, reuse and social inclusion

The collective catwalk show featured around ten committed brands presenting spring/summer 2027 looks, accompanied by a live vocal performance from the artist Krivers.

Operating with a slow fashion approach, Maison Louis exclusively uses upcycled materials sourced from the deadstock of luxury houses. “No factories, no subcontracting: only the time dedicated to the craft, the material and the desire to create differently,” the brand states.

All materials used by Moira Cristescu Paris are sourced from repurposed luxury textiles. Each piece is designed and sewn in France at her Parisian atelier. The designer holds the title of Artisan d’Art from the Île-de-France Chamber of Trades and Crafts.

By collecting, purchasing and recovering second-hand textiles to transform them into new garments, Gaelle Constantini uses no virgin materials in order to minimise resource consumption. The brand collaborates with social integration workshops.

Through these examples, Semaine des Autres Modes, which ran longer than Paris Fashion Week, demonstrated an aligned mindset. It now remains to give this movement greater space in the collective imagination.

US eyewear brand Ray-Ban, part of EssilorLuxottica, has released a special-edition collection with Marvel. The sunglasses and optical frames are based on four characters: Spider-Man, Captain America, Doctor Doom and Deadpool.

The collection is available in stores and online through selected retailers, ahead of the cinema release of Marvel Studios' 'Avengers: Doomsday' on December 18, 2026.

Four classic frames

Each character is paired with an existing Ray-Ban shape. The Aviator Max refers to Captain America, with red, white and blue metal temples and a leather bridge cover featuring a star. The Wayfarer Folding takes on Spider-Man's codes, with a web-wrapped logo and a message engraved on the bridge hinge.

The Bill Max, linked to Doctor Doom, comes in gold and green metal with laser-cut details. The RB2228 references Deadpool through a metallic gradient and anti-slip temple tips inspired by his costume.

Styles for kids

The line-up also includes a kids' range: red Spider-Man sunglasses with a web motif and lanyard, Spider-Man optical frames with clip-on sun lenses, and a red Mini Aviator with blue lenses and Captain America shield graphics.

Viva Voce, the size-inclusive fashion marketplace connecting independent designers with shoppers in sizes S through 6X, has appointed Amy Williams as chief executive officer.

Williams joins from Good-Loop, the responsible advertising platform she founded at the age of 25, which turns ad engagement into charitable donations for brands including Nike, Burberry, PepsiCo, Mars and L’Oréal. Over the past decade, she grew the company into more than 20 markets, including a US office that now accounts for 80 percent of the business, while driving 100 percent year-on-year revenue growth and raising nearly 15 million dollars for charitable causes. She remains Good-Loop’s founder and now serves on its board as non-executive director.

Prior to Good-Loop, Williams worked at Ogilvy & Mather, running global brand campaigns for Unilever and managing British Airways’ digital and direct accounts.

Williams was named by Raconteur as one of its 50 Outstanding CEOs in 2025 and is a Forbes 30 Under 30 alumna and a UN Meaningful Business 100 honouree.

“Viva Voce is doing something rare in fashion, building a community where people actually feel seen,” said Williams. “That kind of trust is incredibly hard to earn and even harder to scale. I’m here to do exactly that.”

Viva Voce curates ethical, independent brands across a full size range, with more than 90 percent of its brands women-owned. The company has built a following across social media and pop-up markets.

“Amy’s experience at the intersection of purpose and commerce is exactly what this moment calls for,” said Kate Zigrang, founder of Viva Voce. “She understands that growth and values aren’t trade-offs; they’re the same thing done right.”

This article was written with the assistance of AI.

Amsterdam-based creator Robin de Bree (@scandivv) has built a loyal following by doing something that sounds simple but rarely is: picking up on the latest trends while still looking unmistakably like herself. With 229,000 followers on Instagram and 560,200 on TikTok, she shares her outfits across both platforms, alongside travel diaries and glimpses of her everyday life. She is also the founder and owner of the brand Scandivv, whose pieces appear regularly in her looks.

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Bree has a strong eye for what’s next, but her wardrobe is built on a foundation of relaxed denim, fitted cropped tops and ballet flats, a nod to the Y2K revival that brought early-2000s silhouettes back into everyday dressing. Thanks to that steady base, she can try out new trends without her wardrobe losing its own character. When sporty track pants, ruffled mini skirts or sheer blouses make an appearance, she pairs them with the basics she already loves, which keeps the look personal and easy to recreate. The result is a feed that stays current while still reading as one clear point of view.

Colour is where her personality comes through most clearly. In the warmer months her palette turns lively, with coral, turquoise, pink, red, yellow and lilac taking over. The fitted V-neck top has become something of a signature, worn in almost every shade she loves. She also has an eye for small details that pull a look together, such as nails painted to match her top. Matching sets are another favourite, giving her an easy way to wear one bright colour or print from top to bottom.

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When the seasons change, Bree’s palette settles into beige, brown, grey and white, and print starts doing the work that bright colour did in summer. Animal print becomes her go-to pattern in autumn and winter, giving her neutral outfits more personality, while polka dots appear on skirts as a lighter, more playful print. Colour rarely disappears completely, though. A pop of coral or red often finds its way back in through a pair of flats or a top, carrying her summer instinct into the colder months.

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Jewellery is the finishing layer of almost every outfit, and she likes it bold. Her approach is built on stacking, the practice of layering several rings, bracelets or necklaces together for a bigger effect. Chunky gold pieces and oversized pendants can turn even the simplest tank top into a styled look. Many of these pieces come from Scandivv itself, which makes her feed a natural showcase for the label. Her eye for trends has also led to collections with NA-KD and Design by Si, turning her styling into pieces her audience can wear themselves.

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Robin de Bree’s appeal lies in how approachable she makes trend-conscious dressing. Formats like “what I bought vs what I got” and “online vs on me” keep her content honest and relatable, showing how pieces look once they leave the product page. With a steady base, a confident use of colour and print, and jewellery that always has the last word, she shows that following trends and having a personal style can go hand in hand. For anyone looking for an up-to-date take on everyday dressing, she is someone to follow.

The Leather Working Group (LWG) has appointed Dr Christina Raab as chief executive officer, effective November 2.

Raab will work alongside outgoing executive director Vanessa Podmore and interim director Adam Hughes during a transition period, ahead of Podmore’s departure at the end of the year.

Raab joins from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, where she most recently served as president and CEO. She previously led global implementation and market transformation at ZDHC, and earlier held leadership roles at sustainability advisory firms.

“I have long admired the scientific rigor and technical expertise of LWG, and the commitment of its global community to advancing a more responsible leather industry. I am delighted to join the organisation at such a crucial time in its evolution, when credible standards, robust assurance, and measurable action are more important than ever. I look forward to leading LWG in delivering lasting value for its members and to working collaboratively across the wider LWG ecosystem to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the industry,” said Raab.

LWG board chair David Wright said: “Dr Raab is a highly respected leader in sustainability and innovation, she brings a strong track record of shaping industry standards, building influential global partnerships and leading mission-driven organisations through growth and transformation. We are delighted to welcome Dr Raab and look forward to her leadership in the continued advancement of our strategic priorities.”

The appointment comes as LWG prepares to launch its new Sustainability System in 2027. The organisation said it is building on continued growth in membership, adoption of its protocols and collaboration across the global leather value chain.

Paris-based luxury house Maison Margiela and South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster are launching their fourth joint collection on October 29. The line consists of 43 sunglasses and 25 optical frames, 68 SKUs in total, and is built around the theme of 'Deconstruction'.

According to the brands, the collection starts from familiar eyewear shapes, elevating some and distorting others. Several styles feature elements that look crushed or altered, which define the visual language of the partnership.

Oversized frames with exaggerated volume are designed to hide the face from others while widening the wearer's field of vision. Narrow, upswept models are tightly wrapped in leather, echoing Maison Margiela's 'Second Skin'.

Signature stitches in a new form

Maison Margiela's signature four white stitches appear on the temples across the collection. On the slimmer styles, the house introduces a new branding detail, with the stitches woven so they appear to float over the edges of the frame.

Campaign film and eight pop-up spaces

The campaign takes the form of a short film directed by Alex Prager, which focuses on uncanny moments in everyday life. It follows a woman who has ten minutes to meet someone as she rushes through a constantly shifting city, with the eyewear appearing on the different characters she encounters along the way.

To mark the launch, pop-up spaces open on October 29 in eight cities: Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne and Paris. Several are housed in Gentle Monster's own stores, including its Haus Nowhere locations in Seoul, Shanghai and Bangkok. Each space translates the collection's concept into an unfinished aesthetic built from unstable, irregular forms.

In Seoul, the launch is celebrated with a performance by choreographer and creative director Damien Jalet and artist Ian McMahon. The piece interprets deconstruction through movement, with body, space, objects and light colliding to take existing structures apart and rebuild them in new forms.

Fashion retailer Primark has joined the Denim Deal, an international collaborative initiative that unites fashion brands, manufacturers, suppliers and recyclers. The multi-stakeholder platform aims to scale the use of post-consumer recycled cotton across the denim sector and advance circular production models through cross-industry innovation.

Through its membership, the Dublin-based value retailer will collaborate with supply chain partners to share technical insights and address existing barriers in processing post-consumer denim fibres. The partnership provides access to sourcing guidance, industry expertise and joint research and development initiatives focused on mechanical and chemical recycling infrastructure.

Expansion of circular design standards across denim portfolio

The move supports the retailer’s wider circularity agenda, which seeks to integrate a higher proportion of recycled content into its collections. Earlier this year, Primark introduced its debut capsule line produced with reclaimed denim, featuring five garments composed of a minimum of 20 percent recycled denim derived from discarded textiles.

To improve post-consumer end-of-life recovery, the five-piece range was engineered without conventional elastane stretch blends or extraneous metallic hardware, such as traditional rivets.

Alongside material developments, the retailer is scaling circular design guidelines under its updated Circular Product Standard 2.0 framework, which evaluates garment durability, raw materials and recyclability. During the 2024/25 financial year, 8 percent of denim garments sold by the retailer adhered to these circular-by-design standards.

Membership in the Denim Deal will inform future product cycles as the business works to integrate higher volumes of post-consumer recycled cotton across its global denim inventory.

High-end bespoke tailoring draws an impassable operational boundary for advanced automation systems. Confartigianato Moda Napoli, representing artisan fashion and tailoring businesses in Italy, weighs in on the debate surrounding the adoption of computational models in the textile supply chain, defining the technical impossibility of replacing physical interaction and manual anatomical measurement with algorithmic solutions.

Pino Peluso, president of the trade association, has clarified the sector's position regarding the practical limits of new technologies: “I can use artificial intelligence to manage my schedule, promote my work on social media and optimise fabric purchasing. However, no software exists that can take a man's measurements the right way. No algorithm can read how a shoulder falls, how a back moves or what a physique says about the person who inhabits it. This is not romanticism. It is technique.”

The distinction drawn by the association's leadership separates the operational use of AI in back-office processes from bespoke manufacturing. While workflow management, raw material procurement planning and communication activities can integrate predictive tools, pattern making remains dependent on the visual and tactile analysis of the master tailor. This activity cannot be translated into numerical data matrices.

No machine will ever put into suits what master tailors do by knowing their clients and their stories

According to Peluso, the learning and development process of a tailored garment is based on the direct transmission of skills and a three-dimensional reading of the client: “The apprentice observes the master, repeats, makes mistakes and corrects them. They learn to look. They learn to touch. They learn to understand that every client represents a different geometry. This is not just a matter of measurements, but of personality, posture and how they wish to present themselves to the world. No predictive model can replace that observation, because what the master reads cannot be codified into a dataset.”

The digital replication of a geometric model does not equate to dynamic adaptation to the body. The competitive edge of traditional tailoring lies precisely in interpreting the drape of the fabric, a parameter that goes beyond processor calculations.

The association's analysis extends to the economic and employment impact of full automation in the manufacturing sector. Even in the face of future technological developments capable of simulating the sensory evaluation of fabrics, market demand for bespoke tailoring remains tied to the interaction between buyer and artisan: “I am not against technology; I am in favour of clarity. AI is a tool for processing data and automating management. However, the moment when the artisan evaluates how the fabric performs on the client's body requires physical sensitivity and visual experience that no sensor or algorithm will ever be able to replicate. Clients come to a tailoring house to experience a human relationship; if they were simply looking to buy a suit, they would go elsewhere without even asking who or what made it.”

The extended production times characteristic of high craftsmanship represent the determining factor in positioning the final product on international markets. Peluso concluded by highlighting that “100 hours for a suit does not mean 100 hours of inefficiency. No machine, however intelligent, will ever be able to put into a suit what a master puts into it when knowing the client, their story and the day for which that garment is made.”

Aritzia has set out a five-year strategic plan targeting net revenue of 9.5 to 10.5 billion dollars in fiscal 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate of 15 to 17 percent. The company, which presented the plan at an Investor Day in New York on Tuesday, said the US will remain its primary growth market, while it begins expanding beyond Canada and the United States.

CEO Interview

Henrik Bunge has been appointed chief executive officer (CEO) of J.Lindeberg, the Swedish clothing company announced on Tuesday on the professional networking platform LinkedIn. He will assume the role on April 1, 2027 and is expected to succeed Hans-Christian Meyer, who has led the company since June 2020.

The new CEO brings extensive experience in the fashion and sportswear industry. He joins from the Swedish apparel brand Björn Borg, which he has led as CEO for 12 years. Prior to this, he held senior positions at the Swedish outdoor brand Peak Performance, the German sportswear manufacturer Adidas and the Swedish luxury bed manufacturer Hästens.

Bunge brings a deep understanding of both the industry and what is required to develop and build successful brands, said Lise Kaae on behalf of the board of directors. “We are convinced that he is the right person to lead J.Lindeberg into the future, building on the foundation already laid and further developing the business.”

Iris van Herpen has unveiled a series of artworks created with Maison Perrier-Jouët around its Belle Époque cuvées, ranging from a one-off collector’s piece to a limited-edition cuvée. First revealed at Tokyo Gendai in September, the creations were presented at the champagne house’s Banquet of Nature at The Peninsula Paris on October 21, and will be exhibited at Design Miami in December.

The collaboration began in December 2025, when Van Herpen became the first recipient of the Perrier-Jouët Design for Nature Award, created by the champagne house and Design Miami. For the project, the designer recorded the subtle rhythms of the natural world in Perrier-Jouët’s vineyards in Ambonnay and Cramant, then used cymatics, the study of how sound and vibration can be made visible, to translate them into visual forms.

“In nature, there is a silent yet ever-present dance of frequencies, rhythms, and biological processes that continuously shape life,” said Van Herpen.

From sculpture to limited edition

The centrepiece, "Symphonic Bloom," was inspired by Van Herpen’s conversations with cellar master Séverine Frerson in Épernay and illustrates how the flavours of champagne are layered and develop over time. Crafted from silk and recycled 22-carat gold using motifs from her cymatics studies, the sculpture embraces a rare jeroboam of Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque 1988. Its upward movement references dancer Loïe Fuller as depicted in an Art Nouveau lamp by Raoul Larche, part of Perrier-Jouët’s collection at Maison Belle Époque in Épernay.

Building on that piece, Van Herpen developed "Symphonic Life," a Collectable Edition of ten numbered pieces. Each adorns a magnum of Belle Époque 1999, the final vintage before the turn of the millennium, with a design in recycled 22-carat gold.

For a broader release, Van Herpen co-created the Dedicated Cuvée by Iris van Herpen with Frerson, reimagining the bottle and gift box of Belle Époque 2018. Frerson crafted a bespoke expression of the vintage, with a personalised dosage developed in consultation with the designer.

“The floral signature of Perrier-Jouët is born from a deep connection with nature and a continual search for elegance and nuance. Through our dialogue with Iris van Herpen, we explored texture as a shared language, from the tactile qualities of her work to the layered sensations that define an exceptional champagne,” said Frerson.

Axelle de Buffévent, global culture and creative director at Pernod Ricard, said: “Throughout her impressive career as an artist and couturier, Iris Van Herpen has crafted unique and inspiring new visions of the world. Working not only with our teams at Perrier-Jouët but with the terroir itself, she has found true joy and beauty in the natural world, which is reflected in these stunning creations.”

US-based private equity firm L Catterton announced a strategic investment in Singapore-based Glance, an artificial intelligence-powered personal shopping platform backed by Indian multinational technology company InMobi.

Madrid – Spanish fashion multinational Inditex is preparing to pay out just over 2.73 billion euros (3.04 billion dollars) to its shareholders on Monday, November 2. This amount corresponds to the second dividend payment agreed from the 2025 financial year results. The upcoming distribution has “revived” the company's share price, which has gained up to +10.63 percent in recent weeks.

Online giant Temu pledges to improve consumer protection following an EU fine of 200 million euros (228.8 million dollars) and submits proposals for changes to the European Commission. Going forward, the shopping portal is to examine whether its recommendation algorithms help spread illegal products, as the Brussels authority announced. The Commission initially accepted the proposals. Temu now has four months to implement them.

Registration is now open for the second edition of Textiles Recycling Expo USA, an exhibition and conference on textile recycling and circularity. The event will take place on April 7 and 8, 2027, at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina.

The first edition attracted more than 1,800 attendees and 95 exhibitors from across the textile value chain, according to organiser AMI, a UK-based events and publishing company focused on the recycling sector.

Co-located with new manufacturing show

For the first time, the event will be held alongside the newly launched Textiles Manufacturing Expo, with one ticket giving access to both exhibitions.

The 2027 edition will have a larger exhibition floor and a conference programme covering recycling technologies, fibre-to-fibre recycling, sorting infrastructure, circular business models, reuse and repair, and changing legislation. The programme also includes live technology demonstrations and networking sessions.

The expo targets recyclers, manufacturers, brands, retailers, technology providers, policymakers, researchers and sustainability professionals. AMI opened its call for speakers for the 2027 conference in September.

Danish fashion brand Vero Moda, part of Bestseller, unveils its looks for the upcoming party season with the “Get ready with us” campaign. The focus is on statement evening looks and the moments before a night out.

Red lips, dimmed lighting and elegant interiors form the backdrop of the campaign. The collection combines feminine silhouettes with elements of modern glamour.

Classic black with festive details

Sheer fabrics, delicate lace details and shimmering sequins lend a festive touch to the looks. Classic black takes centre stage, ranging from mini party dresses to floor-length gowns. Accents of red, brown and navy complete the colour palette.

With the campaign, Vero Moda also highlights the ritual of getting ready to go out: the music, the styling and the anticipation of the evening ahead. In doing so, the brand celebrates the moment before the party even begins.

The collection is available from October 27 via Vero Moda’s channels and at selected retail partners.

US brand management firm WSG Brands (WSG) has acquired US contemporary womenswear label Sanctuary. The transaction marks the start of an expansion phase for the nearly 30-year-old business.

For AW28/29, WGSN and Coloro have derived a key colour palette of hues that reflect the increasingly intentional choices of consumers seeking out emotional grounding, self-expression and resilience. “Consumers will be navigating the threshold of a new decade, and this sense of liminality informs the palette,” Gemma Riberti, director of colour, materials and finishes at WGSN, said.

While we still have a long way to go until the season is upon us, the key colours have already made their way into the SS27 collections that have just graced the runway, as well as the outfits of fashion week attendees. Here where they were spotted.

Bloodstone

As the anchor shade of the season, Bloodstone reflects both the tension and contradictions of an unpredictable world, and the importance of emotional connection. These contrasts also play a part on the runway, where the colour appeared across fluctuating forms. What is a common denominator is the fluidity that is evident throughout almost every silhouette the hue inhabits. From loosely tailored suiting in menswear to extreme forms of drapery in womenswear, Bloodstone’s intensity could be felt across the board.

Womenswear

Menswear

Accessories

Street style

Liminal Yellow

For WGSN, Liminal Yellow represents an “in-between” of two shades and two states, expressing both a warm familiarity and a slightly unsettling quality. The ‘not quite yellow’ serves as a counterpoint to sensory overstimulation and addresses digital fatigue, offering a somewhat calming perspective that appeals across aesthetics. In womenswear, the hue appeared in more structured forms of draping, while in mens, shirting and denim bore the tone. Its appearance among accessories was more obscure and surprising, showing up in oversized gloves, knee-high trainers and oversized bags.

Womenswear

Menswear

Accessories

Street style

Elemental Verdigris

Sitting between grey and blue, Elemental Verdigris looks to address the desire for calm in an overstimulating world. It's a characteristic that allows the colour to soften even the most structured shapes, mellowing out rigidity and giving pieces a gentle appearance. WGSN suggests that the colour aligns with the consumer sentiment towards longevity and quality, something that stands out particularly among the prevalence of tactile accessories seen in the hue.

Womenswear

Menswear

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Street style

Healing Turmeric

Unlike Liminal Yellow, Healing Turmeric is a stronger shade that merges with an orange tint to drive confidence and a desire for optimism. Such a powerful colour stood strong on the runways. In womenswear, it was the surprising choice for occasionwear, present across flashy gowns that were either silky and draped or held an unyielding structure. In contrast, albeit maintaining its conspicuous appearance, menswear looks in the colour were largely co-ord sets, meaning the vibrant shade dominated head-to-toe.

Womenswear

Menswear

Accessories

Street style

Smoky Amethyst

One thing about this shade, and the way WGSN has presented it, is that it appears to fluidly move between dark and light. The dusky purple evokes a sense of spirituality and sanctuary, making it ideal for explorations of escapism. One thing to note is that while this amethyst variant was indeed prominent on a broad scale, its presence was particularly notable in accessories, specifically of the snakeskin variety. From bags to shoes, it seems this illusive purple was destined for the animal print.

Womenswear

Menswear

Accessories

Street style

US brand management firm WHP Global and US apparel company G-III Apparel Group (G-III) have announced a strategic partnership with Hong Kong-based fashion retailer I.T Group to accelerate the growth of the Marc Jacobs brand across Greater China.