BUSINESS TALK
U.S. POLO ASSN. COLLEGIATE-INSPIRED STYLE
U.S. Polo Assn. unveils its A/W 23-24 collection, capturing classic campus style in a picturesque college setting. Earth-toned long-sleeved polo shirts, cozy sweaters, and lightweight puffer vests dominate the scene. The collection offers soft textures, relaxed fits, and comfort-driven fabrics for men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. With classic flannels, textured sweaters, and classic puffer jackets at its core, the lineup embraces a relaxed silhouette that resonates with the timeless collegiate attitude. The assortment combines unique styling, premium materials, and seasonal comfort, including sustainable options in USPA Life apparel. uspoloassnglobal.com
GUESS FOURTH DECADE BOOK
GUESS celebrates its four-decade fashion legacy with “A Fourth Decade of Guess Images,” a casebound book celebrating the brand's journey from the pioneering 3-Zip Marilyn Jean in 1981 to a global fashion icon. This edition captures the vision and creativity of the four founding brothers, chronicling their transformative impact on denim and fashion. A fusion of history and iconic imagery, the book is a tribute to Guess's enduring style and innovation, showcasing how the brand has shaped and adapted to fashion trends over forty transformative years. guess.com
DANIEL W. FLETCHER COLLABORATION WITH HUNTSMAN
For A/W 23-24, DANIEL w. FLETCHER collaborated with Huntsman, the 174-year-old Savile Row tailoring brand known for crafting the world’s finest clothes, to develop nine bespoke suits and ten ready-to-wear styles. Each design is inspired by the archives of both brands. Made entirely in the United Kingdom, the collection is a tribute to craftsmanship and Britain’s history of precision, integrity, and forward-thinking in fashion. The collaboration emphasizes the meticulous craftsmanship of Huntsman, with Fletcher's designs incorporating basting stitching to highlight the unique precision involved in crafting a Savile Row suit. danielwfletcher.com
LVMH INVESTING IN SMART WAREHOUSES
LVMH is ramping up its warehousing technology, anticipating growth in its key brands like Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. The introduction of AI-driven warehouses aims to enhance the efficiency of pick-up, packaging, and shipping processes. Additionally, integrating AI with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology will offer more accurate inventory estimations, minimizing errors and overproduction. This initiative sets a new standard in the luxury fashion industry. By embracing cutting-edge technology, LVMH not only strengthens its market position but also encourages other players in the fashion sector to follow suit. lvmh.com
IADS FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT ELECTED
The International Association of Department Stores (IADS), the only expert department store body in the world, has elected Ms. Kamshim Lau as the first female President in its 95-year history. Ms. Lau, Executive Director of Lifestyle International Holdings Limited, was unanimously appointed during the IADS's 64th General Assembly in London. Her election marks a significant milestone for IADS, reflecting its commitment to diversity and innovation in leadership. Ms. Lau's expertise and vision are set to lead the Association's strategic initiatives, focusing on member services and global retail challenges.
NEW EU GREEN FASHION LEGISLATION
The European Union’s new law bans destroying unsold clothing and footwear, targeting fast fashion's environmental impact. This legislation, part of the broader Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, aims to shift the fashion industry toward more sustainable practices by enforcing stricter rules on product durability and recyclability. Large retail groups will be impacted initially, with small and medium-sized enterprises given extended transition periods. The move is expected to have a significant influence on how products are designed and managed in their lifecycle, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental responsibility in the fashion sector.
JACOB COHËN A JOURNEY THROUGH ITALY
Jacob Cohën's S/S 2024 men's collection, inspired by Italy's diverse beauty, is a homage to the "conscious traveler." It features blue and off-white denim representing Liguria and Naples, enriched with enameled buttons showing Genoa's Lighthouse and Castel dell'Ovo. The collection also highlights Sicily's vibrancy, with brick-red accents and imagery from Palermo's Porta del Sole on the enameled buttons, while the patch and the t-shirts highlight Taormina’s Greek theatre. Completing the range are field jackets made from Japanese cotton, linen shirts, and lightweight jumpers, offering a complete, stylish traveler’s wardrobe. jacobcohen.com
BERGHAUS OUTDOOR FASHION
The English heritage brand Berghaus has always combined fashion with technical hiking clothing. In the ‘Dean Street Unisex’ collection, the label presents iconic retro styles originally designed for mountain use but now adapted as lifestyle products in urban settings. The Lumley Down Jacket, for example, is a remake of the eponymous down parka worn by the famous mountaineer Chris Bonington during his most successful Everest expedition in 1985. Bold colors, striking branding with the classic Berghaus logo, and renowned technologies like GORE-TEX, Polartec, and PrimaLoft complete the collection. berghaus.com
BUGATTI LICENSE EXTENSION
In addition to the RTW line, bugatti also engages in a thriving licensing business, including men's and women's fragrances. Although already available in 17 countries, the brand is aiming to continue to expand internationally. The portfolio consists of 11 men's and 8 women's fragrances. The women's fragrances, named "Bella Donna" and "Eleganza," draw inspiration from fashion and timeless style, exuding Italian flair. The men's fragrances are characterized by confident, technical finesse, making them high-end scents suitable for any daily occasion. The latest fragrances from "bugatti Performance" have been available since the fall of 2023. bugatti-fashion.com luxess-group.com
COVATIONBIO COLLECTION WITH SORONA POLYMER
Working with Italian designer Isabella Storani, the CovationBio Sorona team created a twenty-piece custom capsule collection that exhibits the versatility and performance capabilities of Sorona polymer. The collection was presented on Genesis mannequins, crafted from 100% bio-based CovationBio PDO Susterra, at Sorona’s innovative “Be Curious” booth during ISPO Munich 2023. The looks exemplified Sorona polymer's qualities, such as dimensional stability, long-lasting stretch recovery, softness, and moisture-wicking for quick drying. Additionally, seven fabrics recognized by ISPO Textrends Awards were unveiled, along with samples from brands using Sorona polymer in their collections. covationbio.com
CHT NATURAL AIR-BLEACHING ROUTINE
CHT has released its latest Technology Supporter range, the DENIMCOL TEC products, specifically designed to perfect ozone technology and the bleaching effects on dry fabric. Called the “natural air-bleaching routine,” this method employs advanced ozone machines to delicately lighten indigo-dyed jeans and dyed non-denims within a controlled, hermetic environment. The process efficiently converts ozone back into oxygen posttreatment, emphasizing both economic and ecological benefits. The highlight of this range, DENIMCOL TEC-CR, uniquely prepares dry garments in a way that the bleaching effects achieved with ozone treatments are stronger. cht.com
COTTON EGYPT X BETTER COTTON STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Cotton Egypt Association (CEA), the organization responsible for promoting and protecting Egyptian cotton worldwide, and Better Cotton (BC), the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, have formed a strategic partnership to expand the Better Cotton program in Egypt. The collaboration involves implementing sustainable farming practices, providing training, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. CEA and BC will work together to reduce water consumption, decrease pesticide usage, and improve soil to enhance cotton production. The collaboration aligns with both organizations' visions for sustainable cotton farming. cottonegyptassociation.com
BOSS LUXURY RANGE
BOSS is increasing its focus on its ‘BOSS Camel’ luxury collection for the modern consumer with an on-the-go lifestyle. Available for both men and women, it ranges across suiting and sportswear styles. For men, comfortable trousers in virgin wool with matching jackets, cashmere knitwear pieces and silk neckwear alongside shearling jackets or overcoats in camel hair and matching knitwear for a monochromatic look set the tone. The women’s line will be extended this A/W. ‘BOSS Camel’ shows a passion for top-quality fabrics and craftsmanship with a focus on minimalism, durability, and style. boss.com
WEATHERPROOF VINTAGE IMMERSIVE WINDOW DISPLAYS
Ron Rheingold, the Brand President of Weatherproof Vintage, has launched the brand’s campaign windows across multiple locations this fall. Featuring installations in Macy's Herald Square and Macy’s Downtown Boston, the brand continues to drive its business with rich visual displays. These visually rich displays showcase creative layering strategies for the brand's products. John Fignar, Vice President of Visual & Creative, who has over a decade of experience in creating immersive displays, this season created a captivating campaign video integrated with wall panels that engage and draw in the viewer. WeatherproofVintage.com
ALBERTO SMART & DRESSY
The culturally influenced pant label Alberto was developed for people on the move who value their style, quality, and comfort. Its pant collections are known for variety and novelties. Their A/W 24-25 season focuses on sophistication. Alberto’s premium line, originally developed as a hub for high-quality jeans, now includes a greater variety of smart casual and dressy styles. Complete novelties include the Luxury corduroy pant which is made in Italy with a high viscose content; pant styles in a soft woolen look; and temperature-regulating, elastic and crease-resistant chinos made from Ceramica cotton can also be found. alberto-pants.com
TECHTEXTIL AND TEXPROCESS INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION
The renowned Techtextil and Texprocess shows by Messe Frankfurt (April 23-26, 2024), underline their relevance in the market by attracting over 1,600 exhibitors from 50 countries. The shows aim to display innovation, research, and global networking opportunities within the fashion segment, alongside the latest developments in fibers, yarns, nonwovens, composites, and coated textiles. Existing formats like the Innovation Award and the Forums both shows hold are complemented by specific areas such as the Emerging Markets Area and the Denim Hub at Texprocess, and the Nature Performance area and the Future Materials special at Techtextil. texpertisenetwork.messefrankfurt.com
BUFFALO BOOTS BACK TO THE ROOTS
The A/W 24-25 collection from Buffalo Boots reflects the brand’s authenticity and passion. Embracing a new direction that shifts focus toward customercentricity, it skillfully merges the brand's heritage with distinctive soles and iconic styles. Buffalo's footwear is designed for the bold customer who wants to stand out. The well-known platform sole, deeply rooted in the brand’s DNA, appears in various styles – making the collection eye-catching while still encompassing timeless styles. This approach not only appeals to but also reinforces loyalty among the brand’s existing target audience. buffalo-boots.com
BLUESIGN
NEW PUBLIC BLUESIGN GUIDE
For many years, the primary source of verified bluesign-approved articles has been the bluesign GUIDE. By introducing the public bluesign GUIDE, bluesign simplified access to this tool for companies. Key benefits include increased exposure for businesses committed to sustainability, easy sharing of sustainable achievements with customers via direct links, effortless checking of certification statuses through QR codes, and the ability to share insights and trends to keep companies and their customers at the forefront of sustainable knowledge. bluesign.com
COPENHAGEN STUDIOS ACQUIRES LALA BERLIN
Part of the s.Oliver Group, Copenhagen Studios has acquired lala Berlin, a lifestyle knitwear label. Founded in 2004, lala Berlin joins the Group's premium segment alongside leather experts Copenhagen Studios and Liebeskind Berlin. Leyla Piedayesh, the founder, stays as Creative Director for brand authenticity. Jürgen Otto, CEO at s.Oliver, sees lala Berlin enhancing their premium offering by focusing on unique design and international relevance. After a successful collaboration between the two brands, Johannes Rellecke, Copenhagen Studios’ CEO, is confident that lala Berlin integrates seamlessly within Copenhagen Studios’ universe in terms of positioning, pricing, and audience. www.copenhagenstudios.com lalaberlin.com soliver-group.com
ZEGNA GROUP EXPANSION PLAN
Zegna Group has unveiled ambitious growth plans for its recently acquired brand, Tom Ford. The Italian luxury group plans to significantly expand Tom Ford's geographic retail footprint, aiming to open around 50 new stores. This move is set to double the brand's global presence. Additionally, Zegna is focused on growing its flagship brand and Thom Browne, projecting a total of 500 stores. The expansion strategy emphasizes boosting directto-consumer sales. Despite the current market challenges, Zegna has forecast revenue growth of over 25% for 2023, leveraging strategies like promoting casual items to attract younger consumers and encourage brand loyalty. www.zegnagroup.com
STELLA MCCARTNEY PARKA MADE USING BIOLOGICAL RECYCLING
Stella McCartney introduced a groundbreaking parka jacket at COP28 in collaboration with US biological recycling firm Protein Evolution. This innovative garment leverages artificial intelligence and biology to produce the raw ingredients of polyester from discarded plastic – a major departure from traditional fossil fuel-based production methods. Representing a pioneering step in the fashion industry's quest for sustainability, the parka is the world's first product crafted using biological recycling. McCartney's creation draws inspiration from her previous parachute-themed collections. www.stellamccartney.com
UNITED REPAIR CENTER LONDON EXPANSION
The United Repair Center (URC), in collaboration with Fashion-Enter and Patagonia, has inaugurated its London branch. Following the success of the Amsterdam branch, the new center employs people distanced from the labor market, such as refugees, training them to carry out high-quality clothing repairs. Positioned to process 30,000 repairs annually by 2025, URC London is set to transform the clothing industry and make repairs “the new normal.” Brands are now invited to connect with URC London to join the movement and contribute to a social impact in the fashion world. unitedrepaircentre.com
FILSON FIRST FLAGSHIP STORE IN EUROPE
The American outdoor brand Filson opened its first European flagship store in Cortina, Italy, this December. The 100-sqm store, entirely clad in wood, follows the format that Filson will apply to all its stores in Europe, drawing inspiration from the natural elements and cities of Washington state, such as Seattle where its factory is located. The store features all collections, ranging from Classic Mackinaw cruise jackets in red and black check and vintage Mackinaw Wool Double Coats to rainproof garments in waxed cotton, shirts, knitwear, pants, and a wide array of accessories. filson.com
TOMMY HILFIGER TOMMY JEANS REMASTERED
Tommy Hilfiger celebrates hip-hop's 50th anniversary with the launch of the ‘TOMMY JEANS Remastered’ collection. This capsule intertwines historical fashion with modern twists, featuring 17 pieces that reimagine iconic styles from the brand's archives. Key items include Snoop Dog's striped rugby jersey, Aaliyah and Raekwon's rugged "Big Logo" puffer, TLC's cropped leather biker jacket, a Chicago windbreaker, and many more. The collection, showcasing collaborations with British rapper Central Cee and American rapper GloRilla, emphasizes relaxed fits and bold designs. Available online, in selected Tommy Jeans stores, and through wholesale partners. tommy.com