Perfecting the Art of Pre-Marketing
The fashion and beauty sectors are re‑examining influencer‑driven launches as brands like Alix Earle’s acne line prove blockbuster potential despite growing influencer fatigue. Campaigns that pair fresh talent with authentic, emotion‑rich storytelling are outperforming those that merely showcase products. Looking ahead to 2026, marketers are shifting toward slower, human‑centric creative to combat AI‑induced consumer exhaustion, while AI shopping agents are unintentionally inflating ad spend by auto‑triggering impressions. Meanwhile, compliance tightenings at Brunello Cucinelli and Saks’ $500 million financing highlight the industry’s focus on risk management and capital stability.
Good Earth Founder Anita Lal to Launch Skincare Range
Anita Lal, founder of Good Earth, has launched a premium skincare line called Iti, meaning “as it is” in Sanskrit. After two decades of development, the range debuted on the brand’s e‑commerce site and will hit Good Earth stores in...
Not All Creators Convert. Here’s How to Find Those That Do.
Business of Fashion curated a list of recent pieces that map the evolving influencer landscape, from the waning effectiveness of traditional sponsored content to the rise of AI‑driven shopping agents reshaping ad spend. The roundup spotlights case studies such as...
BoF and Marriott Luxury Group Host the Luxury Leaders Salon
On the eve of Milan Design Week, Business of Fashion founder Imran Amed and Marriott Luxury president Tina Edmundson convened a private Luxury Leaders Salon at the newly opened Lake Como Edition hotel. The invitation‑only gathering brought together 15 senior figures...
Ferragamo Family Appoints Former Estée Lauder CEO as Strategic Advisor
Ferragamo Finanziaria, the family’s holding company, named former Estée Lauder chief executive Fabrizio Freda as a special strategic adviser. Freda will guide the luxury group’s strategic decisions, help restructure operations, and support the search for a new CEO after a year‑long vacancy....
Mulberry Sales Rise as Strategy Reset Takes Hold
Mulberry announced a 5.7% rise in annual revenue on a constant‑currency basis, driven by a strong second‑half performance. Sales in the second half surged 13.6% after a 3.2% dip in the first half, reflecting the impact of its “Back to...
Global Brands See Revival in China as Retail Nationalism Cools
Chinese investors are adopting a more measured playbook for acquiring Western fashion houses, favoring minority stakes and slower expansion after previous over‑ambitious attempts. Domestic challengers such as Anta and Urban Revivo are pushing into markets traditionally dominated by Nike and...
A Survival Guide for Independent Brands
Business of Fashion has released a practical guide for independent fashion brands, addressing cash‑flow management, wholesale pitfalls, and the shift toward direct‑to‑consumer (DTC) models. It highlights bootstrapped financing, disciplined inventory, and the need for a one‑month cash buffer amid 2026...
Pat McGrath Labs Exits Bankruptcy With a New Owner
Pat McGrath Labs has emerged from Chapter 11 after a U.S. judge approved a restructuring that places Florida‑based GDA Luma in control. The firm provided a $30 million bankruptcy financing package, while founder Pat McGrath returned as chief creative officer. The brand, once...
The Luxury Rebound Gets a Reality Check
First‑quarter earnings from France's luxury giants LVMH, Kering and Hermès fell short of expectations, putting a damper on the sector’s anticipated rebound. Kering’s new CEO Luca de Meo unveiled a sweeping overhaul aimed at doubling profitability and reviving Gucci, while Hermès...
Luxury Brands Book Sales Drop as Middle East War Takes Toll on Airport Shopping
Luxury‑brand sales at airports fell sharply as the Israel‑Hamas conflict curbed travel in the Middle East, hurting revenue for flagship stores. Kering announced a restructuring under CEO Luca de Meo aimed at doubling profitability and reviving Gucci, while Hermès warned of...
Hermès Shares Plunge Most on Record as Growth Slows
Hermès International saw its shares plunge up to 14% after first‑quarter sales grew 5.6% at constant exchange rates, missing the 7.44% consensus. The shortfall stemmed mainly from a 5.9% decline in the Middle East, a region that accounts for roughly...
Golden Goose Looks to Bond Sale to Fund Private Equity Buyout
Golden Goose Group is marketing an €880 million ($1.04 billion) bond issuance to finance its acquisition by Chinese private‑equity firm HSG. The offering includes seven‑year fixed‑rate notes yielding in the mid‑to‑high 6% range and floating‑rate notes priced at Euribor + 400‑425 bps, with a minimum...
Luxury Superweek: Q1 Sales and Kering’s Strategy Reveal
Travel‑retail sales are faltering despite passenger traffic returning to pre‑pandemic levels, forcing luxury brands to treat airport stores more like billboards or innovate their offerings. In Dubai, the Mall of the Emirates saw a 30‑50% plunge in March luxury sales...
Why Instagram’s Shoppable Reels May Be Too Little, Too Late
Instagram has finally rolled out shoppable Reels, letting creators tag products and earn affiliate commissions directly within the app. The feature arrives after rivals such as TikTok Shop, YouTube Shorts and dedicated influencer platforms have already built robust commerce ecosystems....