Worldview | Rethinking China’s Far-Flung Cities
The piece surveys how AI has moved from a testing phase to a foundational element of marketing operations, promising efficiency gains and creative amplification. It highlights rising consumer resentment toward AI, warning brands that mistrust can erode loyalty. The article also examines the evolving challenge of selling aspiration in a polarized market, urging marketers to blend exclusivity with inclusivity. Finally, it proposes a refreshed hype playbook that shifts focus from fleeting viral tricks to sustained cultural relevance, while a round‑up notes global fashion developments from South Korea to the Middle East.
Printemps Names Rémy Baume CEO
Printemps announced Rémy Baume as its new chief executive, effective immediately, ending a vacancy that began last September. Baume brings a proven record of retail transformation, having grown Zadig & Voltaire’s sales by 50 percent to €450 million (approximately $530 million). The appointment arrives as French...
Prada Unveils New Garment for NASA
Prada unveiled a new liquid‑cooling and ventilation garment designed for NASA astronauts on the upcoming Artemis 4 mission, marking the luxury house’s first functional partnership with the space sector. The inner‑layer suit, developed with Houston‑based Axiom Space, incorporates knitted ventilation tubes...
Men’s Fashion Media Plots Its Next Era
The latest wave of men’s fashion media is reshaping itself by inviting influencers onto editorial mastheads, a move exemplified by Refinery29’s partnership strategy. WSJ. Magazine, under Sarah Ball, has seen subscriptions more than quadruple as it broadens its wealth‑and‑luxury focus....
Peloton Acquires Pilates Startup Skōp In Growing Wellness Push
Peloton Interactive announced the acquisition of Skōp, a Pilates‑focused startup, to deepen its wellness offerings and attract new users. CEO Peter Stern said Pilates is ripe for the same experiential reinvention applied to cardio. Peloton reported a 48% year‑over‑year rise...
OTB Takes Full Control of Viktor & Rolf
Italian fashion group OTB has acquired the remaining 30% stake in avant‑garde label Viktor & Rolf, taking full ownership of the couture house. The founders, Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, will stay on as creative directors for the next five years. OTB,...
RaiseFashion Designers on Balancing Scale with Creative Integrity
Fashion executives cite shifting margins, costs and cash flow as the second‑biggest 2026 challenge, trailing only tariffs, according to BoF and McKinsey. In response, RaiseFashion launched its largest masterclass, gathering 18 independent designers for mentorship, supply‑chain guidance and financial‑literacy coaching....
Brand Holding Firm NYC Alliance Acquires Derek Lam 10 Crosby
NYC Alliance, the brand‑holding firm behind Juicy Couture and Frye, announced the acquisition of Derek Lam 10 Crosby’s brand assets on April 30. The New York‑based contemporary womenswear label, founded in 2011 and previously owned by Public Clothing Company, joins Alliance’s growing portfolio. The deal...
Why Can’t Sneaker Brands Let Go of Nostalgia?
Sneaker brands are doubling down on nostalgia, with Nike’s SNKRS app proving resilient despite recent layoffs. US footwear sales have stalled, underscoring inflation‑related headwinds that threaten growth. Meanwhile, fashion‑sport crossovers, a fur ban at Milan Fashion Week, and high‑profile hires...
Can Luxury Bounce Back? The Bears Are Getting Louder
Luxury firms are reshaping amid a prolonged downturn. LVMH agreed to sell Marc Jacobs to WHP Global while retaining Jacobs as creative director. Brands such as Audemars Piguet, The Row and Ferragamo are pursuing collaborations, streamlined product lines and store rationalisation...
Dior Goes to Hollywood a Year Into Anderson’s Revamp
Dior unveiled its cruise collection in Los Angeles, marking a bold shift toward Hollywood a year after creative director Anderson began a brand revamp. The move underscores Dior’s push to blend high fashion with entertainment‑driven experiences for U.S. consumers. Meanwhile,...
Under Armour Sees Another Weak Year as North America Struggles, Shares Slump
Under Armour warned that fiscal 2027 revenue will likely slip, marking a fourth consecutive year of sales decline, and projected adjusted profit per share of just 8‑12 cents, far below the 23‑cent consensus. The company extended its restructuring program, now...
Case Study | The New Hype Playbook: From Drops to Stories
The fashion and beauty sector is redefining hype, moving from quick‑hit stunts to story‑driven, selective campaigns. Brands like Stone Island, BAPE and The North Face illustrate a shift toward curated collaborations that create emotional journeys around timeless products. This new...
Report: Armani Could Split 15% Stake Among L’Oréal, LVMH, EssilorLuxottica
Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani is preparing to sell a 15 percent equity stake within 12‑18 months, as mandated by the late founder’s will. The stake would be divided equally among three preferred buyers—luxury conglomerate LVMH, beauty giant L’Oréal, and eyewear...
Industry Leaders Gather in London for Exclusive AI Insights From The Business of Fashion
The Business of Fashion hosted an executive briefing in London on April 29, gathering luxury and retail leaders to discuss AI deployment across fashion and beauty. Speakers highlighted that AI‑driven traffic surged 393% year‑over‑year and now converts 42% better than...