News Type: General

The first edition of the Fashion Commerce Summit will take place this August during CIFF, in collaboration with their official digital partner Not selling liquid.

On August 5th, the event will explore the ever-evolving world of fashion commerce and why unified strategies are at the core for brands navigating both digital and physical spaces. Together with Shopify and Klaviyo, the most influential platforms in the fashion e-commerce space, the Summit will dive deep into how brands can successfully bridge the gap between e-commerce and retail. Expect actionable insights, practical frameworks, and candid conversations about the challenges and opportunities that arise from scaling across multiple channels.

Fashion brands Fabienne Chapot and more, will share real-life examples of how they’ve embraced unified commerce to grow and future-proof their business. As the official digital partner, Not selling liquid will bring hands-on expertise to CIFF’s community. Founded in 2020, the agency is a leading Shopify Plus Partners for fashion brands. From performance marketing and data strategy to web design and international expansion, their approach is rooted in both creativity and commerce.

As part of the implementation of LIFE 360, its environmental action program, LVMH is deploying a strategy built around three key milestones – 2023 (with targets achieved), 2026, and 2030 – structured around five pillars: biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, circular economy, transparency, and business partners.

At Future Fabrics Expo, LVMH presented the Group’s and its Maisons’ environmental initiatives within two dedicated pavilions. This edition highlighted the Group’s partners and suppliers, illustrating LVMH’s commitment to building lasting strategic collaborations founded on innovation and excellence.

Recognizing the major environmental challenges and committed to significantly reducing its emissions, LVMH considers that closer cooperation with its entire ecosystem is essential to achieving its goals.

The Group introduced the LIFE 360 Business Partners program in late 2023. It aims to support suppliers in their environmental transitions and is structured around three ambitions: harmonizing ESG data collection; opening up access to LVMH’s training catalog; and jointly imagining new decarbonization solutions.

On June 17th, Pioneer Denim and Soko celebrated their collaboration with an event held in Florence which showcased a collection that brilliantly embodies the style, design, and finishing vision of Adriano Goldschmied.

The event took place in the beautiful Florentine-style courtyard of the Soko Projects Division, the creative and technical powerhouse of Soko, which supports brands, fabric producers, and garment makers in their pursuit of innovation.

The garments of the collection were made by crafting panels of Pioneer’s cotton/hemp denim previously washed with Soko’s innovative processes. This fusion of sophisticated tailoring, premium fabric quality, and low-impact creativity gave life to masterpieces that are truly unique, both in their appearance and in the way they were made.

The collection, which includes blazers, bodices, trousers, and various jacket styles, was also presented at Pitti Uomo during the same week.

During the event, guests experienced the live application of Soko’s sustainable finishing products, such as Hydrogel and Rare, underlining the collection’s commitment to innovation and responsibility.

Creations made with Pioneer Denim by the brands Oceano Oltreluce, Sturlini, and Pianegonda were also displayed at the event.

Montecore has opened up a new aesthetic and conceptual dimension with an artistic project conceived in collaboration with the architect and designer Roberto Palomba. The project, created for the Fall/Winter 2025/26 collection, stems from the brand’s desire to build a deeper narrative around the outerwear – which has always been the manifesto of the Montecore vision – and develops into an artistic journey: a journey through images and suggestions that puts fashion, design, architecture, nature and memory into dialogue.

The campaign, shot over three days among places of art, typical architecture, hills and beaches in the Marche, trace an emotional itinerary that reinterprets time as an inner territory. The selected sets become the scenography of a narration that gives time back its deepest dimension: that of bonding, of waiting, of shared memory.

The gaze of Roberto Palomba, eclectic protagonist of contemporary design, renders all this in a series of photos conceived as a true emotional storyboard. Each shot is thought with the same care as a design object: composition, gesture, light and material come together to create an intimate and powerful visual tale.

The outfits tell the story of FW25/26 with aesthetic and stylistic coherence: technical and material fabrics, measured volumes, fluid superimpositions. The garments become narrative tools through which the body inhabits landscapes and reflections. The dominant colours – grey, blue, beige – are also reflected in the surrounding environment, erasing the boundary between wardrobe and context.

During Milan Men’s Fashion Week, the project will take shape inside the Montecore showroom, which will become for the occasion a space for storytelling and sharing, where images and visions dialogue with the spirit of the brand.

“Collaborating with Roberto Palomba meant giving artistic form to an idea that has always guided us: to create garments that do not follow time, but pass through it. His multifaceted mind was able to reinterpret our essence in a powerful and universal way,’ says Fabio Peroni, founder of Montecore.

WeAr Global Magazine issue 83 is now out.

Get ready for the Spring/Summer 2026 season with the latest trends, brands and reports on the state of the industry. Get inspired by leaders of the industry discussing the future of fashion, sustainability and branding. Want to know what moves business this summer? How to combine travel and fashion? Then dive right in. Learn about new brands in the Lookbook section and get inspired by the creative design this Storebook offers, featuring the best in both multi-label and mono-brand stores.

Get this issue in print & digital here

Marc Cain is expanding its international presence with the opening of a new store in the heart of Barcelona. Housed in a historic building, the store impresses with a generous glass frontage that offers a clear view into the open and inviting interior. The display window flows seamlessly into the sales area, creating a harmonious connection between the outside and inside. The interior design features upholstered furniture, signature Marc Cain ornamental wallpapers, rugs, and wall finishes in rose tones, complemented by golden display fixtures and tables with gold accents and white elements. Two small lounge areas complete the elegant store concept and contribute to a relaxed shopping experience.

“With our new store in Barcelona, we are taking an important step in the expansion of our international retail business. This location highlights our connection with this vibrant metropolis and marks our second store on the Spanish mainland. The Spanish market is becoming increasingly important for us,” explains Helmut Schlotterer, Chairman of the Management Board and Founder of Marc Cain.

The store is located in the Eixample district, one of Barcelona’s most popular shopping destinations – just steps away from the “Diagonal” metro station and iconic sights such as Gaudí’s “La Pedrera.”

This coming September, MICAM will celebrate its 100th edition and the 80th anniversary of Assocalzaturifici, the long-time promoter of the event.

“An important milestone, built together with exhibitors, buyers, partners, and professionals who over the years have shared our vision, challenges, and achievements.” -MICAM

MICAM 100 will be a special event: a celebration, but also a turning point. Alongside the signature elements that define the show – fashion shows, seminars, cultural moments, and networking opportunities – MICAM is preparing an edition that looks to the future of the industry with courage and a spirit of renewal. Plus, a bold identity will be unveiled which will aim to bring together innovation, tradition, style, and technology.

Olymp’s ‘The Preppy Club’ transports you to a world where summer isn’t just a season, but a mindset. A world where clubhouse flair combines with the lightness of sunny days – and fashion becomes the language of a special lifestyle. Whether over coffee on the terrace, a spontaneous afternoon paddle tennis match or sundowners with friends: this is where ideas, partnerships and an unmistakable sense of community are born. A world where sporting ambition and effortless style share the playing field. Styles include both business and casual with a variety of colours, prints and patterns offered.

With Summer Essentials from OLYMP, summer starts in your wardrobe: airy materials and fresh colours create looks that appear effortless – whether as a smart business shirt, casual shirt, polo shirt or T-shirt. Perfect for summer days when lightness and style aren’t mutually exclusive – but complement each other.

This summer, U.S. Polo Assn.’s exhibit at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, is taking place from June 17 to 20, at Booth 32 Cavaniglia with very special guests, sporty models, a presentation of the brand and its S/S 2026 collection as well as its special 135th anniversary celebration.

The high-energy theme of the show, “PITTI BIKES” will transform the legendary Fortezza da Basso into a buzzing circuit of fashion and lifestyle, creating the perfect stage for U.S. Polo Assn., a brand rooted in sport, authenticity, and timeless American style. The Exhibit: An Immersive Experience Pitti Uomo 108 also marks a key moment for U.S. Polo Assn., the celebration of 135 years of sport inspiration and a milestone that pays tribute to tradition, sport, and the unique spirit of polo for those “Born to Play.” U.S. Polo Assn. will unveil a reimagined exhibition space, designed to offer an immersive experience that narrates the brand’s authenticity and heritage through a visual experience created to celebrate 135 years.

An Unforgettable Night: “Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy” On the evening of June 18, U.S. Polo Assn. will host its invitation-only 135th Anniversary Celebration in the stunning Chiostro Grande at the historic Complesso di Santa Maria Novella. Guests from around the world will gather for this exclusive event to toast to the past, present, and future of a brand born from the sport of polo that dates to 1890. The evening begins with an invitation-only dinner, followed by a live performance from Italian music star Clara and an electric DJ set by the legendary Benny Benassi. Guests will also experience an immersive art performance curated by visionary artists Luca Agnani and Pietro Terzini, making this celebration a multi-sensory tribute to U.S. Polo Assn. that honors the brand’s legacy, while looking confidently toward the future.

With a bold, modern collection and a spectacular celebration in Florence, U.S. Polo Assn. continues to honor its roots in the sport of polo while riding into the future of fashion.

Under the motto “Ho voglia di Capri,” fashion label bugatti presented its new Spring/Summer 2026 collection on May 22, 2025, at the legendary Hotel Punta Tragara on the island of Capri. In glorious summer weather and against a breathtaking backdrop, customers, strategic partners, press representatives, and influencers from the key markets of Germany and Italy gathered to experience the key looks for the upcoming season in a uniquely Mediterranean setting.

The new collection “Ho voglia di Capri” is a tribute to the Italian way of life – to lightness, elegance, and unforgettable moments of a Mediterranean summer. Flowing fabrics, airy cuts, and bold colors reflect the magic of the island of Capri and make a strong fashion statement for the coming season. The collection combines modern design with timeless sophistication and is aimed at fashion-conscious women and men who want to enjoy the sunny moments in life.

“With the new bugatti collection, we want to awaken the longing for Italian joie de vivre and Mediterranean elegance – and give our customers the feeling of holding on to summer a little longer,” explains Florian Wortmann, Chief Brand Officer at bugatti. Among the approximately 80 VIP guests were selected national and international customers, as well as influencers and content creators such as Stefano Zarrella, Tobias Reuter, and Sarah Posch, who captured the evening’s special atmosphere.

Stone Island’s new arrivals for S/S 2025 include Mil-Spec Stretch Ripstop-TC outerwear with custom checkering engineered for comfort of movement, pieces in Organic Look Nylon Panama-TC woven to be lighter and stronger than natural fabrics, and Raw Hand Organic Cotton knitwear constructed in gauge 7.

Totes and pouch bags are presented in CORDURA® 1500, an abrasion-resistant fabric with a contrast-colored inner lining in nylon ripstop finished with a glossy polyurethane coating for added strength and structure.

Since 2000, the Düsseldorf-based fashion company JADES – founded by Evelyn Hammerström and Reinhard Haase – has been considered one of the top addresses beyond national borders when it comes to the latest trends, international styles, and important designers in the fashion world.

After more than two decades as a fixture in the Düsseldorf fashion scene, JADES is saying goodbye to its Breitestrasse location. The reason for the closure is the ongoing major construction projects in the immediate vicinity. For more than two years, the construction work has been impairing the accessibility and visibility of the store. There is no end in sight for the time being.

“The decision was anything but easy for us,” explains Evelyn Hammerström. “The construction sites have not only had a significant impact on our customers’ shopping experience, but have also placed a massive strain on our operational business. Under these circumstances, the location is no longer economically viable.” Despite the closure, JADES is optimistic about the future: A new opening on Düsseldorf’s Königsallee is already being planned. The new store will reflect the JADES DNA with a fresh look and a new concept. “Giving up is not an option for us. We look forward to seeing our JADES community again soon at one of Europe’s most exciting retail locations – with new ideas, familiar faces, and the unmistakable JADES spirit. Further information on the new location will follow shortly.

Hugo Boss reports on its Q1 2025 results, and confirms its 2025 outlook:

Q1 2025 developments

-Increased macroeconomic uncertainties weigh on global consumer sentiment and impact industry development

-Consistent execution of strategic growth initiatives drives brand momentum and limits decline in currency-adjusted Group sales to 2% in Q1

-Currency-adjusted revenues in EMEA (–1%) and the Americas (–1%) declined slightly; Asia/Pacific (–8%) impacted by ongoing subdued consumer demand in China

-Digital business continues its growth trajectory (+4%), partially offsetting revenue declines in both brick-and-mortar retail (–4%) and brick-and-mortar wholesale (–3%)

-Gross margin remains stable, as efficiency gains in sourcing compensate for headwinds resulting from the challenging market environment

-Operating expenses remain at prior-year level, reflecting ongoing focus on cost efficiency

-EBIT amounts to EUR 61 million (Q1 2024: EUR 69 million), supported by further efficiency gains, resulting in an EBIT margin of 6.1% in Q1

Outlook 2025

-Full-year 2025 outlook confirmed: Group sales to remain broadly stable (–2% to +2%), EBIT to increase by +5% to +22%, with EBIT margin targeted between 9.0% and 10.0%

-Macroeconomic volatility to remain elevated, intensified by ongoing tariff uncertainty; subdued global consumer sentiment continues to weigh on industry development

-Brand and product initiatives to further fuel brand relevance, including global launch of first BOSS collection co-designed with David Beckham in April

-Balanced focus on strategic investments and cost efficiency aimed at driving profitability improvements in 2025

Daniel Grieder, Chief Executive Officer of HUGO BOSS: “Following a strong finish to 2024, our performance in the first quarter of 2025 was affected by the rising macroeconomic uncertainty, which impacted global consumer sentiment and our industry. Against this backdrop, we continued to place strong emphasis on what we have in our control. We further advanced our most impactful strategic initiatives, such as our BOSS ONE bodywear campaign with David Beckham, to further strengthen the relevance of BOSS and HUGO. At the same time, we continued to realize cost efficiencies across important areas of our business, optimizing our global sourcing activities and unlocking further productivity gains. Altogether, these efforts supported our top- and bottom-line development in the first quarter.

In light of our Q1 performance, we confirm our 2025 sales and earnings outlook. We remain committed to balancing strategic investments with disciplined cost management, to further drive brand momentum and profitability improvements throughout the year. At the same time, we are closely monitoring macroeconomic developments and remain vigilant in light of the elevated global uncertainties, including the current tariff discussions. Thanks to our flexible sourcing setup and our strong operational backbone, we are strategically positioned to adapt effectively to potential trade-related developments.

With our two powerful brands, our resilient supply chain, and our agile organizational platform, I am confident in our ability to successfully navigate the external challenges ahead. We are well positioned and firmly committed to continuing our journey in 2025 and beyond.”

Global fashion brands and retailers anticipate increasing prices by a significant 20% on average as a consequence of US trade tariffs, according to exclusive data from JOOR*, the fashion industry’s leading wholesale management ecosystem.

Results of JOOR’s recent Tariff Survey, gathering feedback from its vast global network of brands and retailers, lay out the impact which recently announced tariffs could have on the global fashion industry. 85% of brands reported they will be increasing their product prices as a result of tariffs, passing on either part or all of the tariff costs. For retailers, 96% of US-based retailers and 82% of non-US retailers confirmed they will be increasing their prices as a result of tariff costs. JOOR’s exclusive survey data also reveals that 54% of US brands are not planning to make changes to their supply chain to increase domestic production. On the other hand, as a result of tariffs, 76% of non-US brands are changing their selling strategies and prioritizing partnering with retailers outside the US.

In addition, JOOR transaction data reveals that non-US brands conducting business with American retailers on average generate 20% of their sales from the US market. A significant 21% of these brands are highly exposed to the US market, driving more than half of their sales from the American fashion wholesale channel.

From a retailer perspective, JOOR’s survey data shows the vast majority (75%) of non-US retailers are planning to decrease their investment in US brands. While 45% of US retailers said their investment in US brands will remain unchanged, a significant 49% confirmed their plan to increase investment in domestic brands. Before the tariff announcement, JOOR’s Spring Market Survey 2025 asked retailers about their investment in international brands, with 47% confirming that they were increasing investment in international brands.

Post tariff announcement, this sentiment dramatically shifted with only 20% of retailers now planning to increase investment in international brands.

Amanda McCormick Bacal, SVP of Marketing at JOOR, comments: “Concern over recently announced tariffs is causing significant flux within the global fashion industry. Brands preparing for market report plans to increase prices, source from alternate countries, and produce tighter collections. Retailers are similarly adjusting their buying strategy and looking to nurture new brand partnerships to help mitigate the impact of tariffs. In these uncertain times, JOOR’s unique ability to integrate real-time transaction data with exclusive network survey findings offers meaningful insights—equipping brands and retailers with the actionable intelligence they need to make informed decisions heading into the new season.”

The Cotton Lives On™ programme announces the participation of denim brands PAIGE, with a consumer-facing campaign encouraging the recycling of pre-loved jeans. Launching on Earth Day, and running throughout Earth Month and beyond, the PAIGE X CLO initiative in the UK will be introduced through PAIGE’s retail stores in Duke of York Square, Chelsea London and Bicester Village in Oxfordshire.

Continuing throughout 2025, PAIGE X CLO invites consumers to turn their unwanted jeans into recycled cotton insulating material used in mattresses for people at risk of homelessness through the Cotton Lives On™ recycling programme. Branded PAIGE X CLO bins will be featured in-store, encouraging consumers to rethink the end-of-life for their cherished cotton-rich products.

“We are thrilled for PAIGE to join our UK cotton recycling programme, Cotton Lives On™” said Andrea Samber, Director, Consumer Marketing Brand Partnerships, Cotton Incorporated. “Earth Day is a perfect opportunity to highlight this initiative while encouraging PAIGE customers to join our efforts of keeping old cotton from landfill by turning their well-worn clothes into comfortable mattresses for those in need.”

“The Cotton Lives On™ initiative is a perfect platform to highlight our commitment to cotton sustainability,” said Lindsey Owens, Director, Omni Channel Marketing, PAIGE.

In Spring/Summer 2025, BOSS will premiere BECKHAM x BOSS – the first collection designed in collaboration with David Beckham. Inspired by his unmistakable personal style, Beckham brings his vision and natural flair for fashion to the BOSS world. The result is a collection of high-quality styles that elegantly blend modernity and tradition.

The BECKHAM x BOSS Spring/Summer 2025 collection focuses on the BOSS 24/7 mindset: relaxed, casual silhouettes combined with premium materials. The collection ranges from comfortable jersey essentials to elegant knitwear and precisely cut shirts to versatile tailoring looks – for every occasion, from casual to formal. The tailoring pieces feature a new signature cut, used exclusively in the BECKHAM x BOSS collection. Casual looks are complemented by denim and versatile outerwear. The collection is rounded out with accessories such as a leather weekender bag, Chelsea boots, and a flat cap. All styles are characterized by timeless design, attention to detail, and the finest materials. The color palette offers a diverse selection of classic shades: from ivory, beige, and khaki to navy and black, as well as a soft light blue and a soft rose. Denim is available in light and dark washes.

The BECKHAM x BOSS Spring/Summer 2025 collection will be available from April 23, 2025, on boss.com, in BOSS stores worldwide, and at selected retail partners.

GUESS JEANS and Nicolai Marciano, Chief New Business Development Officer , announce a partnership with Japanese multi-hyphenate artist VERDY, a global leader in the creative and fashion industries. This collaboration seamlessly blends VERDY’s contemporary style with GUESS JEANS’ rich heritage.

Since 2023, GUESS JEANS has maintained an ongoing series of global partnerships with VERDY, realized in Paris and Osaka. In 2025, Nicolai Marciano cemented the brand’s relationship with the award-winning artist and welcomed VERDY to the GUESS JEANS family.

“I‘m excited to be working with GUESS JEANS and my good friend Nicolai. I’ve always respected the passion he and his family put into the brand. GUESS has so much history and culture, and I’m happy to be a part of it. ” – VERDY

Following the brand’s launch in 2024, Nicolai Marciano created global activations, opened flagship stores in Amsterdam and Berlin, and led the brand’s expansion into India through a partnership with Tata Unistore. The announcement of VERDY as a brand ambassador is the latest step in GUESS JEANS’ global development, which continues to expand beyond the brand’s cultural and artistic portfolio, as well as its expansion into other markets.

“I have had the pleasure of getting to know and befriend VERDY over the years. I have always admired his kindness and his ability to bring a fun and playful element to everything he touches. As we undergo a fundamental shift in our strategy in Japan, now focused on GUESS JEANS, I felt it was important to bring VERDY on board for this exciting new chapter. ” – Nicolai Marciano.

As Japan’s creative pioneer, VERDY plans to expand and reshape the global GUESS JEANS universe. VERDY’s appointment brings new energy and kicks off the next phase of the brand’s expansion strategy in Japan.

WeAr Global Magazine ‘Bestseller Special’ issue 82 is now out. Want to know how the season was? How it will develop? Gather Trends, Brands and Tips for your business? Then dive right in. Get insights from some leading agents and distributors on what sold and will sell and their wishes for the future. Learn about new brands in the Lookbook section and get inspired by the creative design this Storebook offers, featuring the best in both multi-label and mono-brand stores.

Available in print & digital here

Kering Eyewear has signed an agreement with two Italian eyewear manufacturers, Visard and Mistral. This agreement provides for Kering Eyewear to acquire 100% of the share capital of Visard and to become a minority shareholder of Mistral with the possibility to complete the full acquisition in 2030.

Founded in 1985 and 1991 respectively, Visard and Mistral are located in the Belluno area, one of the most renowned eyewear districts in the world, and operate in the manufacturing of sunglasses and optical frames. Visard, with approximately 75 employees, possesses a strong know-how and exceptional artisanal skills, focusing on the production of injected plastic optical frames and sunglasses. Mistral, with approximately 120 employees, incorporates a great expertise in creating acetate eyewear, distinguished by high-quality craftmanship and technical innovation.

Visard and Mistral have been long-standing, strategic partners of Kering Eyewear since its inception, and this transaction will enable the company to further strengthen its leading position in the design, development, and distribution of high-end eyewear, while representing a step forward in its industrial development strategy.

Roberto Vedovotto, Founder, President and CEO of Kering Eyewear, stated: “Throughout the years, Visard, Mistral, and their respective founding entrepreneurs have provided an invaluable contribution to the success of Kering Eyewear, bringing unparalleled quality and technical expertise to our company. We are therefore proud to welcome Visard within Kering Eyewear and delighted to partner with Mistral for the next phase of its development, confirming our commitment to continuing to support the exceptional human capital of the Belluno district, empowering it as the center of the eyewear industry, while further investing in innovation and promoting craftmanship excellence”.

GUESS JEANS and Chief New Business Development Officer, Nicolai Marciano announce an exciting new creative partnership with Japanese multi-hyphenate Artist VERDY. This partnership marks the beginning of something special, blending VERDY’s contemporary artistic vision with the rich heritage and innovation of GUESS JEANS.

Since 2023, GUESS JEANS has maintained an ongoing series of global partnerships with VERDY, activating across Paris and Osaka. In 2025 Nicolai Marciano solidified the brand’s relationship with the multi-hyphenate artist, welcoming VERDY into the GUESS JEANS family.

“I’m excited to be working with GUESS JEANS and my good friend, Nicolai. I’ve always respected how much passion he and his family have put into the brand. GUESS has so much history and culture and I’m happy to be a part of it.” –VERDY

Following the brand launch in 2024, Nicolai Marciano curated global activations, opened Flagship stores in Amsterdam and Berlin, and spearheaded the brand’s expansion to India through a partnership with Tata Unistore. The partnership announcement of VERDY is the latest installment in the GUESS JEANS global evolution, developing in-market expansions alongside the brand’s cultural and artistic rolodex.

“I’ve had the pleasure to know and be friends with VERDY over the years. I’ve always admired his kindness and ability to bring a fun and playful element to everything he touches. Pursuing a major shift in our strategy in Japan, which is now focused through a GUESS JEANS lens, I felt strongly about bringing VERDY in for this exciting new chapter.” – Nicolai Marciano.

As Japan’s creative pioneer, VERDY plans to enhance and reimagine the GUESS JEANS Global universe. Bringing a new energy, the appointment of VERDY forecasts the next phase in the brand’s Japan expansion strategy.

As part of GUESS JEANS’ ongoing commitment to spotlight innovative and emerging voices shaping fashion, art, music, and culture, VERDY joins the brand’s creative universe. This partnership comes ahead of the highly anticipated GUESS JEANS flagship store openings in Tokyo and Los Angeles, bridging influences from both cities and setting the stage for what’s next.

Duran Lantink, Pieter Mulier and Südwolle Group have been announced as the winners of the International Woolmark Prize, Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation and the Supply Chain Award, respectively.

An esteemed panel of judges, including Donatella Versace, IB Kamara, Law Roach, Alessandro Sartori, Tim Blanks, Sinéad Burke, Honey Dijon, Alessandro Dell’Acqua, Simone Marchetti, Roopal Patel and Danielle Goldberg, have selected the winners of the 2025 International Woolmark Prize, celebrating exceptional talent and excellence in working with Merino wool.

The 2025 International Woolmark Prize marks its first biennial edition, with Duran Lantink receiving AU$300,000 and the opportunity to be featured with some of the world’s leading retailers. Regenerative design, heritage craftsmanship and contemporary innovation merge in Duran Lantink’s International Woolmark Prize designs. Based between Amsterdam and Paris, the brand is known for fusing pre-loved pieces, deadstock and innovative materials into unexpected reimaginings. The collection expands on Duran’s previous work with Merino wool, with a playful interrogation of “bad taste”, where human and animalistic motifs collide.

Recognising his visionary approach to Merino wool, Pieter Mulier has received the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation, in its new format. As Creative Director of Alaïa, Pieter Mulier redefined the possibilities of wool with his Summer Fall 2024 One Yarn Collection entirely crafted using a single Merino wool yarn. Developed across the space of a year in close collaboration with the maison’s long-standing textile and knitwear suppliers, Mulier and his team explored all possible variations of Merino wool to prove that this long-loved fibre is as versatile as it is beautiful.

Südwolle Group is awarded the Supply Chain Award for ongoing commitment to innovation, product development and a steadfast dedication to supporting customers and the wool industry. The development of the Südwebs Innovation Hub as the creative voice of Südwolle Group has inspired designers, brands and manufacturers to embrace the potential of wool. Sparking fresh ideas and refining concepts, the hub champions progress and collaboration with wool at the forefront.

Gucci has announced the appointment of Demna as the House’s new Artistic Director, starting early July 2025. Demna, Artistic Director of Balenciaga since 2015, has redefined modern luxury, earning global recognition and cementing his authority on the industry.

François-Henri Pinault, Chairman & CEO of Kering, stated: “Demna’s contribution to the industry, to Balenciaga, and to the Group’s success has been tremendous. His creative power is exactly what Gucci needs. As I thank him for everything he has accomplished over the past 10 years, I look forward to seeing him shape Gucci’s new artistic direction.”

Stefano Cantino, CEO of Gucci, said: “I have always admired Demna’s creative approach, that is both unique and powerful. His ability to honor the iconic legacy of a brand while embracing a modern sensibility is extraordinary. With Gucci’s strengthened foundations as a springboard, Demna will lead the House towards renewed fashion authority and enduring cultural relevance.”
Demna said: “I am truly excited to join the Gucci family. It is an honor to contribute to a House that I deeply respect and have long admired. I look forward to writing together with Stefano and the whole team a new chapter of Gucci’s amazing story.”

Stone Island and New Balance are set to release the latest design from a long-term collaboration between two cultures of innovations. The opportunity to purchase the STONE ISLAND | NEW BALANCE collaboration is reserved exclusively to logged-in users with a valid My Stone Island account and who have signed up for the event through the dedicated form found inside the My Stone Island account area. Stay tuned for more details.

Kering and 0-93. Lab, a non-profit cultural initiative, have signed a partnership with the shared goal of creating bridges between young creatives in the Greater Paris area and the Luxury industry. Founded in 2019 by designer Bastien J. Laurent, 0-93. Lab aims at making the practice of fashion design and visual arts more accessible. Over the last five years, the organization has offered free workshops and cultural events to inspire, train and empower the next generation of creatives in Aulnay-sous-Bois and neighboring cities.

To support its development and new programming, 0-93. Lab, thanks to Kering’s support, will soon open a 325m² space fully equipped for creative practices such as sewing, dyeing, screen printing, embroidery, photography and filmmaking. Located in the Cité des 3000 district of Aulnay-sous-Bois, this inclusive venue is designed to introduce local youth to careers in fashion, prepare them to join art and design schools and support them in their personal and professional creative projects.

Kering and 0-93. Lab have recently completed a six-month mentoring program in which Kering leaders engaged and shared their experiences with young creatives. As another concrete example of this partnership, in July 2024, attendees taking part in the 0-93. Lab project worked with Balenciaga fabrics to create costumes for the ballet Apaches, performed at the Opéra de Paris under the direction of choreographer Saïdo Lehlouh. In 2025, this partnership will take a new step forward with the launch of a workshop program directly connecting Balenciaga’s creative teams with the young talents of 0-93. Lab.

GOZEN has announced the launch of its debut LUNAFORM range, together with the go-live of its vast new facility in Turkey and industry-first short film. LUNAFORM is an advanced biomaterial, which first featured in Balenciaga’s LUNAFORM Maxi Bathrobe Coat. The biotechnology startup’s design-led approach and commercial scalability will make biodesign a reality for global fashion and design brands, and is the result of less than three years of rapid GOZEN progress.

With its artisanal qualities and innate strength, LUNAFORM redefines material possibilities. A nanocellulose biomaterial, it is crafted in collaboration with nature, harnessing the ingenuity of microorganisms to create a fibrous biological lattice. This is achieved through a process of controlled fermentation; guided by BioCraft technology and backed by centuries of knowledge. With its fibrous cellulosic structure, LUNAFORM possesses a fabric-like quality uncommon in nonwoven textiles. Unlike today’s materials and alternatives that seek to mimic them, it enables designers to bring new forms to life that are both natural and futuristic.

The inaugural LUNAFORM range is positioned as an open-world exploration of the possibilities for human-nature collaboration. Colourways include blue hues nodding to the material’s water-borne origins; translucent pink drawn from cosmic inspiration; and matte black, spotlighting the spontaneous prints of its biological origins.

GOZEN’s 40,000 square foot facility is a thriving material ecosystem in Istanbul, providing the capacity for brands to unlock new design possibilities and implement sustainable product creation at scale. The facility is capable of producing 150,000 square feet of material per year right now, with the potential to scale to up to 1 million square feet of material per year at full utilisation -equating to over 40,000 garments.

To showcase the fascinating process of LUNAFORM creation, GOZEN commissioned an artistic exploration by leading female Turkish filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist, Serra Duran, and a 30-strong film crew. Captured in the GOZEN facility, the short film illuminates LUNAFORM from the process and people to the final product, revealing a material born from a true collaboration of human ingenuity, craftsmanship and nature.

Ece Gozen, fashion designer and Founder and CEO at Gozen, comments: “This is a huge moment for me together with the GOZEN team. We have been working tirelessly to push the possibilities of material innovation and design, in our quest to establish a new material reality. “During our recent appearance at Première Vision in Paris, we were thrilled to hear that LUNAFORM is viewed as unique among biomaterials in having a memory of its own. Leaders from the worlds of leather, denim and textiles were excited by its different levels of touch and its ability to conform to your movement. These qualities truly open up new possibilities; for example, LUNAFORM can be shaped directly around a mannequin, enabling designers to experiment live without cutting, stitching or backing material.

The twelfth edition of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers has confirmed its success and international appeal, with over 2,300 applicants from all over the world.

After the applications closed, 20 young brands were selected to take part in the semi-final – list below. The semi-finalists come from 15 countries, including, for the first time, Egypt, Ghana and Saudi Arabia, representing a great range of diverse cultures and talents.

The 20 semi-finalists will present their collections at the semi-final showroom, which will take place in Paris on 5th and 6th March 2025. Once again this year, the LVMH Prize will be held digitally on the dedicated website lvmhprize.com and will involve the general public. From 5th to 9th March, the public will be able to discover the designers and vote for their eight favourite candidates, just like the Experts.

On the occasion of the semi-final, the LVMH Prize Committee of Experts, made up of over 80 international fashion specialists, will select the eight finalists.

Delphine Arnault says:

“As the LVMH Prize steps into a new decade, it is my honour once more to welcome some exceptional talents. With this 2025 edition, we are seeing several compelling trends among emerging designers from all over the world, from a renewed interest in tailoring, to handcrafted embellishments and bold occasion dressing.

This year’s shortlist of 20 brands also includes candidates from three countries that are new to the LVMH Prize: Egypt, Ghana and Saudi Arabia. I’m also delighted to welcome back two brands that have competed in the Prize in the past: Renaissance Renaissance (2021) and Soshiotsuki (2016).

This year again, many of the brands place high value on experimentation and aesthetics, just like our Savoir-Faire Prize which is entering its second edition. This award highlights the importance of craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability, echoing three key issues for today’s fashion and luxury industries.