Kering and Phaidon have partnered up to bring Woman Made: Great Women Designers. This comprehensive new book spotlights women of the past, present, and future, and their contributions to furniture, textile, product, and lighting design. Aimed to inspire and educate the next generation of designers, this partnership offers free content and resources on the newly developed online platform: www.thewomanmade.com. Programming will also include a panel series at academic design institutions in the United States, and a scholarship to support a female undergraduate student for the upcoming school year.

Kering’s commitment to women is at the heart of the Group’s priorities, and through Women In Motion extends to the field of art and culture, where gender inequalities are still flagrant even though creation is one of the most powerful vectors for change.

In 2015, Kering launched Women In Motion at the Festival de Cannes with the aim of shining a light on women in cinema, both in front of and behind the camera. Since then, the program has been expanded to include the fields of photography, art, literature, choreography, and design. Through its Awards, the program recognizes both inspirational figures and talented young women, while its Talks provide an opportunity for leading personalities to share their views on the representation of women in their profession.

For 4 weeks from Sunday 10th October Parajumpers has made its entrance into the Galeries Lafayette on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, with a bright orange pop-up hosting the new Fall-Winter 2021 collection.

Already present for fifteen years in many French luxury stores, the outwear brand of Italian origin Parajumpers has finally presented its pop-up in the Galeries Lafayette, the new Parisian shopping center.

A long bright orange tunnel, the iconic shade of PJS, will guide the visitor into the world of Parajumpers: a large space that combines the natural world with the most functional and fashionable pieces of the collection, such as the Color Block Tribes series, a woman’s proposal that plays with contrasting colors and oversized shapes.

Displayed with the characteristic yellow parachute hooks, the FW21 Parajumpers collection presents a palette of new and modern colors, which blend perfectly into the bubbly Paris. From the timeless Masterpiece and Warm Up, to exciting new proposals such as the Reloaded, Hollywood and Limited Edition series for women, the collection plays with fun combinations of colors and styles, without ever losing sight of research and innovation.

Stone Island Sound is a curatorial project that supports contemporary independent artistic production: a harmonious set of curated soundtracks, record releases, playlists in- store and live events. The aim of the project is to champion local independent music scenes and to forge a world sound map of avant garde and new pop.

On 13 October 2021, two years on from the last Milan C2C Festival and Stone Island event, STONE ISLAND PRESENTS LONDON landed at the Roundhouse, London.

Six London-based acts from different geographic areas and each with their own specific artistic expression took the stage including Jockstrap, Nala Sinephro, Obongjayar, Pa Salieu, Silvia Kastel, Two Shell.

A brand new issue of WeAr Magazine has arrived!

This issue is dedicated to the topic of sustainability and guides the readers through the latest trends, innovations, brands and tips to navigate this new era of fashion.

To flip through a free preview visit www.wearmagazine.com

Ralph Lauren has unveiled its next limited-edition collection in partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB), once again featuring items for Yankees and Dodgers, with additional pieces for the Red Sox included in the assortment.

Released in time for autumn, the capsule aims to merge sportswear with modern design, resulting in luxe everyday wear pieces. Wool baseball jackets with leather patches, fleece hoodies and joggers, as well as canvas and leather totes, are all part of the new collection, with black-on-black colourways for each team.

Yesterday, MICAM, the International Footwear Exhibition, MIPEL, the event dedicated to leather goods and accessories, and THE ONE MILANO SPECIAL FEATURED BY MICAM, the Haut-à-Porter Exhibition, came to a close after three days, with all 3 events attracting a large number of visitors and dealers. Over the three-day period, a total of 22,274 trade visitors were able to peruse the products offered by the 735 companies exhibiting at the three events.

The synergy triggered last year under the project Stronger Together that brought all the fashion-accessory fairs together for the very first time, paid dividends by helping companies to keep focussed. This year, too, trade visitors demonstrated their enthusiastic support for the format by flocking to all three events. Among the stands there was an evident desire to experiment, with many companies focussing on new designs, new materials, and new shapes and colours, proving just how important the occasion is in presenting the market with innovative content and products.

Siro Badon Chair of Assocalzaturifici and MICAM Milano, was satisfied with the result:

“This edition marks our ‘renaissance’. The real protagonists were the exhibitors who once again believed in the event. Seeing in their eyes the light and the enthusiasm of those who are finally beginning to put a difficult situation behind them is priceless. MICAM reaffirms its strategic role for the entire sector as a hub for relaunching businesses, strengthening their presence and competitiveness in international markets. A positive trend also confirmed by the numbers which, after the crisis in 2020, see both industrial production (+ 13%) and turnover (+ 22%) increasing in the first half of the year, as well as spending by Italian families (+ 17.4%) and exports (+ 31.5% in value)”.

“The synergy we created a year ago has proved to be a first-rate instrument, capable, once again this year, of meeting the needs of those operating in the industry – comments Franco Gabbrielli, President of MIPEL. – “We are satisfied and proud. The results of this Mipel120 edition are even higher than expectations. The same spirit animates the first edition of Mipel LAB, which has started together with Lineapelle, and that will be an inspiration for the many activities that await us in the coming months”.

Tranoï Event September 2021 will take place from September 30th until October 3rd, 2021 at Palais de Tokyo. The 220 brands and designers on the Tranoï Link platform will also present their S/S 22 collections online. Buyers can explore the collections, get information on the designers participating in the trade show and organise their visit ahead of time and stay in touch with them after the show.

Tranoï x Wholesale Is Not Dead (W.I.N.D.) will present a series of live podcasts with buyers and retailers at the trade show (program details to be announced).

Each day, W.I.N.D. will focus on how the fashion business is evolving. French and international buyers will be invited to share their experiences and their outlook on fashion and the sector’s new challenges.

In the same week the French luxury label announced Japanese fashion designer Nigo as its new artistic director, it has also appointed Sylvain Blanc as its new CEO.

Blanc joins the fashion house from underwear label Undiz, where he’s been chief executive since 2018. Earlier in his career, he was vice president, Europe, of French label The Kooples, and is the founder and former CEO of high-end patisserie and chocolaterie Hugo & Victor.

Prada’s Spring Summer 2022 collection, designed in tandem by co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, will take place live on 24 September at 3pm local time in Milan and 9pm in Shanghai, simultaneously.

In both locations, it will be possible for the shows’ guest audience to follow live on giant screens the show taking place in the other city, while the two events will be simultaneously streamed on prada.com as a live montage, providing a third way of enjoying the shows.

Richard J. Brown’s F/W 21-22 collection explores everything from urban origins to the borders of unexplored territories. From metropolitan contexts to rural and original dimensions. An elegant taste and refined comfort. A sense of personality and harmony of well-being. Contemporary denim interprets the essence of today and anticipates the innovation of tomorrow. It underlines the thread of tradition, reciting new narratives, post-modern trends, evolved costumes. It speaks of a strong character that is surprising and encloses expectations, emotions, hopes, perspectives. It becomes versatile and modular, a skilled expert in everyday life and on every exceptional occasion.

Denim winter soul, the even grittier fabrics, able to express, through their weft and warp weave, their temperament with even more power, without ever giving up the excellent performance. Elegance and quality continue to be the cornerstones of the collection. Traditional blue and black denim, available in different washes, flannel, moleskin and corduroy are combined with more unusual fabrics, enriched by more important flame coupling, for more sporty and dynamic versions, enhancing the idea of authentic denim.

Made with precious fabrics and lined with flannel, the RJB total look project moves forward with the new Steve, a new version of the denim jacket with classic shapes and creative details, finishes and choice of materials that look to the world of luxury. Cuts and creases, patch and slanted pockets, new lacquered horn buttons as well as the traditional jointed ones. An ideal Mix&Match for interchangeable weights and colours.

The chromatic panorama is reminiscent of different and complementary worlds, as if outlined by the decisive and rhythmic movement of a light swing. Mélange effects and contrasts recall boundless Nordic scenarios, amid water reflections, tundra and Canadian prairies, conifers, and millenary rocks.

Dark brown, bark, burgundy maple, and turtledove shine out. The luxury display moves to the English countryside and develops shades of beige, camel, forest green, sage and moss. The urban stage moves between royal blue, cream, cobalt, pearl grey and smoke, between energy and dynamism, flow and productive circulation.

The patched proclaim their identity role resulting from a constant pursuit for innovation and perfection. Novelties are the ostrich effect printed leather versions with metal finishes set in copper or silver plated, as well as the reinterpretation of the flannel patches with a heat- applied silver-plated logo.

In collaboration with Web3 digital fashion marketplace The Dematerialised, luxury fashion house Karl Lagerfeld will be releasing a non-fungible token (NFT) in the form of digital figurines inspired by the late designer.

The newly launched NFT coincides with what would have been Lagerfeld’s birthday and marks the houses first exploration of blockchain technology. The two figurines pay homage to the designer, with the cartoon avatar holding a distinct likeness to Karl’s iconic look.

“This is a remarkable first step into the future as we pave our way into the virtual world of NFTs and digital fashion,” said Karl Lagerfeld’s CEO and president, Pier Paolo Righi, in a statement. “We’re excited to add this innovative category to our portfolio and be able to inspire existing customers and new customers with this one-of-a-kind collectable.”

The final of the 8th edition of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers took place on 7th September 2021 at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, in the presence of six artistic directors from the LVMH Group, Virgil Abloh, Jonathan Anderson, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Marc Jacobs, Kim Jones and Stella McCartney, alongside Delphine Arnault, Jean-Paul Claverie and Sidney Toledano.

Among the nine finalists, the Jury awarded the LVMH Prize to Nensi Dojaka, 27, an Albanian womenswear designer based in London. She will receive a 300,000-euro endowment and will be mentored for one year by a team of LVMH experts.

After closing his namesake label in 2019 and selling his contemporary label to private label firm Public Clothing Company (PCC) at the start of 2020, Derek Lam is set to present his first full collection as chief creative officer of Derek Lam 10 Crosby next month.

10 Crosby will focus on a D2C model and will invest in its digital presence. According to Business of Fashion, Lam also said 10 Crosby will use PCC’s resources, particularly in its supply chain, to launch new product lines and expand internationally.

Kering Eyewear and the Lindberg family have signed an agreement for Kering Eyewear to acquire 100% of the share capital of LINDBERG.

This acquisition is an important milestone in the successful expansion of Kering Eyewear and perfectly fits with its development strategy. Since its start in 2014, Kering Eyewear has built an innovative business model that enabled the company to reach a critical size in the market with close to €600 million wholesale external revenues pre-Covid (FY2019). This acquisition will further reinforce Kering Eyewear as the most relevant player in the luxury eyewear market segment, adding to its portfolio a complementary and proprietary brand with strong legitimacy, undisputed know-how and best-in-class customer service in optical frames.
Thanks to their business complementarities, both companies will be able to leverage on their respective strengths across the value chain, with synergies in distribution and geographical reach notably. This will contribute to accelerate the growth and enhance the profitability of Kering Eyewear.

Ralph Lauren has announced its partnership with social networking and avatar simulation app Zepeto.

The app allows users to function in a fully articulated virtual world where they can socialise with others using a customisable 3D avatar. Users will be able to purchase a completely digital Ralph Lauren clothing collection, reminiscent of its physical apparel, giving users the opportunity to dress their 3D avatars in exclusive products.

The Ralph Lauren x Zepeto collection will feature 12 looks in total, with over 50 unique items on offer, including a mix of vintage Polo Ralph Lauren designs and pieces from its current summer collection. Shoppers will be able to get their virtual hands on limited edition skateboards and other special pieces exclusively designed for the collection.

AlphaTauri has launched its new online presence with their website, AlphaTauri.com.

Right in time with the new Autumn/Winter 21 collection, the site was built with a multi format customer experience in mind. 

The new design language highlights the relevance of looks as a reflection of the brands product strategy to increase the combination variety within the collection for more head-to-toe looks.

„The new website is more than an aesthetic statement- it is an expression of our brand promise. We are talking about new ways to purchase fashion as it complements the shopping journey in our stores on- and offline. Our hybrid collections have finally gone live cross-channel“ explains Ahmet Mercan, CEO – AlphaTauri 

The newly created website is also a portal into AlphaTauri`s brand world: whether its a behind-the- scenes view into the daily business or moving content around collaborations and latest innovations.

CHIC – China International Fashion Fair August 2021, originally planned from August 25-27, will be postponed due to the current coronavirus situation in China in accordance with the prevailing safety regulations. Asia’s leading trade fair for fashion and lifestyle will now take place with a new date from October 9-11, 2021 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

Around 500 brands will present the entire spectrum of the Chinese fashion industry in October. In addition to the physical exhibition on site, CHIC offers innovative hybrid and digital options for optimal exhibition results.

The Chinese market continues to develop positively. Retail sales are increasing, the growing middle class is driving the trend of “premiumization”, especially high-quality niche brands are in demand in the market of the future.

The next editions of CHIC will take place from November 3-5, 2021 in Shenzhen and from March 9-11, 2022 in Shanghai

From A for “avatar” to Z for “zero impact” – during Neonyt’s Fashionsustain conference from 6 to 8 July 2021, the status quo of the textiles and fashion sector was examined, innovation drivers identified and scope for action for the retail sector defined. The multidisciplinary conference streamed more than 20 hours of inspiration and insights, panel discussions and fashion deep-dives live from the FFW Studio. Participants included Grüner Knopf, Oeko-Tex, PwC and the Transformers Foundation.

The digital transformation is accelerating across the entire textile and fashion industry at an unprecedented pace. This is requiring everyone involved to adopt a more agile mindset in order to be able to adapt in disruptive environments. Holistic thinking is required – with regard to production standards, but also when it comes to the inclusion of the most diverse target groups. Fashion is a form of expression and identity. It is about political statements and a reflection of social issues.

“Even though we have certainly been noticing a sense of digital fatigue after three seasons online, there was no sign of it whatsoever during Fashionsustain,” said Thimo Schwenzfeier, Show Director of Neonyt. “Digitalisation is shaping a sustainable future and therefore also the international fashion scene; it is opening up brand-new synergies for the textile and fashion industry and extending the scope – as proven by the experts at Fashionsustain.”

Levi Strauss & Co has announced it is to buy US-based premium athletic and lifestyle apparel brand Beyond Yoga for an undisclosed sum as it steps into the high-growth activewear segment.

The US denim giant said the move will help diversify its business and will “provide substantial net revenue opportunity over time through channel, geographic, gender and category expansion”.

Today, Daniel Grieder, previous CEO Tommy Hilfiger and PVH Europe and now CEO at Hugo Boss, presented his strategy for the future of Hugo Boss, making Olympic references and claims back the brand’s lead at the top of the fashion pyramid. His battle quote being: “We love fashion and we will change fashion!”.

Grieder plans to revamp the company’s branding, its digital strategy and have a strong focus on the product with sustainability at its core.

With his new strategy he targets to reach 4 billion euros by 2025, doubling the company’s sales with a clear focus on increasing the brand’s perception with the young generation: GenZ, Millenials and Gen Alpha.

The new strategy focusses on the main brands: HUGO and BOSS. The latter will continue focussing on quality suits in the affordable luxury category, with fantastic fits and sustainable materials whereas HUGO will target a younger generation with streetwear, designs fitting to the influencer generation and colorful designs. 

Overall however, the brand will position itself more inclusive and aware of current topics: creating a better world, diversity and inclusion will be at its centre. Including even a unisex suit as part of the BOSS line. In terms of colorways the brand will adapt to black, camel and white colors. The BOSS camel collection will be a high-end made-to-measure collection.

Grieder also remarked that the brand could venture into new segments: make-up, homeware and even drinks in the future to complement its lifestyle image.

In terms of branding Grieder will move into Hugo Boss’ future with clear messages: “HUGO for glory” or “A BOSS meets a boss” – focussing on celebrity and lifestyle partnerships.

He particularly also highlighted the importance of the womenswear business and that it needs a boost. As such he wants to increase womenswear visibility across all consumer touchpoint starting with its own stores and wholesale parters. As such it seems as if Grieder will have a strong focus on wholesale and wants to increase Hugo Boss’ wholesale distribution which was traditionally strong but decreased in recent years.

Of course, as a master for digital strategy this will not be left out. As such he highlighted that experience is in the middle of the new strategy, given that Millennials will value experiences over owning material things. As such he will creative a new store design that will be ‘cool’ and professional but most of all data-driven in order to provide optimal and unique customer service. “The power of data is that it is more precise, quicker and smarter.”. Grieder wants to create a premium tech-driven fashion platform worldwide with Hugo Boss and be amongst the top 100 global brands by 2025.

Following the success of its digital semi-final, LVMH has announced that the final of the 8th edition of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers will take place on Tuesday, 7th September 2021 at the Louis Vuitton Foundation.

Last year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the final of the 7th edition of the LVMH Prize was cancelled and the €300,000 award was divided equally among the eight finalists of the 2020 edition.

On 7th September, the Jury will decide between the nine finalists and award the 2021 LVMH Prize, as well as the Karl Lagerfeld/Special Jury Prize, a tribute to the great designer and former member of the Jury who passed away in February 2019.

The owners of iconic British department store Selfridges have reportedly put the business up for sale.

The Weston family has kicked off a formal auction of Selfridges and has called in advisers from investment bank Credit Suisse who will “imminently” send out information memoranda to prospective buyers.

Two or three suitors have already expressed interest, but no formal bid had been made, sources told The Times.

At THE SKY in the Dreischeibenhaus, fashion pioneer and sustainability mastermind Heiko Wunder was presented with the Fashion Business Award on Sunday evening, July 25. For the Düsseldorf native, the state capital is not only the center of his life, but also the think tank and nucleus of his national success concept: his fashion brand “wunderwerk”. His commitment and enthusiasm for a fully sustainable lifestyle and the combination of trend-conscious and at the same time environmentally neutral fashion, which is celebrating great successes nationally, are the decisive factors for honoring him with the award. Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller welcomed 100 guests from the fashion industry to the award ceremony, which is the seventh time that the state capital of Düsseldorf has honored trendsetters in the fashion business.

The presentation of the Fashion Business Award took place this summer for the first time as part of the Düsseldorf Fashion Days – Festival Edition, which presented order and trade events as well as shopping events and fashion shows throughout the city from July 21 to 28, 2021.

Canadian premium outerwear brand Nobis celebrates its 15th Anniversary and presents its AW21 collection, design debut by the new designated Design Director, Michael Kerr.

With the AW21, collection Michael Kerr improved his experience combinig traditional tailoring and premium functionality. Kerr worked in the design team of different companies, both Canadian and international, such as Roots, Nike, Canada Goose and The North Face.

“This idea of innovation –– of making things that are crafted, not just mass-produced –– it’s crucial” he says. “Our strategy for upcoming designs? Sleek, expertly tailored pieces created for a customer that values quality over quantity and sustainability over fast fashion. I think we’re all very excited about this new generation. They want the best in class but are also minimalist. Instead of 20 mediocre jackets crowding the closet, you acquire three that work for everything”, says Michael.

“When designing outerwear, you’re making something that has to work with the person who will wear it. The goal is a jacket that allows you to go about your day in comfort, never thinking beyond ‘wow, this looks and feels great on me,’ but maybe this jacket has a membrane that allows it to breathe or perhaps it’s water repellent. The jacket might have a gusset that opens and closes to increase comfort. What we’re crafting is technical outerwear, meaning each piece works like a machine designed to increase its wearability, even without any mechanical parts.”

The game is a quest to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Louis. The gamer, in a shape of a Vivienne lives a quest. He/she encounters along the way enigmas (the anecdotes) and collects points. Points collected enable skin changes and unlock other digital goodies.

This art-forwarded adventure platform game created by French fashion house and luxury brand Louis Vuitton features the distinct monogrammed flower character Vivienne.

Join Vivienne on her travels as she journeys to seven vibrant locations across the globe in search of 200 collectible candles to celebrate Louis Vuitton’s 200th birthday. Each candle unlocks fascinating stories about the history and brand of Louis Vuitton

Take your time and explore the iconic fashion and art integrated into this stunning game. Moving through worlds inspired by Paris, London, Beijing, Tokyo, New York, and more as you compete against your friends on a global leaderboard to see who can collect all 200 stories in celebration of the momentous occasion.

Our hero, Vivienne, was born just a few years ago and still has a lot to learn about the world. Since this year in Louis Vuitton’s 200th birthday, it’s time for Vivienne to pick up her roots and go on an adventure. On the road ahead, the House’s origib story will be discovered and each anecdote experienced will award Vivienne a gift to take on the adventure. All the gifts collected will be presented at the end on the game for a special celebration of the 200th birthday.

In light of a further strong business recovery, HUGO BOSS recorded significant top- and bottom-line improvements in the second quarter of 2021, thereby exceeding overall market expectations. On a preliminary basis, currency-adjusted Group sales increased 133% as compared to the prior-year period. Also in Group currency, sales more than doubled, up 129% to EUR 629 million in the three-month period (Q2 2020: EUR 275 million). Compared to the second quarter of 2019, the decline in Group sales was therefore limited to 4% only, currency-adjusted.

Business recovery was clearly noticeable across all regions. While currency-adjusted sales more than doubled in Europe (+130%) and more than quintupled in the Americas (+416%), currency-adjusted revenues in Asia/Pacific were up by 51%, as compared to the prior-year period. Consequently, on a two-year stack basis, currency-adjusted sales in Europe and the Americas remained 4% and 5% below 2019 levels, respectively. In Asia/Pacific, currency-adjusted sales were down 3% as against the second quarter of 2019, with currency-adjusted sales in mainland China up 28% against the prior-year period and 33% on a two-year-stack basis, respectively.

From a channel perspective, HUGO BOSS more than doubled currency-adjusted sales in both own retail (+124%) and wholesale (+170%) as against the prior-year quarter. While own retail sales remained 5% below 2019 levels in the three-month period, wholesale revenues were down 2% on a two-year-stack basis, both currency- adjusted. Within own retail, the Company’s own online business recorded currency- adjusted sales growth of 27% in the second quarter, implying growth of 122% on a two-year stack.

Assocalzaturifici held its Annual Meeting the past few days in Bologna.

At the meeting, Chair Siro Badon emphasised the impact of Covid-19 on the footwear industry, one of the hardest-hit sectors of production, along with other components of the Italian Textiles, Fashion and Accessories sector.

In 2020 the sector lost about 1/4 of its total turnover (with the final balance being 10.72 billion euro, -25.2% compared to 2019) and national production. There were sharp reductions in both foreign trade and domestic consumption. After the collapse in levels of business during the first part of the year, as a result of the lockdown, there was just some respite in the severity of the decline in the next two quarters (although this still remained in double-digit territory), as opposed to a V-shaped recovery.
At this time of crisis, Assocalzaturifici has come up with plenty of challenging new projects for its members.

“Sustainability is definitely one of our top priorities,” explains Badon. “We have come up with a project supporting our members and other companies in the process of accreditation and commercial positioning of their businesses as sustainable and therefore highly competitive companies on Italian and international markets”. Assocalzaturifici has registered its own Sustainability trademark (VCS – Verified & Certified Steps), which may be granted to companies capable of achieving a quality standard based on certain requirements. The project will begin with a self-assessment which companies can conduct independently; we will then have reference benchmarks that tell us what the minimum criteria are to be considered a sustainable enterprise. Companies ranking above the bar will then be eligible for certification by the institute we appoint. Companies that do not meet the minimum requirements will be able to rely on the professional assistance of CIMAC, the Assocalzaturifici laboratory that has been conducting testing and certification to guarantee the quality and safety of fashion products for more than 30 years. CIMAC can help businesses begin, continue or improve internal processes aimed at meeting the requirements for sustainability certification.

Another important agreement was signed with one of the world’s most prominent startup accelerators: Startup Boot Camp Fashion Tech. As Badon explains, “With them, the Association will be able to count on an international organisation that helps us select, incubate and accelerate two start-ups a year which technologically promote and facilitate sustainability in our own specific industry and help MICAM through the long process of digitalisation”.

In addition, the Association looks toward the future with three innovative projects for Assocalzaturifici’s 550 or more member companies: one for creating a digital match between global demand for Italian know-how and industries and artisans capable of offering the immense added value of this unique know-how; one for building a true marketplace for consumers open to companies ideally representing the excellence of Italian manufacturing; and one using blockchain technology to ensure product traceability, on which the Association is working with a leading Italian consortium that has already completed a number of projects for the luxury sector.

Last, but by no means least in importance, is the study commissioned of Università Ca Foscari in Venice in partnership with M&C Saatchi. “Recognition of the prestigious label ‘Made in Italy’ is of critical importance for our economy,” notes Badon.

On 30 June and 1 July, Première Vision launched FASHION RENDEZ-VOUS, the first physical event for the upstream fashion industry since the Covid-19 crisis, in an exceptional location – the Grand Palais Ephémère in Paris – a new temporary event site ideally located across from the Eiffel Tower in the heart of the world’s fashion capital. 

After more than a year of not being able to meet in person, the players of the fashion industry were eager to get together. Surpassing the organizers’ expectations, more than 2,800 visitors and nearly 200 exhibitors gathered during these two days, attesting to the importance of re-launching business and networking in order to support the recovery of the industry and build the fashion of tomorrow.

MICAM, the leading international footwear show promoted by Assocalzaturifici, is scheduled for September 19 through 21, 2021 at Fiera Milano Rho. The event will be held in person once again, on the basis of a new formula concentrating visits to the stands over three days rather than four, presenting a preview of the Spring/Summer 2022 collections and the latest trends in footwear. Progress on vaccination campaigns suggests that large numbers of Italian and international dealers will be able to attend the event in perfect safety, under health and safety protocols implemented in partnership with Fiera Milano, to see the new products presented by the world’s top footwear brands for themselves and touch them with their own hands. 

“We can finally get started again in our traditional form,” explains Assocalzaturifici and MICAM chair Siro Badon. “Our member companies need to meet with buyers in person again and re-establish their relationships. We have been working tirelessly to provide all the tools necessary to re-launch business opportunities, negotiate orders, and help Italian companies penetrate international markets. This is the only way to revive an industry that makes an essential contribution to the Italian economy. Synergies between the physical and virtual events will be reinforced. The Covid emergency and the resulting travel restrictions have taught us the importance of speeding up digitalisation to reach and fulfil the needs of people who are unable to attend the event in person”. 

For this reason, the MICAM Milano Digital Show platform will be offered in addition to the physical event, between September 15 and November 15 2021, allowing brands to schedule visits and meetings with buyers before, during and after the trade fair. 

The textiles and fashion sector is currently undergoing a fundamental revolution – driven by sustainable and technological innovations, new value creation models are reaching the mass market. It is precisely these topics that will be at the focus of Fashionsustain, the international and multidisciplinary conference format of Neonyt, which is taking place from 6 to 8 July 2021 and, for the first time, during the digital FFW STUDIO of Frankfurt Fashion Week. In the form of panel discussions, talks, keynotes and interactive formats, it will present fascinating, in-depth insights into the ongoing transformation process of the industry. Represented are, amongst others the Grüner Knopf, Oeko-Tex and PwC. 

3 days, more than 20 individual formats, a multitude of insights: the varied and multidisciplinary line-up of Fashionsustain will cover the State of the Industry, Innovating the Industry and State of Retail as its central topics. The focus of the content will be on Fashion Design & Circularity, Values & Diversity, Digitisation, Textile Certifications and Cotton & Denim. In various talks, discussions and presentations, the community will become aware of the challenges currently facing the sustainable fashion sector, of how the stakeholders involved are pushing ahead with their visions and how they can be applied to bring about real change within the industry. 

ALBERTO’s 2022 summer collection integrates technology at every level: from the high-tech icon Hybrid Sports Pants to digital prints that stretch all aesthetic boundaries in a resource-saving way to the Red Selvedge, which is produced on narrow looms in the old Japanese tradition.

‘In 2022, we’ll be celebrating 100 years of Alberto, an emotional event. Instead of an anniversary collection, we prefer to keep doing what has made our company successful for 100 years: giving tradition a new face by modelling the future with innovative products.’-Marco Lanowy, Alberto

A quick word with Marco Lanowy:

 Mr Lanowy, what’s the ALBERTO ‘idea’?
It’s the common thread that runs through everything we do. We work up close to real life, observing emerging trends – by no means just in fashion – but also how people’s everyday lives are taking shape and what social and societal movements are emerging. Obviously, this is reflected in the development of our products. For us, the focus is on finding out what people need a pair of pants for, and we use this as a starting point to develop the necessary innovations for the product in terms of details and benefits.

In the process, ALBERTO is visibly merging the various styles of pants.
Right. Nowadays, a pair of pants should ideally be an all-rounder and not just look good when you’re switching from the job to the couch, from the couch to the bike and from the bike to the golf course, but also function well. This is a transformation process that began with the development of our first golf collection.

It’s a theme that has led to the development of the Hybrid Sports Pants, after all.
Cyclists, golfers and hikers appreciate the Hybrid Sports Pants mainly because of their features, but at the same time more and more customers are turning to the styles for purely fashion reasons. For me, the new ‘Pack’, which can be rolled up and packed into the zipper back pocket, is a real highlight of the collection. I’m curious to see what kind of feedback we get here.

ALBERTO is successively working on producing the collections more sustainably …
Yes, we already work very intensively with organic cotton and recycled yarns on the basis of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label, but it’s always an ongoing process. I find it very exciting how much is currently happening in the area of sustainable materials and finishes. This gives us the opportunity to close our gaps in sustainability bit by bit. We think it’s important to develop a long-lasting, unique product in an ecological, humanly respectful and fair way. For us, these are self-evident facts. We don’t really want to emphasise them any more, not least because we don’t deal with the issue of sustainability for marketing reasons, but because we consider it our duty to do our best in this area.

A closing word about digital prints …
… aren’t just the visual highlights that we also base our colour concepts on, but also open up more creative freedom and even more individual production for us. We really enjoy that!

Always key players, the combinations and pairings of cottons, jersey and lyocell for even more optimal performance, reveal a Richard J. Brown man and woman that is sophisticated and tough, elegant and impeccable. Combinations of cashmere, silk and linen, light and refined, complete traditional outfits with the most sophisticated outerwear. For him, traditional jeans jackets in form but different and innovative in the search for materials and the quality of the trim, offered in a new summer version. For her, refined kimonos in cotton and denim.

For S/S 22, the colour palette of the garment-dyed pieces is entirely inspired by nature and the art of riding, recalling evocative and enchanting scenarios. From sage green to military green, from beige to maize and ice, from red clay to chestnut, from blue in all its variations to lilac and petrol green. The naturally derived mineral dyes are new, which emphasize and highlight respect for an increasingly sustainable and environmentally conscious management.

The accessories, more and more lively and personalized are systematically exclusive and identifying. New colours have been added to the more traditional suede labels with copper or silver plating for an even richer and more varied range. For those who are daring, the new fabric labels made with a thermo-application technique and launched in the previous winter collection offer an intriguing choice.

Quality, passion, love for nature and animals. Available in the showroom, or through the network of agents and through the online platform, the new RJB collection is ready to be discovered like a pleasant outing on horseback.

“Isabel Marant is launching a vintage website fo add to the luxury fashion good industry’s growing circular economy. Donators of used clothing from the label will receive vouchers; proceeds will go to an endowment fund supporting artisan craftsmanship.

In addition to vintage items, deadstock clothing, shoes, and accessories from prior collections will be sold on the vintage platform. As brands work on finding ways to become more sustainable, they are betting big on the circular economy. Last year, Gucci launched a circular economy partnership with The Real Real.

“The two trade shows, MAN/WOMAN and Revolver, have had a strong, personal and respectful friendship for many years and the upcoming season requires innovative solutions in order to offer our exhibitors the best possible sales and presentation platform”  says Antoine Floch Founder and CEO MAN/WOMAN as he continues:

“Revolver and Copenhagen Fashion Week is scheduled in August, which is a great window to wrap up the menswear season and at the same time kickoff the womenswear season, especially because Denmark and Copenhagen is in a very safe and positive situation taken the pandemic into consideration,- meaning, the decision to go to Revolver and Copenhagen was not an hard one to make”.

Simultaneously with the Revolver trade show, Copenhagen Fashion Week will be hosting more than 30 physical shows this season.

Revolver Copenhagen Int. Fashion Trade Show will take place from Wednesday, August 11 – Friday, August 13.

MAN/WOMAN expects to execute as normal in Paris for the FW 22 season in October 2021. 

Louis Vuitton is expanding its pop-up network and is partnering with Lake Como, Italian retailer Tessabit for a summer pop-up shop.

The temporary store will be housed in Villa d’Este, a historic hotel that has been used as a celebrity and loyalty resort. Among the pop-up’s offering, the “Summer by the pool” capsule includes garments and accessories where the brand’s signature monogram and damier motifs are rendered in a vibrant color palette, while men will be able to buy the sporty collection that Louis Vuitton developed in collaboration with the NBA.

NuORDER is joining Lightspeed, the one-stop commerce platform for merchants around the world to simplify, scale and create exceptional customer experiences. This unlocks NuORDER’s vision to connect brands and buyers around the world with a single, integrated solution for commerce and discovery. 

This partnership unlocks…nur

• Single B2B2C Platform: A single platform will connect brands to retailers to consumers.

• Data-driven B2B: Make more informed buying decisions with access to sell-through data within NuORDER. Tap into real-time data and insights to determine what products to buy, trigger automatic reorders, swap out underperforming styles on the network, and identify new products and/or brands that fit demand.

• Global Marketplace: With NuORDER and Lightspeed’s combined global reach, you will be able to discover and connect with brands across a global marketplace. You will be able to search by product/part, trend (e.g. sustainable), or brand category to find the right products for customers.

• Financing Solutions: Through NuORDER and Lightspeed’s centralized financing solution, brands will be able to get paid efficiently on invoice while retailers will get the time they need to sell products to support the invoice payment. 

JOOR has announced the opening of its office in Shanghai, China. This announcement builds on JOOR’s strong global footprint and is the company’s third office in Asia-Pacific, following JOOR’s expansion in Melbourne and Tokyo. With more than 12,500 brands and over 325,000 retailers from around the world using the platform today, JOOR is the world’s premier wholesale management platform and the first to establish a presence in China.

JOOR has seen a significant increase in wholesale transactions being placed on its platform from the APAC region and has opened an office to fuel this continued growth and provide a high level of customer service to its client base. In 2021, wholesale volume ordered by APAC-based retailers is +139% YoY and wholesale volume for APAC-based brands is +419% YoY.

“As the leading global player in our space, we realize the importance of a strong presence in Asia-Pacific, notably in greater China,” explained Kristin Savilia, CEO of JOOR. “The establishment of JOOR Shanghai will allow us to provide frictionless wholesale management to the range of fine brands and retailers across the country. It builds on our existing leadership position in North America and Europe, and we expect continued expansion across the Asia-Pacific region.”

With Pitti Uomo 100, the Fortezza da Basso becomes once again the platform for presenting new collections and new trends in international menswear. At this edition it will also be the main location of the program of events and special projects, that will take place live, within its spaces, from 30 June to 2 July, and that will be amplified digitally by Pitti Connect on the same days.

South African designer These Magugu, winner of the 2019 LVMH Prize, will be the Special Guest of this edition and will present a special menswear collection of the brand that bears his name with a special event in a dedicated space inside the Fortezza da Basso.

“Thebe Magugu won us over immediately, ever since we began following his career, as a result of the freshness of his multicultural and multidisciplinary creativity. Thebe creates a fashion that is continually suspended between art and craftsmanship, education and ancestral practices. We felt that his work was perfect for extending an invitation, in an unconventional way, to a new beginning that is rich in young, energetic awareness” – Lapo Cianchi, Pitti Immagine’s Communication & Special Events Director

#LesMarins Ready-to-Wear collection by Jean Paul Gaultier is a collaborative project between the House and 5 talented designers.

“Pitti 100” is the title-theme of the summer editions of the Pitti Immagine trade shows. The idea was first conceived and developed thinking about the 100th edition of Pitti Uomo and then extended to Pitti Filati and Pitti Bimbo, with the “100% Filati” and “100% Bambino” formats.

A multifaceted graphic sign by designer Francesco Dondina – author of important fashion, design, and art and culture projects – will characterize the ad campaign and color the Fortezza da Basso, involving the fashion community in a creative experience. A milestone and a new beginning, together in a single message.

“100 is a strong, important, round, and promising number. It is undoubtedly an end, but – if it is read backwards, 001 – it becomes the symbol of a new beginning. Right from the start, it appeared to us as a great opportunity for expressing the mood with which we design and organize our summer shows, which have now finally returned to a physical format” –Agostino Poletto, General Manager of Pitti Immagine

Kingpins is making a visit to Australia on June 23rd and 24th at 2pm Sydney time. Each day will contain two hours of denim stories, conversations and seminars celebrating the Aussie industry and supply chain which contains segments from farming to retail. “Australia being a diamond in the Asia Pacific region, we will also touch on the important influence of Asia for Australian businesses – providing insight into production opportunities through to the digital marketing frontier in the region”

More details on the event will be revealed soon.

At the end of May 2021, the Danish department stores’ chain Magasin du Nord will become part of the Peek & Cloppenburg Group. The group operates around 140 P&C and Anson’s stores in 15 countries as well as various international online shops through its subsidiary Fashion ID. With the acquisition of Magasin du Nord, Peek & Cloppenburg strengthens its position as one of Europe’s leading multi-brand omnichannel fashion retailers and adds a successful Scandinavian retailer to its portfolio.

“Magasin du Nord, like Peek & Cloppenburg, is a retail company with a long tradition,” said the management of Peek & Cloppenburg KG. “Due to the current market dynamics, the opportunity has arisen to bring Magasin du Nord under our umbrella and we are convinced that both companies will benefit from this new partnership. With the acquisition, we are entering a new European market where we see great potential, and we look forward to the future together with Magasin du Nord.”

Peter King, part of the management of Magasin du Nord: “We are pleased to have found a trustworthy and long-term partner in the family-owned company Peek & Cloppenburg, which sees the potential of Magasin du Nord and appreciates its entrepreneurial roots. Our two companies have many things in common and have around 275 years of combined experience as multi-brand retailers. We look forward to shaping the future of retail together and delighting our customers.”