Missoni Group acquires Tricotex
Following the 70th anniversary of its founding in 1953, the Missoni Group announces the strategic acquisition of 100% of Tricotex S.r.l., a leading Italian producer of high-quality Raschel fabrics for the luxury fashion industry.
The acquisition is aligned with Missoni’s long-standing commitment to maintain direct control over its value chain, ensuring transparency and traceability of materials and production processes. By integrating Tricotex, Missoni will continue to preserve the know-how and tradition of an Italian leader in the processing of fine yarns, safeguard the unique identity of its production process and accelerate its growth trajectory.
NAOMI: In Fashion at London’s V&A Museum
NAOMI: In Fashion explores the 40-year career of fashion model and cultural icon Naomi Campbell.
Produced in collaboration with Campbell and foregrounding her voice and perspective, NAOMI: In Fashion is the first exhibition to celebrate the skill and contribution of an individual model to the fashion industry. The exhibition draws upon Campbell’s own extensive wardrobe of haute couture and ready-to-wear ensembles from key moments in her career, along with loans from designer archives and objects from the V&A’s collections. Woven throughout is Campbell’s activism, having advocated for equity from an early age, joining the Black Girls Coalition in 1989 and fronting the 2007 ‘A Black Issue’ of Vogue Italia, calling for diversity on the catwalk.
NAOMI: In Fashion is on from 22 June 2024 until 6 April 2025.
HUGO BLUE: New brand line with focus on denim
In a launch event that buzzed with creativity, HUGO brought the style and spirit of its new brand line, HUGO BLUE, with denim at the core, to Berlin on March 6th. Around 1,000 guests were invited to uncover the first collection, entering the world of HUGO BLUE in an immersive experience that combined product installations with the multiverses of entertainment and gaming.
Upon arrival at the venue, Wilhelm Hallen, guests entered a blue “tunnel” that transported them into HUGO BLUE’s world. Bold logo details and a color palette in various shades of blue amplified the effortless vibe of the new brand line, encompassing menswear, womenswear, and gender-neutral pieces. Its focus is on denim essentials and a variety of streetwear staples, including graphic T-shirts and hoodies, tops, shorts, trousers, outerwear. Key looks were displayed in a unique and unexpected way in three dedicated “closets” – each with differently themed décor, from playful inflatables to wall-to-wall denim and captivating LED panels – which provided perfect photo opportunities.
The event showcased a customization zone, where local artists Rafaella Braga and Max Teutsch worked live, adding personalized touches to guests’ HUGO BLUE pieces.
The event also marked the unveiling of PLANET HUGO, an ecosystem of unique, interconnected experiences on Roblox, a leading platform for communication and connection. PLANET HUGO’s first two 3D environments, HUGO HANGOUT and HUGO FASHION MATCH, were debuted at the launch event in a gaming zone featuring multiple screens that displayed several immersive spaces at once.
Giovanna Ceolini appointed as President of Assocalzaturifici
Sustainability, digitalization, innovation, Made in Italy, and tertiary as drivers for the development of the sector, with a focus on training to make footwear an attractive sector for young people. These are the guidelines until June 2027, of Giovanna Ceolini, who was confirmed as President of Assocalzaturifici by the Assembly of members. With more than 450 member companies, the Association, nationally represents companies of an industrial nature operating in the footwear manufacturing sector.
“It is indeed with great emotion,” Ceolini comments, “that I face this mandate of mine. We have a challenging job ahead of us. We have to respond to a conjuncture that is not easy, in a geopolitical framework dominated by uncertainty, with initiatives and projects that support our companies in international markets. Today, more than ever, it is important to put the interests of the industry, and therefore our Association, back at the center. We can do this by returning to frank and constructive dialogue and confrontation. In this I will not be alone, but supported by a team composed of professionals of undoubted value.”
Joining the President were Giuseppe Baiardo, Vice President for Training and Orientation, Luisa Benigno, Vice President for Business Culture and Productive Strategies, Giuseppe Camerlengo Vice President for International Affairs, and Valentino Fenni Vice President for Russia, C.S.I. Area and Made in Italy.
Ceolini, highlighted the most salient aspects of her program, from internationalization, to the promotion of Made in Italy footwear in the world, consolidating mature markets and seeking new opportunities in emerging ones, to the collaboration with the main technical institutes and professional schools to encourage generational turnover. Other objectives include the enhancement of third-party companies, better known as CDMOs (contract development and manufacturing organizations), to defend the traditional craftsmanship of Italian manufacturing. Profuse support is also given to trade fair policies starting with MICAM Milan, the world’s most important event in the sector. Among the projects in the pipeline are the reorganization of the pavilions, the strengthening of the MICAMX area, with a focus on seminar content, the section dedicated to the retail of the future, communication and events.
Kering collaborates with Tsinghua University and IFM on sustainable Fashion MOOC
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France in 2024, Kering has partnered again with Tsinghua University and Institut Français de la Mode to launch a brand new online course – “Fashion Sustainability – Global Perspectives and China Practices”. This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is open to university students and people who are passionate about sustainable fashion worldwide.
For years now, Kering has been cultivating innovative talents with a commitment to empower young generations. Through the development of relevant educational programs in cooperation with internationally renowned institutions and universities, it aims to uphold true long-term sustainability.
With the educational resources of top universities and the support from industry stakeholders, this course presents a solid theoretical foundation, a broad international perspective, and cutting-edge industry trends. The curriculum covers diverse dimensions of sustainable fashion through holistic content providing a comprehensive understanding of the sustainability value chain operating model and pioneering insights into industry transformation.
“We are delighted and excited about this collaboration with Tsinghua University. We at Kering have the responsibility to encourage young people to actively learn and explore sustainability and advocate for it as a daily practice in their career development”, states Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer of Kering.
NATIVA Cotton accelerates shift towards a more sustainable production system
NATIVA, the world’s leading supplier of regeneratively farmed luxury fibers, is introducing cotton to its offer. Extending its positive impact within the global fashion supply chain, NATIVA Cotton accelerates the shift towards a more sustainable production system, from farm to brand. With cotton accounting for 65% of the fibers present in wardrobes worldwide it is a key component in the fashion industry’s commitment to transition further towards sustainability.
Made in Europe, NATIVA Cotton is a solution that certifies cotton growing, sourcing and production under the NATIVA Regenerative Program. The NATIVA Regenerative Agriculture Program is a robust system with a triple impact based on scientific research and backed by data.
NATIVA’s Regenerative Agriculture Program protects the land by bettering soil quality, safeguards crops by ensuring soil health, and supports farmers and local communities by improving their livelihoods. These multidisciplinary efforts further result in greater water quality and increased CO2 capturing levels. Measured over a five-year period, NATIVA aims to achieve a 20% increase of organic materials (natural nutrients) in the soil through its regenerative agricultural practices. This is supported by a 25% reduction in pesticides, with an eventual goal of zero pesticide use throughout time, and the effective eradication of tillage.
“As part of NATIVA’s goals of positively impacting the supply chain for a more sustainable system, we wanted to expand our reach from wool into new fibers. With cotton playing such a significant role in the fashion industry, it was only natural to extend our programme to this iconic fiber.” said Maria Estrada, NATIVA Global Director.
The first crop of NATIVA Cotton is being planted in the upcoming sowing season and will be harvested between October and November, this year. All NATIVA Cotton incorporates NATIVA Blockchain technology, which digitally tracks and logs every step of the fiber’s journey.
Stone Island debuts The Compass Inside – a film by Jeremy Elkin
Stone Island presents The Compass Inside, a new short film by director Jeremy Elkin, featuring members of the brand’s global community, including director Spike Lee, footballer João Felix, actress Jodie Turner-Smith and fashion designer Germans Ermičs. Shot in 15 different locations around the world, the film is interspersed with footage from the Stone Island factories in Ravarino, Italy, to detail the unique connection between how Stone Island is made, and how it is worn.
“The Compass Inside is a film based on process, craft, art and community. It’s about the people who wear Stone Island every day and the artisans who make the garments, bringing Stone Island’s manifesto to life,” says director Jeremy Elkin.
38th edition of Milano Unica
The 38th edition of Milano Unica dropped the curtains on February 1. The number of international buyers increased remarkably by +26% with 1,903 participating companies. The overall figure was also positive with a total of 5,886 visitors, up 11% compared to the corresponding 2023 edition. 508 exhibitors presented their Spring/Summer 2025 collections, up 7% compared to the February 2023 edition.
The notion of creativity that combines indissolubly with sustainability is essential to Milano Unica’s vision. This has always been the guiding principle for the selection of fabrics and accessories of the MU Tendenze Sostenibilità Area.
Milano Unica’s event dedicated to young talents from fashion schools featured Sabato De Sarno, Creative Director of Gucci. “With extreme naturalness and authenticity, Sabato told his story,” getting very close to the more than 1,000 students in attendance, “speaking with empathy and emotion, conveying the values at the base of every path: passion, dedication determination and courage,” recalled Massimo Mosiello, General Manager of Milano Unica.
The next edition (39) of Milano Unica is taking place on July 9, 10, 11, 2024.
Skechers sneakers take over Rebekka Ruétz’s Runway
Rebekka Ruétz presented sneakers from the Skechers UNO and Court & Classics collections at her fashion show, incorporating unworn sneakers from past shows through upcycling as accessories and highlighting the longstanding collaboration with the Comfort Technology Company Special attention was given to the trademark Skechers UNO sneakers with visible air cushioning, as well as models from the new Court & Classics retro sneaker collection featuring high quality synthetic Dural leather uppers and unbeatable comfort thanks to Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam® insoles.
Rebekka Ruétz expressed her enthusiasm for the longstanding collaboration with Skechers as follows: “I love working with Skechers! Every season, I have the opportunity to unleash my ideas and creations anew, and it’s just incredibly enjoyable. The stylish sneakers and sporty look of Skechers are simply made for my collections.”
The presentation of the looks took place at the Verti Music Hall in Berlin and captivated the audience with muted tones, vibrant outfits and accessories.
Miu Miu and L’Oréal Groupe announce the signing of an exclusive worldwide licence agreement
Prada S.p.A and L’Oréal Groupe announced the signature of a worldwide long-term license agreement for the creation, development, and distribution of the luxury beauty products for the Miu Miu brand. Following the successful collaboration with Prada brand, Miu Miu is now joining the L’Oréal Luxe division for a new beauty chapter. The first fragrances under L’Oréal Groupe are expected to be launched in 2025.
Benedetta Petruzzo, Miu Miu CEO comments: “We are excited to announce this partnership with a distinctive and leading beauty player such as L’Oréal. This new chapter will sustain the brand’s growth and help to further untap Miu Miu’s full potential in the category”. Cyril Chapuy, President of L’Oréal Luxe comments: “Over the past years, we have successfully established a very strong partnership with Prada teams. We are now thrilled to welcome Miu Miu and unleash together its outstanding potential in beauty. With its unique positioning, fueled by limitless creativity and experimentation, Miu Miu will perfectly complement L’Oréal Luxe’s portfolio of iconic brands and reinforce our worldwide leadership in Fragrances.”