The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
LONDON, United Kingdom — The explosion of online excitement following Alexander Wang's surprise announcement that he would be the next designer to create a collection with H&M is a testament to the power of the brand he has been building over the past few years. Rarely have we seen a straightforward news article on BoF generate as much interest on social media as the one we published with blurry eyes on a Sunday morning in London, waking up to the news which had broken overnight via Instagram and at Coachella. As of now, the article has been shared 6,421 times on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, reaching a potential audience of millions.
That being said, it was a slightly unexpected move from both Mr Wang and H&M, which has typically partnered with brands positioned much higher in the luxury fashion echelon. And as Vanessa Friedman pointed out, Wang already has a more accessible version of his brand, T by Alexander Wang.
While many of the commenters on BoF proclaimed their excitement because the collection would enable them to buy into Wang's signature off-duty model aesthetic, others seemed to think that H&M has run out of steam with these kinds of collaborations, bringing to mind an Op-Ed piece by Eugene Rabkin, published last year, "Making the Case Against Fashion Collaborations." Either way, the announcement was a major milestone for Alexander Wang, whose rise up the ranks of fashion continues to grow unabated.
We are signing off for Easter Weekend and will be back with more analysis and insight from the front lines of fashion on Monday. In the meantime, happy Easter!
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A New Brazilianness Amidst Post-Boom Economy
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As Industry Craves Authenticity, Aboriginal Fashion Week Takes Flight
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And don't forget, check out BoF Weekly, a week in review published with Flipboard and updated every Saturday.
Imran Amed
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
From analysis of the global fashion and beauty industries to career and personal advice, BoF’s founder and CEO, Imran Amed, will be answering your questions on Sunday, February 18, 2024 during London Fashion Week.
The State of Fashion 2024 breaks down the 10 themes that will define the industry in the year ahead.
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After three days of inspiring talks, guests closed out BoF’s gathering for big thinkers with a black tie gala followed by an intimate performance from Rita Ora — guest starring Billy Porter.