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 — As an established global luxury group with over 100 years of history, Zegna is proof that forward-thinking adaptability does not have to come at the cost of brand legacy and heritage. Earlier this year, in a move that stunned many in the industry, the Italian company bought an 85 percent stake in Thom Browne in a deal valuing the American fashion label at approximately $500 million.
The acquisition of the designer brand was a bid to prepare the privately owned family business for generations to come, said chief executive Gildo Zegna. But rather than simply being a token move to revamp the group's image for a younger demographic, the executive viewed Thom Browne as "complementary" to the Zegna brand, "a different ball game in terms of statement," that will help the traditional brand take on new opportunities Zegna sees in accessories, personalisation and casualwear.
A self-proclaimed “competition freak,” Zegna knows the value of balancing a watchful eye over “who your competition is and how it moves” with the integrity of customer loyalty and a verticalised supply chain.
In our latest episode of Inside Fashion, Zegna discusses the deeper rationale behind his bold investment, the importance of adapting to key trends and the “millennial mindset,” as well as the influential role of China’s fashion market since Zegna opened the country’s first luxury store in 1991.
ADVERTISEMENT
To learn more, tune in.
To subscribe to the BoF Podcast please follow this link.
Subscribe to BoF Professional for unlimited access to BoF articles, plus exclusive benefits for members.
To contact The Business of Fashion with comments, questions, or speaker ideas please e-mail podcast@businessoffashion.com.
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.
Imran Amed reviews the most important fashion stories of the year and shares his predictions on what this means for the industry in 2024.
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.