LONDON, United Kingdom — On Friday, a report surfaced claiming that Coach is working with Blackstone on a potential merger with Burberry. While the speculation drove Burberry shares to rise by 4.8 percent in trading, it's an unlikely combination that market analysts have dismissed as a bad idea.

Is the new Style.com working? Condé Nast is investing $100 million in the venture, though many have questioned both its underlying business model and execution, noting the number of major brands missing from the platform. On the other side of the Atlantic, the media's giant's American arm has kicked off a major creative and management shake-up. Time Inc also announced this week that the publishing company will close InStyle's UK print edition and relaunch the title as a digital-first brand.

Meanwhile in Milan, Marni confirmed on Friday that it has appointed Francesco Risso as its new creative director as founder Consuelo Castiglioni steps down after more than 20 years at the helm. The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. has acquired Becca Cosmetics, its first cosmetics brand acquisition in six years. Industry sources suggest the conglomerate paid around $200 million for the business. And, Victoria Beckham announced a collaboration with mass retailer Target next year.

1. Report: Burberry and Coach to Merge?

The Burberry store in London's Knightsbridge | Source: Burberry

Burberry shares rose as much as 4.8 percent after a report suggested that Coach is considering merging with the British megabrand.

2. BoF Exclusive | Marni Names Francesco Risso Creative Director

Francesco Risso | Source: Courtesy

BoF can exclusively reveal that Marni has appointed Francesco Risso as its new creative director, as founder Consuelo Castiglioni steps down.

3. BoF Exclusive | Estée Lauder Buys Becca Cosmetics

Becca Cosmetics | Source: Courtesy

The deal, in the realm of $200 million, is the latest in a string of indie-brand acquisitions made by the beauty conglomerate.

4. Uniqlo Boss: ‘Without a Soul, a Company is Nothing’

Uniqlo founder Tadashi Yanai at the company's global headquarters in the Tokyo Midtown Tower | Photo: Nik van der Giesen for BoF

Tadashi Yanai deciphers the key elements of the corporate 'soul' that enabled him to turn a single men's tailoring store into a global casualwear giant.

5. Is the New Style.com Working?

Inside Style.com’s open-plan offices in the Camden neighbourhood of London | Source: Courtesy

It’s been just over a month since the launch of Condé Nast’s new e-commerce venture. Is it working? BoF’s Vikram Alexei Kansara sits down with Franck Zayan, president of Style.com, to investigate.

6. The Dark Side of Digital Luxury

Source: Shutterstock

Along with tremendous opportunity, digital presents unmistakable strategic threats to luxury brands, argues Luca Solca.

7. Made in Ethiopia: Fashion's Next Sourcing Hub?

The Huajian shoe factory near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Photo: Aida Muluneh

Ethiopian manufacturers are becoming increasingly competitive and ambitious, but can East Africa really provide an affordable sourcing alternative to Asia?

8. BoF Exclusive | Victoria Beckham Partners With Target

Victoria Beckham | Source: Courtesy

The pop star-turned-designer is collaborating with Target on a limited-edition collection, which will include apparel and accessories for women and children.

In Other News...
Creative and Management Shake-up at Condé Nast Gathers Pace
InStyle UK to Close Print Edition Banana Republic to Shutter All Stores in UK After Death of Thai King, Luxury Market Wavers GHD Acquired for $511 Million by Coty