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 — London Fashion Week — the first since the UK's 'Brexit' vote — kicked off with a message of solidarity from British Prime Minister Theresa May and industry figures like Natalie Massenet and Christopher Bailey. "London fashion and the creative industries have endured, indeed, prospered even, in difficult times," May said.
Optimism was hard to come by elsewhere in the luxury industry, however. Richemont said its first-half operating profit would decline by about 45 percent, while Hermès back away from its annual sales growth target.
Meanwhile, America's leading luxury department stores — including Saks, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman and newcomers Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom — are betting big on New York City. But is there there space for everyone?
Elsewhere in New York, Rachel Shechtman, founder and CEO of Story, shares her lessons for delivering "experience per square foot." And Susanna Lau, aka Susie Bubble, breaks down New York's rogue fashion underground. Catch up on all the New York shows, including reviews from Tim Blanks and the NYFW debut of streetwear wunderkind Ronnie Fieg's Kith.
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1. As Brexit Looms, Prime Minister Theresa May Looks to the Future of British Fashion
Prime Minister Theresa May with apprentices and scholarship winners; from L-R: Callum Brooke (Burberry Apprentice), Emma Sheldon (RA Smart Holdings), Mark Glasgow (Graduate Traineeship Winner), Hannah Porter (Graduate Traineeship Winner), Prime Minister Theresa May, Nabil El-Nayal (MA Scholarship Winner), Serena Gili (MA Scholarship Winner), Tom Chapman (Private White V.C Apprentice), Sam Lavelle (John Smedley Apprentice) | Source: Courtesy
In her address to the British fashion industry last night, Prime Minister Theresa May never directly addressed Brexit. Here, leading figures share their thoughts on the UK's looming split from the EU.
2. Department Stores Battle for Manhattan
Manhattan | Source: Shutterstock
America’s luxury department stores are betting big on the buoyancy of the New York market. But is there space for everyone?
3. Could Altuzarra Become the Next Great American Brand?
Joseph Altuzarra at his shop-in-shop in Saks Fifth Avenue's New York City flagship. | Photo: Richie Talboy for BoF
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Designer Joseph Altuzarra has gone from being a buzzy newcomer to a major contender. How far can his label go?
4. 7 Lessons For Retail in the Age of E-Commerce
Inside Story, Rachel Shechtman's New York concept store | Source: Courtesy
Rachel Shechtman, the founder and chief executive of the Manhattan-based concept store Story, shares seven key lessons for ensuring success in brick-and-mortar retail.
5. With Kithland, Ronnie Fieg Presents His Ultimate Collaboration
Last night Ronnie Fieg made his official New York Fashion Week debut | Source: Courtesy
Streetwear wunderkind and Kith founder Ronnie Fieg made his official New York Fashion Week debut with Kithland, a sprawling multi-faceted 'experience' that coincided with the launch of a new space at luxury retailer Bergdorf Goodman.
6. Dolce & Gabbana's Local Retail Revolution
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Dolce & Gabbana's Toyko Store | Source: Courtesy of Gwenaël Nicolas
Domenico Dolce speaks exclusively to BoF about his brand's global retail overhaul, starting with a new experience space in Milan.
7. Will China Burst the K-Pop Bubble?
G-Dragon | Source: Courtesy
As tensions between the two countries soar, China is cracking down on the influx of K-pop culture. What could that mean for the global fashion industry?
8. The Potential of Pilgrim Retail
Pilgrims in Mecca during Hajj | Source: Flickr/Omar Chatriwala
New retail developments in Jeddah and Mecca are evidence of the opportunity presented by increasing numbers of pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.
In Other News:
Richemont, Hermès Slump as Gloom Deepens in Luxury Industry
Luxury Makers' Dubious Dividends Make Them Target for Shorts
With Shoppable Runway Shows, Fashion Brands Court Millennials
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.