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 — This week, the next round of men's shows kicked off in London… But with major anchor brands like Burberry moving to mixed-gender shows, will standalone men's fashion weeks survive? London Collections: Men still boasts undeniable talents like JW Anderson, the cover star of BoF's latest print issue, and Craig Green, who, this week, spoke to Tim Blanks about turning his creative vision into 'product that people want to buy.' And while there's little doubt about the death of #menswear, the market for men's fashion is projected to reach nearly $33 billion in 2020, up 14 percent from $29 billion in 2015, a bright spot amid slowing growth and rising uncertainty across the wider luxury goods market.
Meanwhile, Burberry's woes continue. This week, the company dealt chief executive and chief creative officer Christopher Bailey a 75 percent pay cut and announced that COO John Smith will step down next year. Ralph Lauren is also struggling and plans to cut jobs, close stores and reduce real estate as part of a sweeping plan to lower costs and revive sales growth.
Elsewhere, Mr. Calvin Klein has basically confirmed what many industry insiders have long known: Raf Simons will join Calvin Klein. In other appointments, Christophe Lemaire has joined Uniqlo as artistic director of a newly established Paris R&D Centre and a new line, called Uniqlo U. "The best of the most at the least" is how Lemaire described the concept.
Catch up on these stories and more with BoF’s Week in Review.
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1. BoF Exclusive | Christophe Lemaire Joins Uniqlo
Christophe Lemaire and the Uniqlo U team | Source: Courtesy
Christophe Lemaire talks exclusively to Tim Blanks about joining the Japanese brand as artistic director of a new Paris-based R&D centre and the new 'Uniqlo U' line.
2. Can Craig Green Build a Real Business?
Craig Green | Source: Courtesy
On the eve of London Collections: Men, the designer talks exclusively to Tim Blanks about turning his undeniable creative vision into 'product that people want to buy.'
3. Are Mixed Gender Shows the End of Men's Fashion Weeks?
Burberry's Spring/Summer 2016 menswear show | Source: Burberry
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As more brands combine their men’s and women’s shows, what is the future of standalone men’s fashion weeks?
4. #Menswear is Dead. What's Next?
Attendees at Pitti Uomo | Source: Pitti Uomo
The meme-driven movement may have peaked, but it helped to birth the style-savvy male consumer on which the fashion industry is betting big as overall luxury growth slows.
H&M menswear | Source: HM
China’s growing appetite for casual menswear is boosting sportswear and basics brands, while further complicating things for luxury labels.
6. Is Branded Content Buoying Fashion Publishers?
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Gucci's Pre-Fall video campaign | Source: Courtesy
Fashion publishers are pushing sponsored content to make up for declining traditional print advertising revenues. Is it working?
In the News...
[ Ralph Lauren Hires Coach CFO as It Shakes Up Management RanksOpens in new window ]
[ Gucci Targets €6 Billion in Revenue, as Turnaround Gathers PaceOpens in new window ]
[ Burberry CEO Gets 75 Percent Pay Cut Amid Struggle for GrowthOpens in new window ]
[ Under Armour Plans $500 Million Bond DebutOpens in new window ]
[ Lululemon Sales Beat Estimates as New Products Draw CustomersOpens in new window ]
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.