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.
The brand has yet to turn a profit after more than a decade in operation, but it was back on a growth trajectory ahead of the pandemic, according to accounts published Thursday.
Its revenue increased 7 percent to £38.3 million ($52.6 million) in 2019, compared with a 16 percent sales decline in 2018. Operating losses for the fashion division also narrowed slightly to £11.9 million, a 5.5 percent improvement on the previous year.
However, the company continued to lose money, pointing to costs related to the launch of its beauty line. The accounts showed a net loss of £16.6 million in 2019, widening from £12.5 million in 2018.
The group, which installed Marie LeBlanc de Reynies as its new CEO in September 2019, said it was finally on a path to profitability before the pandemic hit. But Covid-19 provided an unexpected roadbump in the brand’s turnaround plans.
To help mitigate the economic pressures of the crisis, the company received a £9.2 million cash injection from shareholders — part of which was used to pay off a £6.1 million bank loan in April. In response to the crisis, Victoria Beckham also implemented a hiring freeze, and, in September, the fashion brand restructured to help streamline the business and boost efficiency.
The company said it did not expect Brexit to have a “significant impact” on the group. Meanwhile, its new beauty brand has performed “strongly” this year according to the brand.
Shares jumped 4 percent following a Milan Fashion Week outing which saw Sabato de Sarno hone the brand’s universality and upscale appeal. Critics were left wanting more in ways both good and bad.
BoF founder and editor-in-chief Imran Amed speaks to veteran modelling agent Chris Gay to understand the shifting power dynamics in the modelling industry and how models can build a career that stands the test of time.
The late designer’s archive of nearly 20,000 pieces ranging from Madame Grès and Schiaparelli to Comme des Garçons and Gaultier is like a ‘real-life backup disk of 20th century fashion,’ writes Laurence Benaïm.
The designer’s first outing this Friday will be a major test for the Italian megabrand and owner Kering.