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 American Olympic gymnast is departing the sportswear giant after forming a new partnership with women’s activewear brand Athleta. The Wall Street Journal first reported the news.
Biles was attracted to Athleta for its values and the platform it will provide her, she told WSJ in an interview. As part of the partnership with Athleta, Biles will get her own performance wear line. Her work with the brand will focus on Athleta Girl, its line for children and teens.
“Simone believes in championing the next generation of female athletes as much as we do,” said Mary Beth Laughton, president and chief executive officer of Athleta in a statement. “We are confident this partnership will continue to build community with our customers and enrich our brand.”
It’s a major win for the Gap Inc-owned brand, and not the first time its signed a former Nike athlete. In 2019 it entered a partnership with sprinting champion Allyson Felix, who had criticised Nike for failing to support pregnant athletes. The news also comes days after Nike confirmed its partnership with Kobe Bryant’s estate had ended.
A Nike spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BoF, but told WSJ that the brand wishes Biles the best and will continue to champion and support female athletes.
Nordstrom, Tod’s and L’Occitane are all pushing for privatisation. Ultimately, their fate will not be determined by whether they are under the scrutiny of public investors.
The company is in talks with potential investors after filing for insolvency in Europe and closing its US stores. Insiders say efforts to restore the brand to its 1980s heyday clashed with its owners’ desire to quickly juice sales in order to attract a buyer.
The humble trainer, once the reserve of football fans, Britpop kids and the odd skateboarder, has become as ubiquitous as battered Converse All Stars in the 00s indie sleaze years.
Manhattanites had little love for the $25 billion megaproject when it opened five years ago (the pandemic lockdowns didn't help, either). But a constantly shifting mix of stores, restaurants and experiences is now drawing large numbers of both locals and tourists.