LVMH Prize Names Finalists, Adds Phoebe Philo and Pharrell Williams to Jury
On Sept. 10 the eight designers will present their collections at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris.
Rachid Mohamed Rachid
Luxury Slowdown? Not So Fast
Momentum in China and tourist spend in Europe enabled the sector to continue growing in Q2, while Kering’s surprise acquisition of a 30 percent stake in Valentino suggests there is more consolidation to come, writes Imran Amed.
With Gucci Stalled, Kering Enters Deal for Valentino
The French group has the option to acquire 100 percent of the Italian label within five years. Kering chairman François-Henri Pinault described the deal as a ‘first step’ in a broader partnership with Qatari investment fund Mayhoola.
Walter Albini Relaunch Confirmed
Bidayat, a fund controlled by Rachid Mohamed Rachid, is set to relaunch Italian label Albini after acquiring its IP and archive, BoF can confirm. Rachid declined to comment on unconfirmed media reports that Alessandro Michele is involved.
Company Snapshot
The prolific Egyptian investor who runs the Qatari fund that owns Valentino and Balmain is using his own fund to build an empire of fashion brands across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
The News in Brief
Valentino’s Full-Year Sales Fall 3 Percent
The results help to explain owner Mayhoola’s decision to shake up the brand’s aesthetic direction by hiring former Gucci designer Alessandro Michele.
TikTok’s Crackdown on Ozempic Influencers Threatens Weight-Loss Drug Hype Machine
The social media platform will effectively ban most weight loss-related content from appearing on its app starting next month, according to a sweeping new set of community guidelines published on its website last week.
Vivienne Westwood’s Personal Wardrobe To Be Auctioned
A taffeta ball gown with the span of a light aircraft is one of the more magnificent items to go on sale at Christie’s in June as part of an auction of the personal wardrobe of Dame Vivienne Westwood.
Valentino Chairman Bets Quiet Luxury Is Over After Michele Hire
The fashion industry’s era of so-called quiet luxury is over and affluent consumers will want bold designs again, the chairman of Valentino has predicted.
Marcelo Burlon Steps Down as Creative Director of Namesake Brand
Burlon, a former DJ, stylist and PR, founded the Milan-based label as a T-shirt line in 2012, inspired by ‘90s club culture.
Designer Nancy Gonzalez Sentenced to 18 Months in Exotic Skin Smuggling Case
The Colombian designer, whose bags have been worn by celebrities and featured on shows like Sex and the City, previously pled guilty to illegally importing millions of dollars of crocodile and snakeskin handbags into the US.
The Wealthy are Less Willing to Spend on Sustainable Products
Millennial and Gen-Z respondents were among the most likely to pay a premium for environmental-friendly practices.