Luxury
How rapid change is reshaping the tradition-soaked luxury sector in Europe and beyond.
Highlights

How Saint Laurent Became a $3 Billion Powerhouse

CEO Francesca Bellettini breaks down how she worked with designer Anthony Vaccarello to more than double sales in 5 years, leaning into an amped-up take on Parisian glamour, seasonless merchandising and rapid expansion in leather goods.

The Plan for Off-White After Virgil Abloh

Executives at New Guards Group and LVMH reveal exclusively to BoF the ‘endless’ pipeline the designer left behind and their plans to harness his legacy to build a multi-billion-dollar brand.

Miuccia, Raf and the Future of Prada

Inside fashion’s most idiosyncratic, influential duo and the challenge of balancing creative complexity with a big brand’s need for clarity.

Case Studies & Reports

Case Study

Inside the $7 Billion Dior Phenomenon | Download the Case Study

Case Study

Inside Farfetch’s Bid to Dominate Luxury E-Commerce — Download the Case Study

Case Study

Can Selfridges Future-Proof the Department Store? Download the Case Study

Latest News & Analysis

Los Angeles, the Fifth Fashion City?

Celine is the latest brand to show a collection there, further cementing Southern California’s status as a regular stop on luxury’s global circuit. That, plus what else to watch for this week.

Balenciaga’s Breakdown: What Went Wrong and What Comes Next

Late Friday, the brand issued further apologies and abandoned its plan to sue a production company amid continued outrage in response to its recent holiday campaign.

Ludovic de Saint Sernin to Design Ann Demeulemeester

The brand is targeting a turnaround under owner Claudio Antonioli, who acquired the label in 2020.

Fear of God to Open Next Chapter with Large-Scale Fashion Show for Fans

The move is part of a growth push that includes its first flagship and expansion into women’s footwear and accessories, founder Jerry Lorenzo said at BoF VOICES.

Kim Kardashian ‘Re-Evaluating’ Balenciaga Deal After Bondage Ad Crisis

The brand later said it was “closely revising its organisation” as it continues to face widespread backlash over a campaign featuring children modelling BDSM-inspired products.

What’s Next for Lanvin Group?

The Shanghai-based company has been busily seeking a turnaround at its portfolio of brands including Lanvin, Wolford, and Sergio Rossi ahead of a planned New York IPO. Amid market turmoil, can the group still achieve a bumper exit?

Why Gucci Wanted a Change — And What’s Next

The market is still digesting Gucci’s move to part ways with Alessandro Michele. A slowdown at Kering’s flagship brand was complicating the company’s wider ambitions, but change comes with risk as well as potential reward.

Why Alessandro Michele Is Exiting Gucci

From 2015 to 2019, the designer’s trendsetting maximalist vision powered the modern luxury sector’s most successful turnaround ever. But more recently Kering’s flagship brand has struggled to keep up momentum.

Gucci Needs Creative Change, Says New Consensus

With Kering’s flagship brand struggling to keep up momentum, analysts and investors rallied around a report saying creative director Alessandro Michele is set to leave the company.

Report: Alessandro Michele Set to Exit Gucci

Shares in owner Kering rose after WWD reported, citing unnamed sources, that a creative shakeup was imminent at the Italian luxury brand.

Balenciaga Apologises After Accusations It Sexualised Children in Ads

The label has deleted photos that featured children holding teddy bears that were clad in what appeared to be bondage gear after the images generated outrage on social media.

Has the Luxury Watch Market Peaked?

An uncertain economy and freefalling resale prices have created a sense of unease in the category, but watch dealers and experts say the best is still ahead.

THE NEWS IN BRIEF

Woolmark Prize Names 2023 Finalists

The Australian-based fashion prize for young talent picked A. Roege Hove, Bluemarble, Lagos Space Programme, Marco Rambaldi, Maxxij, Paolina Russo, Rhude and Robyn Lynch as finalists for its 2023 award.