The Great Creative Reshuffle
The appointment of Pieter Mulier at Versace, coinciding with Véronique Nichanian's departure from Hermès, indicates a massive changing of the guard in European luxury. Brands are aggressively repositioning their creative directions to combat the 'luxury slowdown' cited in today's NYFW reports. Simultaneously, the operational side is tightening, with Ralph Lauren protecting margins and brands like Rhone leveraging resale tech to unlock value from returns.
The Ledger
This is where the deals are brokered and the visions are set. The Ledger dives into the high-stakes business of commerce, from quarterly earnings and M&A activity to the executive maneuvers shaping the world’s biggest brands. We go beyond the ticker symbol to explain how corporate decisions dictate global trends.
Versace Appoints Pieter Mulier as Creative Director
In a major industry shakeup, Prada-owned Versace has appointed Pieter Mulier, formerly of Alaïa, as its new creative director. This move signals a significant strategic pivot for the Italian house following its recent acquisition.
Ralph Lauren Beats Sales Estimates, Cautions on Margins
Ralph Lauren reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter sales, demonstrating brand strength. However, investor enthusiasm was tempered by the company's caution regarding profit margins moving forward.
Activewear Giant Faces EEOC Subpoena Escalation
Legal tensions rise in the activewear sector as a major player calls the EEOC's recent attempt to enforce an administrative subpoena a 'surprising and unusual escalation' regarding employment practices.
The Street
Where brand meets culture. The Street is our pulse on the consumer, tracking the drops, the subcultures, and the social shifts that turn products into icons. It’s about the "why" behind the want, focusing on how retail lives in our daily lives, from flagship pop-ups to the grassroots movements disrupting the status quo.
NYFW Spotlights American Brands Bucking Luxury Slowdown
As New York Fashion Week begins, the spotlight is on American labels that have managed to thrive despite a broader global slowdown in luxury spending, offering a counter-narrative to European market struggles.
Hermès Menswear Era Ends as Nichanian Bows Out
Following a 37-year tenure, designer Véronique Nichanian has presented her final menswear show for Hermès, marking the end of a defining era for the luxury house's male aesthetic.
The Lab
The future of retail is being built here. The Lab explores the technical backbone of commerce, from AI-driven logistics and sustainable material science to the evolution of the digital storefront. We deconstruct the innovations—both hardware and software—that are redefining the boundary between the brand and the buyer.
ReRhone Debuts Resale Tech Powered by Archive
Rhone has launched 'ReRhone,' a branded resale platform powered by tech provider Archive, utilizing inventory sourced directly from customer returns to close the circularity loop.
Mastering Agentic AI in Retail
The industry is moving beyond basic generative AI toward 'Agentic AI,' with experts discussing how autonomous agents can optimize retail operations and decision-making processes.