Ermenegildo Zegna Group sees strong Americas growth but a China dip. Tariffs are being addressed with possible price adjustments. DTC sales rise, offsetting wholesale declines. Focus remains on brand strength and customer connection.
LVMH faces a luxury market slowdown and potential US tariffs. Q1 2025 sales miss expectations. Focus on managing expenses and adapting to economic uncertainty. Strong performance in fashion & leather goods.
“When we consider the luxury and fashion markets outside of the US, it’s worth noting that protectionism was already on the rise, and it’s only likely to increase in the short to medium term on the back of the new trade deals and tariffs,” says Roberts, referring to limiting imports in order to boost domestic industries.
“It’s not just about creating new designs — it’s about breaking down the traditional boundaries of size and fabric usage.” Lantink expressed similar thoughts: “It’s about reimagining what’s possible within fashion’s existing structures — breaking down and reconstructing pieces in ways that create new value from what already exists.” At Luar, Lopez defined it as “pushing boundaries by blending cultural references, streetwear and luxury, while challenging traditional fashion norms”.
Those on the fashion radar include Rice, who recently wore a double-breasted Prada suit to the London Football Awards; Bukayo Saka, a regular attendee of Burberry shows and star of the Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance campaign; Leah Williamson, who is a Gucci ambassador; and Lotte Wubben-Moy, profiled in the current issue of The Gentlewoman.
Asos purchased Topshop in February 2021 when there was strong growth in online retail and a shift towards more casual categories, which prompted lower returns rates and a spike in profits, says Deutsche Bank’s Cochrane.
Last November, Thom Browne hosted his first CFDA Awards as chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America at the American Museum of Natural History.
The programme was set up in 2019 by Anna Cofone, a hairstylist who has worked with the likes of Dua Lipa and Lana del Rey, and who grew up with a blind father.
Marks & Spencer’s expansion plans never materialised, but Costelloe ended up working for Italian high-end department store La Rinascente for two years.
Guizio is launching a limited-edition sneaker with Puma, exclusively available at her New York store, and is hosting a pop-up activation for viral beauty brand Laneige (which is also supplying gift bags for the opening).
BMW has invested in Natural Fiber Welding, which has partnered with brands including Ralph Lauren and was a recipient of funding provided by a Stella McCartney-backed initiative, and said in 2021 that the startup’s bio-based leather alternative Mirum met its criteria for durability, cost, scalability and environmental impact.
“For SS25, the groundwork for eschewing cores and micro-trends to favour everyday essentials was already laid at Copenhagen, with longline trench coats, classic blue jeans, crisp shirting and simple T-shirts among the no-fuss products on offer by designers including Mark Kenly Domino Tan and Aiayu,” says Marci.
