Amazon more than triples profit in Q1

Image: Amazon US retail giant Amazon has reported another strong quarter with profit more than tripling in the three months to March 31. The company, which has been profiting throughout the pandemic from consumers’ shift to online shopping, saw its net income soar 224 percent in the first quarter to 8.1 billion dollars. Meanwhile, net sales increased 44 percent to 108.5 billion dollars - the second quarter in a row it’s topped 100 billion dollars. Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos hailed the company’s Prime Video service and its Amazon Web Services (AWS) for the company’s stellar results. “In just 15 years, AWS has become a 54 billion dollar annual sales run rate business competing against the world’s largest technology companies, and its growth is accelerating - up 32 percent year over year,” he said in a release. Bezos, who founded Amazon in 1994 out of his garage in Seattle, announced earlier this year he would be stepping down from the helm of the business but retaining the position of executive chair. Amazon veteran Andy Jassy is to replace him as CEO. Amazon expects strong sales to continue despite stores reopening Looking ahead, the company expects net sales to grow between 24 percent and 30 percent to reach between 110 billion dollars 116.0 billion dollars in Q2. This should be helped by Prime Day which is expected to go ahead in the quarter. Amazon said it expects operating income to be between 4.5 billion dollars and 8 billion dollars, which factors in around 1.5 billion dollars of costs related to Covid-19. But with Amazon’s strong results comes controversy. The company, which has seen sales and profits soar in the past year, has faced mounting criticism over its treatment of workers during the pandemic. Earlier this month, Amazon warehouse workers in Alabama voted against forming the company’s first unionised warehouse by a margin of more than 2-to-1. The vote against the union came as a blow to the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), which organised the effort. RWDSU said it would challenge the result, citing election interference. Amazon rejected the allegatiure
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A dramatic look at Saint Laurent's Fall 2021 collection

Image: Saint Laurent Fall 2021 The dramatic location for Saint Laurent’s Fall 2021 collection was anything but ordinary. Vast, sweeping landscapes devoid of sun and partial to elemental ruptures of water, ice, wind and sand, were the backdrop for YSL creative director Anthony Vacarello’s post-pandemic world. It could easily have been a film set with the cast of Lost, so out of place where these girls in these uninhabitable environs. The surroundings were poignant to current times, of course. If the quintessential YSL girl is forever linked to nocturnal activities in glamorous surroundings, she too has changed. For all the talk of life after Covid-19 heralding a return to dressing up, Vacarello chose not to make party dresses his main theme. In an interview with Condé Nast he said he wanted Saint Laurent to be “more light and playful, but it’s not just about going out to bars and parties. Life can’t just be when it’s bad we are all in black and pajamas and when it’s good we are in slutty dresses.” The answer lies in the hem Dresses were short, to be sure: thigh-skimming bouclés trimmed with faux fur, or metallic leather with full frontal zips, with all accents on the hem. Jackets and cardigans had trimmed sleeves, too, and added subtle layers of protection. These were the real winners, throw them over a pair of jeans, a dress, or the tiniest of shorts, and voilà! They came in rich hues of purple, teal, scarlet and fur (never real) and were exquisitely detailed to make investing in a blazer worthwhile. What stole the show, however, were the accessories. Like Bottega Veneta, also under Kering’s portfolio of luxury maisons, Vacarello has created a successful signature of desirable shoes, bags and jewellery that remain ever covetable. Slingback heels came with toe-capped vernis, an elegant mix of rock and roll with an eighties platitude. The thigh-high boots are as lush as they are louche, the high and low mix Vacarello does so well. Yes, they could be Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, but they are also undeniably Parisian chic, like Charlotte Gainsbourg and Vanessa Paradis, if she weren’t tied to Chanel. Layers of bijoux, chunky necklaces, dropdown earrings and chain belts finished the looks, always a fine line between elegance and kitsch. If anything, this collection is fun and playful, despite the moody and overcast landscapes. “Fashion is something you don’t take too seriously,” Vacarello told Vogue. “Especially now, when nothing is really necessary.” Image: Saint Laurent Fall 2021 Image: Saint Laurent Fall 2021
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Carter's Q1 sales up 20.3 percent, earnings improve

Carter's, Facebook For the first quarter, Carter’s, Inc. net sales increased 132.9 million dollars or 20.3 percent to 787.4 million dollars, reflecting strong growth in all business segments. The company’s U.S. retail, U.S. wholesale and international segments grew 27 percent, 12 percent and 19 percent, respectively. Consolidated net sales in fiscal March increased 59 percent compared to the prior year period. “Our first quarter sales and earnings meaningfully exceeded our expectations, with growth in each of our retail, wholesale, and international business segments,” said Michael D. Casey, the company’s chairman and chief executive officer, adding, “Given our strong start to the year, we have raised our sales and earnings forecasts for 2021.” Highlights of Carter’s Q1 performance The company said, operating income for the quarter increased 206 million dollars to 127.5 million dollars, compared to an operating loss of 78.5 million dollars in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Operating margin improved to 16.2 percent, compared to negative 12 percent in the prior year period. Adjusted operating income increased 154.9 million dollars to 128.5 million dollars, compared to an adjusted operating loss of 26.3 million dollars in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Adjusted operating margin increased to 16.3 percent, compared to negative 4 percent in the prior year period. Net income increased 164.9 million dollars to 86.2 million dollars or 1.96 dollars per diluted share, compared to a net loss of 78.7 million dollars or 1.82 dollars per diluted share, in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Adjusted net income increased 121.7 million dollars to 87 million dollars compared to a net loss of 34.8 million dollars in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Adjusted earnings per diluted share improved to 1.98 dollars compared to an adjusted loss per diluted share of 81 cents in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Carter’s expects FY2021 to increase by 10 percent For fiscal 2021, the company projects net sales will increase approximately 10 percent and adjusted diluted earnings per share will increase approximately 40 percent compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of 4.16 dollars in fiscal 2020. For the second quarter of fiscal 2021, the company projects net sales will increase approximately 35 percent, adjusted operating income will increase approximately 35 percent compared to adjusted operating income of 41.1 million dollars in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 and adjusted diluted earnings per share will increase approximately 25 percent compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of 54 cents in the second quarter of fiscal 2020.
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Columbia Sportswear Company returns to sales growth, raises outlook

Sorel, Facebook First quarter net sales at Columbia Sportswear Company increased 10 percent to 625.6 million dollars from the comparable period in 2020. The company said, business momentum was led by direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce net sales growth as well as better than planned sequential improvement in DTC brick & mortar trends. Commenting on the results, chairman, president and chief executive officer Tim Boyle said in a statement: “Our direct-to-consumer e-commerce business grew 35 percent year-over-year, reaching 20 percent of our total net sales mix. In our wholesale business, we experienced a strong finish to the fall 2020 sales season as well as excellent early season sell-through of our spring 2021 assortment. Based on first quarter results and visibility provided by early spring 2021 sell-through, our fall 2021 order book and business fundamentals, we are increasing our full year financial outlook.” Columbia Sportswear Q1 earnings increase The company added that gross margin for the quarter expanded 360 basis points to 51.4 percent from 47.8 percent for the comparable period in 2020. Operating income was 70.5 million dollars or 11.3 percent of net sales, compared to an operating loss of 2 million dollars or 0.3 percent of net sales, for the comparable period in 2020. Net income was 55.9 million dollars or 84 cents per diluted share, compared to 0.2 million dollars or break even diluted earnings per share, for the comparable period in 2020. Columbia Sportswear raises full year outlook For the full year, the company further said, net sales are expected to increase 21.5 to 23 percent to 3.04 to 3.08 billion dollars from 2.50 billion dollars in 2020. Gross margin is expected to improve 110 to 130 basis points to 50 to 50.2 percent of net sales from 48.9 percent of net sales in 2020. Operating income is expected to be 347 to 369 million dollars, resulting in operating margin of 11.4 to 12 percent compared to operating margin of 5.5 percent in 2020. Net income is expected to be 271 to 288 million dollars, resulting in diluted earnings per share of 4.05 dollars to 4.30 dollars. The company’s board of directors has approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of 26 cents per share, payable on May 27, 2021 to shareholders of record on May 13, 2021.
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LVMH Prize announces 2021 finalists

courtesy of LVMH Prize; Christopher John Rogers, Colm Dillane, Conner Ives, Bianca Saunders, Nensi Dojaka, Vargas American and London-based designers dominate the finalists for this year’s LVMH Prize, taking five of the nine slots, alongside the first Albanian and Colombian designers to reach the final stage of the competition. The 2021 line-up includes menswear and womenswear labels, as well as two genderless lines, from a diverse selection from the UK, America, Columbia, Albania, China, France and South Africa, with three of the designers based in London. The American contingent consisting of Christopher John Rogers, KidSuper designer Colm Dillane, and London-based Conner Ives, are joined by British designer Bianca Saunders and Albanian-born, London-based Nensi Dojaka, as well as Colombian designer Kika Vargas based in Bogota, France’s Charles de Vilmorin, Lukhanyo Mdingi from South Africa and Chinese designer Rui Zhou, behind the genderless Rui label. In a statement, LVMH’s Delphine Arnault said: “The all-digital semi-final this year, in the context of the health crisis, was a new opportunity to showcase the work of the designers. I would like to salute their creativity, optimism and reactivity, and congratulate them all. “This year, 9 designers (including 2 equally ranked semi-finalists) will go on to compete in the final of the LVMH Prize. The finalists come from China, France, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States and, for the first time, from Albania and Colombia. I particularly appreciated their great know-how and their strong environmental awareness.” courtesy of LVMH Prize; Charles de Vilmorin, Lukhanyo Mdingi, Rui Zhou America and London-based designers dominate 2021 LVMH Prize finalists Commenting on being selected as one of the finalists: British designer Bianca Saunders, added in a statement: “I can’t believe I’m in the top nine. As a company that is steadily rising in such tough times, this gives the brand a huge boost. It has been a dream of mine to be recognised by such a prestigious prize. Being in the final stages with other talented designers is just so amazing!” For the first time in the competition’s history, the public were asked to select their favourite designer from the 20 semi-finalists selected from the 1,900 candidates that applied. LVMH revealed that 32,000 people voted but didn’t reveal who the winner of the public vote was. The public vote counted as one member of the 66-person “expert” panel that selected the finalists for the eighth edition. The nine designers will now present their collections to the jury for the final at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in September. The winner will take away a prize of 300,000 euros, while the runner-up Karl Lagerfeld Prize will receive 150,000 euros, with both winning a year of mentorship. In addition, the luxury conglomerate will also reward three fashion school graduates, who either graduated in 2020 or 2021. Applications for this prize closes on May 30. The winners will join one of the group’s houses for one year. The 2020 competition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and instead of one grand winner of the 300,000 euro prize fund, the money was instead “distributed evenly” between the eight finalists - Ahluwalia, Casablanca, Chopova Lowena, Nicholas Daley, Peter Do, Sindiso Khumalo, Tomo Koizymi, and Supriya Lele. Each of the designers also received one year of mentorship. Since its launch, the LVMH Prize has boosted the careers of numerous young designers, who have won the coveted first prize and runner-up prizes, including Thebe Magugu, Masayuki Ino, Grace Wales Bonner, Rokh, Marine Serre, Kozaburo Akasaka, Vejas, Marques’Almeida, Jacquemus, Hood By Air and Miuniku.
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In The Style reports soaring full-year sales following AIM listing

Image: In the Style Manchester-based fashion e-tailer In The Style has reported “strong sales momentum” ahead of expectations for the 12 months to March 31. The womenswear retailer, which debuted on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market last month, said it expects turnover for the year, which is subject to audit, to be no lower than 44.5 million pounds, which would represent a 130 percent increase on the prior year. Sales through the proprietary In The Style app increased by more than 400 percent and represented 55 percent of total sales during the period compared to 19 percent the year before. The company did not disclose its net income for the year. Asda partnership It also announced a new partnership with Asda, which will see In The Style introduce selected ranges to approximately 100 Asda stores across the UK in the first quarter of FY22. Founded in 2013, In The Style has been growing rapidly in recent years and has continued to perform well during the pandemic as lockdowns accelerated the shift of shoppers to online channels. New customers acquired during the year grew 19 percent to 420,000. The company said that in light of its strong trading performance, prior to the year end it returned financial support previously claimed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The group ended the period with 11.9 million pounds in cash. “We have maintained our strong momentum since our successful IPO and delivered a very good performance for the year,” said founder and CEO Adam Frisby in a statement. “Our collaboration model creates a strong customer connection, drives highly efficient customer acquisition marketing metrics, and gives us exposure to a broad range of customers.” The brand, which uses an influencer collaboration model, was valued at 105 million pounds when it floated last month. “We look forward to building on this momentum into FY22 to deliver our growth plans and create further value to all stakeholders,” Frisby said.
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LVMH Prize announces 2021 finalists

courtesy of LVMH Prize; Christopher John Rogers, Colm Dillane, Conner Ives, Bianca Saunders, Nensi Dojaka, Vargas American and London-based designers dominate the finalists for this year’s LVMH Prize, taking five of the nine slots, alongside the first Albanian and Colombian designers to reach the final stage of the competition. The 2021 line-up includes menswear and womenswear labels, as well as two genderless lines, from a diverse selection from the UK, America, Columbia, Albania, China, France and South Africa, with three of the designers based in London. The American contingent consisting of Christopher John Rogers, KidSuper designer Colm Dillane, and London-based Conner Ives, are joined by British designer Bianca Saunders and Albanian-born, London-based Nensi Dojaka, as well as Colombian designer Kika Vargas based in Bogota, France’s Charles de Vilmorin, Lukhanyo Mdingi from South Africa and Chinese designer Rui Zhou, behind the genderless Rui label. In a statement, LVMH’s Delphine Arnault said: “The all-digital semi-final this year, in the context of the health crisis, was a new opportunity to showcase the work of the designers. I would like to salute their creativity, optimism and reactivity, and congratulate them all. “This year, 9 designers (including 2 equally ranked semi-finalists) will go on to compete in the final of the LVMH Prize. The finalists come from China, France, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States and, for the first time, from Albania and Colombia. I particularly appreciated their great know-how and their strong environmental awareness.” courtesy of LVMH Prize; Charles de Vilmorin, Lukhanyo Mdingi, Rui Zhou America and London-based designers dominate 2021 LVMH Prize finalists Commenting on being selected as one of the finalists: British designer Bianca Saunders, added in a statement: “I can’t believe I’m in the top nine. As a company that is steadily rising in such tough times, this gives the brand a huge boost. It has been a dream of mine to be recognised by such a prestigious prize. Being in the final stages with other talented designers is just so amazing!” For the first time in the competition’s history, the public were asked to select their favourite designer from the 20 semi-finalists selected from the 1,900 candidates that applied. LVMH revealed that 32,000 people voted but didn’t reveal who the winner of the public vote was. The public vote counted as one member of the 66-person “expert” panel that selected the finalists for the eighth edition. The nine designers will now present their collections to the jury for the final at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in September. The winner will take away a prize of 300,000 euros, while the runner-up Karl Lagerfeld Prize will receive 150,000 euros, with both winning a year of mentorship. In addition, the luxury conglomerate will also reward three fashion school graduates, who either graduated in 2020 or 2021. Applications for this prize closes on May 30. The winners will join one of the group’s houses for one year. The 2020 competition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and instead of one grand winner of the 300,000 euro prize fund, the money was instead “distributed evenly” between the eight finalists - Ahluwalia, Casablanca, Chopova Lowena, Nicholas Daley, Peter Do, Sindiso Khumalo, Tomo Koizymi, and Supriya Lele. Each of the designers also received one year of mentorship. Since its launch, the LVMH Prize has boosted the careers of numerous young designers, who have won the coveted first prize and runner-up prizes, including Thebe Magugu, Masayuki Ino, Grace Wales Bonner, Rokh, Marine Serre, Kozaburo Akasaka, Vejas, Marques’Almeida, Jacquemus, Hood By Air and Miuniku.
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Fashion designer Alber Elbaz buried in Israel

Alber Elbaz, the renowned fashion designer credited with giving classic tailoring a more playful edge, was buried in Israel on Wednesday following his weekend death in Paris aged 59 after a battle with Covid-19. Hundreds of family members, friends and Israeli fashion industry leaders attended the traditional Jewish funeral in Holon, the city south of Tel Aviv where Elbaz was raised after immigrating as a child from Morocco. In his eulogy, Elbaz's partner Alex Koo referenced the designer's departure from Israel with little money to pursue his career in fashion. Koo, a musician, said Elbaz left Israel "just with a suitcase and full of dreams, hopes, and your raw and intuitive talent." Elbaz, born in Morocco as Albert, had restored the lustre to storied French house Lanvin during his 14 years at the helm of France's oldest couture brand, before his shock ouster in 2015. Hollywood stars including Cate Blanchett and Sienna Miller were devotees, in particular of his svelte black cocktail dresses, and the house flourished financially during his tenure. "More than any other contemporary designer, Alber listened and didn't dictate to women how to dress," Lea Peretz, a senior lecturer of fashion design at Israel's Shenkar College and a long-time Elbaz friend, said in her eulogy. "He didn't try to design us, he didn't try to change us, not to turn us into fantasies, but to the contrary -- to see the complexity and the needs that modernity dictate to a contemporary woman's life," Peretz said. Instantly recognisable with his oversize round glasses and his penchant for bow ties, Elbaz also earned fans with an affable and ebullient demeanour that set him apart in an industry known for prickly personalities. Gal Uchovsky, a film producer and friend, described Elbaz as "an amazing person". "He would always give you this feeling that he's there with you, for you, and it was genuine, it wasn't a show," he said ahead of the ceremony. "(Holon) was where he'd come, fly away from Paris and New York and everywhere to rest," Uchovsky said. After beginning his career with the American designer Geoffrey Beene in New York, Elbaz took over at Guy Laroche in 1996 before joining Yves Saint Laurent in 1998 to design a ready-to-wear collections for the French master. In 2001 he was hired by Lanvin. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed Elbaz as the designer had "made French elegance shine around the world".(AFP)
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Crocs posts strong sales growth, raises outlook

Crocs website Crocs first quarter revenues were 460.1 million dollars, an increase of 63.6 percent from the same period last year, or 60.5 percent on a constant currency basis. The company said, direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenues grew 93.3 percent and wholesale revenues grew 50.1 percent. Gross margin for the quarter of 55 percent increased 730 basis points, while adjusted gross margin of 55.2 percent rose 720 basis points from the same period last year. The company added that diluted earnings per share increased 818.8 percent to 1.47 dollars, while adjusted diluted earnings per share were 1.49 dollars or 577.3 percent above the 22 cents for the same period last year. Commenting on the first quarter trading, Andrew Rees, Crocs chief executive officer, said: “Demand for the Crocs brand is stronger than ever with expected 2021 revenue growth of 40 percent to 50 percent. In the first quarter we achieved record revenues and profitability, with growth in all regions and all channels.” Crocs posts sales growth across geographies The company further said that Americas revenues of 276.4 million dollars increased 87.5 percent on a constant currency basis, Asia Pacific revenues of 82.6 million dollars increased 20.1 percent on a constant currency basis, while EMEA revenues of 101.1 million dollars increased 41 percent on a constant currency basis. With respect to the second quarter of 2021, the company expects revenue growth to be between 60 percent and 70 percent compared to second quarter 2020 revenues of 331.5 million dollars and non-GAAP operating margin to be between 21 percent and 23 percent. For the full year 2021, Crocs expects revenue growth to be between 40 percent and 50 percent compared to 2020 revenues of 1,386 million dollars and non-GAAP operating margin to be between 22 percent and 24 percent.
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Puma records strong sales and profit growth in Q1

Robert Ascroft for Puma Puma sales increased by 25.8 percent currency adjusted to 1,548.8 million euros, or increased 19.2 percent reported, despite Covid-19- related lockdown measures and supply chain constraints due to port congestion especially in North America. The company said, all regions and product divisions supported this sales growth with a currency adjusted double-digit increase. Commenting on the first quarter trading, Bjørn Gulden, chief executive officer of Puma SE said in a release: “Despite the uncertainty about the longevity and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, continued capacity issues and cost increases in global freight and a tense political situation between key regions that could have a negative impact on our industry, we feel confident that 2021 will be a better year than 2020. We believe that we should achieve a full-year sales growth in the mid-teens and that we will achieve a significantly better profitability compared to last year.” Highlights of Puma’s first quarter results The company added that sales in Americas were up 38.5 percent, driven by North America, Asia/Pacific grew 28.8 percent, led by Greater China and EMEA was up 14 percent, despite lockdowns in Europe. The growth was lead by footwear sales growth of 27 percent and apparel sales growth of 27.2 percent, based on strong demand for running and training as well as sportstyle categories. Accessories growth was at 19.4 percent, supported by golf, as well as the leg- and bodywear business. Puma’s wholesale business increased by 24.3 percent to 1,202 million euros, despite lockdown related store closures in several markets and supply chain constraints in North America. The direct to consumer business (DTC), which includes company-owned and operated retail stores as well as e-commerce, increased by 31.3 percent currency adjusted to 346.8 million euros, driven by strong growth in ecommerce of 74.9 percent currency adjusted. Puma reports strong profit growth The gross profit margin in the first quarter improved by 90 basis points to 48.5 percent despite negative currency effects. The company further said that operating result (EBIT) in the first quarter increased to 154.3 million euros due to strong sales growth, higher gross profit margin and continued OPEX control. This resulted in an improved EBIT margin of 10 percent in the first quarter of 2021. Net earnings increased from 36.2 million euros to 109.2 million euros and earnings per share were up from 0.24 euros in the first quarter of 2020 to 0.73 euros in the first quarter of 2021.
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Chanel announces sustainability partnership with the University of Cambridge

courtesy of Chanel; autumn/winter 2021 Luxury French fashion house Chanel has announced a new three-year partnership with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) to focus on sustainability solutions and leadership. The multi-faceted partnership will combine “tailored sustainability education programmes, innovative operational projects, and scholarships focused on driving greater inclusion,” said Chanel in a statement. Chanel is hoping that by teaming up the University of Cambridge it can help accelerate sustainable innovation with regards to products and process by drawing on expertise from across the university. This will include working with the Institute of Manufacturing, the Cambridge Judge Business School and its climate change initiative, Cambridge Zero to “advance practical sustainability solutions to specific business and societal challenges including how to reduce and avoid carbon emissions and address biodiversity loss”. Chanel teams up with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership The partnership will initially focus on three main streams - building an education and sustainability leadership programme, developing innovative operational projects and supporting students through sponsorships. The CISL will help Chanel structure a “customised educational programme” for its management and key operational teams to help “raise awareness and deepen knowledge on diverse topics ranging from biodiversity and climate change to the use of materials and resources,” added Chanel. This will be alongside a series of three innovation “sprints” each lasting up to 18-months. Each sprint will frame key questions and bring together insights and expertise from across the university to accelerate innovation within Chanel. These will initially be related to specific products and processes in fashion along with its wider business. CISL will also bring together a “pool of experts” to help accelerate innovative ideas and to prototype solutions for direct application within Chanel. Chanel to sponsor “under-represented” students The final stream of work will be to support what Chanel calls “tomorrow’s leaders,” with the French fashion house looking to sponsor individuals from under-represented backgrounds to join CISL’s Masters in Sustainability Leadership programme over the next three years, providing what is being billed as the largest support of an MA program by a single company. Chanel will also work with students from across the university “to help them apply smart ideas to real-world problems and advance Chanel’s sustainable transformation strategy”. Andrea d’Avack, chief sustainability officer at Chanel, said in a statement: “Sustainability is one of the critical challenges facing our society today and a key strategic priority for Chanel. We are delighted to partner with one of the world’s most prestigious universities and academic institutes. “This new partnership reflects key pillars of our business transformation: from research and insights that deepen our understanding to finding tangible solutions that positively impact our supply chain and wider communities. This is underpinned by educational initiatives that will help to embed a sustainability mindset to accelerate change.” Clare Shine, director and chief executive officer, CISL, added: “This is a really important partnership with Chanel that can generate long-term benefits at global scale. Many of the solutions required for truly sustainable economies and societies do not yet exist, are not commercially viable or are not yet fully scalable. “We believe that this bold research-backed initiative will help Chanel in its ongoing efforts to shape the future of luxury, inform leadership and best practices, and inspire responsible businesses around the world.”
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Mango launches first post-mastectomy collection

courtesy of Mango Spanish retailer Mango has introduced a new collection of bras, underwear and swimwear garments for women who have undergone a breast mastectomy. The post-mastectomy collection is in response to a challenge from the non-profit organisation, Teta and Teta to create a version of Lola, the first single-cup bra, explained Mango, and the retail group will donate all profits from the sales to the charity. The Lola bra has a single cup and the Mango design team has complemented the offering with alternative formats for breast implants and by increasing product diversity with single cup swimwear as well as underwear garments. The capsule collection is made up of three bras, two swimsuits and a bikini, and include adaptable designs for women who have undergone a mastectomy, as well as for women with a breast implant or prosthesis. The designs, which were made in Spain, will be available worldwide on Mango.com in a wide range of sizes, from S to XXXL. Prices range from 12.99 to 49.99 pounds. Justi Ruano, design director at Mango, said in a statement: “Our community, our customers, are our priority. Listening to them, offering solutions and adapting to their needs.”
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Mango launches first post-mastectomy collection

courtesy of Mango Spanish retailer Mango has introduced a new collection of bras, underwear and swimwear garments for women who have undergone a breast mastectomy. The post-mastectomy collection is in response to a challenge from the non-profit organisation, Teta and Teta to create a version of Lola, the first single-cup bra, explained Mango, and the retail group will donate all profits from the sales to the charity. The Lola bra has a single cup and the Mango design team has complemented the offering with alternative formats for breast implants and by increasing product diversity with single cup swimwear as well as underwear garments. The capsule collection is made up of three bras, two swimsuits and a bikini, and include adaptable designs for women who have undergone a mastectomy, as well as for women with a breast implant or prosthesis. The designs, which were made in Spain, will be available worldwide on Mango.com in a wide range of sizes, from S to XXXL. Prices range from 12.99 to 49.99 pounds. Justi Ruano, design director at Mango, said in a statement: “Our community, our customers, are our priority. Listening to them, offering solutions and adapting to their needs.”
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Sequential sells Heelys brand to BBC International

Image: Heelys, Facebook Sequential Brands Group, Inc. has closed on the sale of its Heelys brand to BBC International for 11 million dollars in cash proceeds. The company said that the majority of the net proceeds from the sale will be used to pay down debt. “The divestiture of the Heelys brand was an outcome of the board’s exploration of strategic alternatives, a process that is still underway,” said William Sweedler, executive chairman of Sequential in a release. “The Heelys brand was originally acquired in 2013 for a net purchase price of approximately 5.5 million dollars. BBC International has been the core licensee of Heelys since 2013. We believe the brand is in great hands under BBC’s leadership going forward,” Sweedler added. Founded in 2000, the company added, Heelys are patented products that feature a removable wheel located in the heel, transforming the shoes into stealth skates and giving users the freedom to seamlessly transition from walking or running to skating by shifting their weight to their heel.
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Sam Fender designs clothing collection with Barbour International

courtesy of Barbour International North East singer, songwriter and musician, Sam Fender has designed his first clothing collection for motorcycle-inspired heritage clothing brand, Barbour International which will be available exclusively through Scotts Menswear this April. The collection features jackets, overshirts, T-shirts, trousers, shorts and hats, inspired by Fender’s style, in the singer’s favourite colours - ecru, pink, port and navy, explain Barbour International in a press release. Key looks include a pullover jacket with a hood and stud fastening pockets, a robust overshirt and a comfy pullover. These sit alongside graphic T-shirts, trousers and shorts designed for warmer summer days. There are also two different styles of hat, a cap and a bucket hat. courtesy of Barbour International Commenting on his debut fashion collection, Sam Fender said in a statement: “I’m buzzing to see my first clothing collection in partnership with Barbour International and Scott’s hitting the stores. “It’s been amazing to work with the Barbour International design team and nice to include a tee with a bespoke illustration in the collection, that links back to my North East roots and album designs.” The Sam Fender for Barbour International will be available from Scotts Menswear, an independent retailer that sells premium menswear from brands such as Fred Perry, Adidas Originals, Pretty Green, and Aquascutum. courtesy of Barbour International courtesy of Barbour International
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Oliver Bonas teams up with Re-Fashion

courtesy of Oliver Bonas Fashion and lifestyle retailer Oliver Bonas is teaming up with second-hand clothes specialist, Re-Fashion, to help reduce clothes waste. The partnership will allow Oliver Bonas customers to recycle their unwanted clothes and raise funds for charity by adding a free Re-Fashion bag to their online order. All they have to do then is fill the bag with “good quality, pre-loved high street fashion” and return to Re-Fashion for free via Collect+. “At Oliver Bonas, we are committed to being kind in everything we do. From how we treat each other to how we look after the environment,” explained the brand in a statement. “Re-Fashion offers a way for our customers to raise money for good causes and recycle their clothes - a double win.” Re-Fashion’s mission is to make fashion more sustainable for good, reducing fashion’s impact on the environment by reselling and repurposing unwanted clothes to raise money for sustainable and charitable causes. To date, Re-Fashion has helped to raise more than 30,000 pounds for its charitable partners. Currently, Re-Fashion donations are going directly to The Rieves Foundation, which helps support sustainable initiatives, volunteering and educational projects.
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Alber Elbaz dies from Covid-19

Image Credit: AZ Factory Breaking News Alber Elbaz, the designer best known for his feminine, whimsical collections at Lanvin, has suddenly died. Industry sources say Elbaz was ill with Covid-19 for three weeks. Elbaz had only recently launched AZ Factory, backed by Swiss-based luxury group Richemont. “We are devastated – Alber passed away from Covid after being in hospital for three weeks – so tragic,” Johann Rupert, Chairman of Richemont, told journalist Suzy Menkes. “I have lost not only a colleague but a beloved friend.” In a statement Rupert said: “Alber had a richly deserved reputation as one of the industry’s brightest and most beloved figures. I was always taken by his intelligence, sensitivity, generosity and unbridled creativity. He was a man of exceptional warmth and talent, and his singular vision, sense of beauty and empathy leave an indelible impression.” “It was a great privilege watching Alber in his last endeavor as he worked to realize his dream of ‘smart fashion that cares.’ His inclusive vision of fashion made women feel beautiful and comfortable by blending traditional craftsmanship with technology – highly innovative projects which sought to redefine the industry,” he added. Elbaz was born in Casablanca and studied fashion in Israel. He previously held positions at Geoffrey Beene and Yves Saint Lauren before revamping the house of Lanvin. When Elbaz fell out with Lanvin’s Taiwanese owner Shaw-Lan Wang in 2015, an acrimonious split was inevitable. In an interview with Vogue the following year Elbaz said he spent months crying and walking the streets of Paris. A new project that launched into a bonafide label, backed by Richemont, reignited Elbaz’s fire: “We need to make the system work for us and not be slaves to it,” Elbaz said at a Conde Nast luxury conference. “Ideas start with intuition and fears, which is the essence of creation.” At AZ Factory, Elbaz set for a mission to produce smart fashion that cares. “We design beautiful, practical, and solutions-driven fashion that works for everyone. Our products are here to solve problems and create joy.”
http://dlvr.it/RyR9tc

Alber Elbaz dies from Covid-19

Image Credit: AZ Factory Breaking News Alber Elbaz, the designer best known for his feminine, whimsical collections at Lanvin, has suddenly died. Industry sources say Elbaz was ill with Covid-19 for three weeks. Elbaz had only recently launched AZ Factory, backed by Swiss-based luxury group Richemont. “We are devastated – Alber passed away from Covid after being in hospital for three weeks – so tragic,” Johann Rupert, Chairman of Richemont, told journalist Suzy Menkes. “I have lost not only a colleague but a beloved friend.” In a statement Rupert said: “Alber had a richly deserved reputation as one of the industry’s brightest and most beloved figures. I was always taken by his intelligence, sensitivity, generosity and unbridled creativity. He was a man of exceptional warmth and talent, and his singular vision, sense of beauty and empathy leave an indelible impression.” “It was a great privilege watching Alber in his last endeavor as he worked to realize his dream of ‘smart fashion that cares.’ His inclusive vision of fashion made women feel beautiful and comfortable by blending traditional craftsmanship with technology – highly innovative projects which sought to redefine the industry,” he added. Elbaz was born in Casablanca and studied fashion in Israel. He previously held positions at Geoffrey Beene and Yves Saint Lauren before revamping the house of Lanvin. When Elbaz fell out with Lanvin’s Taiwanese owner Shaw-Lan Wang in 2015, an acrimonious split was inevitable. In an interview with Vogue the following year Elbaz said he spent months crying and walking the streets of Paris. A new project that launched into a bonafide label, backed by Richemont, reignited Elbaz’s fire: “We need to make the system work for us and not be slaves to it,” Elbaz said at a Conde Nast luxury conference. “Ideas start with intuition and fears, which is the essence of creation.” At AZ Factory, Elbaz set for a mission to produce smart fashion that cares. “We design beautiful, practical, and solutions-driven fashion that works for everyone. Our products are here to solve problems and create joy.”
http://dlvr.it/RyQtdx