Online shoppers prefer content from peers over influencers

Image: Influencer via Pexels A new survey suggests 65 percent of consumers have purchased apparel or fashion items because of user-generated images or videos from real customers, instead of influencers. The majority (79 percent) of online shoppers reveal that user-generated content (UGC) highly impacts their purchasing decisions according to new research from Stackla, an visual content marketing platform. The findings also show only 9 percent say the same for content produced by influencers. 53 percent have purchased a beauty, health or wellness product based on user-generated images or videos on social media. For 72 percent of consumers, photos and videos from real customers is the content they most want to see on e-commerce sites when making purchasing decisions. Stackla’s report, Post-Pandemic Shifts in Consumer Shopping Habits: Authenticity, Personalisation and the Power of UGC, is based on a survey of 2,042 consumers across the US, UK and Australia. 66 percent of those questioned admit to having been inspired to purchase from a new brand after seeing social media images of that brand from other consumers. And 56 percent say they’re more influenced by images and videos from social media when online shopping now than they were pre-pandemic. Post-pandemic consumers demand authenticity from brands. The overwhelming majority (88 percent) of the survey respondents say authenticity – described as relating to firms being genuine and real – is an important factor in deciding which brands they like and support. And 83 percent believe retailers need to provide more authentic shopping experiences to customers like them. Only 10 percent say influencer content resonates as authentic and 19 percent say that brand-created content is the most authentic. More time spent on social media The pandemic saw a rise of social media posts and usage, with research suggesting that many consumers are now open to the idea of creating and seeing their own user-generated content being shared by brands on social platforms. 58 percent would grant a brand permission to use an image or video they had posted of clothing or accessories to use in their marketing. “All generations of shoppers are telling brands they’re more likely to purchase products if they see authentic customer content on websites,” said Damien Mahoney, CEO and Co-founder at Stackla. “The survey results tell us online shoppers are influenced by and expect to see visual content from real customers more than ever before.” “As more consumers make the shift to online shopping, they’re increasingly seeking authentic and personalized experiences to help them make purchasing decisions,” Mahoney said. “Luckily, today’s consumers are creating and willing to share with brands the exact content they want to see throughout their eCommerce experiences. The brands who use UGC to deliver these types of real and relevant experiences are the ones who will win shoppers now and in the future.”
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Thom Browne collaborates with Samsung again

Image: Samsung Samsung might be best known or their cellphones and various other electronics, but they once again are making a fashion statement with Thom Browne. Samsung recently unveiled two new foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, along with other tech gadgets. Samsung collaborated with Thom Browne for a series of limited-edition models. Browne recently designed exclusive Samsung pieces for two previous phone series. His phone collaboration feature his brand’s signature stripe. The colors border the new matte white finish, paired in symmetry with the streamlined glass body. Shiny silver hinges add to the design approach, enhancing reflections of light. The collection also includes while leather accessories, a Samsung smart watch, a pen, and Samsung Galaxy buds. The new foldable phones are intended to be speedier with longer battery life. The phone also has enhanced camera features and a larger Cover Screen. Price points for the phone range from 999 dollars to 1799 dollars.
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Video: Mark Kenly Domino Tan SS22 collection

Photo credit: Copenhagen Fashion Week In this video, fashion designer Mark Kenly Domino Tan has presented his SS22 collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW). Watch the video below. Video: Mark Kenly Domino Tan via YouTube
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Video: Marimekko SS22 collection

In this video, fashion label Marimekko has presented its SS22 collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW). Watch the video below. Video: Marimekko via YouTube Photo credit: Copenhagen Fashion Week
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Video: Mark Kenly Domino Tan SS22 collection

Photo credit: Copenhagen Fashion Week In this video, fashion designer Mark Kenly Domino Tan has presented his SS22 collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW). Watch the video below. Video: Mark Kenly Domino Tan via YouTube
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Online shoppers prefer content from peers over influencers

Image: Influencer via Pexels A new survey suggests 65 percent of consumers have purchased apparel or fashion items because of user-generated images or videos from real customers, instead of influencers. The majority (79 percent) of online shoppers reveal that user-generated content (UGC) highly impacts their purchasing decisions according to new research from Stackla, an visual content marketing platform. The findings also show only 9 percent say the same for content produced by influencers. 53 percent have purchased a beauty, health or wellness product based on user-generated images or videos on social media. For 72 percent of consumers, photos and videos from real customers is the content they most want to see on e-commerce sites when making purchasing decisions. Stackla’s report, Post-Pandemic Shifts in Consumer Shopping Habits: Authenticity, Personalisation and the Power of UGC, is based on a survey of 2,042 consumers across the US, UK and Australia. 66 percent of those questioned admit to having been inspired to purchase from a new brand after seeing social media images of that brand from other consumers. And 56 percent say they’re more influenced by images and videos from social media when online shopping now than they were pre-pandemic. Post-pandemic consumers demand authenticity from brands. The overwhelming majority (88 percent) of the survey respondents say authenticity – described as relating to firms being genuine and real – is an important factor in deciding which brands they like and support. And 83 percent believe retailers need to provide more authentic shopping experiences to customers like them. Only 10 percent say influencer content resonates as authentic and 19 percent say that brand-created content is the most authentic. More time spent on social media The pandemic saw a rise of social media posts and usage, with research suggesting that many consumers are now open to the idea of creating and seeing their own user-generated content being shared by brands on social platforms. 58 percent would grant a brand permission to use an image or video they had posted of clothing or accessories to use in their marketing. “All generations of shoppers are telling brands they’re more likely to purchase products if they see authentic customer content on websites,” said Damien Mahoney, CEO and Co-founder at Stackla. “The survey results tell us online shoppers are influenced by and expect to see visual content from real customers more than ever before.” “As more consumers make the shift to online shopping, they’re increasingly seeking authentic and personalized experiences to help them make purchasing decisions,” Mahoney said. “Luckily, today’s consumers are creating and willing to share with brands the exact content they want to see throughout their eCommerce experiences. The brands who use UGC to deliver these types of real and relevant experiences are the ones who will win shoppers now and in the future.”
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Video: Hope at CPHFW

In this video, Swedish fashion brand Hope has presented its SS22 collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW). Watch the video below. Video: Hope via YouTube Photo credit: Copenhagen Fashion Week
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Video: Baum und Pferdgarten SS22 collection

In this video, Finnish fashion brand Baum und Pferdgarten has presented its SS22 collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW). Watch the video below. Video: Baum und Pferdgarten via YouTube Photo credit: Copenhagen Fashion Week
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eBay Q2 revenues up 14 percent, GMV down 7 percent

Image: eBay press centre For the second quarter, eBay Inc., revenue was 2.7 billion dollars, up 14 percent on an as-reported basis and up 11 percent on a foreign exchange (FX) neutral basis. The company’s gross merchandise volume (GMV) was 22.1 billion dollars, down 7 percent on an as-reported basis and down 11 percent on an FX-Neutral basis. The company reported GAAP net income from continuing operations of 294 million dollars or 43 cents per diluted share, while non-GAAP net income from continuing operations of 675 million dollars or 99 cents per diluted share. “Today I am pleased to announce another strong quarter. In Q2, on an apples-to-apples basis, all key business metrics met or exceeded expectations and revenue growth was driven by the acceleration in our payments migration and growth in advertising,” said Jamie Iannone, chief executive officer at eBay. Highlights of eBay’s second quarter The company’s annual active buyers declined by 2 percent, for a total of 159 million global active buyers, while annual active sellers grew by 5 percent, for a total of 19 million global active sellers. During the quarter under review, eBay announced it has completed the transfer of its Classifieds business to Adevinta in exchange for 2.5 billion dollars in cash and a 44 percent equity stake in Adevinta, equivalent to approximately 540 million shares. With the transfer complete, the company updated its capital allocation plans for 2021 by increasing its estimated share buyback from 2 billion dollars to 5 billion dollars. In July, eBay entered into an agreement with Permira to sell approximately 135 million shares of its stake in Adevinta for more than 2.4 billion dollars of estimated total consideration. This sale reduces eBay’s ownership in Adevinta to 33 percent. The company announced it has reached an agreement with Emart for the purchase of eBay’s business in Korea. Pursuant to the transaction, eBay will sell an 80.01percent stake in its Korean businesses for 3.44 trillion KRW (or approximately 3 billion dollars) of gross cash proceeds. The company announced the appointment of Steve Priest as chief financial officer and Stefanie Jay as chief business and strategy officer during the quarter under review. eBay’s board of directors has declared a cash dividend of 18 cents per share of the company’s common stock payable on September 17, 2021 to stockholders of record as of September 1, 2021.
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Bestseller invests in three sustainable start-ups

Image: Bestseller, Fashion FWD Danish retailer Bestseller and its investment platform Invest FWD have announced they will be working with three new sustainable start-ups. Innovators include Circular Systems, Nature Coatings and Evrnu, all of which were selected for their potential to change the industry and contribute to a more circular clothing cycle. The investments are part of Bestseller’s progress in reaching its mission of becoming a ‘climate positive’ and ‘fair for all’ retailer. Each company targets a niche area of sustainable innovation, offering new solutions to wider issues. Nature Coatings is the developer of a black pigment, sustainably produced from wood waste, whilst Evrnu specialises in bioengineered fibre and regenerative cellulosics systems. Circular Systems also include textile and food crop waste that contribute to the production of conventional yarn. Reaching commercial scale The announcement follows Bestseller’s recent investment with Finnish textile innovator Infinited Fiber Company. Each investment company has already been working closely with the retailer to ensure it fits with the brand values and has the potential it is looking for. “It’s extremely important that major brands are willing to invest in companies like these, otherwise their promising innovations will not reach commercial scale,” said Camilla Skjønning Jørgensen, Bestseller’s sustainable materials and innovation manager, in a statement. “With these investments we demonstrate that we are willing to move backwards in our value chain, investing at fibre level. This is the direction the entire industry needs to follow, and I can say as much that Bestseller is not done with exploring investments in this space.” Generating Change The new investments add to the growing portfolio of sustainably innovative companies that have partnered with Bestseller. At the end of 2020, Bestseller launched the platform Fashion FWD Lab created to identify innovations in sustainable fashion and generate partnerships on pilot projects that are home to such innovations. Previous collaborations have included alternative leather producer Beyond Leather and The Organic Cotton Accelerator, which aims to bring security and social and environmental development to the cotton production industry. “These innovations all have something in common: the potential to generate change in the fashion industry,” explains Invest FWD’s Jeppe Bredahl. “We believe that the changes needed within the fashion industry require strategic support for innovations to thrive and reach commercial scale. With Invest FWD we can combine access to capital with a brand perspective which contributes to accelerating positive outcomes for innovators and the broader industry on the most critical sustainability issues covering the full life cycle of fashion.”
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Gianluca Flore promoted to Burberry's chief commercial officer

Images: Burberry Gianluca Flore has been promoted as Burberry’s chief commercial officer. Flore currently serves as Burberry’s president Americas and global head of retail excellence. Flore will step into his new role on September 1. Flore will be relocating to London for his new role. During Flore’s tenure as Burberry’s president Americas the region was Burberry’s fastest growing region in the first quarter of 2021. Flore began his career at Arthur Andersen where was an auditor and financial advisor. Other stints on his resume include La Perla and Fendi. Before he joined Burberry, he spent a decade working at Kering where he worked at Bottega Veneta and Brioni.
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SS22: 5 gender-neutral trends to keep an eye on

Saint Laurent SS22 (left), Tory Burch Resort 22, Balmain Resort 22 (right) Though many brands still present their women’s and men’s wear collections separately at two different shows, a lot of trends tend to overlap and suit both wardrobes. For the Resort and Spring-Summer 2022 seasons, designers offer a large array of trends that do not fit in a gender category, highlighting a growing tendency to let go of labels. FashionUnited analyses five gender-neutral trends that’ll be leading the way next season. The tank top The tank top has been a wardrobe staple for both men and women for decades, but it’ll be particularly ubiquitous next summer. From ribbed knits to oversized cuts, the styles are endless and can easily be dressed up or down. Although, what’s been catching our eye is that most designs will work both for men and women alike. At Courrèges, we’ve seen a fishnet top that’ll work well worn on its own or layered, at Dhruva Kapoor, it was all about metallic textures and colourful details while at Dolce & Gabbana, the timeless white tank was all the rage. Vetements showcased a flower iteration and Atlein a silky orange one. For its Resort 2022 collection, Christian Wijnants presented a knitted black, white and green version. Their common point? They’ll all seamlessly blend in both women’s and men’s closets. Dolce & Gabbana Spring-Summer 2022 The oversized blazer Blazers are a surefire way to create an outfit from scratch, and they’ll be particularly oversized for Spring-Summer 2022. Men’s and women’s designs have a similar look, the only difference being the size they’re cut in. Alberta Ferretti opted for a safari-inspired brown version whereas French label AMI Paris presented an entire collection based on double- or single-breasted blazers cut in large proportions. At Balenciaga, volumes are always exaggerated, so it comes as no surprise that jackets come in extravagant shapes. Comme Des Garçons Homme Plus showcased a white iteration finished with fringes, COOL ™* chose a bright red one and The Row showed an extra-long design. Balenciaga Spring-Summer 2022 The midi skirt The midi skirt will be in full swing next summer - in women’s and men’s wardrobes alike. Although it has already made a timid appearance in menswear collections in the past, Spring-Summer 2022 will be the season of democratisation. We’ve seen a pleated pinstripe version at Thom Browne, paired with a matching blazer, as well as a paired-back printed beige one at Sean Suen. At Balmain, a total-black number was detailed with drawstrings. In the womenswear collections, Adeam presented a striped style and Blumarine showcased an army-green cargo-inspired one. Balmain Resort 2022 The bow blouse A staple of the preppy wardrobe, the bow blouse has been a constant in the Resort and Spring-Summer 2022 collection, whether it’s in women’s or men’s collections. Saint Laurent paved the way: it showcased pussy bow blouses in many different styles and shades. Whether it’s a white timeless shirt with a gold metallic bow or a black striped one, Anthony Vaccarello has revolved its summer collection around this iconic statement. At Dunhill, a crisp button-down was topped off with an oversized cardigan detailed with a bow brooch. Carolina Herrera opted for a lightweight striped option, Coach presented a checked one while Paco Rabanne displayed a printed total-look finished with a lavallière collar. Saint Laurent Spring-Summer 2022 The knitted vest Originally a menswear staple, the knitted vest has been introduced in the womenswear collections over the last couple of years and is now a go-to in both. For next summer, Tory Burch presented a preppy navy blue sleeveless sweater worn over a printed shirt and Burberry showcased a tan turtleneck version paired with a matching cardigan. In the menswear collections, a grey cable-knit vest was spotted at Robyn Lynch, a V-neck blue one at Namacheko and Dior Homme showed a classic beige iteration detailed with a graphic print. Tory Burch Resort 2022 All images: Catwalk Pictures
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From Berlin to Valencia: Five emerging European fashion hubs

Pexels When one thinks of the fashion capital of Europe, visions of the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées of Paris likely come to mind. Known for its haute couture legacy, Paris shares this title with the home of Big Ben, London, an incubator for fashion creativity and the effortlessly cool Milan celebrated for its fashion craftsmanship. However, over the past few years, a select number of cities across the continent have begun to challenge the dominance of these fashion centres. Vying for a spot as potential contenders for the crown of the next major fashion hub, these cities attract emerging talent, positively disrupting the industry with innovations. At the same time, these metropolitans are also drawing in more luxury brands, ethical companies and retailers looking to put their stamp on the map. FashionUnited shares its pick of five European cities making waves in the industry, which could become the next major fashion destination. Berlin, Germany An unassuming fashion capital, Berlin’s lack of a historic fashion pedigree has meant that the city has been undervalued - until now. The first European city to be awarded the title ‘City of Design’ by UNESCO, Berlin is home to the densest concentration of fashion businesses in Germany, with approximately 3.100 companies and 25.400 people employed in the fashion industry. Best known for its cool, sleek, tailored, and unpredictable sense of street style, creativity, and individualism are key factors of Berlin fashion. Influenced by Berlin Fashion Week, this biannual event has expanded to include dedicated sustainable fashion, technology, graduate shows and exhibitions. Berlin * Fashion companies: Gmbh, Zalando, Liebeskind, Ivy & Oak, Outfittery * Events: Berlin Fashion Week * Style: Cool, creative, structured, individual * Average Montly Net Salary: 2642,29 euro * Average Rent for (one bedroom) Apartment: 814,58 euro * Business Lunch (2 people): 50 euro Berlin has stepped up its efforts to establish itself as the greenest fashion centre, setting up a green fashion hub in 2020 to promote sustainable designs. With a dedicated focus on sustainability and technology, it’s no surprise that several leading ethical labels have also emerged from Berlin, including HUNDHUND, Philomena Zanetti and Ewa Herzog. A haven for start-ups, one of the most famous fashion funders, Rocket Internet, founded e-tailer turned e-com giant Zalando in Berlin in 2008. Generating close to 8 billion euros in revenue in 2020, other successful etailers like Outfittery have gained international attention over the years. Marseille, France The first city in Europe to import fabrics from the Great Indies and the former capital of French denim, Marseille fashion roots are deeper than one may think. Affectionately known as the ‘Old Lady of the Mediterranean’, this port city has traded textiles and fashion products since the 16th century. The Rue Paradis and Rue Grignan are the main streets for luxury in the city, featuring the likes of Louis Vuitton, Hermes, YSL, Kenzo, Emporio Armani, Chopard and more. But recently, Marseille has quietly been reinventing itself as a hub for creativity and emerging talents. Marseille * Fashion Companies: American Vintage, Sessùn, Kulte, La Nouvelle * Events: OpenMyMed * Style: Sophisticated, bohemian, contemporary * Average Monthly Net Salary: 2261,75 euro * Average Rent for (one bedroom) Apartment: 561,94 euro * Business Lunch (2 people): 60 euro American Vintage via SimplyPR The birthplace of brands like American Vintage, Kulte, part of Kaporal, and La Nouvelle, the city supports a growing number of local designers and concept stores. One of the most famous concept stores, Jogging, is said to be the Colette of Marseille. Hosting temporary exhibitions for young fashion talent and a pop-up restaurant each summer, it's one of a kind. The city was also the source of inspiration for designer Simon Porte Jacquemus debut art book, ‘Marseille Je T’aime’. Working with 15 other artists on their interpretations of the essence and culture of the city, the launch coincided with a series of exhibitions and a fashion show in 2017 during OpenMyMed, a festival organised by Maison Mode Mediterranee. Rotterdam, the Netherlands Rotterdam is a dynamic and multicultural trading port known for its casual, laid-back yet contemporary street fashion sense. Home to 53 fashion brands, this architectural city supports local creativity, with brands like Made in RTTRDM offering fashion products produced in the city. An upcoming fashion hub, the city has been investing in different initiatives such as De Wasserij, an incubator for designers, stylists, photographers and students and Getting Closer Fashion Festival, an event designed to bring consumers closer to their fashion makers. Rotterdam * Fashion companies: NAN, Ruby Lee, Susan Bijl, Joline Jolink * Events: Getting Closer Fashion Festival, Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week * Style: Down-to-earth, contemporary, sustainable street-style * Average Montly Net Salary: 2.818,67 euro * Average Rent for (one bedroom) Apartment: 1.047,62 euro * Business Lunch (2 people): 60 euro Joline Jolink With a growing taste for sustainable and independent designers like Daisy Kroon, Jonathan Christopher, and Charlotte Kan, their effortlessly cool and ethical designs fit right into Rotterdam’s down to earth mentality and style. Other initiatives, like the SwapShop, where consumers can swap clothing, are gaining traction and participating in events like the Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week. Some brands like House of Afangaro are even working on hosting annual events like ‘Made in Rotterdam,’ a fashion week. Valencia, Spain Brimming with creative energy, Valencia is famous for its thriving arts and design scene. Throughout the entire city, you will be sure to find an array of fashion boutiques, from luxury, high-end fashion to boho chic to local designers and second-hand thrift stores. Home to several international fashion brands, from Loewe to Carolina Herrera, two of Valencia’s most well-known designers are Francis Montesinos and Alex Vidal, who look to their roots and traditional costume for inspiration. Valencia * Fashion Companies: Francis Montesinos, Alex Vidal, The Nude Label, Vacant, Sepiia * Events: Clec Fashion Festival, FIMI Fashion Show, Beauty Valencia * Style: Boho, colourful, traditional * Average Montly Net Salary: 1.399,36 euro * Average Rent for (one bedroom) Apartment: 601,19 euro * Business Lunch (2 people): 40 euro Valencia, a hub for handicrafts and artisans, is also a hotspot for emerging designers specialising in haute couture and evening wear. Notable local designers include Tonuca, Noelia Navarro and Higinio Mateu, whose designs have been spotted on runways throughout Spain and France. New events, such as the Clec Fashion Festival, which sees the city’s leading chefs collaborate with fashion designers, aim to fill the gap left by the fashion week. Zurich, Switzerland A paradise for multinational businesses, including fashion, due to its favourable tax regime, there is a reason why several fashion corporations are relocating their headquarters to Zurich. Leading luxury names from Gucci to Philipp Plein, Prada, Zegna, Hugo Boss and Vetements all have set up administrative or supply chain hubs in the land of chocolate and cheese due to its location and tax regulations. Richemont, one of the biggest luxury conglomerates, is based in Switzerland. However, there is more to Switzerland and Zurich than taxes. Zurich * Fashion Companies: Freitag, On, Bally, Vêtements * Events: Mode Suisse, Kreislauf 345 * Style: Conservative, minimal, casual * Average Montly Net Salary: 6,298,82 euro * Average Rent for (one bedroom) Apartment: 1.586,41 euro * Business Lunch (2 people): 110 euro Vtmnts SS22 Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most innovative countries, Zurich is a hive for start-ups and digital investment firms and consultancies like Loomish, who launched the Fashion Innovation during Fashion Innovation Week in 2018. Others like the STF offer working space for textile start-ups and fashion professionals. The city has also nurtured a lively fashion, creative and design scene, which remains independent and open to international influences. For example, Berlin streetwear magazine Highsnobiety will open a luxury pop-up store at Zurich Airport come November to drive innovation in the luxury fashion realm. Source for numbers: Numbeo.com For all Work in fashion reads click here..
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Telfar launches Liberia collection

Image: telfar.net Telfar has debuted performance wear with its new Libera Collection, a genderless collection featuring gown-length jerseys, deconstructed tracksuits, sarong bottoms, and spliced tops. The collection was revealed at the recent Tokyo Olympic Games for Team Liberia. The pieces come in a neutral color palette and is embroidered with both the flag of Liberia and a TC logo for designer Telfar Clemens’ initials. This marks Telfar’s first full collection in over a year, which also served as Team Liberia’s official uniforms during the 2020 Olympics. The lines around 70 pieces in total. It was inspired by the designer’s first visit to Liberia since his family fled when Liberia’s Civil War happened in 1990. Telfar also served as the official sponsor for Team Liberia, marking the team’s first sponsorship since 2000. Price points for the collection range from 60 dollars to 290 dollars.
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Telfar launches Liberia collection

Image: telfar.net Telfar has debuted performance wear with its new Libera Collection, a genderless collection featuring gown-length jerseys, deconstructed tracksuits, sarong bottoms, and spliced tops. The collection was revealed at the recent Tokyo Olympic Games for Team Liberia. The pieces come in a neutral color palette and is embroidered with both the flag of Liberia and a TC logo for designer Telfar Clemens’ initials. This marks Telfar’s first full collection in over a year, which also served as Team Liberia’s official uniforms during the 2020 Olympics. The lines around 70 pieces in total. It was inspired by the designer’s first visit to Liberia since his family fled when Liberia’s Civil War happened in 1990. Telfar also served as the official sponsor for Team Liberia, marking the team’s first sponsorship since 2000. Price points for the collection range from 60 dollars to 290 dollars.
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Vans unveil new Eco Theory collection

Image: courtesy of Vans In Pictures Vans has unveiled a more sustainable approach to its everyday classics with its new Eco Theory collection reimagining iconic silhouettes with natural rubber and water-based inks. The Eco Theory collection is an evolution of Vans sustainable journey and leverages responsibly sourced materials across styles including classics like Old Skool Decon and the Sk8-Hi Tapered. The collection uses water-based inks and dyes to produce four neutral colourways, including the brand’s signature checkerboard print in pastel pink and beige, and white and blue options. The sustainable Old Skool Decon features a canvas upper made with 100 percent organically grown cotton. While the outsole is made from an all-new responsibly sourced natural rubber instead of petroleum-derived rubber, derived from tree farms that follow ethical and sustainable practices to minimise harm to the ecosystem. In addition, the laces have been crafted from natural jute fibre, while a natural cork topsheet finishes the footbed, and the whole trainer is held together with water-based glues. Vans Eco Theory collection also includes the Sk8-Hi Tapered and Authentic in the same range of colourways as well as black/natural. Image: courtesy of Vans Image: courtesy of Vans Image: courtesy of Vans Image: courtesy of Vans Image: courtesy of Vans
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Champion releases second Muhammad Ali collection

Image: Champion Athletic sportswear brand Champion has released the second drop of its limited-edition Muhammad Ali Collection. Pieces in the collection have been designed to represent the infamous boxing star’s ethos that he held with him through his gold medal win during the 1960’s Olympic Games in Rome. Each design features details inspired by the location and team uniforms of that year’s event, with both men and women’s collections crafted with quality fabrics and unique athletic accents. Round two of the collaboration launched with a boxing-inspired campaign video highlighting a selection of some of the items on offer. The pieces range from graphic t-shirts to bike shorts to a special satin boxing robe each holding an essence of the boxing legend. Items also boast legendary quotes by Ali himself, including: “I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.” “Muhammad Ali was an artist in the ring and a champion of the people outside of it, inspiring his fans across the globe to be their very best,” said Jon Ram, president of global activewear for HanesBrands, in a statement. “The second drop in this collection allows everyone, from professional athletes to backyard sports enthusiasts and culture curators, to truly be their own Champion by finding the joy in dressing for self-expression and feeling confident while being comfortable.” The third drop in the collaboration is set to release later this year, with several more capsule collections coming in 2022. The current set can be bought through Champion’s e-commerce site and is also being distributed to retail stores on a global scale. Champion is celebrating the release of the collection with a donation to the Muhammad Ali Centre based in Kentucky. The non-profit museum and cultural centre, founded in 2005, pays homage to the boxing star, whose legacy that extended beyond boxing made him one of the most beloved athletes of all time.
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Pacsun to host live shopping event with A$AP Rocky drop

Image: PacSun official website Skateboarding and surfwear brand Pacsun will be hosting its first live shopping event today at its Soho flagship store. The event celebrates the global launch of the A$AP Rocky and Pacsun collaboration, featuring a limited edition Vans shoe drop that will be released simultaneously next to the event. It will be the first look shoppers will have of the new collection, and the digital experience will allow viewers to interact and engage with the brand before shopping the latest drop. According to Pacsun, thousands of avid fans and customers have already signed up online for the exclusive event hosted by Pacsun influencer and content creator Mathieu Simoneau. “Pacsun is proud to be launching our first-ever Live Stream event in our Soho store in New York City, where shoppers around the world will get a first look, real time, at our newest drop from A$AP worldwide and Vans,” Pacsun president Brieane Oslen said in a statement. “This much anticipated drop, curated by our Guest Creative Director, A$AP Rocky, on a live stream platform with Bambuser, provides an engaging opportunity for viewers to comments, ask questions and shop the drop first.” The event comes after the one year anniversary of the opening of its Soho flagship store, where the multi-brand retailer introduced its California-inspired aesthetic to the NYC streets. The brand adapted to the digitalisation of the industry by expanding its social media strategy over a multitude of platforms, developing virtual try-on experiences via Snapchat and shoppable Instagram posts. Partnering with Bambuser, the live video shopping platform, the brand hopes to continue reaching a new generation of buyers with a range of digital experiences. Chief commercial officer of Bambuser Sophie Abrahamsson said: “We are incredibly excited to be working with Pacsun and powering this impressive, bi-coastal, multifaceted roll out. Pacsun is proving themselves to be a truly innovative company, and the way they are embracing live video shopping is a perfect demonstration of how the technology can be used to go beyond just connecting with digital audiences.”
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Knix and Ashley Graham partner up for Knix Active

Image: Knix Official Website Lingerie line Knix has released its new activewear line in collaboration with model Ashley Graham. The brand, known for its practical bras and underwear, will be releasing Knix Active as its first activewear collection. Through a video of Graham on the brand’s website, it was announced that the model will also now be the brand’s first global brand ambassador. “I’m so thrilled to share that I am [Knix’s] first ever global ambassador, bringing you all their first ever activewear collection,” posted Ashley Graham on her Instagram account. “But that’s not all! I knew I had to do more than just model this collection and decided to invest and watch women take over! So excited for this journey!” A campaign video shared on the brand’s Instagram account shows a diverse group of individuals sporting the new Knix Active collection with words and phrases aiming to empower. Alongside the video, Knix posted: “Together, we will work to challenge the stigma that equates physical activity to diet culture. It’s time for a change. We believe that movement should be free from judgement and punishment and instead, a form of self-love and expression.” The new active collection focuses on the love of movement, with products designed for comfort and support. The line features sports bras created specifically to reduce breast movement and leakproof leggings, with HiTouch3D fabric technology for increased support. “An activewear collection built around the love of movement and the expressions that make us feel the freest, it’s a celebration of ourselves,” the brand said in a statement on its website. “It’s a celebration of how we see the world, how we communicate, how we express ourselves. It’s a celebration of moving our bodies for us, and no one else.”
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The Coach Foundation pledges to support 5,000 students

Image: Coach Foundation, Dream It Real campaign As part of its Dream It Real initiative, The Coach Foundation has announced it will commit to supporting 5,000 students with scholarships by 2025. The pledge is part of an ongoing mission to empower new generations through higher education and help them achieve their goals. The Dream It Real program works with organisations through campaigns set to help young people get on their path to success. To reach the goal of 5,000 students, the program will be partnering with non-profits that focus on supporting educational opportunities for young people on an international scale. The reach of the initiative includes partnerships in North America, China, Japan and the UK, where underrepresented communities will be put at the forefront. To kick off the funding, Coach will be hosting Dream Week from August 9, where five percent of North American and UK sales will be donated to the Dream It Real fund and UK Youth charity. “We are proud to announce our commitment to providing 5,000 scholarships with our first Dream Week, a renewal of our dedication to support the next generation as they pursue their passions and help break cycles of inequality,” said CEO and brand president Todd Kahn, in a statement. “Realising dreams is incredibly important to us at Coach, going back to our earliest days as a small, family-run workshop in New York City.” Since the 2008 founding of the Coach Foundation by global fashion house Coach, the organisation has partnered with a number of non-profit organisations centred around higher education. Past campaigns have involved a partnership with The China Youth Foundation, supporting low-income students with scholarships, and International Women’s Day workshops hosted by female authors with the goal of empowering young women. Interviews and portraits of Dream It Real students will be featured across the brand’s platforms, highlighting the support from the organisation and how it has helped individuals achieve their dreams. The interviews will be part of Coach’s Autumn 2021 campaign, with photographs and films carried out by several creatives around the world.
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Musinsa to invest 12 million dollars in fashion startups in South Korea

The Korea Herald has reported that online fashion retailer Musinsa would be investing 12 million dollars in fashion startups through its venture capital Musinsa Partners. Musina Partners was established in 2018 as a joint venture capital firm that invests in small- and medium-sized businesses in the fashion industry. The company is currently focused on growing casual, sportswear, and womenswear brands along with startups in the fashion tech industry. The venture capital firm oversees five funds including M&F fashion fund and AP&M beauty fashion fund. Musina is unique in that they make investment without making management changes. Earlier this year, Musinsa acquired stakes in fashion and beauty platforms Styleshare and 29CM. With Korea’s fashion e-commerce market seeing rapid growth, Musinsa is poised to be an imperative market player as their investments grow.
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