5 takeaways from Edited's 'post-Covid retail's opportunities' webinar

Credits: FashionUnited Retail market intelligence platform Edited presented this Wednesday a webinar dubbed “decoding retail’s biggest opportunities in a post-Covid world”, discussing the pandemic’s impact on the fashion and retail industries as well as the assortments and key categories to keep an eye on moving forward. Hosted by retail strategists Grace Mellor, and Rosalie Wetzel and retail analyst Krista Corrigan, we’ve learned more about the fashion categories to focus on, the shift in consumers’ behaviours and the top performing trends for the months to come. FashionUnited has narrowed down the five key takeaways from the conference. New strategies appear for department stores A report by The Fashion Law revealed that 27 bankruptcies have occurred since April 2020. However, department stores are slowly coming out of the pandemic’s effect: according to Mastercard’s SpendingPulse, their sales increased by 202 percent in April compared to the same time last year and by 10 percent compared to 2019. Over the last year, many strategies have seen the light of day to help department stores find their way back to customers. They’re holding more pop-ups - think Pangaia and The Fold at Selfridges in the spring - and creating experiences for customers, so they’re drawn to physical retail and in-store shopping. Partnerships and livestream shopping - a good example being Nordstrom launching its own dedicated page on its website - are also two means to develop a new and diverse physical presence. Finally, technology and innovation are both ubiquitous in today’s strategies and ought to be adopted by more stalwarts of the industry. Whether it’s QR codes or interactive experiences, connected stores seem a sure-fire way to appeal to customers. Loungewear is by far the most successful categorie of the past year Loungewear has been particularly prominent since lockdown, meeting customers’ needs to be comfortable while still looking put-together when staying at home. We’ve seen the trend of Zoom dressing appear, focusing on the idea of looking polished and professional on top while still being cosy and comfortable - probably in leggings and sweatpants. According to Edited, retailers have reduced their blazer assortment inventory by 19% year-on-year, but increased their hoodies selection by 32 percent. Also, from April 2020 to 2021, the sweatpants offer increased by 67 percent YoY. A preference for flat shoes has also been noticed, confirming a need for easy clothes and accessories that provide comfort. The key styles? Sneakers, fluffy slippers and UGG boots. Swimwear is coming back The swimwear category is one that is coming back in full force, with a revival noticed this year. Edited revealed that arrivals in store have increased by 7 percent and sell outs have been up 34 percent. In the UK, we’ve seen a 26 percent boost in the category, with consumers looking for a way to escape and embrace the summer months, even if they’re not necessarily leaving the country or going to exotic destinations. When it comes to swimwear trends, solid hues have been particularly popular, but so have bolder pieces featuring cut-outs and feminine details - a trend that’s also been largely seen in womenswear collections. Women’s streetwear is here to stay Streetwear has been a mainstay of the womenswear wardrobe for years, but it’s still a category that attracts consumers more than ever. Edited explained that the number of new arrivals grew 53 percent since 2019 and 50 percent YoY, the key items being puffer coats, bucket hats and sneakers. Women’s streetwear is however taking a step forward going into 2022, with a rise of genderless fashion and a barrier slowly coming down between gendered categories. Homeware lines on the rise With so much of our time spent inside over the last year and a half, being comfortable in our home has become necessary to evolve in a positive and healthy environment. Homeware lines have been on the rise because of the pandemic, with assortments going up 104 percent at fast-fashion retailers. In the next three years, the US market alone is projected to grow by 20 percent. Edited revealed that there’s been a spotlight on affordable accessories - think H&M and Zara Home - and decorative pieces - think Anthropologie - mainly due to Generation Rent and its young adults unlikely to become homeowners in the near future.
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Skechers to donate one million dollars to Haiti earthquake relief

Image: Unsplash Cameron Venti Footwear retailer Skechers has announced its plan to donate a total of one million dollars to three charities committed to assisting in Haiti earthquake relief. Community Organised Relief Effort, Hope for Haiti and World Central Kitchen will each receive part of the donation. The retailer hopes that the support of these organisations will help Haitian people in need of immediate assistance. The donation follows the deadly 7.2 magnitude earthquake that took place on the island over the weekend, with a total of over 2,000 deaths reported and over 10,000 injured according to government officials. “As soon as we heard about the devastation on Saturday, it was clear that Skechers needed to step up and help the people of Haiti,” said president of Skechers, Michael Greenburg, in a release. “This is just a kickoff. We are expecting to raise significant additional funds through the Million Dollar Challenge for Haiti - one that will encourage our ambassadors, partners and employees to donate with us as the need is tremendous. We are so proud of our associates and affiliates around the globe. We know that our teams and partners will come through for the people of Haiti whose lives have been upturned. Skechers is a culture of caring and making a difference is paramount to who we are.” Skechers has been a regular presence in a number of natural disaster relief funds, including setting up initiatives to raise money for the aftereffects of Hurricane Katrina, Irma and Maria, as well as working closely with similar organisations for the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The additional Million Dollar Challenge for Haiti was launched through the Skechers Foundation in a bid to raise more money to go towards relief efforts. A number of company employees, ambassadors and licensees have since donated to the fund, including United Legwear and Apparel Company, Fossil Group and Onskinery GmbH. These donations are in addition to the previous one million dollars and will also go to the three organisations stated.
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TikTok is the new frontier of social commerce

Image: TikTok app via Pexels TikTok may be fashion’s new frontier as teenagers scout the social media platform for fashion inspiration. While fashion brands are betting big by advertising on TikTok, young entrepreneurs are paving their own way. TikTok user Takeout By Syd, for example, is considered a micro influencer with 100k followers, and offers a virtual styling service starting at just 20 dollars. Advertised as “your dream wardrobe just one click away,” the affordable service has seen founder Sydnee Grill democratise and monetise personal styling by offering to create outfits of users’ existing wardrobes as well as send links to purchase items from other sites. Business is booming for Grill. “Fashion has been a passion of mine for years. I just love clothing and making people feel good about the things they wear. Takeout is my way of sharing this with the world,” Grill states on her website. Well-known retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch and Gap are looking for ways to capitalise on viral moments when posted items skyrocket in views. Influencers often use hashtags like #fashionhauls and #OOTD (outfit of the day) which can generate high engagement rates. It is up to retailers to ensure there is sufficient stock to maximise on sales when a featured product goes viral. Rise of social commerce Social commerce sales in the United States is forecast to rise 35.8 percent this year to 36.62 billion dollars, according to eMarketer. This would mark a slight deceleration from year-over-year growth of 38.9 percent in 2020, when the Covid pandemic kept more people at home and shopping from their phones. In China social commerce sales eclipsed 351.65 billion dollars in 2021. The genius of TikTok is that is easier for anyone to be discovered. Its algorithm encourages creation and discovery, allowing brands a greater opportunity to achieve product-focused campaigns, which when shared, could create a FOMO (fear of missing out) effect. While commerce on Bytedance’s TikTok is still in its infancy, it is already rivalling Facebook’s group of social platforms. Interesting statistics from Influencer Marketing Hub show TikTok users spend more than 850 minutes per month using the app. It also has the highest social media engagements rates per post. Perhaps most notable is that TikTok is the world’s most downloaded app, overtaking Facebook and its messaging platforms last year, according to market tracker App Annie.
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Nike unveils the Serena Williams Design Crew collection

Image: Nike Official Website Working with ten upcoming designers, Serena Williams and Nike are set to launch a new collection of performance apparel, shoes and accessories to round out the first edition of the Serena Williams Design Crew apprenticeship program. The collection is set to feature jumpsuits, shorts, t-shirts, a collection of shoes and more, all designed for the purpose of tennis performance. Designs are adorned with bold graphic prints, with the occasional burst of colour, each aimed to capture Serena Williams’ personal style and legacy. One jumpsuit features a bold pattern inspired by the African Kente cloth, an element that is carried throughout parts of the collection. A description of one of the bodysuits reads: “The Serena Williams Design Crew Bodysuit immortalised every year she’s won a grand slam on the smooth tape down each side. An asymmetrical turtleneck overlay and artfully incorporated breathability exemplify the craft and creativity that characterise the ten designers behind the Serena Williams Design Crew.” Image: Nike Official Website On the player’s role in the program, Nike vice president and global creative director, Jonathan Johnsongriffin, said in an interview on the brand’s site: “Serena has been so committed to the program. She wants to meet each apprentice. She wants to see their portfolios. She wants to be a part of the briefing of the product. She wants to be a part of the design reviews.” The design crew initiative was set up by Nike and Williams in 2019. Its aim was to bring together a select group of upcoming designers to take part in an apprenticeship program that promoted diversity in design. Following a six month design curriculum, the group designed the performance and lifestyle clothing and accessories inspired by Williams and her career. “Sports are a conduit to attributes that make the world better,” said John Hoke, Nike’s chief design officer. “Sports fuels self-empowerment, confidence, kindness and connection. That means every program we create, whether Selena William’s Design Crew or Women in Nike, and every product we create are all connected in their nature of empathy. That’s a way we can open the aperture up and have an even deeper impact when it comes to designing for all athletes.” Nike has already announced the second edition of the apprenticeship project, this time working alongside eleven Chicago based apprentices.
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Podcast: Conscious Chatter interviews founder Nia Thomas

In this episode, Conscious Chatter has interviewed the founder and designer of her eponymous fashion label, Nia Thomas, about her brand and being respectful of the planet. Listen to the podcast below. Source: Conscious Chatter via LIbsyn Photo credit: Conscious Chatter
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Video: The Garment at CPHFW

In this video, fashion label The Garment has presented its SS22 collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW). Watch the video below. Video: The Garment via YouTube Photo credit: Copenhagen Fashion Week
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WHP acquires global trademark rights for Lotto brand

Image: Lotto, Facebook WHP Global has acquired the global trademarks for the iconic Italian sports brand Lotto. The company said in a statement that Lotto Sport Italia S.p.A. (LSI) and its current leadership team, including CEO Andrea Tomat, will continue to operate the Lotto brand in the core markets of Italy, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company added that together, LSI and WHP will provide design, product development, marketing, and brand management services to Lotto’s existing network of over 50 global partners across the world who generate more than 400 million dollars in annual retail sales. “I am excited about this partnership as it is a key step to ensuring the growth of Lotto, a brand with a great reputation and well-known all over the world,” stated LSI’s president and CEO Andrea Tomat. “Lotto is a legendary Italian performance sports brand rooted in priceless heritage that athletes and fans around the world love. We are very optimistic about the brand’s future as we work in close partnership with Andrea Tomat and the entire team at LSI. There is so much upside here, especially as we look to expand the brand from its current reach to the USA and other major markets around the world,” added WHP Global CEO Yehuda Shmidman. The Italian sports brand established in 1973, Lotto is known for its innovative performance-driven footwear, apparel and accessories, which feature the signature double diamond logo. Lotto has been worn by professional soccer teams A.C. Milan and Juventus F.C., soccer players Dino Zoff, Ruud Gullit and Andriy Shevchenko, and top athletes including tennis Grand Slam champions Martina Navratilova, Francesca Schiavone, Marion Bartoli and Boris Becker. Lotto is distributed in over 100 countries and worn by more than 40 soccer teams, over 300 professional soccer players and more than 200 professional tennis players around the world including current world No. 8 ranked tennis player Matteo Berrettini. The company further said that WHP and LSI will together invest in expanding into new markets and product categories while activating the brand through untapped digital channels and partnerships with world class athletes. WHP Global is a leading New York based global brand acquisition and management firm backed by equity capital from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. and leverage financing provided by BlackRock. WHP owns and manages over 3.5 billion dollars in retail sales across its portfolio of brands that includes Anne Klein, Joseph Abboud, Toys “R”Us, Babies”R”Us and Lotto.
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The TJX Companies reports 20 percent rise in comp store sales against Q220

The TJX Companies, Inc. reported net sales for the second quarter of 12.1 billion dollars, an increase of 81 percent versus the second quarter of fiscal 2021 in which stores were closed for approximately 31 percent of the quarter due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. The company said in a statement that the net sales for the quarter increased 23 percent versus the second quarter of fiscal 2020, while overall open-only comp store sales increased 20 percent. The company added that net income was 786 million dollars and second quarter diluted earnings per share were 64 cents. For the second quarter, the company’s consolidated pretax profit margin was 8.7 percent. Commenting on the company’s performance, Ernie Herrman, chief executive officer and president of The TJX Companies, Inc., stated in a release: “I am extremely pleased with our overall open-only comp store sales increase of 20 percent over fiscal 2020 and very strong bottom line results, both of which were well above our plans for the second quarter. We are confident in our ability to reach our long-term strategic vision of TJX becoming a 60 billion dollars company.” For the first half of fiscal 2022, net sales were 22.2 billion dollars, an increase of 100 percent, while net sales increased 16 percent versus the first half of fiscal 2020. Overall open-only comp store sales increased 18 percent compared to the first half of fiscal 2020. Net income for the period was 1.3 billion dollars and diluted earnings per share were 1.08 dollars.
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The Children's Place Q2 sales increase by 12.2 percent

Image: The Children's Place, Facebook For the second quarter, The Children’s Place reported net sales increase of 44.9 million dollars or 12.2 percent to 413.9 million dollars. The company said that the increase was primarily driven by strong customer response to the product assortment, a reset of pricing and promotional strategy driving significantly higher AUR and ADS, strong back-to-school sales driven by the anticipated return to in-person learning and the enhanced child tax credit payments starting in mid-July. The company added that the sales were negatively impacted by permanent and temporary store closures and the impact of reduced operating hours in mall stores, as mandated by the mall owners. Comparable retail sales were 14.1 percent for the quarter. Commenting on the results, Jane Elfers, the company’s president and CEO, said: “We delivered another outstanding quarter with gross margin, operating margin and EPS all at record levels. We remain firmly on offense and we look forward to continuing to deliver accelerated operating margin expansion for 2021 and beyond.” Highlights of The Children’s Place Q2 results Gross profit for the quarter increased 100.8 million dollars to 167.9 million dollars, while adjusted gross profit increased 98.3 million dollars to 168.1 million dollars. Net income increased 70.7 million dollars to 24.1 million dollars or 1.60 dollars per diluted share compared to a net loss of 46.6 million dollars or loss of 3.19 dollars per diluted share in the comparable period last year. The company’s adjusted net income increased 65 million dollars to 25.7 million dollars or 1.71 dollars per diluted share, compared to an adjusted net loss of 39.3 million dollars or 2.68 dollars per diluted share, in the comparable period last year. The Children’s Place posts year-to-date sales increase of 36.1 percent For the first six month period, the company’s net sales increased 225.2 million dollars or 36.1 percent to 849.3 million dollars. Comparable retail sales were 41.3 percent for the six months ended July 31, 2021. Gross profit increased 308.7 million dollars to 356.1 million dollars in the six months, while adjusted gross profit increased 242.2 million dollars to 357.3 million dollars. The company’s net income increased 230.7 million dollars to 69.3 million dollars or 4.61 dollars per diluted share compared to a net loss of 161.4 million dollars or 11.04 dollars per diluted share in the comparable period last year. Adjusted net income increased 162.5 million dollars to 74.5 million dollars or 4.95 dollars per diluted share, compared to an adjusted net loss of 88 million dollars or 6.02 dollars per diluted share, in the comparable period last year.
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Malone Souliers to partner with Netflix’s Bridgerton on shoe collection

Image: Shondaland Bridgerton fans will soon be able to wear shoes just like Lady Whistledown herself. In partnership with Netflix and Shondaland, footwear design house Malone Souliers will be launching an exclusive 15 piece capsule collection inspired by looks from the period drama series. The collaboration merges the cordwainer craft of Malone Souliers with the Regency era styling of Bridgerton. The whimsical collection will include a range of footwear and accessories reminiscent of the reimagined historical world in the show. Combined with Malone Soulier’s signature styles, designs will consist of dramatic feathering, sparkly embellishments and plenty of jacquards. “I’m a huge fan of Bridgerton,” said Alice Malone, creative director and founder of Malone Souliers, in a statement. “It revisits the past with a sense of revolution and joy, which is exactly how I approach shoemaking. This partnership has been fascinating from a design perspective, allowing us to embrace the pomp and unabashed splendour of Regency fashion. But it also has felt like such a natural fit. I’m always inspired by the creative possibilities we can find in our past, but, also, the importance of always being innovative and daring in my work. For me, Bridgerton sums up both these impulses – and has a lot of fun doing it. I can’t wait to see where the partnership will go next.” Image: Shondaland The global media company Shondaland has previously stated its commitment to bring viewer experience beyond the screen, making this collaboration fitting to this long-standing goal. In earlier socially driven projects, the media house has collaborated with brands such as Dove and The Little Market, with campaigns supporting nonprofit organisations while also bringing its media series’ to life. Sandie Baily, Shondaland’s chief design and digital media officer, said: “From the very beginning, we at Shondaland approached Bridgerton through a modern and innovative lens, and our approach to the series’ Regency fashion reflects this perspective. Similarly, Malone Souliers’ daring approach to shoemaking and design is what drew us to this partnership, and we hope fans are as excited as we are for this collection.” Styles will be available for both men and women, offering options for a wide range of fans, with the official launch coming early next year.
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Sustainable brand Allbirds expands into activewear

Allbirds Sustainable fashion brand Allbirds has become the latest company to enter the fast-growing activewear market. The San Francisco-based company said Tuesday it has launched its first performance apparel collection, called Allbirds Natural Run Apparel, after two years and more than 70 iterations. The collection is made using Eucalyptus Tree fibre and Merino Wool, and comprises leggings, bike shorts, running shorts, tank tops and t-shirts. Prices range from 48 pounds for a top to 98 pounds for leggings. As well as being made from sustainable materials, Allbirds said it’s the first performance apparel line to be labelled entirely with its carbon footprint, which ranges from 4.7 kg to 14.5 kg CO2e - before being 100 percent offset to zero. It comes after Allbirds released an open-source tool for fashion brands to calculate their carbon footprint back in April. The company, which began its days as an e-tailer selling exclusively footwear but has since expanded into apparel, creates its collections using a number of regenerative natural materials such as SweetFoam, a proprietary innovation made with sugarcane. In February, Allbirds revealed it had invested 2 million dollars in material innovation firm Natural Fiber Welding and its Mirum technology to create a new 100 percent natural plant-based leather. The company, which last September was valued at around 1.7 billion dollars, reportedly filed for a confidential IPO in June, according to a report by WWD. Allbirds is the latest brand to step into the red-hot activewear market which has been fuelled in the past year by new work-from-home and healthy lifestyle habits adopted during the pandemic. Earlier this month, Levi Strauss announced plans to buy US-based premium athletic and lifestyle apparel brand Beyond Yoga for an undisclosed sum as it looks to enter the activewear segment. The denim giant said the transaction is expected to contribute more than 100 million dollars to its FF22 net revenue, and to be “immediately accretive” to gross margins, EBIT margins and EPS.
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Copenhagen Fashion Week: 3 Emerging Designers to Watch

Image: courtesy of (Di)vision by James Cochrane As well as cementing itself as the fashion centre for sustainability, Copenhagen Fashion Week is becoming a hotbed for new talent and this spring/summer 2022 season saw three designers impress - upcycling Danish brand (Di)vision, conceptual knitwear label A. Roege Hove and Louise Lyngh Bjerregaard, a Central Saint Martins graduate who places a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability. (Di)vision unveils SS22 collection made with deadstock and vintage clothing Image: courtesy of (Di)vision by James Cochrane Sustainable Danish fashion brand (Di)vision founded by sibling duo Nanna and Simon Wick, showcased an entire collection for spring/summer 2022 made deadstock fabric and upcycling of vintage clothing, including the classic workwear jacket. The collection was inspired by the past year, explains (Di)vision in the show notes, where the everyday uniform has been replaced by jogging and loungewear and where comfort has become a priority for many. “The collection mirrors both the past year, but it also embraces the time to come, where there’s - hopefully - room for more kisses, hugs, colours and patterns,” said Nanna and Simon Wick. Image: courtesy of (Di)vision by James Cochrane This was showcased with a playful and inclusive catwalk show on the rooftop level of a car park in Copenhagen, where (Di)vision presented its unisex range of upcycled loungewear and workwear styles featuring floral prints, patchwork, deconstructed and cut-out detailing. The collection includes everything from large jackets to tops, sweatshirts, shirts, parachute-style trousers, jeans, and dresses, described by the brand as “everyday” styles, alongside accessories. Image: courtesy of (Di)vision by James Cochrane Highlights included a floral maxi coat with the brand’s signature zipper, allowing the maxi to become a cropped jacket, and the brand’s signature split bomber jacket in a blue and white botanical print, which has a zipper down the back. Image: courtesy of (Di)vision by James Cochrane A. Roege Hove makes impressive Copenhagen Fashion Week debut Image: courtesy of A. Roege Hove, Copenhagen Fashion Week Each season, Copenhagen Fashion Week places the spotlight on an emerging designer with its ‘Talent Slot’ and for spring/summer 2022 that honour went to textile designer Amalie Røge Hove and her conceptual knitwear label A. Roege Hove. Hove studied textile design at the Royal Danish Academy of fine arts, before working in knitwear at some of the top Danish brands, including Cecilie Bahnsen and Mark Tan, and launched her label to challenge knitwear traditions with a modern and artistic approach to original craftsmanship. The brand also aims to change the perception of shape with sculptural and unique knit pieces designed around the body. Image: courtesy of A. Roege Hove, Copenhagen Fashion Week “Every knitted style is created through the vision of bringing life to the material. Different dimensions are created by the bodies that wear them. Like sculptures, they showcase different stories for every style, and as the pieces frame the body the real shape is brought to life by its owner,” explains Hove on the brands website. This collection marks the designer’s fifth collection and highlights her love of body-con silhouettes, statement cutout detailing and transparent stripes. The colour palette is minimalist and neutral, allowing for the knitwear techniques to shine through, mainly black and white, however, Hove does add in a few pops of bright colour with neon pink and lime greens to add contrast. Sustainability is also at the forefront of this emerging brand, with each piece produced in Europe, in Denmark, Ireland and Italy, and most made to order so that the brand doesn’t have a large stock of unused pieces. Image: courtesy of A. Roege Hove, Copenhagen Fashion Week “We believe that the fashion of tomorrow needs to focus on their strengths and therefore we create two collections yearly and they only cover the categories we truly believe in and the material allow us to create,” adds Hove. “Its all about creating everlasting pieces and stables to have in your wardrobe for a long time – the versatility in the styles and opportunity to use above, underneath or alone creates different looks within each style and we love to see our customers create individual looks with our designs.” Image: courtesy of A. Roege Hove, Copenhagen Fashion Week Louise Lyngh Bjerregaard debuts autumn/winter 2021 collection Image: courtesy of Louise Lyngh Bjerregaard by Ècoute Chérie and Olivia Ghalioungi Paris-based, emerging Danish designer Louise Lyngh Bjerregaard is looking to blur the boundaries between ready-to-wear and couture with a debut autumn/winter 2021 collection uniting art, fashion, and subversion. A graduate of Central Saint Martins and the Scandinavian Academy of fashion design, Bjerregaard worked at Eckhaus Latta and Anne Sofie Madsen before launching her namesake label in 2019, placing knitwear at the core, alongside sustainability by using deadstock fabrics for her clothing and practising a zero-waste policy. In 2020, Bjerregaard received the Danish Art Foundation’s two-year working grant as a part of the programme ‘The Young Artistic Elite’ and in 2021, the atelier was nominated as a finalist at the 2021 Zalando Sustainability Award but withdrew from the prize due to Covid-19. Image: courtesy of Louise Lyngh Bjerregaard by Ècoute Chérie and Olivia Ghalioungi Bjerregaard explores artisanal savoir-faire techniques such as deconstruction, draping, trompe l’oeil, upcycling, fabric manipulations, and tailoring across her womenswear staples. All the pieces, as well as some of the fabrics, were made by hand in the designer’s atelier. Highlights include matching intarsia knit sets, tailored corsets worn backwards, leather patchwork dresses and skirts, and intricate, delicate knitted dresses with statement cutout detailing. Image: courtesy of Louise Lyngh Bjerregaard by Ècoute Chérie and Olivia Ghalioungi “The autumn/winter 21/22 debut-collection is an intriguing hybrid of dark romanticism spanning decades,” explains Bjerregaard in the show notes. “Constantly and playfully crossing lines between ready-to-wear and couture the collection has been build on explorations of my mind and this translates poetically throughout the universe of each garment.” The collection was initially presented with an intimate salon-style show during Paris Couture Week in July and then reworked into a digital presentation for Copenhagen Fashion Week with a screening at the Charlottenborg Art Cinema. ">
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Podcast: The Glossy Podcast interviews celebrity stylist Law Roach

In this episode, The Glossy Podcast has interviewed celebrity stylist Law Roach about the comeback of high fashion since the start of Covid-19 and his transition from stylist to fashion designer. Listen to the podcast below. Source: The Glossy Podcast via Megaphone
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Under Armour appoints David Gibbs to its board of directors

Image: David Gibbs, Under Armour Under Armour, Inc. has appointed David Gibbs to its board of directors effective September 1, 2021. As chief executive officer (CEO) of Yum! Brands, Inc. the company said in a statement, Gibbs, 58, leads the company’s overarching strategies, structure, people development, and culture to drive global growth and sales and profitability for more than 51,000 KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit Burger Grill restaurants in over 150 countries and territories, with approximately 2,000 franchisees and 1.5 million franchise system employees globally. “David’s outstanding track record in global brand management, including significant retail and international expertise, and driving shareholder returns will serve as a tremendous resource as we continue to execute on our growth objectives,” said Under Armour executive chairman and brand chief Kevin Plank. Gibbs has been CEO of Yum! Brands since January 2020 and has served as a member of its board of directors since November 2019. During his 32-year career with Yum! Brands, Gibbs has held a variety of leadership positions in its KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell divisions, including global strategy, finance, general management, operations and real estate. “Following the effective execution of its multi-year transformation, I am honored to join Kevin, Patrik, and the Under Armour board, working alongside this exceptional team to help guide the company successfully into its next chapter of growth,” added Gibbs. Before his CEO appointment, the company added, Gibbs was Yum! Brands’ president and chief operating officer with global operating leadership of the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell divisions. Before that, he was president and chief financial officer, serving as the chief architect of the company’s financial, refranchising, and restaurant development strategy during a period when Yum! Brands transformed into a capital-light, pure-play franchisor.
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Asics reports strong Q2 sales growth driven by running category

Image: Asics Asics has reported a 42.6 percent increase in revenue to 209,478 million Japanese yen in the three months to June 30, driven by strong sales in its largest category, Performance Running, primarily in North America, Europe and Greater China. The Japanese sportswear brand reported operating income of 23,993 million Japanese yen compared to a loss of 3,873 million Japanese yen a year earlier, while net income came to 24,770 million Japanese yen, compared to a loss of 5,982 million Japanese yen a year ago. Breaking it down by category, Performance Running was the key driver of growth, with net sales up 54.2 percent to 108,594 Japanese yen, while net sales at its Core Performance Sports and its Sports Style categories grew by 44.4 percent and 36.3 percent, respectively. Net sales at the company’s Apparel and Equipment and Onitsuka Tiger categories grew by 30.5 percent and 34 percent, respectively.
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Havaianas and Bathing Ape launch exclusive collaboration

Image: courtesy of Havaianas; Havaianas x Bathing Ape Footwear brand Havaianas is launching an exclusive collection co-designed by streetwear brand A Bathing Ape. The collection features two Havaianas models, the Tradi Zori, a modern flip-flop inspired by the traditional Japanese zori sandal, and the Top silhouette that have been reimagined with Bape’s signature camouflage print. Fernanda Romano, Alpargatas chief marketing officer, said in a statement: “Havaianas and Bape have a lot in common — they exist on the streets, they’re versatile to wear, and they’re so ubiquitous that anyone can recognise them instantly. |Some people only associate closed shoes, especially sneakers, with the fashion we see on the streets, but we want to change that. Streetwear is underpinned by authenticity and comfort and this collab proves we can leverage those attributes to another level.” Bape added: “With Bape’s signature camouflage, the ABC camo, we want to share Japan’s streetwear culture with the world. Building on our vision ‘Apes Together Strong’, we are excited to join forces with Havaianas and blend our ABC camo with their iconic flip-flops to make the ultimate summer collaboration.” The Havaianas x Bathing Ape Tradi Zori is available in white and steel grey, priced 90 pounds / 100 euros / 130 US dollars, while the Top comes in three colours pink, navy and green, and priced 50 pounds / 55 euros / 60 US dollars. All are available online at Havaianas.com and in select retail stores. Image: courtesy of Havaianas; Havaianas x Bathing Ape
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Very Group lines up trio of banks to spearhead potential IPO

Image: The Very Group The owners of The Very Group have reportedly lined up Barclays, Morgan Stanley and UBS to spearhead its potential flotation on the stock market. The Barclay family, who also own The Daily Telegraph, has chosen the three banks as the global coordinators of the IPO, which is likely to take place next year, Sky News reports. The news comes just days after Very Group, which owns brands Very and Littlewoods, announced it had raised 575 million pounds to refinance its debt through the issuing of senior secured notes due to expire in 2026. The group’s chief financial officer Ben Fletcher said the offer was “significantly oversubscribed”, which he said was a testament to the company’s “strong performance and resilient business model”. He said the group is “well-positioned to continue its strong trading trajectory and remains focused on its purpose of making ‘good things easily accessible to more people’”. Earlier this month, Sky reported that STJ Advisors had been called in by Very Group to prepare the company for a stock market debut as early as next year. The family could reportedly be eyeing a 4 billion pound windfall from the flotation. It would be the first time the family has taken one of their company’s public, though sources close to the matter cautioned that a partial stake sale remains an option. Very Group, formerly known as Shop Direct, reported a 2.9 percent increase in revenue to over 2 billion pounds in the year to June 2020.
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Women in leadership: Martina Brown, VP Brand, Schiesser

Interview Image: Martina Brown, VP Brand, Schiesser Martina Brown is vice president brand at Schiesser AG, responsible for brand and communications at the German lingerie company founded in 1875. Throughout her career, with a brief stint at Villeroy & Boch, she has worked mostly in the lingerie industry, at Falke, Wolford and Aubade. In this interview, she reveals what has changed in the industry over the past decades and what she looks for in job applicants. Ms Brown, what is it like as a woman in a leadership position in your industry? At Schiesser, the executive board consists of ten members, all of whom have the title of vice president, each in their respective sector, seven of whom are women. I think that's a great quota. Throughout my career in the lingerie industry, there has always been a high proportion of women. In the fashion industry, isn’t it often the case that the proportion of women is generally high, but then the management is made up of mostly men - I'm thinking of Victoria's Secret, a prominent worst case scenario in recent years. Yes, it's true that that's often the case. And I think the #MeToo movement has shaken up those structures. However, I think you have to put it into the right perspective. The women's movement in Europe and the US is about 200 years old. So a lot has happened since then. On the other hand, there is still a long way to go. That's the sociologist talking, isn't it? Yes, that's right. I studied political and cultural sciences, sociology and French literature in Tübingen, Paris and Bruges, but I always worked in the textile sector on the side. After I finished my studies, I thought about what career I wanted to choose and it was clear to me that it would be marketing. I'm fascinated by analysing people's behaviour, whether it's the party they vote for or the underwear they choose. Also, my Francophilia and French language skills have always been a sought-after trait in this business. At Falke, I was lucky to be hired by an open-minded HR manager, who gave me a chance even though I didn’t have a marketing or fashion background. Photo: Schiesser x Noah Becker SS22 Career changes are still rather rare in Germany, aren't they? Yes, unfortunately. A mentor who believes in you is so important. I have always tried to keep the door open for people with other experiences and to have conversations with people who come from completely different areas if the open position allows it of course. Especially in the marketing field, I see lateral entrants as an undeniable enrichment. Your career was strongly focused on lingerie and underwear. How has the industry changed since you started there? Since I've been in the industry, innovation cycles have accelerated beyond belief. On the product side, there has been an immense amount of change happening in the last generation, whether it's invisible and seamless products, fabric development or sustainability. The awareness of how to deal with the environment and its resources has also changed completely. On the consumer side, the relationship between women and their bodies has changed. Body positivity is a visual language. Women simply want to love themselves and discard outdated agendas. Discrimination against any group is increasingly less accepted. I see that as a very positive development. You have been at Schiesser for just under a year. What changes do you want to drive in your brand division? My goal is to inspire new target groups for Schiesser based on the brand's historical heritage and tradition. We have a loyal following in the Baby Boomer generation and to some extent Gen X, who appreciate the quality of our products. With a new start after the lockdown and the arrival of the spring/summer collection 2022 comes a new visual language that celebrates joy, carefreeness and purism. For this, we have entered into a collaboration with Noah Becker, which is intended to appeal to millennials and Gen Z. At the same time, Schiesser remains uncompromisingly true to its core values such as sustainability, quality and reliability. Photo: Schiesser x Noah Becker SS22 Do you see yourself as a mentor for other women? How do you encourage them? I try to be available for my teams to share everything. I take feedback sessions very seriously and try to take my time and share my own experience and knowledge. If you believe in people and value them, you can watch them develop in a great direction, especially if you encourage them, give them confidence and perspective. What tips would you give your younger self in their 20s, or current graduates, in terms of their career? The essence of what I would like younger people to take away is: love what you do and keep your passion! Read also the other parts of this series: * Giny Boer, CEO at C&A * Angelika Schindler-Obenhaus, COO Gerry Weber * Petra Scharner-Wolff, Member of the Executive Board Otto Group * Silvia Azzali, Chief Commercial Officer, Wolford AG * Anne-Laure Descours, Chief Sourcing Officer, Puma SE * Isabel May, Chief Customer Experience Officer & Managing Director at Mytheresa In August, FashionUnited focuses on the theme of work in fashion. Find all Work in Fashion articles here.
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