Black tape and sparkles: Miami Swim Week attempts to distract amid diversity criticism

The Blonds swimwear SS24, Miami Swim Week. Credits: Launchmetrics Spotlight. Miami Swim Week has come to a close, and with it has the event’s surrounding controversy that dictated discussions on social media over its duration. Spanning July 4 to 12, around 50 industry and public events were held; some by distinguished labels like Desigual and Nike, others by more emerging names. While the schedule seemed vast in its size, the swim week was not able to curb criticism from the general public, as heated debates on its existence came into play and heightened as the week progressed. Online, social media users expressed their dissatisfaction in the diversity of models, some stating that all the models looked the same, while others questioned why swim week needed to be held at all. One user said: “I’m confused. Wasn’t Victoria’s Secret’s runway shows cancelled because of the unobtainable body shapes among models? How come this fashion show can take place? Can’t understand the fashion world.” Matte Collections SS24, Miami Swim Week. Credits: Launchmetrics Spotlight. Concern and backlash was further emphasised following the raunchy show of ‘The Black Tape Project’. The collection consisted of duct tape bikinis pasted onto models in skimpy shapes, a concept developed by Joel Alvarez. While the controversial project has been around since 2018, it had most recently been exhibited at the previous New York Fashion Week in February, after which Alvarez declared it was to be his “final” show. However, evidently the concept returned to Miami Swim Week, with the proclamation actually made in regards to Alvarez’s name change, as he revealed that he now goes by Drakhan Blackhart. Alongside his identity refresh, the designer’s looks have seemingly ramped up the ‘sex-appeal’, with increasingly minuscule designs defining the project’s line for SS24. Black Tape Project SS24, Miami Swim Week. Credits: Launchmetrics Spotlight. It would be unfair to generalise the event as undiverse in its entirety, when many of the brands on the schedule had clearly put this value to the forefront. This was something that also translated into their presentations, as seen at Lovechella Swimwear, Michael Costello and Curve Collective, where models’ appearances varied greatly. Next to this, Miami Swim Week also helped to define what to expect from swimwear in the coming seasons. FashionUnited highlighted some of the standout trends from the week. Mermaidcore SS24 Miami Swim Week. (From left) Diva Couture, Cirone Swim and Pink Melon Swimwear. Credits: Launchmetrics Spotlight. The topic of diversity has also heightened in recent months partially due to the release of Disney’s reimagining of The Little Mermaid, for which Black actress Halle Bailey was assigned the leading role of Ariel. However, while keyboard warriors continue to debate whether Bailey was the right choice for the children's film, it is clear that its influence has gone beyond the big screen alone, making its way into a slew of swimwear collections for the coming season. Amid theatrical displays of men wielding golden tridents, models strutted down runways in eye-catching two pieces, complete with shell or coral shaped bikini tops bejeweled with excessive sparkles. Beach cowboys SS24 Miami Swim Week. (From left) Lain Snow, Axil Swim and Liliana Montoya. Credits: Launchmetrics Spotlight. Like its streetwear counterparts, Miami Swim Week saw an influx of the wild west take to the runways, as models, both children and adults, donned snazzy iterations of rodeo-wear. As seen in the attendees of fashion weeks and Pitti Uomo, it seems cowboys are at the height of fashion right now, influencing collections in a not-so-subtle way. For swim week, this was evident in the use of over-the-top western boots and elevated cowboy hats, as well as more subtle details like fringing or tassels. The 80s are calling SS24 Miami Swim Week. (From left) The Blonds, One One and Sense of G. Credits: Launchmetrics Spotlight. While taking cues from eras past is nothing new in the world of fashion, the presence of the retro 80s could not be missed this swim week. Among skating models, neon legwarmers and graphic prints, the “power dressing” decade was a definitive source of inspiration for swimwear brands and their SS24 collections. Its prominence also reflected our current period of time as, akin to the 80s, current consumers are continuing to ascend into a fitness craze, a behaviour that had also influenced the rise of stylish gym wear back in the “decade of decadence”. Lingerie as swimwear SS24 Miami Swim Week. (From left) Beach Bunny, Curve Collective and Lovechella Swimwear. Credits: Launchmetrics Spotlight. While swimwear is undoubtedly a strong market at the moment (according to analyst ResearchandMarkets.com, the sector is forecast to grow to 28.84 billion dollars in 2027), lingerie is still a category that cannot be ignored. In fact, a report by Kantar stated that lingerie accounted for 12 percent of a woman's spending, compared to the 1.6 percent bathing suits contribute. Therefore, it is no surprise that underwear was an eminent factor for many swimwear brands that chose to exhibit both categories alongside each other for their Miami shows. Read more: * Swimwear market: At Curve SS24 show, swimwear is worth gold Pregnancy bumps as an accessory SS24 Miami Swim Week. (From left) Club L London, Natasha Tonic and Liliana Montoya. Credits: Launchmetrics Spotlight. For some, the event was an opportunity to either announce their pregnancy or further reiterate that they were in fact pregnant. While models Chanel Iman, Blanca Aljibes and Jena Sims showed off their bumps on the runway, WWE champion Carmella was another to put her pregnancy in the spotlight. The presence of such models helped Miami Swim Week to further distance itself from the backlash spurred on by other shows, presenting a more inclusive take on swimwear and the types of bodies it can tend to. Sparkle and shine SS24 Miami Swim Week. (From left) Michael Costello x Revolve, Sinesia Karol and OMG Swimwear. Credits: Launchmetrics Spotlight. Metallics were a popular choice for swimsuit materials this year. Whether iridescent, sparkley or in a classic shine, the effect could be seen in almost every collection that graced the runway. While silver appeared to be the most popular in the way of colour, iterations could also be seen in a vast array of different tones, each one just as futuristic as the rest. Many of the looks came in the form of two-pieces, however bathing suits were also popular; some with cut-out details, others providing more coverage.
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Fashion and sustainability in June 2023

Tree Girl. Illustration: Jackie Mallon The month of June was all about sharing information - about new materials, EU legislation and industry pioneers who are driving sustainability in the textile and apparel sector. Sustainability was also the key point on the agenda at the Global Fashion Summit. Product and material innovations In March, the sustainability-oriented footwear provider Allbirds announced a shoe that would be produced without generating CO2 emissions. Now the “M0.0NSHOT” was unveiled at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen by Allbirds' co-founder and head of innovation Tim Brown. He provided the instructions right away, as the company has made the complete production approach available as an open-source tool. Swiss bag label Freitag presented its first fully recyclable backpack made from just one material - polyamide 6. Now the first circular backpack that does not require any truck tarpaulin is set to go into production. London-based Arda Biomaterials developed a leather-like material made from beer, or more precisely, barley waste, that does not require any plastic backing at all. Thanks to a recent cash injection of 1.3 million euros, founders Edward Mitchell and Brett Cotten expect to deliver a finished material within 12 months. Spanish fashion retailer Inditex and the Spanish finishing specialist for sustainable clothing Jeanologia have been thinking about how to produce garments in a more environmentally friendly way: together they have developed the “Air Fiber Washer”, the first industrial air system that captures microfibres during the production of garments (up to 60 per cent) and thus reduces their subsequent discarding in household laundry. Collaboration In a bid to build a circular solution for creating new materials, biotech company Spiber has launched a biosphere circulation programme allowing for the upcycling of biobased and biodegradable textiles and agricultural waste. Joining the programme are Spiber’s long-term partners, sustainable apparel brand Pangaia and sportswear label Goldwin, through which the firm hopes to catalyse the transition to circular reuse models. UPM Biochemicals, in collaboration with Central Saint Martins (CSM), University of the Arts London (UAL), has embarked on an innovative design partnership aimed at showcasing the transition to renewable and circular materials across various industries. UPM is actively developing climate-neutral materials derived from sustainably sourced hardwood, poised to replace fossil-based materials in applications ranging from fashion and footwear to automotive and furniture. The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) has announced a series of new government-funded projects centred around textile recycling infrastructure, circular fashion and sustainable manufacturing. For support, ACT UK has brought together a consortium of recycling firms, academia, manufacturers and industry associations, among others, including project partners like Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Pangaia, New Look, Reskinned, Oxfam and Textile Recycling International. Global Fashion Summit According to observations by Jonathan Anderson, founder and creative director of LVMH-owned luxury label JW Anderson, the younger generation is currently driving the pace when it comes to sustainability in luxury fashion. In a presentation at the Global Fashion Summit, he elaborated on this view. Luxury fashion brands need to work together if the industry is to bring about sustainable change, said Antoine Arnault, head of image and environment at French luxury giant LVMH. He also explained why the company decided against joining the Fashion Pact four years ago. The consensus of the summit was that ‘less talk, more action’ is needed. To help brands and retailers along, especially in their marketing efforts, UNEP and UN Climate Change released a sustainable fashion playbook at the summit. Trailblazers In an industry that thrives on constant change, a handful of fashion brands have broken away from convention and decided on timeless clothing collections instead. Their seasonless business models have proven remarkably resilient during the pandemic, when many apparel companies suffered from overstocking and supply chain issues. FashionUnited explored whether they could offer a viable alternative to overproduction and other wasteful practices in the fickle world of fashion. Since 2017, Solidaridad Europe and the Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) have published their annual cotton ranking - a look at the biggest cotton consumers among international clothing brands and retailers and their sourcing practices. The ranking analyses their public goals and strategies, the proportion of sustainable cotton they use and the transparency of their supply chain. The key finding of the 2023 Cotton Ranking: only nine fashion companies source cotton in a sustainable way. Meanwhile, the Armani Group announced a pilot project to develop agroforestry cotton production. Danish fashion brand Ganni and California start-up Rubi, which is pioneering carbon-negative cellulosic textiles, debuted the first-ever yarn made directly from carbon emissions through a fully enzymatic process. Breaking new ground, British slow fashion label Couture To Your Door (CTYD) is making the world of luxury accessible to all with a timeless and elegant collection that is customisable and eco-friendly. FashionUnited spoke to CTYD founder and designer Maria Loria via email about the appeal of well-designed clothing that can be customised and last a lifetime. Fashion outlet platform Otrium, in collaboration with carbon tracking software Vaayu, published an analysis on saving CO2 emissions and textile waste through off-price business models. Last but not least, New York City brand Anybagclaims to create fully recycled tote bags and accessories on a purely zero waste model. Through collecting plastic bags from a range of secondhand sources, founder Alex Dabagh is targeting both the city’s procurement of plastic waste and fashion’s ecological ramifications within his multi-generational, family-owned factory. Also read: * H&M's response to allegations of dumping textile waste in Global South highlights industry’s problems * Agile supply chains: Shein, BCG and GoodOps discuss challenges and opportunities * Retailers must have better engagement with their supply chains to claim green credentials * The fashion industry is lagging when it comes to circularity * From workers' rights to ending fast fashion: The EU is cracking down on fashion’s malpractices * European Parliament approves draft law to improve environmental, social practices of supply chains
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Gucci receives certification for gender parity in Italy

Gucci, Cruise 2024 Credits: Gucci Gucci has become the first Italian luxury fashion house to receive a certification for gender parity in Italy, as outlined in the Italian government’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The recognition acknowledges the fashion house’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and was achieved through a voluntary evaluation process audited by Bureau Veritas, a leading global provider of inspection, compliance verification, and certification services. The external evaluation audit process assessed Gucci’s progress across six areas: culture and strategy, governance, human resources processes, opportunities for women's growth and inclusion, gender pay equity, and parenting protection, as well as work-life balance for which it received “positive evaluations”. Bureau Veritas highlighted Gucci for establishing a Global Equity Board and Gender Equality Steering Committee, as well as the luxury label’s comprehensive parental-leave policies, welfare services, and hybrid work model. In addition, its commitment to addressing gender-related issues and unconscious biases while promoting professional growth was praised. Marco Bizzarri, president and chief executive of Gucci, said in a statement: "This achievement, reached ahead of European trends and as the first in the luxury industry in Italy, strongly reaffirms our commitment to a culture that values equity, inclusivity, and respect. "Through concrete actions such as adopting innovative technologies to reduce bias in the selection process, closing the gender pay gap, implementing parental leave policies, fostering greater female representation in leadership roles, and public awareness campaigns such as Gucci Chime - our global campaign for gender equality - we support change and promote cultural transformation in the luxury and fashion industry worldwide, and we will continue to do so.”
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Crocs and Joybees go head-to-head over corporate trade secrets

Egonlab, "phygital" collaboration of NFTs from Egonlab and Crocs, as part of the "Egonimati" collection for the FW22 season. Credits: Egonlab x Crocs. Footwear specialists Crocs and Joybees have taken to court in a clash over intellectual property, market competition and trade secrets. The duo have each filed competing claims against the other in a Colorado federal court, the most recent being initiated by Crocs, which accused its rival of unfair competition. Crocs’ came just one day after Joybees filed a similar complaint in the same court against its competitor, with the Colorado-based firm claiming that Crocs was attempting to monopolise the market for “injection-moulded clogs”. In the counterclaim, Joybees alleged that Crocs was abusing this power through “exclusive and conditional dealings”, with the company also seeking a declaration that its shoes had not violated Crocs’ intellectual property. The filings build on a long-standing feud between the two footwear brands, initially fired up in 2021 when Crocs first sued Joybees, alleging that Kellen McCarvel, a former Crocs employee turned Joybee CEO, had stolen proprietary information following his exit. The claim was further expanded on in Crocs’ latest lawsuit, where the company outlined additional alleged theft in regards to “specifications, standards and test and audit methods that dictate the quality and performance of the shoe material”. According to the suit, Joybees allegedly hired the help of former and current Crocs’ employees with the aim of making footwear in a similar manufacturing process to the latter, as it looked to “piggyback off” Crocs’ success.
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Marc Jacobs collaborates with Blumarine

Credits: Heaven by Marc Jacobs; Blumarine by Marc Jacobs collection In Pictures Heaven by Marc Jacobs, the Gen Z line from the US fashion designer, has launched a capsule collection with luxury label Blumarine that combines "Italian flair with American streetwear". The Blumarine by Marc Jacobs 11-piece collection features best-selling items from both brands, including pink camo print pieces, embroidered denim tops, jackets and skirts that can be mixed and matched to create full looks. The elevated collection has a romantic sensibility, combining high fashion with ultra-feminine design codes, explains both brands in the press release. Credits: Heaven by Marc Jacobs; Blumarine by Marc Jacobs collection Ava Nirui, creative director of Heaven by Marc Jacobs, said: “In my teen and college years, I fell in love with the Blumarine brand and aesthetic — it was the ultimate in feminine, aspirational fashion to me. I remember lusting after Blumarine advertisements. There was something very powerful about the way the brand depicted women, and I felt instantly moved by these images. “There are so many parallels between Blumarine and Marc Jacobs, then and now, and I think this collection makes total sense for both of us. I love the way Nicola and his team interpreted Marc and the Heaven brand codes in his very Blu way! I’m such a genuine fan of Nicola and his approach to Blumarine, and feel really lucky to have worked with him.” Credits: Heaven by Marc Jacobs; Blumarine by Marc Jacobs collection Nicola Brognano, creative director at Blumarine, added: “I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work on this project and had a lot of fun creating this special collection that merges Blumarine and Heaven by Marc Jacobs identities. Each piece of the capsule is a gem and truly reflects today’s spirit, balancing ease and coolness in the most feminine and light-hearted way.” The collection is available at Marc Jacobs and Blumarine online, at Heaven’s stores in Fairfax and London, as well as at Dover Street Market in London, New York and Los Angeles. Credits: Heaven by Marc Jacobs; Blumarine by Marc Jacobs collection Credits: Heaven by Marc Jacobs; Blumarine by Marc Jacobs collection
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Boohoo awards 17.1 million shares to 46 employees

Boohoo campaign imagery. Credits: Boohoo Group. Fast fashion group Boohoo has announced that it has granted over 17 million awarded shares as part of its ongoing Discretionary Share Award Plan. The move is in reference to a total of 17,112,212 ordinary shares, each offered at one pence each and granted to 46 employees. The shares equal 1.35 percent of the company’s current issued share capital, with a vesting period of three years ending on June 28, 2026. Boohoo noted that none of its executive directors participated in the awards. The move comes amid Boohoo’s ongoing battle with Revolution Beauty, a cosmetics firm it holds a 26.6 percent stake in, making it the company’s largest shareholder. In the duo’s most recent public spat, Boohoo criticised Revolution’s decision to give a group of its senior executives a total of two million shares. The fashion group claimed that Revolution had not informed shareholders of the decision and demanded a public confirmation that the terms of the share awards had not been amended following its most recent AGM, where said executives had been reappointed despite Boohoo’s opposition. In response, Revolution said that 17 individuals had been provided the awards to reflect “hard work and commitment”, and also put a spotlight on Boohoo’s highly controversial 175 million pound growth share plan that had notably been turned down by 37 percent of its shareholders. Read more: * Behind the rift: Revolution Beauty vs Boohoo Group
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Canada Goose unveils first sneaker collection

Credits: Image: Canada Goose; Canada Goose Glacier Trail sneakers In Pictures Luxury outerwear brand Canada Goose is launching its first sneakers this month as part of the brand’s strategic growth plan to expand into categories that “meets the needs of the modern explorer” to deliver “year-round relevance” as a lifestyle label. The Glacier Trail sneakers are described as “an elevated design,” drawing upon Canada Goose’s heritage of functionality and performance, while also being “ultra-versatile, multi-seasonal, and innovative,” explains the brand. Canada Goose adds that the sneakers aim to meet the demands of today’s consumer who is looking for “style, comfort, protection and stability,” with the footwear engineered with a breathable waterproof HDry membrane and a 100 percent breathable microfibre insole with temperature-regulating properties to keep the foot dry and comfortable. While the uppers are built with rubberised leather protective wraps for protection from the elements, durable rubber soles and a supportive 360-degree lacing system, with a zipper addition on the high-top offering maximum comfort. Credits: Image: Canada Goose; Canada Goose Glacier Trail sneakers The slim and understated design will debut in two silhouettes, a high-top and low for men and women, crafted from suede and premium leather, in neutrals colourways, including black, tan, and white, alongside seasonal colours such as Sundial Orange and Ozone Blue. The Glacier Trials also features a multi-directional tread and heel flare, inspired by the maple leaf from the brand’s disc logo and heel flare extends ground contact to ensure enhanced grip and stability on descents. The sneakers debut on July 18 and will be available at Canada Goose retail stores and online, with prices ranging from 375 to 475 pounds. Credits: Image: Canada Goose; Canada Goose Glacier Trail sneakers Credits: Image: Canada Goose; Canada Goose Glacier Trail sneakers Credits: Image: Canada Goose; Canada Goose Glacier Trail sneakers Credits: Image: Canada Goose; Canada Goose Glacier Trail sneakers
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H&M’s Arket to enter Spain with Barcelona flagship this autumn

Arket Paris store Credits: Arket Nordic fashion label Arket is setting its eyes on Spain with plans to open its first store in the market in 2023. The brand, which is owned by fast fashion giant H&M, is set to open a flagship store in Barcelona this autumn. While the exact location of the new store is unknown, it will carry a mix of the Stockholm-based brand’s ready-to-wear and accessories for women and men, as well as products from its childrenswear, body care, and interior design categories. “We are very excited to announce the opening of our first Arket store in Barcelona,” said managing director Pernilla Wohlfahrt in a statement. “It will be one of our most important events of the year, and we look forward to meeting our customers and the local creative community,” she added. Founded in 2017, Arket focuses more on wardrobe essentials and has a higher price-point than other fast-fashion brands within H&M Group’s portfolio. The company opened its first store back in 2017 on London’s popular Regent Street, before expanding to other cities including Stockholm, Copenhagen, Brussels, and Munich. The company also expanded into the Asia market in 2021 with the opening of flagship stores in Seoul, South Korea, and Beijing, China.
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TrusTrace teams up with Peftrust to strengthen the validity of PEF scores

Credits: TrusTrace /Peftrust Traceability and compliance solutions provider TrusTrace is teaming up with SaaS platform Peftrust, a product-level environmental footprinting solution for textiles and footwear, to strengthen the validity of product environmental footprint (PEF) claims for fashion brands. The new collaboration aims to address a growing need to track and trace a product’s lifecycle to assess its overall environmental impact. The integration will be the first end-to-end solution combining environmental traceability and impact, combining TrusTrace’s authenticated environmental traceability data with Peftrust’s LCA environmental scores to offer a complete assessment of a product’s lifecycle footprint. TrusTrace director of business development Bruno Mattia, who was recently appointed to spearhead business in the region, said in a statement: “In France and Europe, the PEF score has become an integral standard for fashion brands to validate their sustainability claims, improve the impact of their products to enable eco-design and remain in compliance with a growing number of regulations. “By partnering with Peftrust, a best-in-class product life cycle assessment (LCA) solution, we have integrated our solutions to send specific environmental data to Peftrust which, in turn, is available directly within the TrusTrace platform. As a result, we are now the world's first end-to-end solution combining environmental traceability and impact, providing much more than the interchange of data to offer these critical measurements to the largest fashion brands around the world.” Credits: TrusTrace /Peftrust The partnership it adds enhances the specificity of PEF scores by leveraging primary data available through TrusTrace’s platform, as opposed to standard industry-averaged data, which it states tends to be less accurate. As a result, the score takes more brand-specific parameters into account. While a brand only needs to enter a few data points to generate an initial PEF score, utilising TrusTrace data automatically provides more than 20 specific parameters from the supply chain network, making the score “more robust”. Laurent Bocahut, co-founder and chief executive of Peftrust, added: “Stronger data protects brands from the risk of making false or misleading sustainability claims. Our partnership with TrusTrace is enabling TrusTrace’s customers to more comprehensively evaluate their products and better assess the impact of each at scale. We’re thrilled to collaborate with TrusTrace to help brands glean more and better insights about product life cycles.” The PEF methodology was developed by the European Commission to account for a product's entire life cycle. The score covers 16 impacts beyond a product’s carbon footprint and is based on Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), the method for measuring environmental impact. This method tracks manufactured materials from the beginning to the end of its “life” to determine its overall environmental impact.
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CarbonVero tool launched to track energy consumption in the diamond industry

Credits: Andre Messika Diamonds LTD; diamonds Diamond trading company Andre Messika Diamonds LTD has launched a new carbon emission and energy consumption tracking tool in partnership with diamond technological solutions provider Sarine Technology LTD. The CarbonVero tool can track and calculate the carbon emissions of individual natural diamonds from the mine to fully polished state, including the energy consumption during the diamond manufacturing process through Sarine’s traceability solution. The tool utilises foundation measurements conducted by environmental consultancy The Carbon Trust and offers a calculation that reflects the operational emissions, including annual input of materials, energy, transportation, processing, ancillary and waste data. This is then combined with Sarine’s technologically based tracking of each individual diamond to offer a comprehensive dataset that can be tailored to a customer’s reporting needs. The dataset will be included as part of Sarine’s Diamond Traceability reporting and will cover Scopes 1, 2 and 3 – data from the mining organisation, De Beers Namibia, through to the cut and polished product, with further capability to include freight distribution beyond the factory right up until the polished diamond reaches the client’s door. Andre Messika Diamonds and Sarine Technology launch traceability tool for diamond industry As part of the wider framework of measurements, The Carbon Trust added that it has calculated a Product Carbon Footprint which tracks the diamond from mine through to Andre Messika’s Namibian factory and then the polished diamond distribution pathway to create a blueprint for raw data capture. The diamond trading company said it will apply CarbonVero to all its Namibian diamonds going forward, as it continues to explore supply chain insights and add a new layer to traceability that traces the carbon impact. Andre Messika, founder and chairman of Andre Messika Diamonds, said in a statement: “We are extremely proud that our innovation of disclosing carbon emission and energy consumption data per each individual polished diamond has come to fruition thanks to our partnership with Sarine. “I always believed in disclosure, innovation, and technology, and CarbonVERO has arrived to supply all of this for the natural diamond industry.” David Block, chief executive officer of Sarine, added: “We take pride in being part of another innovative initiative that adds an additional layer of transparency, providing crucial information about the energy emitted during the diamond processes, from mining through the entire manufacturing process. “Our commitment is to deliver this data with the highest level of assurance, enabling the industry to offer sustainable products and ensure a promising future. David Block added: It is a pleasure for us to collaborate with Andre Messika once again, reaffirming his belief in transparency, excellence, and benefiting the industry.”
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Avon starts its journey to becoming Leaping Bunny approved

Credits: Avon Beauty Global cosmetics company Avon is partnering with Cruelty Free International to start the process of becoming Leaping Bunny approved, underling its 30-year commitment to animal welfare. Cruelty Free International’s Leaping Bunny programme is the globally recognised gold standard for cruelty-free products, with requirements that go above and beyond laws restricting animal testing, and for Avon to receive approval its entire supply chain is being “rigorously audited,” to ensure compliance. In a statement, Avon said that the first of its ranges to receive Leaping Bunny approval will be Fragrance, Avon Care and Anew, with all other Avon product ranges due to obtain approval within 12 months. Angela Cretu, chief executive at Avon, said: “As a brand with a long-standing commitment to making the world better for all, I’m proud to announce Avon’s partnership with Cruelty Free International, building on our 30-year commitment to animal welfare.” The Leaping Bunny programme is the only cruelty-free standard that requires a supplier monitoring system to be implemented by the brand, supply chain checking right down to the ingredient manufacturer level, adherence to a fixed cut-off date policy and acceptance of regular independent audits to ensure ongoing compliance. Since 2017, Leaping Bunny has seen a 190 percent increase in brands enquiring about approval, demonstrating that global consumer demand for cruelty-free products is impacting how brands operate. Michelle Thew, chief executive at Cruelty Free International, added: “I am delighted to announce our partnership with Avon. To work with them to help end animal testing for cosmetics and declare their Fragrance, Avon Care and Anew ranges officially approved under the Leaping Bunny Programme is a real milestone for the global brand. "I look forward to our continued partnership to approve the entire Avon product range over the next 12 months. Welcome to the Leaping Bunny family!”
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Salvatore Ferragamo CFO resigns after 19 years at company

Credits: Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo The chief financial officer of Italian luxury brand Salvatore Ferragamo has announced his resignation after serving for over 19 years at the company. Alessandro Corsi first joined the heritage group in 2003, initially taking on the position of head of business development and e-commerce before working his way up into increasingly senior positions. Corsi eventually became group CFO in January 2019, assuming responsibility for the company’s financial reports, among other things. According to a press release issued by Salvatore Ferragamo, Corsi will terminate his employment agreement with the company on September 30, 2023. He is said to be taking on “a new professional challenge”. The statement continued: “The company expresses its deepest thanks to Mr. Alessandro Corsi for his professional contribution during these years of collaboration and wishes Mr. Alessandro Corsi all the best for his professional future.” A report by Reuters stated that Corsi was expected to become chief executive of a non-listed company which is not a rival of Ferragamo. Meanwhile, at the luxury brand, the name of a successor will be announced “in accordance with the terms provided for by applicable laws”.
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US Supreme Court denies hearing Nike and Adidas patent dispute

Credits: Image: Nike Flyknit Racer The US Supreme Court has declined to hear Nike’s shoe patent dispute with the sportswear retailer’s German competitor Adidas, a move that came in regards to the former’s attempt to overturn a decision made by the US Patent Office to cancel part of a shoe patent. Court documents revealed that Nike was contesting the tribunal’s decision to invalidate its proposed substitute patent elements based on arguments that Adidas had not raised at the time. This brought to a potential end just one of the long-winded disputes raised by the two sportswear giants, who have been butting heads over various patents linked to the design of knit uppers. Nike was first awarded a patent in March 2008 that provided it with ownership of a textile component made from “different stitch configurations with varying textures” formed using knitting processes. While Adidas went on to petition for a review for the patent, Nike made a move to amend the patent by cancelling previous claims and proposing substitute claims, one of which was opposed by Adidas, which alleged they were still unpatentable. The dispute was then brought to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which sent the case back to the board twice and later rejected a third appeal by Nike last year, leading the brand to submit a petition to the Supreme Court. Nike had initially filed its suit in December 2021, claiming Adidas was infringing on several of its footwear patents, namely its Flyknit knitted upper technology. Adidas then issued a counterclaim against Nike, stating that the company “knowingly and intentionally” infringed on nine patents of its own proprietary athletic technology, with a particular reference to Nike’s Run Club app.
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Claire’s names new chief merchandising officer

Credits: Claudia Lima-Guinehut, Claire's chief merchandising officer. Image: Claire's Accessories retailer Claire’s has announced the appointment of Claudia Lima-Guinehut as the company’s new executive vice president, chief merchandising officer. In the role, Lima-Guinehut has been tasked with leading the retailer’s global merchandising, sourcing and design strategy, as well as the brand’s piercing business. The company said that Lima-Guinehut will continue to help bolster its “on-trend merchandising” while overseeing its product fashion assortment. In a release, CEO, Ryan Vero, said: “Our product takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary for our consumers every day, and we are thrilled that Claudia is joining the team to help continue our legacy as an inviting place where people can experience the joy of self-expression.” Lima-Guinehut joins Claire’s from The Children’s Place, where she most recently served as senior vice president, global merchandising and strategic partnerships, holding responsibility for the brand’s product strategies across multiple channels. Prior to that, she was director of international merchandising for Destination Maternity from 2011 and 2014 and held roles of increasing responsibility at the likes of Zara, Ralph Lauren and Camuto Group. Speaking on her appointment, Lima-Guinehut said: “I’m excited to join Claire’s to continue the tradition of bringing the brand’s beloved consumers, especially younger generations, global fashion product and piercing services that continue to excite them and further drive the business.”
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Shopify extends Shop Pay to enterprise retailers

Credits: Image: Shopify In response to demand from enterprise retailers, Shopify’s Shop Pay is being made accessible to e-commerce businesses not using the Shopify platform. By transforming Shop Pay into a commerce component, enterprise customers can add the feature without the need to completely replace their exisiting commerce infrastructure. The offering is available to enterprises based in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, Shopify said in a press release. According to a recent study conducted by one of the big three consulting firms, Shop Pay boasts a conversion boost of up to 50 percent compared to a guest checkout, surpassing other accelerated checkouts by at least 10 percent. Kaz Nejatian, VP Product and Chief Operating Officer of Shopify, commented on the significance of leveraging Shop Pay, stating, "Enterprises that do not take advantage of Shop Pay are essentially self-sabotaging. They are leaving money on the table." Nejatian emphasized that in a highly competitive retail environment, where large brands are fiercely competing to acquire customers, it is crucial for them to select the tools that can boost their top-line growth without requiring a complete platform overhaul. Shop Pay's effectiveness stems from its extensive identity network, unmatched scale, consumer trust, and velocity of innovation. When a user with a Shop Pay account visits an online store, Shopify recognizes them with a single click. If the customer has recently used Shop Pay, the checkout process can identify them without any action required. This allows Shop Pay to pre-fill all the necessary information, ensuring a seamless one-click checkout experience that is four times faster than a guest checkout.
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