Authentic partners with Liberated Brands for outdoor brands

Authentic Brands Group's partnership with Liberated Brands Credits: Authentic Brands Group



Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), a global brand development, marketing, and entertainment platform, has signed a strategic partnership with Liberated Brands (Liberated) for it to take on its action and outdoor sports brands across Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Indonesia.


In a statement, Authentic said that Liberated would take over the operations of the brands’ extensive retail network of more than two hundred locations, as well as e-commerce and marketing operations for Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element, VonZipper, and Honolua across the region.


Supporting the transition will be Greg Healy, global and APAC president of the former Boardriders company, who will transition into a new role as Liberated’s president of APAC, overseeing the strategic growth framework for Liberated’s brand portfolio.


Todd Hymel, founder and chief executive of Liberated, said: “We are thrilled to announce our expanded partnership with Authentic. With a shared vision of enhancing the retail experience for consumers, both online and in-store, we look forward to introducing seamless shopping experiences, curated collections and unique experiences that resonate with a dedicated and growing audience.”


David Brooks, executive vice president of action and outdoor sports and lifestyle at Authentic, added: "We are excited to welcome a new chapter of growth for these iconic brands. These regions hold a special significance for Quiksilver and Billabong, as both brands were born amidst the vibrant surf culture of Australia.


“There is no better leader than Greg to continue connecting the brands with an active and passionate community that shares our same love for surf and lifestyle.”


Additional information on the brands’ upcoming regional activity is expected to be announced in 2024.


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A Christmas cheer for retailers as inflation falls

Inflation Credits: Pexels



UK inflation has fallen more than expected and will boost consumer spending as the cost of fuel and food declines.


In response to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation figures, which indicate a decrease in headline inflation to 3.9 percent, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, emphasized the impact of intense competition among retailers in restraining price hikes for consumers. Notably, with a continued softening in clothing and footwear inflation, underscoring retailers' concerted efforts to provide an affordable holiday season for households.


Dickinson cautioned about potential inflationary risks in 2024, citing looming challenges such as higher business rates in April, new EU border checks, and a National Living Wage hike. She stressed the necessity for the government to carefully evaluate the cumulative impact of its policies, encompassing proposed initiatives like the deposit return scheme and the new packaging levy. Failure to address these factors could lead to a resurgence in the cost of doing business, ultimately reverberating through inflationary pressures.


While inflation has significantly declined from its 2022 peak, it remains nearly twice the Bank of England's 2 percent target, as reported by the BBC. A decrease in inflation doesn't imply that most goods and services have become more affordable; instead, it indicates that prices are experiencing a slower rate of increase.


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Dunhill FY23 losses widen but revenue rises

Dunhill 2023 eyewear campaign. Credits: Dunhill.



Richemont-owned Dunhill has seen its revenues take a subtle climb for the fiscal year 2023, jumping from 33.21 million pounds in the year prior to 36.36 million pounds in the current period.


Despite this, the accounts, filed in the UK’s Companies House, did show widening losses, rising from 22.056 million pounds to 37.93 million pounds.


Operating losses came to 49.13 million pounds, an increase on its previously reported 35.91 million pounds.


This came in contrast to the strong financials reported by Dunhill’s parent company Richemont for the third quarter, where sales grew by 6 percent at actual exchange rates, with increases also seen across all regions.


The report comes on the heels of a series of leadership changes at Dunhill, which this year had announced the appointment of a new creative director, Simon Holloway.


Most recently, however, the brand’s chief executive officer, Laurent Malecaze, had revealed his intention to step down from the helm position in place of taking on the same role at sister company Chloé.


During his two years at Dunhill, Malecaze was credited with overseeing a successful turnaround of the business, bringing forth his ability to energise an organisation.


At the time of the announcement, Richemont noted that a new CEO of Dunhill would be announced in due course.


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Margiela returns, Iris Van Herpen's absence: Haute Couture Week schedule unveiled

Iris Van Herpen AW23, Haute Couture Week. Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight



The provisional schedule for the upcoming Haute Couture Week has been unveiled, with many of the regular attendees already in place, while others appear to be skipping the biannual fashion event.


The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), the governing body for the French fashion industry, unveiled the lineup for the occasion, which is set to take place January 22 to 26, on the heels of the city’s men’s fashion week, the schedule of which was also revealed today.


Among the series of haute couture regulars returning for this season were that of Valentino, Chanel, Giambattista Valli, Viktor & Rolf, Jean Paul Gaultier and Schiaparelli, which will be kicking off the event with a show at 10am on January 22.


The week will be rounded out on the evening of January 26 with a show from Maison Margiela, which will be returning to the line up to exhibit its artisanal line.


While many of the fashion week’s big players are continuing their commitment, there were some noticeable absentees from the schedule.


Iris Van Herpen and Balenciaga were among those, as was Thom Browne and former Rochas creative director Charles de Vilmorin, both of whom had made their haute couture debuts last season.


While Balenciaga is less of a surprise in terms of absence, having previously set its sights on off-calendar events such as its most recent LA show, Iris Van Herpen is more unexpected.


The Dutch designer has appeared on the Haute Couture Week schedule for more than a decade, and has become one of the most memorable attendees in recent years.


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Sotheby’s names new head of media, editor-in-chief

Kristina O’Neill: head of Sotheby’s Media, editor-in-chief of Sotheby’s Magazine Credits: Sotheby's.



Auction house Sotheby’s has announced the appointment of Kristina O’Neill to the newly created role head of Sotheby’s Media as well as editor-in-chief of Sotheby’s Magazine, effective January 8.


The media division of the company will launch as a new global initiative dedicated to omnichannel content covering digital, audio and video elements.


Sotheby’s is hoping to leverage O’Neill’s experience in driving global audience growth and amplifying digital reach and magazine traffic.


She has been tasked with leading the transformation of Sotheby’s Magazine “into a new era as a leading lifestyle publication”, particularly through the increase of frequency, distribution and readership.


Part of O’Neill’s tasks will also be to introduce a signature event for the magazine, the first of which is set to take place in autumn 2024.


O’Neill joins Sotheby’s from WSJ. Magazine, the Wall Street Journal’s luxury-lifestyle print and digital platform, where she had served as editor-in-chief, overseeing the publication of all editorial content.


In a release, O’Neill commented: “In leading the new media division, I am thrilled at the prospect of creating deeper connections with our audience through a luxurious magazine, innovative digital offerings, and a suite of immersive events and experiences. I look forward to being a part of one of the industry’s most passionate and accomplished teams.”


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Kidz Bop inks licensing apparel deal with IHL Group

Kidz Bop music group Credits: Kidz Bop



Kidz Bop, the number one kids’ music brand, has signed an exclusive licensing deal with IHL Group to launch an apparel line next year.


Launching in North American stores in Q3 2024, the apparel will be Kidz Bop inspired, explained fashion group IHL, to “make pop star style accessible to kids everywhere”.


The collaboration will feature apparel for both boys and girls, including activewear, intimates, sleepwear, and loungewear, and will take inspiration from the Kidz Bop brand and distinct styles of the Kidz Bop kids.


IHL said fans can expect on-trend silhouettes in bold colours with fun embellishments to “elevate their pop star looks and express their individual style with mix and match separates”.


Sasha Junk, president of Kidz Bop, said in a statement: “Every year, we see hundreds of thousands of kids come to our concerts in their own pop star looks. Their excitement and enthusiasm inspired us to create a fashion line that’s on-trend, accessible and makes every kid feel like a star.


“IHL is the perfect partner to bring this vision to life, as they work with some of the biggest names in fashion and have incredible relationships with retailers.”


Sami Souid, chief executive officer for IHL Group, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Kidz Bop - a true definition of a multi-hyphenate! Kidz Bop has continued to evolve their brand – through music and content that empowers and inspires the next generation. We’ve watched the brand grow since 2001, and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of that continued growth.”


The IHL Group has a diverse portfolio, including brands Aeropostale, BCBG, Bearpaw, Jason Wu, Natori, Daisy Fuentes, Tahari, Danskin, Totally Tween, and Rae Dunn. Its key distribution partners include Bloomingdales, TJ Maxx, JC Penney, Nordstrom, Costco, Macy's, Dillards, Burlington, Ross, and Saks Fifth Avenue.


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Wolverine sells Asia-based leather business, strenghtens Chinese joint venture

Merrell campaign. Credits: Merrell



Outerwear group Wolverine World Wide has announced further efforts to advance the company’s ongoing transformation programme into a “consumer-obsessed growth category”.


Among its newly revealed moves, Wolverine has said that it has secured a 61 million dollar agreement to sell minority ownership interest in the subsidiary that owns the Saucony intellectual property and the company’s equity interest in Merrell and Saucony joint venture entities to Xtep in China.


The decision builds on Wolverine’s already established relationship with Xtep, which it initially partnered with in 2019 to launch the Merrell and Saucony brands in the region.


Through the new agreement, the sportswear specialist now has the accelerated option to purchase a 40 percent minority ownership interest in the Saucony intellectual property in light of the “early success and profitability” of the brand in China.


Xtep takes on Chinese operations of Merrell and Saucony




In addition to this, Wolverine has also agreed to sell its equity interest in the Merrell and Saucony joint venture to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xtep, transitioning the business to a distribution rights model through which Xtep will carry out development, marketing and distribution for the brands.


The company said that the sale reflected the “growth aspects” of the two labels in China, with a new operating model set to leverage Xtep’s expertise and resources in order to further their potential in the market.


Wolverine has also said that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Asia-based Wolverine Leathers business to the current materials vendor of the company, Interhides Public Company Limited, for around nine million dollars.


This completed the company’s previously announced objective to sell the subsidiary and follows on the path of recently announced transactions made over the last year, including the sale of Keds, Hush Puppies IP in Asia and the US leather business.


Speaking on the ongoing transformation, Chris Hufnagel, president and CEO of Wolverine, said in a release: “We’ve taken fast, bold, and decisive actions to stabilise the company today, while working to transform Wolverine Worldwide for the future.


“Our actions over the past four months have served to simplify our business model, reduce our cost structure, and strengthen our balance sheet. While our work isn't done, we enter the new year with a clear vision for the future, enhanced ability to invest in our brands and platforms, and ultimately, a better position to deliver stronger returns for our shareholders.”


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Lalage Beaumont opens its first store outside the UK

Lalage Beaumont store in Mode Mall, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Credits: Lalage Beaumont



In Pictures


British handbag and ready-to-wear designer Lalage Beaumont London has opened a standalone boutique in Mode Mall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.


The opening marks the first Lalage Beaumont store outside the UK, building on the success within the region with stockists Saks Fifth Avenue in Bahrain, Tryano in Abu Dhabi, and Shoes and Handbags Fifty One East in Qatar.


It follows strong growth in sales to the Middle Eastern market, explains Lalage Beaumont, as sales to Middle Eastern customers through its London stores and online before Covid "grew rapidly," equating to approximately 70 percent of the brand’s total.


Lalage Beaumont store in Mode Mall, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Credits: Lalage Beaumont



The 430-square-foot boutique is located in Mode Mall, in the exclusive Al Faisaliah District, Riyadh’s biggest hub for luxury shopping, and has been designed to reflect the clean lines of the brand's structured handbags.


Lalage Beaumont, founder and creative director, said in a statement: “It has become clear through our diverse international customer base that there are significant retail opportunities for our handbags in other parts of the world. Following the loyal support, we have received from our customers in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), we are particularly delighted that our first venture is in Saudi Arabia and at such an exciting time in the development of the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia).


“We hope this boutique will be the first of several and look forward to this concept evolving in additional cities and in other countries within the GCC.”


Lalage Beaumont store in Mode Mall, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Credits: Lalage Beaumont



Lalage Beaumont has opened the store in conjunction with its franchise partner Trafalgar Luxury Group, who have strategic partnerships with leading international brands, including Chopard, Patek Phillipe, Harry Winston, Tag Heuer, Dior, and Gucci in the Middle East.


The brand also has two standalone shops in London, in Knightsbridge and Burlington Arcade.


Lalage Beaumont store in Mode Mall, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Credits: Lalage Beaumont



Lalage Beaumont store in Mode Mall, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Credits: Lalage Beaumont


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Fendi unveils collaboration with Fragment and Pokémon

Fendi x Frgmt x Pokémon collection Credits: Fendi



In Pictures


Italian fashion brand Fendi has unveiled a collaboration with Hiroshi Fujiwara’s streetwear label Fragment and game franchise Pokémon to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon.


The playful Fendi x Frgmt x Pokémon collection transforms bags, T-shirts, hoodies and silk pyjamas for men and women with dragon-type Pokémon, including ‘Dragonair,’ ‘Dratini,’ and ‘Dragonite’.


Key styles include Fendi’s Peekaboo and Baguette bags, as well as shopper totes and the men’s camera case bag, featuring Pokémon characters integrated with Fendi's iconic FF logo print.


Fendi x Frgmt x Pokémon collection Credits: Fendi



The collection also includes small leather goods such as wallets and cardholders, as well as a selection of galvanized brass jewellery, including earrings and rings combining the Maison's iconic FF logo with Pokémon’s signatures, including ‘Dratini’ and ‘Dragonair’ and the famous ‘Poké Ball,’ which opens on a soft chain bracelet and necklace.


Fendi x Frgmt x Pokémon collection Credits: Fendi



Commenting on the collaboration, Kim Jones, artistic director of couture and womenswear at Fendi, said in a statement: “I first met Hiroshi Fujiwara in London in 1999 – and what can I say? He’s one of my idols and I love him. He’s an instigator of the Japanese club scene, its youth fashion scene and its streetwear scene.


“I have been in love with Japan for a long time; its influence on me and what I do is huge – Hiroshi is a major part of that.”


Fendi x Frgmt x Pokémon collection Credits: Fendi



The collaboration also includes a partnership with the mobile game Pokémon Go, where players can discover Pokémon as they explore the world around them. From January 4, 2024, Pokémon GO Trainers will be able to obtain digital avatar items featuring designs from Fendi’s Year of the Dragon collaboration with Fragment and Pokémon.


The Fendi x Frgmt x Pokémon apparel and accessories collection will be available in selected Fendi boutiques worldwide and on fendi.com from January 4, 2024.


Fendi x Frgmt x Pokémon collection Credits: Fendi



Fendi x Frgmt x Pokémon collection Credits: Fendi



Fendi x Frgmt x Pokémon collection Credits: Fendi


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Fashion designer Lorenzo Riva dies

Lorenzo Riva at the SS11 fashion show of his eponymous brand with model Credits: Launchmetrics/Spotlight



Lorenzo Riva has died at the age of 85. The Italian designer is said to have died on Saturday in the San Gerardo Hospital in his hometown of Monza, reported the specialist magazine WWD. Riva worked as artistic director for the fashion house Balenciaga in the early 1980s.


The designer was known for his bridal and haute couture creations. He presented his first couture collection in Florence in 1972, after which he moved to Paris. He stayed in France until 1984 and then returned to Italy.


Lorenzo Riva SS11. Credits: Launchmetrics / Spotlight



Riva entered the international market with his eponymous brand and went on to organise shows abroad, including in Japan. In 2012, the Italian designer sold the majority of his brand to an Italian production company. However, in 2018, Riva decided to create a new brand: L'Or by Lorenzo Riva.


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HanesBrands names new chairman

HanesBrands headquarters. Credits: Hanesbrands Inc.



Apparel label HanesBrands has announced the appointment of William Simon to the position of chairman of its board of directors, effective from December 31, 2023.


Simon will succeed Ronald Nelson, who has made the decision to retire as both chairman and board member at the end of the year.


Simon has been serving as a director at HanesBrands since 2021, previously holding positions on the Talent and Compensation Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee.


He is currently executive advisor to investment firm KKR & Co. and president of consulting company WSS Venture Holdings. Prior to this, Simon was president and chief executive officer of Walmart US.


On his appointment, Simon said in a regulatory filing: “I appreciate the board’s confidence in me, and I look forward to working with my fellow directors and the management team in my new role as chairman.


“As we move ahead with fresh perspectives gained from our recently appointed new directors, the board continues to be intensely focused on delivering enhanced shareholder value. We are collectively committed to supporting management as the team executes on opportunities to drive improved growth and profitability.”


HanesBrands further announced the retirement of Cheryl Beebe and Ann Ziegler from the board, changes that follow the appointment of three new independent directors, Colin Browne, Natasha Chand and John Mehas, last month.


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Frasers reportedly eyeing Matches acquisition

Matches in London Credits: Shaun James Cox / Matches



Mike Ashley’s retail giant Frasers Group is believed to be mulling a potential purchase of the struggling luxury e-tailer, Matches – formerly Matchesfashion.


The conglomerate is reportedly in “detailed negotiations” on a deal that could see it take over Matches “within days”, according to city sources for Sky News.


The media outlet said that any agreement made by Frasers could result in “heavy losses” for Apax Partners, Matches’ long-term private equity backer, with the group understood to be looking at a 50 million pound solvent deal.


Frasers is one of the few parties who had submitted offers for a buyout last week, with Next being another eyeing an acquisition.


Speculation surrounding Matches’ financial position has been circulating throughout the year, after it was revealed that Apax had injected 60 million pounds into the company in January, to cover both equity and debt.


Later, in December, a report by Drapers stated that Matches was reportedly seeking a 50 million pound equity raise amid an ongoing turnaround strategy, with all options said to be on the table.


In November, Matches had reported widening losses during the year to January 31, with operating losses up from 37.5 million pounds to 67.2 million pounds. In addition to this, revenue also fell 1.7 percent for the period to 380 million pounds.


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Coliseum plan further investment in Gildan, firm's managing partner joins board

Credits: Gildan Activewear Inc.



Gildan Activewear has announced a support agreement with Coliseum Capital Management, pursuant to which Coliseum will support the company’s full slate of board nominees at each of the 2024 and 2025 annual meetings of shareholders.


In connection with the agreement, Coliseum announced that it intends to make an additional investment in Gildan through market purchases during insider open window periods. Additionally, Chris Shackelton, a co-founder and managing partner of Coliseum joined Gildan’s board of directors.


After joining the Gildan board, Chris Shackelton said, “It is a privilege to serve on this board and represent shareholders at this critical juncture. This agreement is a clear reflection of our conviction in the company’s strategy, leadership, board and bright future.”


The development takes place after the Canadian investment management firm Turtle Creek Asset Management and Browning West, both longtime shareholders in Gildan issued a letter to Gildan board urging it to reverse its termination of Glenn Chamandy and reappoint him as CEO of the company.


“Coliseum’s intent to further invest in Gildan is a testament to its belief in the Company’s leadership, board, strategic plan and capability to deliver value,” added Donald C. Berg, chair of Gildan’s board.


Commenting about the board’s succession plans that had been publicly disseminated, Berg said: “Our succession plan has been a multi-year, careful, and deliberate process which included the former CEO at appropriate times throughout the process. It resulted in a well thought out rationale for the board’s unanimous decision to appoint Vince Tyra as the new CEO.”


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From candy canes to festive carousels: The most dazzling Christmas displays of 2023

In Pictures

Anya Hindmarch 'Anya's Grotto' Christmas pop-up on Pont
Street, London. Credits: Inkl.

With Christmas just around the corner and the hunt for last-minute gifts
going ahead, fashion retailers and department stores are continuing their
efforts to reel in customers with festively decorated shop windows,
displays and pop-ups. Whether it's a Christmas tree, artificial snow or
twinkling fairy lights, nothing has been missed for this year’s festive
season. FashionUnited has put together the most dazzling displays from
fashion stores around the world that will make your eyes light up and
immerse visitors in the world of Christmas.



Valentino at Harrods - London



Valentino Christmas takeover at Harrods, London Credits:
Valentino

Valentino once again puts its attention on the colour pink. The Italian
brand's 'Pink PP' line has encased the windows of British luxury department
store Harrods in the glow of the characteristic colour for the festive
season. Lavishly wrapped gifts are piled up in the window displays
alongside accessories from the latest Valentino collections. In front of
the Hans Crescent entrance to the shopping centre is a nine-metre-long
Christmas tree bearing the brand's logo. Next to it, a food truck serves
hot chocolate and sweet treats - also in Valentino style.

Valentino Christmas takeover at Harrods, London. Credits:
Valentino

Ralph Lauren and the KaDeWe Group – Berlin, München und Hamburg



The shop window of the KaDeWe Group x Ralph Lauren Holiday
Takeover. Credits: KaDeWe

The German luxury department store operator KaDeWe Group also took the
opportunity to give its eponymous flagship in Berlin, the Alsterhaus in
Hamburg and the Oberpollinger in Munich a festive makeover. This year, the
US fashion group Ralph Lauren had the honour of designing the shop windows.
In addition to sledging teddy bears and a traditional chalet atmosphere,
the winter collection of the premium label can be discovered in front of a
snow-covered Christmas landscape. KaDeWe is playing host to a pop-up of the
brand with an in-house café that serves visitors warm drinks and desserts.


Ralph’s Coffee. Credits: KaDeWe Group

Dior at Saks – New York



Dior's 'Carousel of Dreams' at Saks in New York. Credits:
Saks/Paul Vu

A special Christmas spectacle can be seen at Saks on Fifth Avenue in New
York: French fashion house Dior has transformed the 10-storey façade of the
luxury department store into a 'Carousel of Dreams' using a work of art
with watercolour effects and three-dimensional metal elements. When it gets
dark, around 300,000 LED lights illuminate the building, while a medley of
Christmas songs emphasises the atmosphere.

Dior's 'Carousel of Dreams' at Saks in New York. Credits:
Luis Guillen Photography /Saks x Dior

The shop windows tell "an enchanting story about Monsieur Dior's dream
journey from Paris to Saks' hometown of New York City" using animated
projections and images of typical city landmarks, including the Eiffel
Tower and the Statue of Liberty. The theme of the carousel installation
continues inside the department store, where Dior haute couture models are
displayed on the sales floor.



Anya Hindmarch – London



Anya Hindmarch 'Anya's Grotto' Festive Gift Shop Pop-Up, Pont
Street London. Nov. 23.Credits: Courtesy of inkl.

Visitors to British accessories and bag designer Anya Hindmarch's
'Village' shop on Pont Street in London's Chelsea neighbourhood can immerse
themselves in a dreamy Christmas atmosphere. With a specially painted red
façade illuminated by fairy lights, the pop-up, 'Anya's Grotto', creates a
radiant Christmas oasis. Children can book in advance for an adventurous
tour with Father Christmas, which ends with a Christmas story by the open
fire. Gift ideas round off the shopping experience.



Brunello Cucinelli in Harrods – London



Brunello Cucinelli at Harrods Credits: Brunello Cucinelli


The Italian fashion house Brunello Cucinelli defies the freezing cold at
Harrods in London. The shop windows, framed by blocks of ice and icicles,
offer a view of a winter landscape in which snow bunnies and foxes frolic.
White sales areas present a neutral-coloured collection to match the
season. The design concept, 'Solomeo in White', takes its name from
Cucinelli's small home village of Solomeo in Umbria and is intended to
evoke the snow that is often longed for in winter.

Brunello Cucinelli Pop-up at Harrods. Credits: Brunello
Cucinelli

Stella McCartney and Selfridges – London



Stella McCartney's Stellabration at Selfridges, The Corner
Shop. Credits: Selfridges.

British designer Stella McCartney has brought her own flair to The
Corner Shop at Selfridges, offering customers a theatrical experience
entitled ‘Stellabration’. Here, her eponymous brand is displayed among a
vintage aesthetic and festive tropes, with The Lucky Light Show being a
core part of the space, where a collection of neon lighting from past
displays have been reused to emphasise McCartney’s sustainable mindset. In
fact, according to the department store, the majority of materials and
decorations used in the display are recycled, recyclable or biodegradable.


Stella McCartney's Stellabration at Selfridges, The Corner
Shop. Credits: Selfridges.

Bergdorf Goodman’s ‘Isn't it Brilliant’ – New York



Bergdorf Goodman’s ‘Isn't it Brilliant’ window. Credits:
Bergdorf Goodman.

Following the holiday theme ‘Isn’t it Brilliant’, luxury retailer
Bergdorf Goodman has unveiled a series of windows throughout its New York
store, each designed to reflect what it said was a 360-degree holiday
programming. Lights, mirrors, chrome, ice and neon colours are aglow in the
displays, each created as always by the retailer’s in-house design team,
who brought their own take on the concept at hand. Among the designers
featured in the windows are the likes of Balmain, Rodarte, Simone Rocha,
Jil Sander and Rabanne.

Bergdorf Goodman’s ‘Isn't it Brilliant’ window. Credits:
Bergdorf Goodman.

Printemps and Prada – Paris



Prada pop-up in Printemps Haussmann. Credits: Courtesy of
Prada

Prada has taken over a part of Paris’ Printemps Haussmann department
store for a select period of time, hosting a pop-up that celebrates the New
Year. An installation within the retail space is dedicated to the theme
‘Paper Christmas, wishes come true’ and draws inspiration from literary
classics, as reflected in an 11-metre-high library housing books stamped
with the luxury label’s logo. Among bauble designs and cascading envelopes
is further evidence of Prada branding, in particular its signature triangle
reinterpreted through the use of paper.

Prada pop-up in Printemps Haussmann. Credits: Courtesy of
Prada


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The Platform Group acquires 100 percent stake in German furniture company

Credits: Möbelfirst via Facebook



The Platform Group is acquiring the outstanding shares of Möbelfirst, one of the leading platforms for luxury furniture in German-speaking countries.


Commenting on the transaction, Dominik Benner, CEO of The Platform Group said: “Möbelfirst has developed very well as a platform, has always been profitable and now has shopping carts averaging 4,100 euros - this is unique in the furniture industry. We are pleased to now increase our shares to 100 percent and to consistently pursue our profitable growth strategy.”


The Platform Group has been the majority shareholder at Möbelfirst since 2021 and has successfully expanded the strategy since joining, particularly through the use of TPG's software solutions. Over 500 partners in the furniture trade sector are now connected to the platform, and the company is based in Bonn.


“We have developed Möbelfirst into the leading platform for luxury furniture and, contrary to the industry trend, we are growing double-digit and profitably. We are pleased to continue to play a key role in shaping the development as managing directors” added Christoph Ritschel, managing director of Möbelfirst.


The company said in a statement that further acquisition of 49.9 percent of Möbelfirst was implemented in December 2023; the closing of the transaction was agreed on March 1, 2024. From this point on, The Platform Group will hold 100 percent shares in the company. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.


Adding further, Dennis Franken, also managing director of the company, said: “Last year we have already developed from classic upholstered furniture to office furniture, and our B2B sales are increasing significantly . Next year we are planning the next expansion of our business activities in the area of ​​luxury furniture and kitchens. We will significantly expand the number of dealers.”


In the coming year, the company added, The Platform Group plans to continue its successful acquisition strategy and acquire between three to eight additional companies, both in the B2B and B2C sectors.


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