Fashion News Roundup: Prada, Ralph Lauren, and More
The latest fashion news from around the world.
Season 1 Episode 2 of The Fabric of Culture’s Podcast is now live. I had the opportunity to interview Rich Antoniello, the co-founder of legendary media outlet Complex. In our conversation we covered his founder story, how Complex began to move/still moves culture, and the implications of A.I. Click here for the full interview.
Below you’ll find some of the most interesting stories around the fashion and retail industry so you can stay up to date.
Prada Appoints its Next Chief Communications Officer
Prada announced last week that Christopher Bugg will become the company’s next Chief Communications officer. He joined the brand in 2020 leading communications for Asia and has quickly moved up the ranks. He has a strong background in marketing and comms having worked in senior roles at Louis Vuitton and Calvin Klein. Prada’s acquisition earlier this year raised more than a few eyebrows given the stark contrast of Versace and the brands under the Prada Group (Prada, Miu Miu, etc). Christopher will report to the CMO and will be highly influential in ensuring the smooth post-merger integration from a messaging standpoint.
Kith Announces a Runway Appearance
Popular streetwear brand Kith has announced their first runway show since 2019, but it won’t be part of the NYFW calendar. The New York-based brand has opted to host this as a solo event on August 11th titled “Institution” where they’ll preview part of their Fall 2025 collection. This marks a growing trend of brands, regardless of price point or genre, wanting to create a unique experience outside of the normal lanes of a fashion week. We’ll send out a breakdown of the show next week so stay tuned.
Ralph Lauren’s Q1 Earnings Report Highlights Impressive Growth
Ralph Lauren has been on a tear this year. The collections they’ve launched were all well received, including their collaborations with the MLB, the Tokyo Series, and most recently their second capsule with Morehouse and Spelman as an ode to the Oak Bluffs neighborhood in Martha’s Vineyard. This commercial success is directly translating to big wins in their financial performance. Last week they announced revenues were up 14% (11% after currency conversions) in the first quarter of their new fiscal year. They’re winning in every market, especially across Asia where most of their competitors have been struggling. Their stock price slightly dipped after their earnings report was released but this in response to the entire industry struggling and not anything specific on their part.
Swiss Watchmakers Worried by Tarrifs
Pleas to Donald Trump by Swiss watchmaking executives fell on deaf ears. He has officially levied a 39% tax on watches from the region that are exported to the U.S. This is problematic for several reasons, but primarily because this is this market is a cash cow for brands. “The US is by far the Swiss watch industry’s largest export market, accounting for around 17 percent of its total exports by value. In real terms, in the first six months of this year that equated to exports worth 2.6 billion Swiss francs ($3.2 billion), around three times more than Japan, currently the industry’s second largest export market.1” While people who buy watches directly from these companies normally don’t bat an eye at a five figure price tag, the question remains: at what price will consumers buckle and say this no longer makes sense? We’ll probably have that answer soon.
Dior Opens Spa in US Flagship
More evidence that luxury retail’s move into hospitality is here to stay. Dior recently opened a spa within it’s NYC flagship. They already have this concept in Dubai and Paris and now offer it within the U.S. Technically the already operate a spa within the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, but the flagship will serve as an in-house amenity. VIP customers receive complimentary spa treatments but packages range from $375-$1300. Despite the high price tag, Dior’s current customers are showing quite a bit of excitement that this service is now available in yet another location.
Business of Fashion; End Times for Swiss Watchmakers?
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