Thom Browne: The Five Hundred Million Dollar Man
Twenty years ago, people laughed at him in his shrunken grey suit. Now he’s showing haute couture in Paris, publishing a weighty monograph on his career, and chairing the CFDA. Who’s laughing now?
Luxury
How rapid change is reshaping the tradition-soaked luxury sector in Europe and beyond.
Highlights
How Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli Harnesses the Power of Colour
The designer has made deft experimentation with colour a hallmark of his aesthetic at the Roman house. Previously known for its signature red, Valentino has expanded its palette under Piccioli — from blistering magenta to dusty electric blues — turning the use of colour into a powerful brand signifier in the process.
Loro Piana Banks on ‘Not Quiet’ Luxury to Continue ‘Magnificent Growth’
In an in-depth interview with BoF, chief executive Damien Bertrand breaks down the strategy shifts he’s put in place to unlock the uber-luxe label’s growth potential.
Case Studies & Reports
Latest News & Analysis
Luxury Bargain Hunters Head to Japan as Weak Yen Brings Big Discounts
The sharp fall in the yen, combined with a number of premium brands not adjusting their prices to reflect the change, has created a rare opportunity to grab luxe goods at a discount.
Fashion and Design Collide at Salone Del Mobile
Fashion’s presence at Milan Design Week grew even bigger this year. Savvy activations by brands including Hermès, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Loewe and Prada showed how Salone has become a ‘critical petri dish for dalliances between design and fashion,’ Dan Thawley reports.
Fashion and Design Collide at Salone Del Mobile
Fashion’s presence at Milan Design Week grew even bigger this year. Savvy activations by brands including Hermès, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Loewe and Prada showed how Salone has become a ‘critical petri dish for dalliances between design and fashion,’ Dan Thawley reports.
Jean Paul Gaultier to Collaborate With Shayne Oliver
The Hood By Air co-founder’s ready-to-wear capsule for the Paris-based perfume and fashion house will be timed to coincide with the Met Gala in New York.
LVMH Sales Grow 3% as Luxury Boom Stalls
Revenues fell on a reported basis, confirming sector-wide fears that luxury demand would continue to slow.
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Do Watch Buyers Really Care About Sustainability?
IWC’s chief executive says it will keep leaning into its environmental message. But the watchmaker has scrapped a flagship sustainability report, and sustainability was less of a focus overall at this year’s Watches and Wonders Geneva.
Remembering Roberto Cavalli, ‘King of Bling’
The larger-than-life Italian designer, who built a fashion empire based on his own image, died in Florence last Friday.
Why Salone del Mobile Is Irresistible for Luxury Brands
This week, designers, collectors and major fashion brands will flock to Milan’s design fair. Also, LVMH reports first-quarter sales.
Roberto Cavalli Has Died
The Italian designer, best known for vibrant animal prints and sand-blasted denim, was 83.
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Gucci Hires Deputy CEO to Bolster Turnaround Efforts
Louis Vuitton marketing chief Stefano Cantino is joining the Kering flagship as it attempts to reignite growth under CEO Jean-François Palus and creative director Sabato de Sarno.
Hermès Takes on Rolex, Chanel With Sports Watch Aimed at Women
Watch revenues at the French leather goods powerhouse have surged since the launch of its H08 sports range in 2021. Now Hermès is hoping to keep up the momentum with a mechanical sports watch aimed at women called Cut.
How the Paris Olympics Will (Really) Impact Fashion Week
From security checkpoints to spiking hotel prices, fashion brands are struggling to plan for the upcoming men’s and haute couture fashion weeks — and separate fact from fiction — in the lead-up to the 2024 Summer Games.
Armani-Owned Company Put in Receivership Amid Labour Exploitation Probe
A court in Milan ordered a one-year receivership for Giorgio Armani Operations, described as an industrial company of the Armani Group, according to the ruling seen by Reuters.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
With Succession in Focus, LVMH Adds Alexandre and Frédéric Arnault to Board
The two brothers join older siblings Antoine and Delphine, meaning that 4 out of Arnault’s 5 heirs now serve on the board. Bernard Arnault, age 75, has placed his controlling interest in LVMH in a stock-share partnership aimed at perpetuating family control.
Arnault Says He Hopes Tensions With China on Luxury Quiet Down
Billionaire Bernard Arnault said he hopes a planned visit to France next month by China’s Xi Jinping will help smooth trade relations between Paris and Beijing.
Swiss Watch Exports Plunge as China and Hong Kong Demand Dries Up
Monthly Swiss watch exports suffered their biggest decline since 2020 as demand for premium and luxury timepieces in key markets including China and Hong Kong plunged.
Report: FTC to Consider Blocking Tapestry’s $8.5 Billion Capri Takeover
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is preparing to sue to block Coach parent Tapestry’s $8.5 billion deal to buy Michael Kors owner Capri Holdings, NYT Dealbook reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Harvey Nichols Appoints New CEO
Harvey Nichols has named Julia Goddard chief executive following the departure of Manju Malhotra — who held the post for 25 years — in late 2023.
Traders Fear Antitrust Risk in $8.5 Billion Deal Between Coach, Michael Kors Owners
The merger arbitrage investor community turned increasingly bearish on the deal last week, as they interpreted some comments from FTC officials at a conference as negative for the deal.
Tapestry Merger With Versace Owner Capri Gets EU, Japan Approval
The merger, which would bring top luxury labels such as Tapestry’s Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman and Capri’s Jimmy Choo and Versace under one roof, still awaits approval from the United States.
Balmain Names New CEO
French fashion house Balmain has appointed Matteo Sgarbossa as chief executive, effective May 6.