Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
LONDON, United Kingdom — This week, Calvin Klein appointed Raf Simons its chief creative officer, marking an apparent strategy shift at the iconic American brand. Elsewhere, magazines are experimenting with new strategies aimed at reversing declining print sales. W magazine tapped i-D founder Terry Jones to art direct its "collectible" September 2016 issue, featuring Rihanna, while Teen Vogue's new Millennial management team are working with Anna Wintour to win over a 'digital native' Gen Z. In other news, Britain is now the world's cheapest luxury market following the financial shock of the country's Brexit vote, while terror attacks continue to disrupt traditional travel corridors, prompting new approaches to travel retail. How should fashion companies prepare for today's world of increased instability? Join the discussion here. And get ready for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with our interview with Nike's CMO and a look a how fashion is framing top Olympic athletes.
1. Raf Simons Starts at Calvin Klein, Marking Strategic Shift
Raf Simons, the new chief creative officer of Calvin Klein | Photo: Willy Vanderperre, courtesy Calvin Klein
In a bold and widely anticipated move, Raf Simons has been named chief creative officer of Calvin Klein, bringing his signature minimalist aesthetic to the iconic American brand, the company has confirmed.
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(L-R) Teen Vogue creative director Marie Suter, editor Elaine Welteroth and digital editorial director Phillip Picardi | Photo: Kelly Teacher
Can a team of Millennials, led by Anna Wintour, win over Gen Z?
3. China's Factory Brands: Clones or Clever Business?
(L-R) Michael Kors' "Bridgette" tote and Tuscan's "Gem" handbag | Source: Michael Kors/Tuscan's
Some Chinese factories are producing own-label products that bear a strong resemblance to the products they make for global luxury companies.
4. How Should Fashion Prepare for Global Instability?
Fashion is vulnerable to global instability | Source: Shutterstock
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How should fashion and luxury companies prepare themselves for the unsettling reality of today's state of global instability?
5. Britain Now World's Cheapest Luxury Market
Burberry's London flagship store at 121 Regent Street | Source: Burberry
The UK is now the cheapest luxury goods market in the world in the wake of the country's vote to leave the EU, which pushed down the value of the British pound about 10 percent against the euro.
6. Wang, Ghesquière and More Support Apple in Patent War with Samsung
Designers like Nicolas Ghesquière and Alexander Wang have signed an amicus brief asking the US Supreme Court to reject Samsung’s appeal in its legal battle with Apple over design patents | Illustration: BoF
Top fashion designers have signed an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court of the United States to reject Samsung’s appeal in its legal battle with Apple over design patents.
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Rihanna as a queen during war and peacetime on the cover of W magazine's September issue, art directed by Terry Jones | Photo: Steven Klein/Courtesy
W magazine has enlisted i-D founder Terry Jones to art direct its ‘collectible’ September 2016 issue, featuring Rihanna recast as a Cartier-bedecked queen.
8. Tapping Travel Retail Amidst Terror
Security at Seoul Incheon International Airport | Source: Shutterstock
In an increasingly volatile world, retailers must build a global footprint, be flexible and tap travelling consumers at their point of departure.
9. Nike CMO: 'No Bigger Stage Than the Olympics'
(L-R) Nike chief marketing officer, Brazilian football player Neymar in Nike's "Unlimited" campaign | Source: Nike
Nike chief marketing officer Greg Hoffman explains how the company is tapping the Olympic opportunity ‘not only through storytelling but also through product and services.’
10. How Fashion Is Framing Olympic Athletes for Rio 2016
Swimmer Haley Anderson, fencer Miles Chamley-Watson and synchronised swimmers Mariya Koroleva and Anita Alvarez in Elle USA's August Issue | Photo: Max Vadukul/Illustration: BoF
In the run-up to the Rio Summer Olympics, fashion magazines across the world are featuring athletes in a fusion of fashion and sport. Meaningful tribute or a superficial spotlight?
In Other News...
Adidas Comeback on North America Sales Jump
Falling Tourism Prompts Kate Spade Forecast Cut
Uniqlo 'Revival' Seen as Lower Prices Lift Sales
Wal-Mart in Talks to Buy Online Retailer Jet.com
