Fashion Startup Founder Pleads Guilty in $300 Million Fraud
Christine Hunsicker admitted she falsified financial statements to promote CaaStle Inc. as a valuable, growing business when in reality it was struggling.
This Week in Fashion
What's up, down and making news this week in the fashion and beauty businesses.
Beauty
The Social Media Trap
Unexpected new features and algorithmic changes at Instagram and TikTok are a reminder that brands and creators can’t become overly reliant on any one platform to drive their business.
The Social Media Trap
Unexpected new features and algorithmic changes at Instagram and TikTok are a reminder that brands and creators can’t become overly reliant on any one platform to drive their business.
News & Analysis
The Supreme Court’s Tariff Ruling: What Fashion Needs to Know
A majority of justices struck down the ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs that sent shockwaves through the fashion industry, setting the stage for a rush of brands trying to recoup duties they’ve already paid.
The Supreme Court’s Tariff Ruling: What Fashion Needs to Know
A majority of justices struck down the ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs that sent shockwaves through the fashion industry, setting the stage for a rush of brands trying to recoup duties they’ve already paid.
Marketing
Why Is ‘Influencer’ Still a Dirty Word?
Influencer marketing represents a nearly $44 billion dollar industry that’s set to surpass traditional media, but a stigma around its personalities and economics still persists. Should it?
Why Is ‘Influencer’ Still a Dirty Word?
Influencer marketing represents a nearly $44 billion dollar industry that’s set to surpass traditional media, but a stigma around its personalities and economics still persists. Should it?
Retail
Saks Global: When Bankruptcy Is Your Best-Case Scenario…
The retailer’s Chapter 11 filing — and $1.75 billion in new financing to keep operating while it restructures — came as a relief to many in the industry. But keeping the doors open is a low bar to clear; there are still unanswered questions about the luxury department store model’s future.
Saks Global: When Bankruptcy Is Your Best-Case Scenario…
The retailer’s Chapter 11 filing — and $1.75 billion in new financing to keep operating while it restructures — came as a relief to many in the industry. But keeping the doors open is a low bar to clear; there are still unanswered questions about the luxury department store model’s future.
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Retail
Luxury Brands Are Making a Big Bet on Saks. Will It Come Back to Haunt Them?
Vendors have long complained that Saks was slow to pay its bills. Yet even as a bankruptcy filing for the department store giant appears imminent, many say they plan to continue to work with the retailer.
Luxury Brands Are Making a Big Bet on Saks. Will It Come Back to Haunt Them?
Vendors have long complained that Saks was slow to pay its bills. Yet even as a bankruptcy filing for the department store giant appears imminent, many say they plan to continue to work with the retailer.
Retail
Can the Multibrand Fiasco Be Salvaged in 2026?
Matches is plotting yet another reboot, Ssense has a restructuring lifeline and an interest payment looms for Saks. Together, they signal an industry in crisis, but hope springs eternal.
Can the Multibrand Fiasco Be Salvaged in 2026?
Matches is plotting yet another reboot, Ssense has a restructuring lifeline and an interest payment looms for Saks. Together, they signal an industry in crisis, but hope springs eternal.
Marketing
MAC, Chappell Roan and the Power of Polarisation in Marketing
In the wake of the announcement that the Gen Z pop star would become the latest face of MAC Cosmetics, some of her fans criticised her decision. But landing the star will likely still prove to be beneficial for the brand in the end.
MAC, Chappell Roan and the Power of Polarisation in Marketing
In the wake of the announcement that the Gen Z pop star would become the latest face of MAC Cosmetics, some of her fans criticised her decision. But landing the star will likely still prove to be beneficial for the brand in the end.
Sports
Can Nike’s Latest C-Suite Makeover Finally Solidify Its Vision?
Elliott Hill has made another round of changes to Nike’s executive team as he builds out the company’s future. But when will that future finally arrive?
Can Nike’s Latest C-Suite Makeover Finally Solidify Its Vision?
Elliott Hill has made another round of changes to Nike’s executive team as he builds out the company’s future. But when will that future finally arrive?
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Retail
This Year’s Black Friday Paradox
Shoppers feel worse than ever but are still spending — selectively. This holiday season turns on a widening wealth divide and a rising insistence on quality at a fair price.
This Year’s Black Friday Paradox
Shoppers feel worse than ever but are still spending — selectively. This holiday season turns on a widening wealth divide and a rising insistence on quality at a fair price.
Technology
What the AI ‘Bubble’ Means for Fashion
Concerns about the scale and concentration of AI investment in the key US market have reached a boiling point. A correction could have big consequences for brands this holiday season.
What the AI ‘Bubble’ Means for Fashion
Concerns about the scale and concentration of AI investment in the key US market have reached a boiling point. A correction could have big consequences for brands this holiday season.
Retail
Is Skims Really Worth $5 Billion?
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear-turned-lifestyle brand has defied all odds to reach a $5 billion valuation — but investors are betting on its future, not its past.
Is Skims Really Worth $5 Billion?
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear-turned-lifestyle brand has defied all odds to reach a $5 billion valuation — but investors are betting on its future, not its past.
Media
The End of Teen Vogue Completes Fashion Media’s Retreat From Politics
Condé Nast’s decision to absorb the publication into Vogue.com will likely boost the company’s bottom line, but its progressive, Gen-Z-centric political content is unlikely to survive the transition.
The End of Teen Vogue Completes Fashion Media’s Retreat From Politics
Condé Nast’s decision to absorb the publication into Vogue.com will likely boost the company’s bottom line, but its progressive, Gen-Z-centric political content is unlikely to survive the transition.
The News in Brief
Victoria’s Secret Forecasts Its Best Year Since L Brands Split
The underwear company is anticipating net sales of at least $6.85 billion in the current fiscal year, exceeding analyst estimates and marking the highest revenue since its split from L Brands Inc in 2021.
Uniqlo Aims to Grow Tenfold in India With Summer-Centric Clothes
The Japanese brand is accelerating its expansion in India to capture a greater share of the rapidly growing apparel market and affluent consumer base.
Oasis Pressures Kao in Latest Japan Activist Investor Push
Activist fund Oasis Management Co. is calling on the Japanese personal care company to convene an extraordinary general meeting, seeking a probe into its supply-chain risk management and internal control.
American Eagle Forecasts Sales Growth Above Estimates on Demand From Wealthy Shoppers
The retailer surpassed annual sales forecasts but expects a $60 million drag from import tariffs in the first half of 2026.
Missoni Family Exits Namesake Brand
The transaction gives FSI, a Milan-based private equity fund, a controlling share in the Italian luxury house, as more founder-owned brands turn to investors to fund growth and weather a tough global market.
Ross Stores Forecasts Annual Sales Above Estimates on Resilient Demand for Discounted Apparel
Spend growth at off-price chains is among the strongest in retail, with gains across all income segments.
Abercrombie & Fitch Forecasts Muted Annual Sales Amid Tariff Uncertainty
The retailer said it was accounting for the 15 percent tariff announced by US president Donald Trump after the Supreme Court struck down most of his earlier tariffs.