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.

As brands gear up for the Feb. 14 holiday, they must reckon with shoppers who are increasingly single, cynical and happier on their own than with a date. If sex (or even love) won’t sell, what will?

As brands gear up for the Feb. 14 holiday, they must reckon with shoppers who are increasingly single, cynical and happier on their own than with a date. If sex (or even love) won’t sell, what will?

Once overlooked, pregnancy and perinatal care is becoming an increasingly innovative category. Emerging founders are building global beauty brands rooted in safety, science and emotional connection, proving that “mama care” can be both elevated and enduring.

Once overlooked, pregnancy and perinatal care is becoming an increasingly innovative category. Emerging founders are building global beauty brands rooted in safety, science and emotional connection, proving that “mama care” can be both elevated and enduring.

We solved the problem of getting men into wellness. Now we have the bigger problem of what we’ve turned them into, writes meditation teacher Manoj Dias.

We solved the problem of getting men into wellness. Now we have the bigger problem of what we’ve turned them into, writes meditation teacher Manoj Dias.

It’s the one category that transcends every demographic. Bonus: They can look like croissants now.

It’s the one category that transcends every demographic. Bonus: They can look like croissants now.
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A new generation of consumers that craves playfulness, inclusivity beyond gender binaries, and a sense of emotional nuance is rejecting the corporate polish, female empowerment lingo and ‘MoMa-esque’ toy designs that defined pandemic-era sexual wellness brands.

A new generation of consumers that craves playfulness, inclusivity beyond gender binaries, and a sense of emotional nuance is rejecting the corporate polish, female empowerment lingo and ‘MoMa-esque’ toy designs that defined pandemic-era sexual wellness brands.

The deal marks Dame’s second acquisition in the last year as the $125 vibrator seller seeks to grow market share in the sexual wellness sector.

The deal marks Dame’s second acquisition in the last year as the $125 vibrator seller seeks to grow market share in the sexual wellness sector.

Executive editor Brian Baskin and senior correspondent Sheena Butler-Young speak with editorial associate Yola Mzizi about how regulatory restrictions and cultural conservatism are forcing sexual wellness brands to pivot their messaging in 2025.

Executive editor Brian Baskin and senior correspondent Sheena Butler-Young speak with editorial associate Yola Mzizi about how regulatory restrictions and cultural conservatism are forcing sexual wellness brands to pivot their messaging in 2025.

The once-promising sector is now facing setbacks in the US. As mainstream retailers retreat and social media censorship restricts digital marketing, brands are rethinking their approach to retail partnerships and are finding creative ways to navigate the shift towards cultural conservatism.

The once-promising sector is now facing setbacks in the US. As mainstream retailers retreat and social media censorship restricts digital marketing, brands are rethinking their approach to retail partnerships and are finding creative ways to navigate the shift towards cultural conservatism.
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In June, BoF will honour six entrepreneurs shaping the future of the beauty industry at the third edition of The Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025. Apply for your chance to join us.

In June, BoF will honour six entrepreneurs shaping the future of the beauty industry at the third edition of The Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025. Apply for your chance to join us.

As Sephora and Amazon encroach on its territory and draw younger shoppers, Ulta Beauty’s investor day covered strategies to enhance physical stores and keep Gen-Z and Gen Alpha’s attention.

As Sephora and Amazon encroach on its territory and draw younger shoppers, Ulta Beauty’s investor day covered strategies to enhance physical stores and keep Gen-Z and Gen Alpha’s attention.

The niche brand, founded by former fashion buyer Yasmin Sewell, has closed its second round of funding with Manzanita Capital and Estée Lauder’s corporate venture capital arm also participating.

The niche brand, founded by former fashion buyer Yasmin Sewell, has closed its second round of funding with Manzanita Capital and Estée Lauder’s corporate venture capital arm also participating.

Sex wellness company Hello Cake is tackling the oft-neglected category of female sexual health, hoping to position itself as a leader in the pleasure category.

Sex wellness company Hello Cake is tackling the oft-neglected category of female sexual health, hoping to position itself as a leader in the pleasure category.
Christine Hunsicker admitted she falsified financial statements to promote CaaStle Inc. as a valuable, growing business when in reality it was struggling.
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.
The Japanese brand is accelerating its expansion in India to capture a greater share of the rapidly growing apparel market and affluent consumer base.
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.
The retailer surpassed annual sales forecasts but expects a $60 million drag from import tariffs in the first half of 2026.
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.
Spend growth at off-price chains is among the strongest in retail, with gains across all income segments.
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.