Low-despicable
Marylin sings “But square cut or pear shaped, these rocks don’t lose their shape…Diamonds are girls best friends”. LVMH seems to know it well since it is exploring a takeover of Tiffany&Co. This deal would be the largest ever for the luxury giant, taking significant market share away from rival Richemont, and also giving it a much bigger presence in both American and Chinese markets. Only If it goes ahead… Looks like the most iconic of US luxury brands has already refused LVMH’s offer. So, raise the price or run & hide.
Richemont’s operating profit fell by 61% to €869 million for the first half of its reporting year, well below analysts’ expectations, with higher sales, but offset by controlled increases in costs. The Swiss luxury group is facing high marketing, technology, and shipping expenses, particularly for Yoox Net-a-Porter. However, Richemont’s online distributors posted double-digit sales growth and Yoox saw 200 new brands introduced since April and 90 exclusive capsules launched. Can we consider this innovative transformation successful in the long run? They say it’s an ill wind that blows no good
Tod’s posted a 4% revenue drop in the first nine months of 2019. Like other luxury goods makers, it has been hit by the weeks of anti-government protests and unrest in Hong Kong, adding to pressure from weakness in its home market. Sales in Italy have in fact, decreased by 10% due to the fragility of its wholesale business. However, “We continue to remain focused on the execution of our medium-term strategic plan. We are very satisfied with the returns in terms of brand image of the capsule made with Alber Elbaz, now in our stores, and of the other projects we are setting up for the future” says CEO Diego Della Valle. After all, they have the new creative director Chiapponi as their ace in the hole!
High-brilliant
#PradaxAdidas: Coming soon
The most unexpected collaboration of the year has been announced on Instagram. The experience in the fashion sector and the traditional quality of Prada, symbol of the Made in Italy, meets the innovative and technological vision of Adidas in two original models of sneakers. Designed for the sport, fashionably used as streetwear and now turned into luxury items, they will make their first appearance in December 2019. Stay tuned for more news!
Daydream
This is the name of the new capsule designed by Valentino for the opening of the Sanlitun flagship store in Beijing, celebrated with a Haute Couture show. The Italian spirit of the Renaissance meets the opulence of Chinese tradition in satin or velvet dresses with brilliant colors, as the iconic red, flowers, exaggerated volumes and maxi bows. A tribute to China which, between dream and reality, breaks down cultural barriers. Finally, after D&G and Versace’s failures to launch, Piccioli managed to conquer China.
“Fur products: prohibition”
It’s not just an ideal on animal rights signs, but soon an actual reality in California. From 2023, the state will officially become fur-free with hefty fines up to $1000 for those who’ll violate the law. This initiative has reached the most famous fashion firms, from Chanel and Versace to Michael Kors and Prada, but mostly, the crown. Indeed, Queen Elizabeth has decided to go faux. What can we say…? “Go green or go home!”
“This is not a Gucci temporary store”
It’s a Gucci pin, a series of ephemeral theme stores inspired by the pins seen on interactive digital maps, and in honor of the house’s historic Flora motif in the Ophidia collection. The idea studied by Alessandro Michele is to make the shopping experience more interactive and digital, through the use of limited-edition filters for Instagram and snapchat. A strategic way to reach more Millennials, promising!
By Giuliana Madonia
