Fashion news at the end of June is filled with sideways steps. While grappling with challenges on all fronts, the industry is in a velvet blackhole without a clear path out.
After having many conversations about Saks, the once famed retailer dropped a lot of credibility on the road to bankruptcy. Now after months re-emerging with a new brand, Exemplar Luxury Group, with Saks, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman under the umbrella. The question is: What has really changed for the once prestigious group?
The same challenges remain for the 49-store brick and mortar luxury retailer. Inflation, cautious consumers and struggling economy make for strong headwinds. Burned suppliers will certainly be more cautious after no receiving past overdue payments. Shoppers noticed a distinct decline in service, bolting to Bloomingdales. Company head Geoffrey van Reemdonck says the focus will be on unrivaled customer experience. Easier said than done. A name change is nothing more than lipstick on a pig even if the pig has a 5th Ave address.
Menswear Fashion Week reports, so far, the big news came from Milan, Prada got the style world in a tizzy with slim jean looks. Raf and Miuccia added color to body hugging looks.
On the musical chairs creative director topic; social media buzzed last week on the possibility of Dario Vitale becoming head of Emporio Armani. After his removal from rival Versace, the Italian designer could be what brand needs following the passing founder Giorgio Armani.
Moschino placed Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo in the lead position after Adrian Appiolaza departed two years into the position.
Julien Dossena exited Paco Rabanne following a 13-year tenure at the Paris House.
After attending Pitti Uomo in Florence, the major menswear trends for the coming season are: there are no trends. Streetwear looks yesterday, while tailoring feels dated. Luxury is no longer the standard. Logos became passe. Bottom line creativity took over the ateliers.