October News Roundup
1.
Journalists Bella Webb and Maliha Shoaib at Vogue Business wrote an excellent story last month on the current state of independent brands. From the events and economics that brought on the current crisis to the unsustainable way the fashion system does business, Webb and Shoaib speak to organizations like the British Fashion Council, as well as indie designers and boutique owners, to unearth a wide range of views regarding how fashion creatives are brand building now. As I pointed out in my Indie Brands are Struggling article back in June, many independents are calling for a better relationship between retailers and emerging brands, including better payment terms and road-testing lines before fully committing to them, which would foster better long-term relationships.
2.
It is undeniable that Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy remains a fashion icon even 25-years after her death. A fashion industry insider – CBK was a publicist at Calvin Klein – she was well-known for her minimalist, yet effortlessly chic personal style that combined American classics like denim with more fashion-forward pieces by designers such as Prada and Yohji Yammamoto. With a limited number of pieces from her wardrobe hitting the Sotheby’s auction block this December, the public can get a closer look at a woman whose personal style continues to inspire.
Prada pop-up store at Siam Paragon, Thailand. Image courtesy of Guiderom / Shutterstock.
3.
For any brand interested in hosting a pop-up boutique, this article provides some interesting insight into how luxury brands use this store format to boost their sales and test new markets. Read up on how brands drive brand awareness and engagement through utilizing key elements like location and marrying the store theme to the product narrative. In addition, luxury brands also offer key services like exclusive styling sessions and private shopping to entice clients to visit their boutiques and purchase unique product. Bottom line: Brands must provide shoppers with an engaging, multi-sensory experience that goes beyond just a simple purchase transaction.
Illustration courtesy of sizsus art / Shutterstock.
4.
The threat of using unlicensed creative works for training generative AI continues to concern artists and creatives. From musicians to photographers, creatives and artists are signing an open letter warning AI companies that using their works to train generative AI without their permission is a threat to their livelihood, as well as a violation of copyright law. Until the US government takes up the issue of AI – if it ever does - it will be left to the American judicial system to sort out how these companies train their systems and if creative works and careers will be protected.
5.
After decades of mining the clothing heritage of the American West as the basis for his fashion business, Ralph Lauren has done the right thing and recently established an ongoing “Artist in Residence” program. Now in its second installment, the latest RRL collaboration is with Navajo Nation artist and weaver Zefren-M. Learn more about the collaboration’s offerings, which include clothing and even a floor rug, as well as how Zefren-M used traditional sewing and weaving techniques, as well as a custom color palette, to honor his Navajo heritage.
Cover image of Cate Blanchett attending the EE British Academy Film Awards in 2019 wearing Christopher Kane. Image courtesy of Fred Duval / Shutterstock.
