September News Roundup
1.
One of NYFW’s highlights is knitwear designer Henry Zankov. The Russian-born, NYC-raised designer has made a name for himself with his highly technical, but supremely approachable knit creations through his novel use of texture and exploration of upbeat color. Learn more about Zankov’s journey from working for major brands to opening his own label, as well as his playful approach to his craft and how it has already won him a dedicated fan base.
2.
The Tapestry acquisition of Capri Holdings is one of the most consequential fashion court cases in recent memory. The FTC’s lawsuit contends that if the merger is allowed to go through, then the marketplace will see reduced competition in the form of fewer affordable options for consumers and higher prices. In fact, according to pymnts.com, economist Loren Smith, a key witness for the FTC, presented financial models suggesting that the merger could lead to a 15% to 17% increase in prices for the combined company’s products, as well as a potential decline in quality. The FTC’s suit is also arguing that employees will see diminished pay and benefits because of the decrease in competition. Despite the government’s well-reasoned argument, in this article Bloomberg opinion columnist Andrea Felsted discusses why Tapestry may just win this case.
3.
For another dystopian take on the current cultural landscape – if my call out of the book Filterworld the other month wasn’t enough for you – here is an essay from December 2018 from 032c. In The Big Flat Now author Jack Self discusses how the world today is dominated by digital feeds that make cultural production totally flat, and everything is now the same everywhere. As Kyle Chayka also pointed out, to gain traction visual or written content must be familiar and uncomplicated enough to be understood instantly but must simultaneously be astonishing and new. Self argues that a power reckoning is coming, and that the next decade will see people reclaim their agency through radical inclusivity. It can’t come to soon.
The Burberry Check
4.
Midway through London Fashion Week, Showstudio editor Hetty Mahlich hosted a panel of young professionals to discuss the most recent Burberry show. Though this discussion views Burberry through the lens of British youth and culture, it is interesting to see how the brand is interpreted and seen by Gen Z and Gen Alpha. It’s also fascinating to listen how brand values and identity are transmitted to young, new audiences. Considering all the (mainly) negative industry talk regarding Daniel Lee’s collections for the brand, listening to an audience that appreciates the changes he’s made at Burberry and understand his styling cues, as well as his heritage references, is an eye opener.
5.
Let’s wrap up with some video highlights from Paris Fashion Week. For a montage of a few important shows and a brief commentary on top trends, check out this short reel from Euro News. Interested in a more extensive review? Check out The Fashion Spot’s round up of videos from the top shows, including Christian Dior, Saint Laurent, Loewe, and Victoria Beckham.
Capri Holdings image by Robert Way. Burberry Check image by Stock Story. Runway image by Catwalk Photos. All courtesy of Shutterstock.
