Matches Fashion

BoF looks back at the news that changed the industry this year — and will define the fashion agenda in 2025.

In London, where independent labels have been hit hard by the implosion of key stockist Matches, brands like Clio Peppiatt, Marfa Stance and Completedworks have grown direct-to-consumer businesses that peers can learn from.

The Icelandic outerwear label, backed by the family that owns Chanel, aims to ‘elevate’ and widen the appeal of its brand.

Despite rising Covid-19 cases, smaller labels in the British capital are betting that in-person shows and appointments will help to deliver much-needed orders from wholesale buyers.

As demand in western markets lags behind, Asian shoppers hold more power than ever over luxury brands' bottom lines. From China to Japan and Singapore to South Korea, here’s where demand is roaring — and where it’s reeling.

It's not just department stores breaking down during the pandemic. Luxury e-commerce, which has a more captive audience than ever, is facing similar challenges.

LVMH, Kering and Hermès all rely on the country to drive a significant portion of global sales, but the pandemic has exposed the market's Achilles’ heel. Brands need to invest in Japanese e-commerce — and fast.

Online luxury retail is now 20 years old. But after two decades of innovation, once-groundbreaking multi-brand giants face significant changes in consumer behaviour — and a growing, diverse stable of competitors — just as the coronavirus epidemic turns the world upside down. What happens now?

Ajay Kavan joins the luxury e-tailer from Amazon, replacing Ulric Jerome, who left the company in late 2019.

The luxury e-commerce leader reported a £10.5 million loss in the 15 months ending March 31, 2019, reflecting a tumultuous period following the company’s takeover by Richemont.