FW
As per the global licensing agreement signed with Lacoste, Haddad Brands will manage the brand’s kids’ clothing and accessories collections. The company will design, develop, produce, and market the Lacoste kids’ range, with its first collection for the Fall 2025 to debut in stores by mid-July 2025.
Founded in 1925 and headquartered in New York, Haddad Brands specialises in children’s apparel and accessories. The company is the official licensee of several prominent brands, including Nike, Converse, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein.
Until now, Lacoste developed its kids’ category internally. Prices for the kids’ collections, ranging from newborns to teens, range between €30 and €100. Haddad Brands joins Lacoste’s select group of licensees, which includes Interparfums SA for fragrances and cosmetics, Marchon for eyewear, and Movado for watches and jewelry. This partnership underscores Lacoste’s focus on strengthening its position in the premium kidswear market globally.
Thierry Guibert, CEO, Lacoste, says, the undeniable expertise and knowledge of Haddad Brands in kids’ fashion licensing are major assets for the lacoste’s continued development in this category. This strategic alliance enables the brand to strengthen our presence in this segment.
Jack Haddad, President, Haddad Brands, adds, combined with Haddad Brands’ incredible team, Lacoste’s seamless partnership gives the company great confidence that the brand’s kids’ product will continue to resonate with consumers globally.
A recent report by Source Fashion, Source Home & Gift, and Insider Trends highlights the potential impact of proposed US tariffs on global sourcing strategies. The report, titled ‘The State of Sourcing Report’, suggests tariffs on goods imported into the US, particularly from China, could make near-shore sourcing more attractive for US retailers.
The report is based on a survey of UK retailers conducted in 2024. The survey found the majority of UK retailers (74 per cent) source internationally, with China being the most popular sourcing region (49 per cent). However, the report also notes that the UK is a close second at 42 per cent, followed by India (37 per cent) and Western Europe (33 per cent).
Table: Sourcing patterns
|
Region |
All respondents |
Small companies |
Large companies |
|
Mainland China |
49% |
45% |
61% |
|
UK |
42% |
44% |
35% |
|
India |
37% |
37% |
35% |
|
Western Europe |
33% |
37% |
19% |
The report also notes that US president elect Donald Trump, has proposed tariffs on goods imported into the US from overseas, particularly from China. If these tariffs come into effect, they could make sourcing from further afield, such as China, less appealing for US retailers. The report suggests several factors could make near-shore sourcing more attractive for US retailers in light of potential tariffs. Near-shore sourcing can help reduce the costs associated with transportation, logistics, and labor. It can help to improve supply chain agility and responsiveness. Near-shore sourcing can also help reduce the risk associated with global events, such as political instability and climate change
The report also notes the potential for political and climate disruption is likely to have an impact on sourcing decisions going forward. This could see retailers adopting a more agile approach to their supply chains, with a greater focus on near-shore sourcing. In addition to the potential impact of US tariffs, the report also highlights a number of other factors that are likely to influence sourcing decisions in the coming years. These include:
Sustainability: The report notes sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor for retailers when making sourcing decisions.
Technology: The report also notes technology is playing an increasingly important role in sourcing, with a number of companies now using technology to improve the efficiency and transparency of their supply chains.
The report concludes by suggesting the retail industry is in a state of flux when it comes to sourcing. Retailers are facing a number of challenges, including the potential impact of US tariffs, the growing importance of sustainability, and the increasing role of technology. As a result, retailers will need to be agile and adaptable in their sourcing strategies in order to succeed in the years to come.
The US fashion and apparel sector, which saw unprecedented growth during the pandemic, is now going through a phase of moderation. The third quarter of 2024 reflects a complex picture of robust sales overshadowed by slow growth compared to the past year. The industry stands at a crossroads, balancing lingering post-pandemic effects with a cautiously optimistic holiday outlook.
A slowdown from pandemic peaks
The exceptional growth witnessed during the pandemic has given way to a more tempered pace. Major players like Inditex, the parent company of Zara, have reported mixed financial results. Inditex's holiday sales have increased by 9 per cent so far this year, a notable dip from the 14 per cent growth recorded in 2023. This shift underscores the broader challenges confronting the sector.
Currency fluctuation is a major issue. The weakening of currencies such as the Mexican peso and Brazilian real has eroded profits for global retailers like Inditex. And post-pandemic as consumer behavior stabilizes, the industry is finding it harder to sustain the pandemic-era demand growth. Add to it, the fashion landscape has become more fragmented, with the rise of niche brands and e-commerce platforms capturing consumer attention.
Holiday season optimism
Despite these hurdles, the outlook for the holiday season remains upbeat. Retailers are pulling out all the stops to attract shoppers, from aggressive promotional campaigns to leveraging technology for personalized marketing. The National Retail Federation projects a robust holiday shopping period, though economic uncertainties, such as inflation and higher interest rates, could temper consumer spending.
Key industry trends are shaping the strategic moves of leading retailers.
Omnichannel integration: As consumers demand flexibility, retailers are blending online and offline experiences to create seamless shopping journeys. Innovations like click-and-collect services and in-store digital kiosks are gaining traction.
Sustainability focus: Ethical and eco-friendly fashion is no longer a niche demand. Brands are investing in circular economy practices, such as recycled fabrics and resale platforms, to meet consumer expectations.
Data-driven personalization: Advanced analytics tools are enabling retailers to provide tailored recommendations, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Experiential retail: Physical stores are being reimagined as hubs of engagement, offering interactive experiences, workshops, and pop-up events to draw customers into brick-and-mortar locations.
Therefore, as the holiday shopping season unfolds, the US fashion and apparel sector will face a litmus test. While retailers are innovating to capture demand, the interplay of macroeconomic factors and evolving consumer preferences will be pivotal.
Inditex’s performance is emblematic of the broader challenges and opportunities within the industry. Despite headwinds, its focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and market adaptability positions it well for long-term success. For now, the sector’s resilience hinges on its ability to anticipate and adapt to the shifts in consumer sentiment, technological advancements, and global economic conditions. The final quarter of the year will likely provide clearer signals of the trajectory for 2025 and beyond.
The Chief Adviser’s press wing dismissed as ‘misleading’ a recent India.com report suggesting global clothing brands are prioritizing Indian manufacturers over Bangladeshi ones.
In a statement on its verified Facebook page, the CA press wing highlighted Bangladesh's robust export performance. November 2024 exports totaled $4.12 billion, marking a 15.63 per cent increase from the previous month. Apparel exports played a key role, contributing $3.06 billiona 16.25 per cent rise from October's $2.84 billion.
For the July-November 2024 period, total exports reached $16.11 billion, achieving a 12.34 per cent year-on-year growth compared to $14.34 billion in 2023.
The statement reaffirmed Bangladesh’s position as a competitive player in global manufacturing, emphasizing that the country continues to meet the rising demands of international clothing brands efficiently.
The press wing urged caution against unfounded reports that could misrepresent Bangladesh's growing economic resilience.
Filling one of the most prestigious roles in fashion after a six-month search, the House of Chanel has named Matthieu Blazy as its new Creative Director. To assume the position in 2025, Blazy will oversee luxury ready-to-wear, haute couture, and accessories, becoming only the third designer to succeed Coco Chanel since her passing in 1971.
Blazy joins Chanel following his tenure at Bottega Veneta, where he earned widespread acclaim for his innovative designs since joining the house in 2020. His appointment at Chanel is seen as a pivotal moment for the brand. His official title at the brand will be Artistic Director of Fashion Activities.
Having began his career in menswear, Blazy transitioned to women’s ready-to-wear in 2011. He joined the fashion group Maison Margiela to oversee its experimental ‘Artisanal’ couture collection. After the departure of Demna Gvasalia from Margiela in 2012, Blazy took over both the main and couture lines, gaining recognition for his avant-garde designs. Notably, his creations caught the eye of rapper Kanye West, who commissioned Blazy to design his wardrobe for the ‘Yeezus Tour.’
In 2014, Blazy moved to Celine as a Senior Designer under Phoebe Philo, contributing to the house’s critically acclaimed collections. Two years later, he joined Raf Simons and Pieter Mulier at Calvin Klein in New York, forming a dynamic creative team that stayed together for three years.
After Calvin Klein, Blazy collaborated with artist Sterling Ruby on a fashion collection presented at the Pitti Uomo trade fair in Florence. He returned to Europe soon after and joined Bottega Veneta, where his innovative work solidified his reputation as one of the most talented designers in the industry.
Garment manufacturers in Indore aim to grow by 15 per cent in the coming year as benefitting from political instability in Bangladesh, they have been witnessing a rise in orders from both domestic and international markets. However, the city's current infrastructure cannot fully accommodate this increased demand, caution industry leaders
Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), points out, while the Bangladesh crisis has led to the shifting of some garment orders to India, the local industry’s production capacity remains limited. The garment industry in Bangladesh currently house 2,000 machines while the Indian garment industry houses around 500 machines, adds.
Despite these limitations, Indian fabric mills and garment manufacturers have benefitted from the disruption in Bangladesh Supply Chain, affirms Akhilesh Rathi, Joint President, Federation of MP Chamber of Commerce and Industries. Despite current poltical challenges, both these countries will continue to engage in substantial trade, he adds.
To boost the export market in Indore, Readymade Textile Dealers Association has signed an MoU with CMAI to focus on skill enhancement and improving quality output for both domestic and international markets.
The dependency of Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) sector on buying houses has significantly declined over the last decade, thanks to advancements in product development, marketing strategies, and direct buyer communications, according to a Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) report.
The study reveals that exports through buying houses dropped to 38 per cent in 2023 from 51 per cent in 2014, while direct exports rose to 52 per cent from 38 per cent during the same period. Conducted on 43 firms producing eight key RMG products, the study highlights the sector's enhanced technical capabilities and productivity.
The total export value of these surveyed firms increased from $645 million in 2014 to $1.03 billion in 2023. Additionally, the average number of buyers per firm grew from 11 to 17 over the decade. Investments in research and development, certifications, and the adoption of advanced technology have driven this transformation.
Abdullah HilRakib, former vice-president of the BGMEA, attributed the decline in buying house reliance to factories establishing overseas offices and brands setting up local offices in Dhaka. However, smaller buyers without local offices still rely on intermediaries.
Meanwhile, KaziIftekhar Hossain, a former leader of the Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association, claimed buying houses remain integral, contributing $8 billion annually. He emphasized that smaller factories still depend on buying houses for basic support, including design and quality assurance services.
Stakeholders in the textile and garments sector are advocating for the expansion of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to the entire sector in the upcoming Union Budget 2025. Currently, limited to synthetic fiber, the scheme is likely to incentivise investments, foster joint ventures between foreign companies and local production units and enhance competition while creating job opportunities. In recent weeks, numerous proposals were submitted to the government for consideration.
Highlighting the challenges faced by exporters in securing bank loans to fulfill order requirements, Rajiv Bansal, National Vice-President, Indian Industries Association (IIA), emphasised on the need to reinstate the recently concluded interest subvention scheme, which provides relief on loan interest rates until September 30. Bansal called for an extension of the scheme for a longer duration and reduction in interest rate to 5 per cent.
He also urged for a revival of the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme, which was instrumental in subsidising new equipment purchases in earlier administrations but has since been discontinued. Reinstating this program could significantly aid technological advancements in the sector, he said.
Lalit Thukral, Chairman, Noida Apparel Export Cluster, hailed the government’s support for local businesses through incentives tied to increased production and sales. The government is actively reviewing proposals to enhance the sector’s growth and global competitiveness, he noted.
The implementation of these measures could provide a much-needed boost to the garments and textile industry, enabling it to thrive and contribute significantly to the nation’s economy, he stated.
Italian luxury fashion house, Marni has launched a pop-up store at Selfridges in London. Located on the department store’s first-floor atrium, the pop-up launched with the label’s SS25 Vol. 1 collection offering an idiosyncratic take on wardrobe classics’
The SS25 Vol. 1 collection offers tailored pieces featuring florals, checks and strips. These garment pieces reflect the store’s eclectic spirit as it offers a vibrant glossary of colors, shapes and textures. It assortment includes high-end and premium menswear collection.
To mark the pop-up’s launch November 11, 2024, Marni hosted mending workshops offering brands a unique opportunity to personalise garments and accessories, including a special leather charm developed exclusively for the occasion. The pop-up will run until February 2, 2025.
Kering and BottegaVeneta are pleased to announce the appointment of Louise Trotter as the new Creative Director of the House, effective January 2025. Known for her meticulous craftsmanship and ability to draw inspiration from real life, Trotter joins BottegaVeneta following her tenure as Creative Director of Carven.
Trotter’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the brand. CEO Leo Rongone praised her aesthetic, stating: “Louise seamlessly combines exquisite design with sublime craft, and her cultural advocacy aligns beautifully with our vision. Her sophisticated perspective will honor Bottega Veneta’s heritage while ensuring its modern relevance.”
Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s Deputy CEO for Brand Development, added: “Louise’s fresh perspective and wealth of experience make her the perfect creative talent to carry forward the bold creativity and excellence that define BottegaVeneta. We are deeply grateful to Matthieu Blazy for his visionary contributions over the past three years.”
Trotter said: “I am honored to join BottegaVeneta. Its storied legacy of artistry and innovation inspires me, and I am excited to shape its future while celebrating its timeless vision.”
This appointment signals a bold step forward for BottegaVeneta as it continues to redefine modern luxury while staying rooted in its storied heritage.
