The Strategy Behind Miu Miu’s Explosive Growth
How did Miu Miu grow by 58 percent last year? CEO Benedetta Petruzzo breaks down the plan that’s powered eye-popping acceleration in a slowing luxury market.
Luxury
How rapid change is reshaping the tradition-soaked luxury sector in Europe and beyond.
Highlights
The Logic Behind Valentino’s Alessandro Michele Appointment
The Rome-based couture house’s bet on Rome’s most bankable design talent could help it punch above its weight.
Dries Van Noten: So Long, Farewell
But after 38 years, 150 collections and 129 shows, is it possible that the best is still to come for Belgium’s finest? In an in-depth profile, Tim Blanks explores the departing designer’s past, present and future, writes Tim Blanks.
Case Studies & Reports
Latest News & Analysis
Inside Luxury’s Broken Audit System
LVMH-owned Dior missed glaring problems during an assessment of working and safety conditions in its production arm in Italy last year, according to a review of unpublished court documents.
The Best of BoF 2024: Designer Reboots and a Rocky Market
The luxury industry was under pressure in 2024 as customers pulled back on high-end purchases. Brands from Chanel to Valentino to Fendi changed their creative lineups, hoping to jump-start demand. But the struggles at Gucci and Burberry show how tricky executing a designer relaunch can be.
The Best of BoF 2024: Designer Reboots and a Rocky Market
The luxury industry was under pressure in 2024 as customers pulled back on high-end purchases. Brands from Chanel to Valentino to Fendi changed their creative lineups, hoping to jump-start demand. But the struggles at Gucci and Burberry show how tricky executing a designer relaunch can be.
The BoF Podcast | Alessandro Michele and Jacopo Venturini on the New Valentino
At VOICES 2024, BoF editor-at-large Tim Blanks sits down with Alessandro Michele and Jacopo Venturini to understand their vision at Valentino, and discuss the emotional connection between creativity and business.
How LVMH’s Hublot Plans to Rise Above a Watch Market Downturn
New CEO Julien Tornare plans to reinforce the brand’s value proposition by investing in bold design, craftsmanship and growing the company’s cultural impact beyond football. “It’s not just because something is luxury that people are willing to pay any price,” Tornare said.
How LVMH’s Hublot Plans to Rise Above a Watch Market Downturn
New CEO Julien Tornare plans to reinforce the brand’s value proposition by investing in bold design, craftsmanship and growing the company’s cultural impact beyond football. “It’s not just because something is luxury that people are willing to pay any price,” Tornare said.
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Executive Memo | Luxury Has a Pricing Problem. What Now?
Steep price hikes have put pressure on big luxury’s value proposition, contributing to the sharp downturn in demand for luxury megabrands this year. Smart executives will take action to rebalance the price-value equation — and fast.
Why Chanel Chose Matthieu Blazy
The designer, fresh off a star turn leading Bottega Veneta, succeeds Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard as artistic director at the French couture and beauty giant, the industry’s most coveted creative post. Fashion president Bruno Pavlovsky breaks down the logic behind the historic choice.
Why Chanel Chose Matthieu Blazy
The designer, fresh off a star turn leading Bottega Veneta, succeeds Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard as artistic director at the French couture and beauty giant, the industry’s most coveted creative post. Fashion president Bruno Pavlovsky breaks down the logic behind the historic choice.
At Bottega Veneta: Blazy Out, Trotter In
Under Matthieu Blazy, the Italian leather goods label was a bright spot in Kering’s portfolio. Louise Trotter, who will leave Carven in late January, is set to replace him.
John Galliano to Exit Maison Margiela
The OTB-owned brand has enjoyed rapid growth as the star designer dialled up its creative impact and steadily redeemed his public image.
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How Polène Is Growing French DTC Handbags Into an International Success
The Parisian leather goods is part of a new wave of thriving French direct-to-consumer brands. After growing its business to over $150 million, Polène’s CEO is inaugurating stores in London and Paris, with plans to set up shop in Munich, Dubai and Miami.
How Polène Is Growing French DTC Handbags Into an International Success
The Parisian leather goods is part of a new wave of thriving French direct-to-consumer brands. After growing its business to over $150 million, Polène’s CEO is inaugurating stores in London and Paris, with plans to set up shop in Munich, Dubai and Miami.
Company Insider Succeeds Dries Van Noten
Julian Klausner, Dries Van Noten’s former head of womenswear, will make his runway debut as the label’s creative director in March. ‘I like to think I encouraged Dries to embrace bolder expressions,’ Klausner told Tim Blanks.
Lessons From Karl Lagerfeld For Chanel’s Next Designer
As the industry awaits the official announcement of Chanel’s new creative director, Imran Amed extracts lessons from the strategy successfully employed by the great Karl Lagerfeld, encapsulated in the words of Goethe that the designer loved so much: ‘Create a better future with the expanded elements of the past.’
Lessons From Karl Lagerfeld For Chanel’s Next Designer
As the industry awaits the official announcement of Chanel’s new creative director, Imran Amed extracts lessons from the strategy successfully employed by the great Karl Lagerfeld, encapsulated in the words of Goethe that the designer loved so much: ‘Create a better future with the expanded elements of the past.’
Why Fashion Needs the Art World More Than Ever
Art Basel Miami Beach has become a cultural tentpole that attracts America’s wealthiest and an evolving art customer base that may prove key in reversing the luxury downturn.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
Prada Group and EssilorLuxottica Renew Ten-Year Eyewear License
Building on an existing twenty-year partnership, Prada Group and the Franco-Italian eyewear conglomerate EssilorLuxottica have renewed their licensing agreement for ten years.
LVMH Bought a €50 Million Villa in Cannes for Brand Events
The conglomerate will use the 12-bedroom property to host exclusive shows and events for its companies, sources told Bloomberg.
Kering Seen Closing Property Deal in Early 2025 to Cut Debt Load
The closing of the deal could come in early 2025, as the company signaled earlier this year.
Extensive Collection of Martin Margiela Pieces Set to Go to Auction in January
Kerry Taylor and Paris-based Maurice Auction will host a sale of over 300 pieces of clothing and other items from the period between 1988 to 1994, when the designer was first breaking out in fashion.
LVMH Extends Its Bet on Luxury Hospitality With Fontenille Deal
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE has bought a stake of about 20 percent in Les Domaines de Fontenille, according to a person familiar with the transaction who declined to provide the entity’s value.
Dior Opens ‘Gold House’ in Bangkok
The French mega-label unveiled a temporary concept store in the Thai capital on Dec. 8, amid a flurry of investments in the country’s fast-growing luxury market.
LVMH Fund Invests in Norwegian Luggage Brand Db Bags
LVMH’s luxury fund has taken a minority stake in the Norwegian luggage brand Db Bags
Watches of Switzerland Shares Rise on Signs of Improving Demand
The stock climbed as much as 8.5 percent in London trading, but has still fallen 26 percent this year.