Robert Williams

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.

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.

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.

The OTB-owned brand has enjoyed rapid growth as the star designer dialled up its creative impact and steadily redeemed his public image.

Value for money matters, even at high-end brands. This week, Mulberry joined Burberry and Capri in admitting rampant price inflation has contributed to a collapse in demand. Will others follow suit?

The company is shaking up its executive ranks again amid sliding sales. Balenciaga chief Cédric Charbit will lead Saint Laurent, to be replaced by Gianfranco Gianangeli.

Executive editor Brian Baskin and BoF luxury editor Robert Williams dive into the recent downturn in luxury sales, examining what’s behind these shifts and how top brands are grappling with changes in consumer spending.

French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus is looking for funding to keep opening stores amid a luxury market slowdown. ‘I value my independence… but I need to break the glass ceiling by finding the right partner,’ Jacquemus told French newspaper Le Figaro.