Industry Intelligence
Real-time signals across regulation, sourcing, and supply chain—interpreted through an operator’s lens.
OPERATOR INSIGHT
Compliance is shifting from brand messaging into operating reality. The companies that build structure early will absorb change better than the ones waiting for mandates to force action.
‘Read the fine print’: What the tariffs really mean for US apparel
Coface economist Marcos Carias explains why last week's tariff shake-up is less about headline rates and more about reading the fine print.
Regulation & Sustainability
‘Read the fine print’: What the tariffs really mean for US apparel
Coface economist Marcos Carias explains why last week's tariff shake-up is less about headline rates and more about reading the fine print.
Goodwill turns to Western for textile waste recycling research
Goodwill Industries, Western, and Fanshawe College are partnering to develop ways to recycle textiles and divert waste from landfill.
Textiles Recycling Expo USA to return in 2027 after successful debut
Plans are in place for the Textiles Recycling Expo USA to return following a successful inaugural edition.
MTLC calls for “criteria-based approach” to textile rules
The Make the Label Count coalition has urged the European Commission to adopt a “criteria-based approach” in textile Ecodesign rules.
Unilever ‘Power Brands’ Dove, Vaseline Drive Strong Growth in First Half
Unilever's underlying sales were up nearly 5 percent in the first half to 25.6 billion euros, with overall growth accelerating in the second quarter, fueled by the beauty...
The Beauty Brands That Won Social Media During the Second Quarter
Rhode's summer activations moved the Hailey Bieber-founded brand up a spot, while the number-one player held steady for a second consecutive quarter, per Traackr.
New tariff ‘textile mechanism’ clause to disadvantage US textile makers
US textile organisations are concerned about the “textile mechanism” aspect of the USTR's decision to impose Section 301 tariffs on goods from 60 economies.
Trump’s USTR Imposes Double-Digit Duties on Dozens of Nations Under Forced Labor Probe
The administration is taking “final action” to impose new tariffs on 60 global economies over their failures to impose and enforce bans on imports made with forced labor.
Could EU’s Clothing Destruction Ban Change How Fashion Overproduces?
New legislation on destroying unsold apparel, footwear and accessories could force brands to rethink overproduction and invest in better planning, according to supply chain veteran Anne-Laure Descours.
Fred Perry Teams With Westminster Menswear Archive Ahead of 75th Anniversary
Andrew Groves will mine personal archives, company records, patents and the sporting press to document Fred Perry’s origins from 1952 and reframe its legacy for today.
Is ‘durability’ the key to more sustainable fashion?
A panel at Source Fashion considered physical – as well as emotional – durability in apparel and how it changes consumer perceptions.
US protectionist trade policy is hampering onshoring ambitions
USFIA says only 10% of fashion execs identified sourcing more US-made products as a strategy response to tariff increases.
Lululemon, MAS back $30m Syntetica funding to advance mixed nylon recycling
French deeptech firm Syntetica has secured $30m in Series A funding round to advance its efforts in recycling post-consumer nylon textiles.
Gucci Unveils 2025 Equilibrium Impact Report, Details Sustainability Progress
Highlights from the report include renewed gender parity certification and global diversity achievements.
Panama Canal’s El Niño Concerns Prompt Carrier Surcharges, New Draft Restrictions
Ocean carriers including MSC, CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd are rolling out Panama Canal surcharges while the waterway reportedly trims booking capacity.
Tariff, trade policy are top concerns for fashion sourcing execs in 2026
Fashion firms are accelerating efforts to mitigate the impact of tariffs including negotiating supplier contracts and diversifying sourcing.
Canada vows action after US slaps 50% tariff on apparel and other goods
Canadian PM vows to protect workers and the economy after the US imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian goods, including apparel and textiles.
PDEXCIL, AWARE to aid Indian powerloom sector with EU traceability rules
PDEXCIL and AWARE have signed a MoU aimed at supporting India’s powerloom sector in meeting future EU traceability requirements.
Indian textiles secure zero-duty UK access under new CETA agreement
India’s textile and clothing exporters secure duty-free access to the UK under India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Survey finds 85% of global consumers view cotton as most eco-safe fibre
Cotton is perceived as the world’s most environmentally safe fibre, according to exclusive survey data released by Cotton Incorporated.
Speaking finance: The new language of sustainable sourcing
Source Fashion panellists discussed why sourcing and sustainability teams need to frame investments in the language CFOs understand.
EU Companies Join Forces to Scale Circular, Demand-Driven Textile Production
ALADIN intends to reduce waste and strengthen regional value creation.
USTR urged to add circular manufacturing under Section 301 plan
American Circular Textiles calls on the USTR to expand its textile trade incentive scheme to support circular manufacturing in North America.
Cotton, climate, and the next chapter of fashion sourcing
Alison Ward, CEO of Cotton Connect says climate change is coming with devastating effects on cotton and the fashion industry must take steps to avoid being caught on...
Startup Gets VC Funding To Bring AI to the Circular Economy
Reverse.fashion has secured the investment from High-Tech Gründerfonds.
New partnership explores textile waste reuse in ceiling panels
Hirdaramani has a partnership with the University of Moratuwa to see the potential use of textile waste in manufacturing ceiling panels.
Nike Is Reviving a Foamposite Tennis Sneaker That Was Mysteriously Buried
Perhaps the second time will be the charm.
Supply Chain & Sourcing
Middle East crisis causes shelf gaps in the UK
Fashion retailers in the UK are experiencing more shelf gaps and stockouts as geopolitical tension in the Middle East disrupts global trade.
Align Ventures Closes $125M Early-stage Fund II, Eyes Beauty, Wellness and Consumer Innovation
It just led California Naturals’ Series B funding round.
EXCLUSIVE: The V&A Marks Burberry’s 170-year Heritage With New Trenchcoat Display
"The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon" will bring archive pieces and runway looks to the V&A’s Prince Consort Gallery ahead of a new Burberry-backed Fashion Gallery in 2028.
LoveShackFancy, Wrangler Team on Denim Capsule Collection
The capsule combines LoveShackFancy's romantic spirit and Wrangler's Western heritage.
TikTok Stars Katie Fang, Aliya Rachinski Take Stakes in ESW Beauty
The Gen-Z influencers are the first outside investors for ESW, whose founder Elina Sofia Wang believes the “next generation of iconic beauty brands will be built through long-term...
Estée Lauder Taps Into Gourmand Fragrance Trend With Glimmer Eau de Parfum Launch
With notes of macaron rose, raspberry mousse and vanilla bean, and a campaign fronted by Hailee Steinfeld, the brand’s first gourmand fragrance aims to captivate younger audiences.
Ralph Lauren Launches Latest Artist in Residence Collaboration With Gee’s Bend Textile Artists
Ralph Lauren has partnered with Gee's Bend textile artists Claudia Pettway Charley and Loretta Pettway Bennett for Ralph Lauren x Gee's Bend.
Andie Brings Flour Shop’s Colorful Cakes to the Pool
Andie has teamed with Flour Shop, known for their color-blocked, candy-bursting cakes, on a limited-edition collaborative capsule of women's and children's swimwear.
EXCLUSIVE: C.O. Bigelow Partners With Peanuts on Limited-edition Collection
The product line will come to life in-store through a series of activations, held now through the fall.
UK businesses advised to prepare for impacts of US de minimis rules
UK businesses exporting goods to the US are being advised to urgently review their logistics processes in anticipation of US customs rules.
Europe’s Tech Fine Could Trigger New Tariffs, Undermining US Trade Deal
The trading partners may be taking several steps back from the hard-fought truce that was ratified in June.
Louis Vuitton Unveils Renovated Two-level Store at The Shops at Crystals in Las Vegas
The store showcases men’s and women’s collections, including leather goods, accessories, ready-to-wear, shoes, watches, fine jewelry, beauty and more.
The 12 Best Straw Bags to Shop This Summer for Channeling Your Inner Jane Birkin
This season’s trendiest woven bags put a modern twist on the warm-weather staple.
Hoka Leads Deckers’ $1B First Quarter Performance After Earnings Beat
Net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2027 increased 5.7 percent to $1.02 billion.
There’s No Easy Answer for How Nike and More Firms Should Shape DEI Policies
Bryan M. Sullivan said "this is a no-win situation for companies" balancing risks between federal dismantling of DEI and jurors deciding state-law claims.
EXCLUSIVE: COS Revs Up Expansion in North America
The upscale brand has a big presence in Europe and Asia and managing director Daniel Herrmann is now looking at opportunities in the U.S. and Mexico.
Liberty Expands Fabric Floor in Response to Customer Demand
The London store has increased its fabric floor by 140 percent, and plans to turn out 20 new, limited-edition fabrics a year.
V&S Global Studio Introduces New Accelerator and Innovation Platform for Emerging Fashion Brands
Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin and Michaela Seewald are looking to connect with designer brands with sales in the $2 million to $10 million range.
EXCLUSIVE: Eileen Gu Signs as Giorgio Armani Global Makeup Ambassador
The Olympic skier will appear in campaigns for the brand’s Lip Maestro and Armani Dolci Makeup Blush.
EXCLUSIVE: Pauline Dujancourt Joins Dover Street Market’s Paris-based Brand Development Program
The London-based French designer, who won the 2026 ANDAM Special Prize, is planning on expanding beyond her intricate hand-knit signature.
CEO Jens Grede Explains What Everybody Misses About Kim Kardashian’s Skims Brand
As the social media-fired brand expands its retail operation with new locations in London, Dubai and beyond, Grede told WWD that business is often misunderstood.
America’s Couturier Oscar de la Renta Was a Global Fashion Force
From dressing first ladies to Taylor Swift, a look back at Dominican-born designer Oscar de la Renta's enduring legacy in American fashion
Trump’s Canada Tariffs Have Rattled the Industry, But Legal Experts Believe He’s All Bluster
Legal minds largely surmised that the threat of duties likely amounts to a bargaining chip—one that Trump believes will give the U.S. the upper hand in contentious USMCA...
China Comes To AliExpress’ Defense After Massive EU Fine
Beijing said it will take steps to protect the legitimate interests of Chinese e-commerce platforms in the European Union.
Nike’s $7.5 Million Stumble: Gender Discrimination Verdict
Jurors in a federal case found Nike violated federal and state laws and said it discriminated against a former employee because of her sex.
US upholds 25% tariff on Brazilian footwear despite industry concerns
The US will keep a 25% tariff in place on imported footwear from Brazil, following the USTR's denial of industry requests for an exemption.
Apparel alliance introduces Version 2 of Supply Chain Taxonomy framework
The apparel alliance has released Version 2 of the Supply Chain Taxonomy, a “harmonised framework” intended to improve consistency, transparency, and collaboration.
Nicole Kidman Brings the Woven Shoe Trend to Wimbledon 2026
She paired it with a menswear-inspired look.
A Japanese Adidas Collaboration Turns a Classic ’80s Basketball Sneaker Into a Square-toe
Beating Nike to market on its square-toe Air Force 1.
How Charlize Theron’s ‘The Odyssey’ Press Tour Wardrobe May Have Channeled Calypso
The actress plays the island nymph in Christopher Nolan’s film, and her liquid textures and cascading silhouettes may have offered an early clue.
Marks & Spencer Goes Glam With New Interior Design, Bespoke Offer on Oxford Street in London
The British food and fashion retailer has unveiled its freshly refurbished Pantheon flagship on the eastern end of Oxford Street, and there’s a feeling of luxury in the...
What to Wear to a Gala in 2026, Including Chic Outfits for Black-Tie and White-Tie Dress Codes
Got a charity fundraiser or awards gala on the calendar? Here's exactly how to dress for success (and many a compliment).
What Two Recent Sneaker Chain Bankruptcies Say About Athletic Shoe Inventories
The bankruptcies of outdoor sport chain 303 Boards and Sneaker City suggests there's too much sneaker inventory at retail.
All About Ariana Madix’s Avant Garde Beauty for the ‘Love Island USA’ Season Eight Finale
The Emmy-nominated host tapped celebrity hairstylist Carl Bembridge and makeup artist Krystal Dawn to achieve the look.
Trump Says US Will Blockade Iranian Ports Again, Charge 20% Strait of Hormuz Cargo Fee
The proposal follows renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities and an ensuing sharp decline in vessel traffic through one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints.
As Online Fraud Grows, Costs Climb Too
Retail executives remain pessimistic and expect online fraud to continue being problematic.
Week in Review: Is British manufacturing making a comeback?
British manufacturing emerged as one of the defining themes at Source Fashion and whether resilience and speed might be found closer to home.
7 Fashion and Beauty Store Openings to Know in Southern California
Fashion, beauty and lifestyle retailers have expanded across Southern California with new flagships and first California stores.
A Luxury Fashion Retailer in Bahrain Launches Its Own AI Personal Stylist
Brands Seekers, a global luxury fashion retailer, said the multi-lingual AI stylist is available in over 150 countries.
The Handmade World of Netflix’s New ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Series
Costume designer Mitchell Travers looked to nature for the Ingalls family, and worked in collaboration with a team of Osage artisans, to craft the show's sartorial landscape.
Cooler Brand Fieldbar Looks to the U.S.
The Cape Town-based business recently linked with Saint Laurent Rive Droite for a collaboration.
A$AP Rocky Is Collaborating on Puma’s Most Classic Sneaker for the First Time
The rapper is bringing his distressed look to the Suede.
Kate Middleton Goes Gingham to Cheer On Prince William at Royal Charity Polo Cup 2026
The Princess of Wales supported husband Prince William at Friday's event.
Perfect Corp. Set to Go Private
Founder Alice H. Chang is leading the initiative.
The Summer of the Nike Air Rift: How Celebrities Are Styling the Revived Split-toe Shoe
From Rama Duwaji to Alysa Liu, the silhouette from the '90s is making a strong comeback.
Appeals Court Sides With FMC in Evergreen Detention Fee Dispute
The six-year legal battle over $510 in detention fees could reshape how ocean carriers bill truckers and shippers during port closures.
Fire kills 28 workers in China shoe factory
A footwear factory in the city of Jinjiang, east China's Fujian Province, was caught in a fire, killing at least 28 people.
Apparel’s Maybe Tariff: USMCA on the Clock
USMCA renewal is in limbo and Robert Antoshak of Grey Matter Concepts, warns Washington's ambition to bring production home now hangs in the balance.
Odessa A’zion Styles Herself for Campaign With Crocs Spotlighting Crafted Clog
The clog brand revealed a partnership with the rising actress.
Standout Shoe Looks From ‘The Odyssey’ Press Tour: Zendaya’s Louboutins, Anne Hathaway’s Thigh-high boots and More
Christopher Nolan's film is slated to hit theaters July 17.
Aelis Fall 2026 Couture: Extinction Rebellion
Sofia Crociani continued to establish her house codes — and moral ones — to question what makes materials "luxury."
30 Years of Jay-Z Shoe Hits: Nike, Timberland, Reebok and a Few Surprises
Hov has shown love to some unexpected models over the years, including the Adidas Superstar.
Foot Locker Bet on Discount Chain WSS; It’s Future Under Dick’s Sporting Goods Is Unclear
Jefferies analyst Jonathan Matuszewski said Academy Sports + Outdoors could benefit from the "downsizing of WSS" doors and that of Hibbett Sports.
Market & Industry Signals
Mango H1 2026 turnover grows to $2.1bn as store network expands
Mango announced turnover of €1.85bn ($2.1bn) for H1 2026, marking a 7.2% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
Deckers Brands hits historic $1bn Q1 sales driven by HOKA, UGG
Deckers Brands topped $1bn in first-quarter revenue for the first time, as strong HOKA and UGG growth offset lower sales from other lines.
Frasers Group acquires Greaves Sports
Frasers Group confirmed to Just Style that it has acquired Glasgow-based sports retailer, Greaves Sports.
H&M rolls out men denim featuring TENCEL | Circ with REFIBRA technology
H&M has rolled out the first men’s denim collection featuring TENCEL | Circ with REFIBRA technology across multiple international markets.
Joor data shows UK fashion’s slower growth post-Brexit
After Brexit, the UK fashion sector has grown but not as quickly as the rest of the market, according to Joor’s wholesale transaction data.
How resale is transforming fashion retail
Jack Stratten, head of trends at Insider Trends, says the increasing popularity of resale platforms is changing consumer fashion habits.
Primark enhances fit, quality as it promises lower prices
Primark says it has upgraded the quality, fit and style of bestselling garments from its womenswear, menswear and childrenswear lines.
Shein eyes Hong Kong IPO as early as September
Shein is reportedly preparing for a long-anticipated initial public offering (IPO) now set to take place in Hong Kong as early as September or October.
Hugo Boss board says Frasers Group takeover bid inadequate
The Managing Board and Supervisory Board of Hugo Boss have urged its shareholders to reject Frasers Group’s voluntary public takeover offer.
Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing raises FY2026 outlook after strong Q3 growth
Fast Retailing has raised its full-year outlook after reporting revenue and profit growth in the third quarter of fiscal 2026.