Hood By Air is Back
Shayne Oliver connected with both a Kanye West-led interview with Interview Magazine and e-commerce reailer, SSense, to reveal plans to revive New York brand, Hood by Air. After announcing HBA’s hiatus back in 2017, the designer has been busy with a recent stint as the artist-in-residence for Helmut Lang and collaborations with Diesel and Longchamp. In the conversations, he disussees the struggles to raise financial backing, his enduring fan base, and oppressive schedules. [INTERVIEW]
Holly Shackleton Named Editor in Chief of Vogue International
Condé Nast International announced this week plans to bring in Holly Shackleton as the new editor in chief of Vogue International. Shackleton was appointed editor in chief of i-D Magazine back in 2014 and has been with the company for 14 years. She takes over from launch editor Justine Bellavita who joined Vogue International in 2017 and will be responsible for aligning the many Vogue international web sites and creating digital content for the global Vogue editions. [WWD]
Our Fashion Week Street Style Coverage Is Still Rocking
Melodie Jeng never misses the models with their fresh from the runway glow. See the first couple of days here.
Victoria’s Secret to Close 53 Stores in North America
Victoria’s Secret made an announcement that in 2019 it will be closing 53 stores in North America, up from last year’s 30 closings and an average of 15 per year, WWD reported. The lingerie company has 1,170 stores in the US and Canada. News of the closings follows recent backlash against the company for its failure to veer away from its antiquated branding, lack of inclusivity, all further exacerbated by comments from Ed Razek regarding plus-sized models and transsexual models. News of the closings and a decline in earning saw a drop in L Brands stock as well as criticism over social media. Still, Stuart Burgdoerfer, CFO, told WWD, “The opportunity is to drive more sales through the existing store footprint that we have.” [WWD]
Following Catwalk Criticism, Burberry Exec Announces 3 Part Plan to Increase Social Consciousness
After harsh criticism of a problematic Burberry noose hoodie that made its way down the runway during London Fashion Week, Marco Gobbetti, the chief executive officer of Burberry Group, issued a statement through the brand’s Instagram account announcing plans to “increase our consciousness and understanding of social issues and fully embrace diversity and inclusion.” To do this, 3 steps were detailed, which included the formation of an advisory board and additional training; a more diverse pipeline of talent; and the support of organizations that promote inclusivity in the industry.
Chris Benz Joins J. Crew Leading Women’s Design
J. Crew has revealed that Chris Benz will lead the brand’s women’s design team following Johanna Uurasjarvi. Prior, Benz was at Bill Blass and previously had an eponymous line started in 2007. The brand said in a statement, “The company recognized the need for a fresh perspective from someone who understood the importance of the brand’s heritage and style to give consumers the designs they have come to expect from the iconic company. Chris Benz’s colorful, distinct aesthetic complements J. Crew’s own.” [BOF]
