The American Collections Reveals Its Schedule
What’s clear is this fashion month might be the most scattered we’ve had since its inception. The American Collections fka New York Fashion Week revealed its primarily virtual schedule will reflect the growing number of designers showing later in the season or outside of New York. While the official dates will be kicked off with Jason Wu on February 14th and be held through the 17th, designers are not restricting themselves with many like Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, and Thom Browne showing after. WWD reports that several big or buzzworthy New York designers like Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Christopher John Rogers, and Pyer Moss aren’t included on the calendar entirely, so word’s still out what they have up their sleeve.
Milan Fashion Week Goes Digital (Finally)
Milan Fashion Week also released its schedule this week and following its predecessors in New York and London, this season will be primarily digital with 61 runway shows and 57 presentations. Running from February 23rd to March 1st, the event is very loosely still considering live shows with Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana’s president Carlo Capasa stating, “in collaboration with health authorities, that shows and events will have to be hosted without the public, except for a limited number of professionals, including journalists and buyers, in accordance with the capacity limits of each location.” Brands like Prada and Giorgio Armani, however, said no people (or COVID) allowed and will be filming their latest collections and unveiling them via social media. [WWD]
Alaïa Has a New Creative Director
Since the house of Azzedine Alaïa lost its patriarch in 2017, the brand has had to float on the laurels of its hardworking design team but today Richemont announced Pieter Mulier is coming on as the new Creative Director. The former right hand of Raf Simons during his tenure at Jil Sander, Dior, and Calvin Klein, Mulier steps out from the behind-the-scenes role he’s held for 2 decades, notably captured during the documentary “Dior and I”. In a post on the atelier’s official Instagram, Mulier comments on his new appointment, “Azzedine Alaïa’s powerful vision has served as an inspiration, as he always sought to give the necessary time to innovative and enduring creation. It is with a tremendous sense of admiration and responsibility that I will seek to carry forward his legacy of celebrating femininity and to jointly shape the future of this legendary Maison.” [BOF]
Former Vogue China Editor Joins Venture Capital Firm
Angelica Cheung has gone from Vogue to venture capitalist. The former founding editor of Vogue China announced this week that she would be taking on a new role at Sequoia Capital China, focusing on the fashion, lifestyle and entertainment sectors. This news follows the news that Sequoia Capital China has taken a majority stake in French fashion label AMI Paris. [WWD]
Asos Snaps Up Topshop
The once-mighty Topshop has been bought—by ASOS. In a deal worth $411m, the British online retailer purchased the beleaguered British businessman Philip Green’s formerly hip high-street brand. Along with Topshop comes sister brands Topman, HIIT and Miss Selfridge, but in terms of jobs, Asos is only taking on 300 positions across the board. Asos will also gain new retail partnerships via the acquisition, most notably with Nordstrom in the US. [BoF]
Black Beauty Roster is Hosting first Digital Summit
The Black Beauty Roster seeks to diversify beauty in the fashion and entertainment industry through education and advocacy. The new and upcoming roster is hosting its first digital summit on February 28th, the last day of Black History Month. The event will consist of leaders, influencers, and advocates in fashion, beauty, and entertainment teaching how to work with textured hair, darker complexions, breaking into the industry, and much more. Mamé Adjei, Gabrielle Union, Larry Sims, and Sir John are amongst the many industry professionals that will be hosting panels throughout the digital event. [Variety]
