Articles by Diane Vanderschelden
Diane Vanderschelden is a Business Editor for FashionUnited France and UK. She covers the latest economic, financial, and regulatory news shaping the fashion industry. With a keen interest in international dynamics, she focuses on the economic, social, and cultural factors influencing different regions, particularly Asia and Europe, where she has lived for several years.
H&M: why the Persson family is buying back its own shares on a massive scale
H&M's founding family is continuing to purchase shares in the Swedish group. Its holding company, Ramsbury Invest, has acquired almost 39 million euros worth of additional shares. This is part of a series of regular transactions over several months, as the stock has underperformed since the start of the year. This methodical signal is being...
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Birkenstock: why Wall Street no longer believes in the luxury dream despite strong growth
For several years, Birkenstock seemed to have achieved what few footwear brands had before. It transformed a German orthopaedic sandal into a global object of desire, worn by tourists, fashion houses, celebrities and premium consumers alike. The narrative presented to investors during its 2023 Initial Public Offering (IPO) is now beginning to...
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Arena's 'Planet Water' ambition: conquering lifestyle through performance
With a turnover of 193 million euros in 2025 and solid growth of 8 percent, Italian swimwear brand Arena is no longer content with just dominating competition pools. Under the leadership of its CEO Peter Graschi, the heritage brand is making a strategic pivot towards 'wellbeing' and a swimwear extension. This is an analysis of a roadmap that...
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“The day profit comes first, we die”: Inside Andreas Christian von der Heide’s unlikely playbook
In the bustling hub of the Les Deux headquarters—what Andreas Christian von der Heide calls his 'playground'—two worlds quietly meet. On his desk lies a green Moleskine, filled with fragments of ideas. But beneath this creative instinct of a man who built a brand now spanning 150 employees across multiple markets from a single white t-shirt,...
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Has luxury underestimated its customers' intelligence? An uncompromising analysis by Alessandro Maria Ferreri
After a period of post-pandemic euphoria driven by a thirst for 'revenge' spending, the luxury industry is now facing a reality check. Caught between price inflation disconnected from product value and a structural creativity crisis, high-fashion houses are at a crossroads. Alessandro Maria Ferreri, founder of The Style Gate and an engineer by...
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Why Jeff Bezos is betting 34 million dollars on future textiles
The news may seem modest on the scale of global technology investments. However, it acts as a weak signal with high potential for the entire fashion sector. By injecting 34 million dollars through the Bezos Earth Fund (BEF), the Amazon founder is not only seeking to improve his green credentials but also to secure a dominant position in...
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Études Studio appoints Brice Groulier (ex-Jacquemus) to structure its growth
Parisian label Études Studio is professionalising its management with the appointment of Brice Groulier to the role of CEO. By recruiting the former chief financial officer of Jacquemus, the independent brand is demonstrating its ambition to transform its creative foundation into a major industrial success. Founded in 2012 by Aurélien Arbet and...
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Do Zara and H&M generate 12 times more textile waste than Shein?
As the 2026 legislative debate centres on implementing decrees for the law against ultra-fast fashion, a field study challenges our assumptions. The primary burden on the circular economy does not currently stem from new digital players, but from legacy brands. The saturation of recycling channels is linked to this long-established production...
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'Magnificent Seven' results: Why AI capex could disrupt fashion
This week, markets will scrutinise the results of tech leaders Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, Apple, Nvidia and Tesla. At the core of expectations is the need for proof. Their massive investments in artificial intelligence must finally begin to show tangible returns. Critical equation: billions versus uncertain revenues Hyperscalers have...
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Chronic deficits and recapitalisations: The challenge of Richemont's 'Soft Luxury' division
Swiss leader Richemont, driven by the strength of its jewellery houses, is seeing the weaknesses of its fashion and accessories division intensify. Amid repeated capital injections and slowing growth, the group faces a structural profitability challenge. While the strength of Richemont's jewellery and watchmaking divisions is well-established,...
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