Articles by Rachel Douglass
Rachel has been with FashionUnited since mid-2021. Descending from the UK, she moved to the Netherlands in 2014 to attend Amsterdam Fashion Institute, where she studied a BA in International Fashion and Branding with a specialisation in Journalism.
At FashionUnited, Rachel covers daily news, from store openings to acquisitions, alongside which she focuses on research-based stories, interviews and on-the-ground event reporting. Her topics of interest include digital fashion, independent retail and current trends.
Jewellery house David Webb snapped up by investment group Middle West Partners
David Webb, an American jewellery house, has been acquired by investment group Middle West Partners, which has snapped up a majority stake in the storied business. Financial details and terms of the transaction were not disclosed in a press release. Adopting what it says is to be a “careful, long-term view on growth”, Middle West Partners said...
BusinessMember8 Apr 2025
Puma names new president of North American business
Sportswear giant Puma has announced the appointment of Tara McRae as the new president of the brand’s North American business. McRae, who will step into the position immediately, most recently led the brand’s marketing and brand strategy in the region, deemed to be a “strategically important market” by Puma. She had returned to Puma back in 2024...
People8 Apr 2025
Pentland Brands to sponsor TNT Sports platform
Pentland Brands, the parent company of Berghaus, Canterbury and Ellesse, has become a sponsor of television channel TNT Sports. The three month deal will see six of the group’s brands featured across TNT Sports’ portfolio, spanning TV, on-demand and social media. A 20-second TV ad will also run during prime sports programming, while social media...
BusinessMember8 Apr 2025
GlobalData: UK shoppers expected to spend 2.3 billion pounds over Easter weekend
New data collected by analytics company GlobalData has suggested that consumers in the UK could be on the verge of spending 2.3 billion pounds over the coming Easter weekend. According to a new report from the data firm, 40 percent of shoppers stated they were planning to “spend more this year” over the holiday period. On average, customers are...
Retail8 Apr 2025
Rixo: Increased investment hits earnings yet international growth remains priority
British premium brand Rixo has filed its financials for the year ended June 30, 2024, during which an influx of company-wide investments impacted earnings, yet future plans remain positive. Over the period, sales took a slight hit from 19 million pounds in the year prior to 18.7 million pounds. Rixo said “an uncertain market with subdued...
BusinessMember8 Apr 2025
John Lewis to add Tess Daly and Gayle Lawton’s Naia Beach to stores
Naia Beach, a British swimwear brand founded by friends Gayle Lawton and TV personality Tess Daly, is set to make its debut in John Lewis stores throughout the UK. Starting this summer, the label will be sold at six John Lewis stores, including Oxford Street, Peter Jones, High Wycombe Southampton, Leeds and Cheadle. Naia Beach will also be...
Retail8 Apr 2025
Milan Design Week: Under Armour unveils regenerative sportswear with Unless
Sportswear giant Under Armour has taken to Milan Design Week with an immersive experience in which it has unveiled a “regenerative” sportswear collection made alongside “all-plant” fashion brand, Unless. From April 8 to 10, the two labels are hosting their joint immersive experience as part of the design week’s Fuorisalone schedule. Here, they...
Fashion 8 Apr 2025
Miami Swim Week - The Shows files lawsuit to protect trademark
The DC Swim Week (DCSW) Group, parent company of Miami Swim Week - The Shows, has filed a lawsuit against its competitor, Paraiso Miami Swim Week, as it seeks to protect its claim of the ‘Miami Swim Week’ trademark. The move comes after the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board ruled that DCSW had “improperly registered” the trademark and that its...
FairsMember8 Apr 2025
Dutch supply chain manager Bleckmann opens UK facility
Bleckmann, a Dutch supply chain management firm for fashion brands, has expanded its operational presence in the UK via a new facility in Crick. The site adds 100,000 square metres of floor space to its existing UK presence, bringing its total capacity to over 3.2 million square feet. Bleckmann said the expansion reflected a “commitment to...
BusinessMember7 Apr 2025
Tolu Coker, Torishéju and Steve O Smith among LVMH Prize finalists
LVMH has announced the eight brands shortlisted for this year’s LVMH Prize. Among them are three UK-based designers who will be taking part in the final set to be held September 3 at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Womenswear brand Tolu Coker has been selected alongside Steve O Smith and Torishéju, by Torishéju Dumi, both of whom create womenswear...
Fashion 7 Apr 2025