Articles by Rachel Douglass
Marks & Spencer design head on incoming trends and how it builds collections
loading... - Fashion | Interview
As the new year fast approaches, retailers are continuing to prep for the upcoming SS25 season. A one that promises wide-ranging shifts in both the needs and tastes of customers, who are tightening their wallets while yielding to the revolving format of micro and seasonal trends. It's a juxtaposition that presents an interesting challenge for...
Footfall decreases in November as retailers pin hope on festive season
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Disappointing footfall levels over the course of November have left retailers turning their attention and hope towards the more abundant festive season, with the later date of Black Friday meaning the shopping event will now contribute to this period. For the four weeks from October 27 to November 23, the British Retail Consortium (BRC),...
BFC extends animal product ban to exotic skins
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The British Fashion Council (BFC) is believed to have moved to ban the use of exotic skins by brands taking part in London Fashion Week. Brands that want to appear on the fashion week’s schedule must commit to not using the material in their collections when showing at the event. BFC’s deputy director for policy and engagement, David...
New London retail concept aims to back e-commerce brands in physical realm
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A new experiential concept is taking hold of London’s high street for the coming season with the intention of bringing e-commerce brands to the physical retail landscape. Launched by e-commerce fulfilment specialists, J&J Global Fulfilment, ‘Pop!’ will offer a selection of fast-growing online fashion and beauty brands the chance to sell directly...
In Pictures: Burberry unveils childrenswear collection made of surplus fabrics
loading... - Fashion | In pictures
British heritage brand Burberry has unveiled a new childrenswear capsule made from surplus fabrics and yarns from prior collections. The ‘Remake’ line intends to build on the label’s efforts to incorporate more circular practices into its offering, initiatives for which have already been infused into a number of its existing products for adults....
Oxfam calls on Australian brands to pay living wages to garment workers
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An analysis by Oxfam Australia has claimed that a number of notable Australian brands are underpaying their garment workers despite raking in over one billion dollars in revenue last year. According to the nonprofit organisation, Kmart Group, Big W, Cotton On, Rip Curl, Kathmandu owner KMD, Myder and Bonds’ parent company Hanes “still don’t pay...
Uniqlo boss says brand does not use Xinjiang cotton
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Fast Retailing’s chief executive, Tadashi Yanai, has claimed that the company’s core brand, Uniqlo, does not use cotton sourced from China’s Xinjiang region in its products. Yanai addressed the concern to the BBC, to which he confirmed that the company was not utilising cotton from this district, before stating: “It gets too political if I say...
Ikea opens London pop-up dedicated to staple Frakta bag
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Swedish homeware giant Ikea has unveiled a new Oxford Street pop-up dedicated to its iconic blue Frakta bag. London’s ‘Hus of Frakta’, open daily until March 2025, sits next to what will soon become Ikea’s permanent store, set to open in spring 2025. In the space, Ikea offers special features to visitors, including a personalisation service in...
Feben, Iamisigo and Rave Review named finalists of Zalando Visionary Award
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Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) and Zalando have revealed the names of the finalists for the 2025 Zalando Visionary Award, the winner of which will secure a spot on the roster of CPHFW’s SS26 edition and receive industry support. London-based Feben is among the finalists. The brand, which was founded by the Ethiopian designer of the same name,...
November footfall up despite Storm Bert impact
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Footfall for the four week period from October 27 to November 23 was up across the UK, despite fluctuations throughout the month due to Storm Bert and a shift in half term holidays. Summary • UK retail footfall increased 2.1 percent from October to November, despite Storm Bert's impact. • Shopping centres and retail parks saw significant...