Okezie Chinedu’s Post

Louis Vuitton just released its new 'Sandwich Bag' design priced for over $3000. Fashion or a mere marketing gimmick? What are your thoughts? Here are mine: The leather Sandwich Bag was designed by Pharrell Williams, creative director of Louis Vuitton menswear, as part of his debut collection for the brand and who does not want all eyes on them? LV understands that staying viral is the only way to stay relevant. A Kitschy twist to the design and a staggeringly high price are tried and tested strategies to go viral instantly. What can you take away for your brand from this strategy? Well, creating a viral hook can go a long way for brand awareness. Not every product should be made to sell some can also be made to make the heads turn. Remembrance is the key here! #ecommercetips #ecommercebusiness

 *The Coolest Store Just Opened in New York Last Week, But the Items Aren't for Sale*   The pop-up store was launched by The RealReal (TRR), a platform known for selling authenticated luxury second-hand items.   TRR's new boutique showcases designer handbags: rows upon rows of Hermès, Dior, The Row, Miu Miu, and more. Each bag is displayed on its own shelf, like a one-of-a-kind piece of art.   But none of the bags are for sale, for a simple reason: they are all counterfeit.   The items in this "store" are high-quality fakes known as Superfakes. 🚀 They were all seized by TRR when various sellers tried to pass them off as genuine on the platform. At first glance, even experts would struggle to tell they aren't authentic.   In the past, high-quality counterfeits focused on classic and extremely expensive models. But recently, #Superfakes have extended to modern brands like Jil Sander and Khaite.   "Ask Yourself What’s Real" was the slogan accompanying this fake store, aiming to spark a conversation about authenticity.   Perfectly timed with this clever marketing stunt, OTB Group, which owns several fashion brands, announced that it will leverage #digital_innovation to combat counterfeiting (thanks to Nataly Izchukov for sharing). Starting this fall, the group's luxury brands will be equipped with a chip: scanning the shoe's sole with your phone will immediately reveal if it is an official product or an imposter.   As we navigate the blurred lines between genuine and counterfeit, OTB Group's innovative approach is a game-changer. It will be interesting to see if other brands will follow. Image: Superfake created by #Midjourney. #DigitalInnovation #MarketingTrends #TechInFashion #BrandAuthenticity #BrandProtection #DigitalTransformation #NFC

Simon Longland, director of buying – fashion at Harrods tells Drapers which pieces stood out from the catwalks for AW24 and what the retailer's customers will be shopping for in the coming months. Read more below. #Harrods #AW24 #fashionbuyer #fashionnews #catwalks #retailnews

Simon Longland, director of buying – fashion at Harrods tells Drapers which pieces stood out from the catwalks for AW24 and what the retailer's customers will be shopping for in the coming months. Read more below. #Harrods #AW24 #fashionbuyer #fashionnews #catwalks #retailnews

Simon Longland, director of buying – fashion at Harrods tells Drapers which pieces stood out from the catwalks for AW24 and what the retailer's customers will be shopping for in the coming months. Read more below. #Harrods #AW24 #fashionbuyer #fashionnews #catwalks #retailnews

There will be more casualties among small independent luxury brands It seems ironic that while Gucci received glowing reviews for having hosted a star-studded show in at the Tate Modern, many small British brands – such as The Vampire’s Wife and ROKSANDA - are either closing down or seeking a white knight to avoid going into administration. But it’s not just British clothing brands that are in trouble. In the last few weeks, Mara Hoffman (US) and DION LEE (Australia) have also announced that they are closing down. The Row (US), a larger but independent luxury clothing company is seeking funding. There are several factors at play. The overall luxury market is weak. But furthermore, the disruption in the luxury wholesale network is causing a chain reaction impacting the whole industry. One of the main distribution networks, wholesale for small independent luxury brands, has changed. MATCHES went into administration; FARFETCH was sold to Coupang and YOOX NET-A-PORTER's future looks questionable. Not only are many of these small independent luxury brands owed money by Matches but they do not have the funds to place new orders.  That then puts pressure on small suppliers of luxury apparel, who face going bust themselves. I think there will be many more casualties down the line. Even prior to the demise of the wholesale network, luxury clothing was a difficult business compared to other areas of luxury. The importance of fit and seasonality make it much trickier than leather goods and accessories. I’d love to know what you think. #luxury #brands #wholesale #independent Smith Square Partners https://lnkd.in/dXYHtbmr

"💰The Row’s $1 Billion Deal, Explained💼 The owners of Chanel and L’Oréal have invested in American luxury label The Row, alongside Natalie Massenet and Lauren Santo Domingo 🌟 What will the deal mean for The Row’s unique business?🤔 #TheRow #FashionInvestment #BillionDollarDeal 👉Learn more at databoutique.com" by The Business of Fashion about CHANEL

While everyone else soaks up summer, apparel #retailers have been living and breathing fall fashion. Harper's Bazaar and Vogue set the stage, but it's luxury brands like Miu Miu, Gucci and their contemporaries that are truly orchestrating the fall symphony. We're looking ahead to fall #trends that include: ➡️ Textured, elevated basics - that are anything but basic. ➡️ Skirts that demand space with their fullness and flare. ➡️ A playful mix of shapes and patterns, with florals stealing the spotlight. ➡️ Luxurious, heavy outwear of faux fur, feathers and shearling. But here's the twist: Understanding these trends is just the first step. The real magic? Implementing them in a way that resonates with your #brand and your audience. At Green Retail Consulting, we don't just watch the trends—we help you weave them into your strategy. Ready to make this fall your most fashionable season yet? Let's talk. Your next big opportunity is just a conversation away. https://lnkd.in/eQB5rqHG #luxury #consulting #DemandPlanning

In a world where logos scream luxury, The Row whispers wealth - and investors are listening as the brand is now valued at $1 billion. The ultra-luxe brand founded by Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen just secured major backing from fashion heavyweights, valuing it at $1 billion. This isn't just another investment; it's a masterclass in understanding the evolving retail landscape. Why it matters: 💰 The families behind CHANEL and L'Oréal are betting big on "quiet luxury" (or elevated minimalism, ultra-luxury. whatever term we want to use.) 🏬 With only 4 retail locations, The Row's growth potential is massive (compared to Chanel and Hermès which each have around 300 locations/concessions.) 💄 Expect expansion into menswear, homeware, and beauty 👜 They could also invest or buy a factory. Buying a factory would allow them to have more control over production time, education and quality control in the factory and more secrecy over who sees and interacts with the products. What area of growth do you see for The Row? #LuxuryRetail #FashionIndustry #RetailStrategy

JIL SANDER, the sleek, sophisticated brand with a storied history, is often lauded for its minimalism, but its creative efforts demonstrate how luxury can be so much more than quiet. In doing so, it is attracting younger consumers who are looking to add individualism into the mix. Speaking to Monocle's fashion director, Natalie Theodosi, we discuss how Jil Sander blurs the lines between form, function, and futurism, and demonstrates how to infuse individuality with minimalism... Read more here on Canvas8: https://lnkd.in/eVaeUBse #jilsander #minimalism #luxuryfashion #luxury #genz #fashion #luxurybrands #individualism #minimalistdesign #luxurybrand