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Actionable insights, inspiration, and expert advice to thrive in a competitive landscape.
October Media Roundup
Lucy Bridge’s debut monograph, Herbert Levine revived, Yohji Yamamoto and Danh Võ are honored, behind Sophie Elgort’s lens, and Harley Weir and Dilara Findikoglu’s Witch.
Fractional Merchandising
Why independent luxury and emerging labels are swapping traditional management consulting for executive leadership that embeds directly within the house.
The "Endless Sale" Cycle
As the retail world prepares for Black Friday markdowns and holiday promotions, independent and luxury labels must resist the trap of constant discounting.
September News Roundup
Five essential reads on haute couture archives, artisan-led fashion houses, ethical caiman sourcing, millinery heritage, and modernist sculptural jewelry.
The Desirability Deficit
As Spring 2027 collections wrap, the industry’s central issue emerges as how do luxury houses build desirability in a market flooded with product?
Fall 2026: Earth Tones
Why creative directors are abandoning stark digital brights for Fall 2026 in favor of an unrefined color palette featuring clay, slate, peat, and ochre.
August News Roundup
Shigeru Ban on problem-solving, indie French brands face cash flow problems, a revival for Dansk, Sassa Ann van Wyk’s millinery, and Kyriaki Drakotos’s intimate universe.
Great Artists Do Bad Things
John Galliano was slated to have his first retrospective at The Met until donor backlash derailed the exhibition. Where do museums draw the line on a creator’s moral failings?
Fall 2026: Urban Armor
From protective chainmail to monastic draping, creative directors are using the protective codes of Medieval Europe to offer women a tactile shield for a volatile world.
July News Roundup
The ICP takes a deep dive on the photobook, stamp-size collages by Makitoy, Jil Sander is back, Ivory Coast fashion designers, and art trafficking at the Met.
Shiseido’s Clean Beauty Gamble
From "Sephora Kids" to brand dilution, here’s why corporate conglomerates often miss the human values that make an indie brand resonate.
Mood Board: The Power Shift
To move past the quiet luxury era for Fall 2026, creative directors revisited the bold proportions and glamour of the 1980s for the upcoming season.
May News Roundup
Ian Curtis gets an American exhibition, changes at Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Baleboards in Ghana, Prada’s Indian backlash, and Richard Avedon is celebrated in film.
What is Wrong at Gucci?
Gucci’s Times Square spectacle proves big budgets can’t buy a point of view. The Italian super brand needs to start plotting a relevant fashion direction or risk continued decline.
Mood Board: Victorian Gothic
For Fall 2026, designers found inspiration in the dark romance of the Victorian era, reimagining opulent, historical silhouettes for the modern woman.
April 2026 News Roundup
Susie Cave is back, Pierre Hardy reflects on his career, Prince gets a new book, Issey Miyake creates furniture, and the LVMH Prize semifinalists are announced.
Intimacy is the New Currency
Whether you’re a mega-brand or an emerging label, the most strategic move for your business is to create deep emotional bonds with your core clientele.
Context Over Capital
The Lyst Index’s new methodology is better for capturing the discovery of independent and emerging brands, allowing them to shine alongside the biggest industry names.
March News Roundup
It’s the season of blockbuster fashion exhibitions at museums, SCAD opens a store, independent Indian menswear labels are on the rise, and AI to the inventory rescue.
Resilience is the New Luxury
The conflict in Iran is disrupting transit routes and forcing a rethink of the fashion production cycle. Here is why resilience now outweighs global convenience.