Influencer Vogue Williams has launched a new kidswear line called Gen with M&S and Next becoming the first online platforms to bring the unisex childrenswear concept to market.
The line, which “reimagines childrenswear” has a focus on “versatility, durability, and timeless design”, we’re told.
Williams curated the pieces and said the launch responds to the growing demand for longer-lasting fashion.The result is a “unique, high-quality range that allows customers to shop freely without the constraints of traditional gendered clothing”.
The age 2-8 collection of essentials includes coats, waterproof onesies, dungarees and short-and-T-shirt sets, boldly coloured with pops of neon and fun prints, while “breaking the traditional boundaries of gendered clothing”. Prices range from £10-£34.
Each piece can be personalised with patches and features a unique ‘Wear Me, Love Me, Pass Me On’ label, “encouraging a culture of sharing and customiaation that makes each garment cherished keepsake while promoting the joy of passing on well-loved pieces”.
Williams said: “Finding high-quality, super-cute clothes for kids that actually last is not easy. I really feel like the Gen range hits all those needs. Kids… get to customise their own piece, whether it’s the first or third child along the line.”
It’s produced by Poeticgem Group and marketed via its subsidiary Luminoso Brands. Gavin Foster, managing director of the latter, said: “Vogue’s styling, vision and authentic voice has been key to the success in securing these fantastic retail partners and we look forward to forging a long term partnership with all parties.”
California-based women’s lifestyle brand L’Agence has opened a new flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York City.
L’Agence opens new NYC flagship store on Madison Avenue. – L’Agence
Located at 956 Madison Avenue, the 4,400-square-foot flagship embodies the brand’s signature blend of luxury and effortless style.
The multi-level store offers an immersive, dynamic environment where customers can explore the brand’s full range, including denim, ready-to-wear, swimwear, footwear, accessories, candles, and its newly launched sleepwear collaboration with Eberjey. In-store stylists are available to provide personalized service, including private shopping appointments.
“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our flagship location in New York, a milestone that represents not just growth, but our unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional experience for our customers, where we can showcase the breadth of our offering,” said Jonny Saven, CEO.
“As we continue to expand, this new location is a symbol of what’s to come—more opportunities to connect with our community, push boundaries, and shape the future of the brand.”
L’Agence has experienced remarkable success, averaging 40% growth year over year since the start of the pandemic. In 2024 alone, online revenue from the brand’s website exceeded $100 million.
This opening strengthens the brand’s presence in New York, following its initial NYC retail debut in Fall 2018. In 2024, it equally opened three new U.S. stores including in Houston, TX, and Newport Beach, CA, as well as debuted its innovative Jean Bar concept on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.
The brand also expanded internationally, launching flagship locations in Paris and Seoul.
Guess Inc. announced on Thursday sales for the fiscal 2025 year increased 8% to $3 billion, on the back of a solid fourth quarter helped on by the U.S. retailer’s Rag & Bone acquisition.
Guess
The Los Angeles-based company said fourth-quarter sales grew 5% to $932.3 million for three months ending February 1. By region, Europe revenues increased 2%, partially offset by a 15% decline in Asia sales. Domestically, Americas retail revenues lifted 4%, despite retail comparable sales, including e-commerce, taking a 14% dive, while Americas wholesale revenues surged 63%. Licensing revenues rose 18%, the company said.
For the quarter, net income fell 29% to $81.4 million. The company attributed its quarterly growth to the Rag & Bone acquisition, which took place in April last year, as well as “positive momentum” in its wholesale businesses in Europe and the Americas and increased licensing revenues.
“All of our operating segments posted revenue growth, except for our Asia segment,” said Carlos Alberini, chief executive officer, Guess Inc.
“With this performance, we closed the year with revenue growth of 8% in U.S. dollars and 10% in constant currency. During the year, we delivered solid results with our Licensing segment and our wholesale businesses in Europe and the Americas, but missed our plans for our direct-to-consumer business due to slower customer traffic in North America and Asia. All considered, for the year we reached almost $3 billion in revenues and $174 million and $180 million in GAAP and adjusted operating earnings, respectively. Importantly, this year we reached a significant milestone for our company, as we executed our first acquisition in Guess’s history, with the addition of rag & bone to our portfolio.”
In a separate release on Thursday, the iconic American brand announced that Alberto Toni, currently group managing director and chief financial officer of Flos B&B Italia Group S.p.A., has been appointed chief financial officer of Guess, effective mid-June.
Toni will succeed interim CFO Dennis Secor, who will remain with the company as executive vice president through September 12, to support a smooth transition. Toni will be based in Lugano, Switzerland, and will lead Guess’s finance team globally.
“We are excited to welcome Alberto as our company’s next CFO,” said Alberini.
“He brings over 30 years of global financial and operational experience as well as a track record of disciplined execution across established design, retail and consumer-focused companies. We look forward to benefiting from Alberto’s leadership as we work to further optimize our business portfolio, enhance our cost structure and best position Guess for the long-term growth opportunities we see ahead.”
Model Hailey Bieber is exploring a sale of her makeup brand Rhode that could be worth more than $1 billion, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Rhode
Bieber has tapped investment bankers at JPMorgan Chase and Moelis to find a buyer for the cosmetic brand that she launched in 2022, two of the sources said, requesting anonymity as the matter is confidential.
Bieber joins a list of celebrities who have recently attempted to cash in on the popularity of consumer-focused ventures they launched in recent years.
In 2021, actor Jessica Alba pulled off a successful initial public offering for her consumer goods venture The Honest Company. Rare Beauty, backed by Grammy-nominated singer Selena Gomez, has also been seeking a buyer, according to people familiar with the matter.
JPMorgan and Moelis declined to comment. Rhode did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Bieber, who is married to singer Justin Bieber and is the daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin, is a social media influencer, having amassed over 50 million Instagram followers.
Beauty trends such as “glazed donut skin” gained popularity after Bieber promoted her daily skincare routine.
Rhode, which was named after Bieber’s middle name, generates annual revenue of nearly $200 million, two sources said. The Los Angeles-based brand, which sells skincare products and makeup, has collaborated with companies such as Krispy Kreme to promote certain products.
Rhode appointed former The Honest Company chief executive Nick Vlahos as its CEO last year.
Entertainment8 years ago