Kurt Geiger has shone the spotlight on the graduating class from its Business by Design Academy (BBD) and also announced an expansion of the programme.
Some of the 2025 Geiger graduates
BBD is its fully-funded career incubator for young creatives and from this autumn, it will become fully digitised, “opening access to young people across the UK – not just in London”. The in-person London programme will also increase its intake by 50%, “offering even more opportunities to young people from underrepresented backgrounds”. Applications for next year’s cohort are open now.
The first day of April saw the graduating class lauded at an event at The Brewery, Chiswell Street, with Bianca Saunders, Ella Thomas, Karen Binns, the Flag Twins, Zacharia Noble and many more in attendance.
The ceremony was led by broadcaster Clara Amfo who delivered an empowering keynote celebrating the students’ resilience and creativity.
There were 33 graduates following in the footsteps of the inaugural 2024 cohort – 30% of whom are now employed full-time at Kurt Geiger, with others securing various roles and placements across the creative sector.
The students were presented with a number of different work-based prizes and placements with Jennifer Peters, Mohammed Hussain and Monique Miller awarded full-time paid apprenticeship roles at Kurt Geiger in the Buying, Merchandising and Marketing departments, allowing them to complete studies while working in these newly created positions.
For the first time, a further three students, Bill Opare, Laura Quadri and Ben Sholongo were recognised for their enterprising enthusiasm and given an entrepreneurial grant to financially contribute towards developing their own ventures.
Nylah Rosario James was also awarded a one-year paid internship at Kurt Geiger’s HQ where she’ll gain hands-on experience in design, buying, merchandising, marketing and PR.
Kurt Geiger started the BBD because of the way the creative industry remains out of reach for many young people.
According to new Office for National Statistics data, the number of 16-24-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET) rose by 100,000 in the last 12 months reaching an 11-year high.
The creative industry contributes £124 billion to the economy and employs 2.4 million people but only 17% of creative workers come from working-class backgrounds; 86% of creative internships are unpaid, shutting out those who can’t afford to work for free; and 43% of young people aspire to creative careers, but 42% feel it’s financially unviable.
Neil Clifford, CEO of Kurt Geiger, said:“Business by Design isn’t just about opening doors for creative talent – it’s about showing the industry how much it gains by embracing diversity. With the Academy expansion, we’re ensuring that talent from all backgrounds gets the access and support they deserve, while the creative sector thrives with fresh perspectives and innovation.”
Jewellery and accessories retailer Lovisa is to open a 915 sq ft store at Essex’s Liberty Romford in June.
Billed by owner/operator Redical as the “number one London satellite shopping centre for retail spend”, Lovisa becomes the latest addition to the destination’s ongoing retail transformation.
Joining peers H Samuel, Pandora, and Swarovski, Lovisa will stock its extensive range of necklaces, earrings and rings, as well as providing the retailer’s popular piercing services.
As the Australian brand continues its international expansion, it said destinations such as The Liberty Romford “are key in driving brand loyalty and engagement” by taking advantage of its “strong annual footfall of 13.6 million a year and high dwell time”.
Continuing its multi-year £7 million plan to “transform, elevate and evolve the destination”, Daniel Tucker, leasing manager at The Liberty Romford added: “The signing of Lovisa marks the next stage in our elevation of the [centre].”
Not two brands you’d readily put together for a collaboration but functional outdoor footwear label Hunter and LoveShackFancy, known for its romantic, whimsically feminine womenswear, have unveiled a limited-edition boot collection…. and it works.
The Hunter x LoveShackFancy capsule features eight styles that bring together a “flower-filled world… that feels both fresh and timeless… whether navigating rainy days or strolling through spring gardens, this collection delivers both style and substance”, we’re told.
Adorned with LoveShackFancy’s signature blush pink florals, delicate bow patterns, and soft pastels, each pair “offers a fresh, fun twist on Authentic Brands-owned Hunter’s best-selling women’s and kid’s silhouettes”.
Made from natural rubber, the collection includes Hunter’s Women’s Original Tall Rain Boots, Women’s ‘Play’ Short Rain Boots, Big Kids Original Rain Boots, and Kids First Classic Rain Boots.
Shanya Perera, senior vice-president, Marketing, Advertising & PR at Marc Fisher Footwear, the US Hunter licensee, said: “The Original Rain Boot has always been a canvas for creative expression, and this collaboration allows us to bring that vision to life in a fresh, playful way.
“By blending our signature strengths, we’ve created a collection that speaks to a new generation of trendsetters and stylish moms who want to look effortlessly chic – rain or shine.”
Rebecca Hessel Cohen, founder and creative director of LoveShackFancy, added: “Part of the magic of LoveShackFancy is bringing our whimsical aesthetic into everyday life, so being able to bring our signature heirloom florals to boots as functional and timeless as Hunter’s feels like the ultimate blend of romance and practicality.”
The latest major runway brand to deepen its commitment to fashionable living is Etro, which has announced plans to develop luxury residences in Phuket.
Etro Residences Phuket, oceanfront view. – Etro
The Milanese luxury marque revealed its debut on Wednesday in Southeast Asian real estate with Etro Residences Phuket, an exclusive development that merges high-end design with immersive brand experiences.
Developer Amal Development will lead the flagship project in collaboration with The One Atelier, a global leader in branded real estate design.
The news comes one year after the house announced the creation of Etro Residences Istanbul, where Etro was responsible for the design of 37 of the 40-floor structures, each covering a surface of 2,000 square meters.
“Following the success of Etro Residences Istanbul, Etro Residences Phuket represents the brand’s continued growth into luxury real estate, further reinforcing its identity as a lifestyle brand. This ambitious project is poised to set a new standard in Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding luxury property market while further enhancing the brand’s remarkable heritage and reinforcing its commitment to innovation and timeless design,” said Etro CEO Fabrizio Cardinali in a release.
Besides expanding its property portfolio, Etro Residences Phuket underlines the brand’s commitment to creating lifestyle-driven experiences that integrate the heritage and expertise of the brand, founded as a textile manufacturer in 1968. Etro Residences Phuket will be part of the luxury beachfront residential complex, Gardens of Eden.
Etro is controlled by the L Catterton investment fund, in which luxury conglomerate LVMH owns a significant stake.
After Giorgio Armani opened his first hotel in 2010 in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, a series of luxury labels have actively developed hotels and luxury residences. LVMH was among them, with its 2019 acquisition of luxury hotel group Belmond for $3.2 billion.
Just this month, Elie Saab and Karl Lagerfeld announced plans to develop more gated residences. Experience suggests that branded designer residences, with carefully injected luxury aesthetics, can command property prices over 20% above the local real estate average.
“Thailand is an incredibly dynamic market, where evolving consumer preferences are driving demand for branded living. Our commitment to sustainable luxury and innovative design aligns seamlessly with the brand and project vision. This iconic new development will not only enhance Phuket’s luxury real estate offering but also help to further enhance the wider Southeast Asia region as a destination for global discerning buyers seeking an unparalleled lifestyle experience,” added Aleksandr Chuvalov, CEO of Amal Development.
The One Atelier is noted for transforming iconic brand identities into architectural concepts. The eight new residences in Thailand will range from three-bedroom apartments to duplexes—crafted to reflect Etro’s heritage, craftsmanship and celebrated aesthetic.
Expect the bold patterns, rich textures and sophisticated color palette of Etro to harmonize with Phuket’s natural beauty. Special pieces from the Etro Home Interiors collection—created in collaboration with Oniro Group, Etro’s partner since 2017—will adorn the apartments and common areas of the complex.
Residents will have access to a plethora of tailored services and amenities, including private wellness retreats, spa experiences and holistic well-being programs, as well as state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
“Etro Residences Phuket represents a window into the future of luxury living. Branded real estate is about more than aesthetics; it is about creating a seamless blend of hospitality, wellness and exclusivity that reflects the lifestyles of the world’s most discerning buyers,” concluded Michele Galli, CEO of The One Atelier.
Entertainment8 years ago