Odd Muse is about to bring its “quiet-luxury aesthetic” to London’s prestigious New Bond Street, becoming the womenswear label’s second store in the capital.
It takes up residence at the ‘Odd Muse Townhouse’ on 4 October, with the name fully justified as it’s taking on the whole five-storey No 77 address to become the brand’s “most elevated retail experience to date” while marking “a milestone moment just five years after its launch”.
Odd Muse founder and creative director Aimee Smale said: “I began to float the idea of opening a store on New Bond Street last year… I was told ‘no’, I was told ‘I could open elsewhere, I didn’t need to take on New Bond Street’.
“But Odd Muse is all about standing tall in luxury conversations and inviting our community into a world luxury fashion previously didn’t think to invite them into.”
She promises it will be “more than just a shopping destination”, emphasising that the space is designed as a community hub, “open to visitors whether or not they make a purchase.… it’ll serve as an accessible hub to ‘luxury’ fashion among the sea of ultra luxury brands.”
Since launching in 2020, Smale has grown Odd Muse from a direct-to-consumer online label into a brand “with seven-figure turnover and a global community of more than 350,000”.
Its ethos of “bridging the gap between fast fashion and unattainable luxury has resonated with a new generation of consumers seeking timeless design and affordability without compromising on quality,” Smale notes.
The latest move follows Odd Muse’s debut permanent flagship in Covent Garden, which opened in November 2023. The Monmouth Street opening was a natural next step after a string of successful London pop-ups, “and quickly became a physical extension of the brand’s e-commerce presence”.
There, shoppers are able to browse Odd Muse’s signature blazers, pearl-adorned dresses and occasionwear, alongside next-day click-and-collect services.
Odd Muse’s “leap” onto New Bond Street reflects a wider trend of digitally native and independent labels breaking into luxury shopping districts traditionally dominated by heritage houses. She added: “Much like brands Ganni and Reformation, Odd Muse is signalling that contemporary, community-led fashion can sit alongside established luxury players, reshaping what aspirational retail looks like for younger audiences.”
Abel Richard, a new Italian luxury handbag brand, made its global debut in Miami during Art Basel over the weekend.
Handbag brand Abel Richard makes global debut in Miami. – Abel Richard
Founded by entrepreneur and designer Abel Richard Bullock, the brand fuses Italian craftsmanship with materials more commonly found in private aviation, yachting, and automotive luxury.
The launch coincides with the opening of its Miami Design District boutique, where the brand is exhibiting its first style, the Chrono bag—an architectural silhouette that requires more than 1,000 hours to produce and starts at $170,000.
“In our experience, fashion is about feeling, identity, and a sense of belonging. Creating truly one of a kind designs such as the Chrono that embody these feelings is deeply meaningful to us,” said Bullock. “Our hope is that every time someone carries one of our signature Abel Richard bags, they feel a deep connection to their individuality and can express these feelings wearing our designs.”
The Chrono launches in three editions. The Bianco Lustre model features 24K gold mirror accents, pale leather and a pearlescent lacquered shell, priced at $207,000. The Titanio model is produced with satin-brushed proprietary titanium alloy, dark leather and carbon fiber for $170,000. The Noir model is made in matte-black forged carbon and priced at $179,000.
“The Chrono demonstrates what’s possible when innovation drives every decision,” added Bullock. “Its creation is incredibly challenging, but the results are extraordinary. Each piece goes through a thorough process where every curve is calculated to shape the silhouette perfectly. Any small misstep can compromise the design, which is why only pieces that meet every standard move to full production. Hundreds of hours of work go into perfecting each piece, coming together in the Chrono, a singular design that celebrates artistry.”
The Miami Design District boutique spans 3,777 square feet with a gallery-like interior designed in marble, walnut, and brushed brass finishes. Each handbag is presented individually, with curved architectural lines and ambient lighting intended to create a museum-like atmosphere.
The Miami flagship follows a soft opening in Beverly Hills and marks the beginning of a wider retail rollout. Abel Richard plans to open additional boutiques in Manhattan, Scottsdale, London, and Dubai beginning in the first quarter of 2026, as it introduces its limited-edition collections to a global audience.
The Beverly Hills location at 236 N. Rodeo Drive is now open to the public, while the Miami boutique at 3921 NE 2nd Avenue continues to expand its presence.
The demerger of Unilever‘s ice cream division, to be named ‘The Magnum Ice Cream Company,’ which had been delayed in recent months by the US government shutdown, will finally go ahead on Saturday, the British group announced.
Reuters
Unilever said in a statement on Friday that the admission of the new entity’s shares to listing and trading in Amsterdam, London, and New York, as well as the commencement of trading… is expected to take place on Monday, December 8.
The longest federal government shutdown in US history, from October 1 to November 12, fully or partially affected many parts of the federal government, including the securities regulator, after weeks without an agreement between Donald Trump‘s Republicans and the Democratic opposition.
Unilever, which had previously aimed to complete the demerger by mid-November, warned in October that the US securities regulator (SEC) was “not in a position to declare effective” the registration of the new company’s shares. However, the group said it was “determined to implement in 2025” the separation of a division that also includes the Ben & Jerry’s and Cornetto brands, and which will have its primary listing in Amsterdam.
“The registration statement” for the shares in the US “became effective on Thursday, December 4,” Unilever said in its statement. Known for Dove soaps, Axe deodorants and Knorr soups, the group reported a slight decline in third-quarter sales at the end of October, but beat market expectations.
Under pressure from investors, including the activist fund Trian of US billionaire Nelson Peltz, to improve performance, the group last year unveiled a strategic plan to focus on 30 power brands. It then announced the demerger of its ice cream division and, to boost margins, launched a cost-saving plan involving 7,500 job cuts, nearly 6% of the workforce. Unilever’s shares on the London Stock Exchange were steady on Friday shortly after the market opened, at 4,429 pence.
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Burberry has named a new chief operating and supply chain officer as well as a new chief customer officer. They’re both key roles at the recovering luxury giant and both are being promoted from within.
Matteo Calonaci becomes chief operating and supply chain officer, moving from his role as senior vice-president of strategy and transformation at the firm.
In his new role, he’ll be oversee supply chain and planning, strategy and transformation, and data and analytics. He succeeds Klaus Bierbrauer, who’s currently Burberry supply chain and industrial officer. Bierbrauer will be leaving the company following its winter show and a transition period.
Matteo Calonaci – Burberry
Meanwhile, Johnattan Leon steps up as chief customer officer. He’s currently currently Burberry’s senior vice-president of commercial and chief of staff. In his new role he’ll be leading Burberry’s customer, client engagement, customer service and retail excellence teams, while also overseeing its digital, outlet and commercial operations.
Both Calonaci and Leon will join the executive committee, reporting to Company CEO Joshua Schulman.
JohnattanLeon – Burberry
Schulman said of the two execs that the appointments “reflect the exceptional talent and leadership we have at Burberry. Both Matteo and Johnattan have been instrumental in strengthening our focus on executional excellence and elevating our customer experience. Their deep understanding of our business, our people, and our customers gives me full confidence that their leadership will help drive [our strategy] Burberry Forward”.