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Political career beckons for Very Group’s departing CFO Fletcher

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September 23, 2025

Goodbye Ben Fletcher. The Very Group has announced its long-standing chief finance and transformation officer is stepping down after almost six years “to pursue his long-standing interest in politics”.

Very Group

The departure coincides with reports suggesting ownership of digital fashion/lifestyle retail giant is expected to transfer to one of its major lenders, US investment giant Carlyle Group, from current owner, the Barclay family, this autumn.

The retailer said its current finance director Ed Fry will assume the role of interim group CFO following Fletcher’s departure this month.

A search for a permanent replacement, “which will consider both internal and external candidates, is currently underway and an announcement will be made in due course”, the Very UK and Littlewoods brands operator said.

Group CEO Robbie Feather added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ben for everything he has contributed to the business and wish him the best of luck for the future. From navigating the pandemic and Brexit, to being a passionate advocate of our charity partnerships with Coram Beanstalk and the National Literacy Trust, Ben has played an integral role in supporting us in our mission to help families get more out of life.”

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Handbag brand Abel Richard makes global debut in Miami

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December 7, 2025

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. 

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Cosmetics giant Unilever finalises business demerger

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December 5, 2025

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 elevates two SVPs to supply chain and customer exec roles

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December 5, 2025

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.

Burberry – Spring-Summer2026 – Womenswear – Royaume-Uni – Londres – ©Launchmetrics/spotlight

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
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
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”.

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