Connect with us

Fashion

Freemans’ across-the-board half-year gains show ‘comprehensive transformational journey’ is working

Published

on


Published



October 9, 2025

Freemans continues to head in the right direction during its ongoing “comprehensive transformational journey” with newly published half-year results for the fashion/lifestyle digital pureplay announcing “a remarkable result delivered by remarkable Freemans colleagues”.

That’s according to CEO Ann Steer, who has guided the business to deliver “strong trading of +12%” in the 25 weeks to 27 June compared to the same period last year.

Steer added: “We are seeing a clear momentum gathering, further evidence that the transformational work is paying dividends. A clear strategy of targeting the 40+ customer group will remain our focus.”

And that 12% figure underscores a series of across-the-board gains: Total Fashion +6%; Womenswear +3%; Menswear (backed by a newly announced focus within the half with the addition of brands such as Ted Baker, French Connection, Farah, Original Penguin and Only & Sons, Lacoste) +16%; Lascana fashion/swimwear +21%; Health & Beauty +38%; and Total Home & Living +29%.

And all this was achieved “against a challenging market backdrop,” she noted, adding: “Now is not the time to rest on our laurels. Showcasing a relatable point of difference and giving customers a reason to shop has never been more important and this is what we will continue to do.”

Big celeb names look to have come through for Freemans, with the Myleene Klass ‘effect’ for holiday/swimwear and Sophie Ellis Bextor’s repeated support delivering success in the women’s fashion category.

They’ve help build on Freemans’ positioning as a ‘style ally’ for its target group after its research found women aged 40+ “felt ignored by mainstream high street retailers,” it noted.

And in the tail-end of the trading statement, Freemans added: “There are plans for further new brand launches in AW 25”. So watch this space…

Copyright © 2025 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.



Source link

Continue Reading

Fashion

US trade negotiator eyes trade deal with Switzerland, says talks underway with Mexico

Published

on


By

Reuters

Published



November 6, 2025

US trade officials met with representatives from Switzerland this week and are having discussions with trade officials from Mexico, Central America, and others in the Western Hemisphere, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Thursday.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is interviewed by a TV network at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 30, 2025 – REUTERS/Kylie Cooper

Greer told Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria” that a potential deal with Switzerland could boost manufacturing in the US, noting that Swiss companies were “quite eager” to invest in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, aircraft, aircraft parts and even gold smelting.

“So we’re in close conversations with the Swiss,” he said, noting that he had met with a delegation of Swiss companies that had met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. Greer said discussions with Switzerland had been ongoing for several weeks.

The group included executives from shipping company MSC, watchmaker Rolex, investment firm Partners Group, commodities trader Mercuria, Cartier-owner Richemont and precious metals firm MKS.

Switzerland has been scrambling to secure a trade agreement with Trump that could reduce the 39% tariff rate that he slapped on Swiss imports in August, among the highest duties levied in his global trade reset.

Greer said he was also having discussions with trading partners in the Western Hemisphere including in Central America as well as Mexico, adding that Trump’s trade strategy was continuing to take shape.

“You saw it last week in Asia as he struck deals with a number of Southeast Asian countries and East Asian countries. You’ll see it again this month in the Western Hemisphere and elsewhere,” he said, without providing any further details.

Greer’s office on Thursday changed the dates of a hearing on the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement to December 3 to 5 from the initial date of November 17.

© Thomson Reuters 2025 All rights reserved.



Source link

Continue Reading

Fashion

H&M and Perfect Moment launch après-ski collaboration

Published

on


Published



November 6, 2025

H&M has announced a new collaboration with luxury ski and lifestyle brand Perfect Moment.

H&M and Perfect Moment launch après-ski collaboration. – H&M x Perfect Moment

The partnership introduces a 28-piece après-ski capsule collection launching December 2 in selected stores and online. The line features statement outerwear, performance-inspired separates, knitwear, and winter-ready accessories designed for both the chalet and the city. 

“We’ve loved translating our distinct brand DNA into a perfect Apres-Ski capsule for H&M,” said Jane Gottschalk, creative director and founder of Perfect Moment. “Working with the teams in Stockholm has been a highlight – moments to remember for sure. I can’t wait to see our joint community of Moment Makers now bring it all to life.”

Key pieces include a burgundy faux fur puffer jacket with a hood that hits just above the hips, a black-and-white star-print puffer jacket with a jacquard belt, burgundy leather trousers inspired by classic ski pants, a loop-knit cardigan with striped trims, and a matching burgundy knit set. Accessories add playful luxury with faux-fur moon boots, pom-pom hats, wraparound sunglasses, and an oversized star-print mohair scarf.

The colour palette draws on Perfect Moment’s signature black, white, and silver, accented by burgundy and icy blue. Materials such as faux fur, leather, merino wool, mohair, and cashmere blends balance performance with polish, while details like oversized hoods, jacquard trims, and cinched waists blend function and style.

“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Perfect Moment on this winter collection – it’s unexpected, dynamic, and sure to spark excitement. The silhouettes are glamorous yet laid-back – just like après-ski – but also has a real edge with the leather, faux fur and textured knits,” added Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative advisor and head of design womenswear at H&M.

Copyright © 2025 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.



Source link

Continue Reading

Fashion

Skims names new chief merchandising officer

Published

on


Published



November 6, 2025

Skims on Thursday announced the appointment of Dawn Vitale to the role of chief merchandising officer at the U.S. shapewear brand.

Dawn Vitale – Courtesy

In her new role, Vitale will oversee global merchandising strategy, driving innovation across core categories, refining assortments, and supporting the brand’s continued international expansion, according to a press release from the company co-founded by Kim Kardashian.

A global merchandising leader known for scaling brands, Vitale joins Skims from Levi Strauss & Co., where she first served as vice president and was later promoted to chief merchandising officer for Levi’s.

Earlier in her career, includes leadership roles at PVH Corp., where she was vice president of Tommy Jeans and head of merchandising for Calvin Klein Jeans International, based in Amsterdam. Vitale began her career at Gap Inc.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dawn as our new chief merchandising officer,” said Jens Grede, co-Founder and chief executive officer of Skims.

“Her deep understanding of both data and design, combined with a passion for elevated product experiences, makes her the ideal leader to help Skims evolve its core offering while expanding thoughtfully into new categories and markets.” 

This appointment comes as the Los Angeles-based company looks to strengthen its global product organisation and evolve its merchandising strategy.

“I’m honored to join Skims, a brand that has redefined innovation in fashion,” said Vitale.

“I’m excited to build on its strong foundation by advancing the merchandising vision, delivering product assortments that connect deeply with consumers, and helping shape the brand’s next phase of global growth.” 

In September, Nike and Skims unveiled their first apparel collection, introducing far more than a collaboration, but a standalone brand: NikeSkims. 

Copyright © 2025 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © Miami Select.