Collaborations are a key part of Clarks Originals’ DNA and the latest doesn’t disappoint, especially for rock music lovers. The footwear brand has picked brooding star Liam Gallagher to help it celebrate its 200th anniversary.

It’s an obvious choice given its first collab with the former Oasis band frontman was an instant sell-out success in 2022, the brand notes. 

Its reimagined another archival silhouette, bringing the the “long-time Clarks fan” to present his latest creation, “giving fans another chance to own a piece of Gallagher-approved footwear history”.

The exclusive collaboration sees Gallagher “breathe new life” into the Clarks Desert Rain, a rare brand silhouette originally launched in the early 2000s.

Staying true to Clarks’ heritage while adding Gallagher’s signature touch, the LG Desert Rain features Clarks Originals’ premium pebble crepe outsole; Jumbo cotton cord upper in Clarks’ tonal suede colourway; Liam Gallagher’s famous silhouette branding on the heel; double-sided suede fob, featuring Clarks Originals branding on one side and LG’s silhouette on the reverse; leather lining; Liam Gallagher branding on the heel; and tonal lace.

Gallagher’s view? “My favourite Clarks shoes are the ones that are on my feet, Desert Rain… when I put on Clarks, like when I put these [Clarks Desert Rain] on today, I feel proper”.

QVC GroupSM, part of QVC Group, announced on Tuesday the appointment of Alex Wellen to the role of president and chief growth officer, QVC Group.

In his new role, Wellen will lead QVC Group’s growth strategy across U.S. social selling, streaming, digital (QVC and HSN), new business development, and platform distribution. The executive will oversee a multifunctional team, introduce new capabilities into the organization, and develop and execute plans to drive success and growth at QVC Group.

He will report to David Rawlinson II, president and CEO, QVC Group, according to a press release from the television shopping network.

Wellen brings over 20 years of experience in digital media, product innovation and driving growth strategies within digital businesses across a wide range of sectors. He joins QVC Group from MotorTrend Group, where he served as CEO and president. Prior to that, he has also held strategic senior leadership roles at Turner Broadcasting and CNN Worldwide.

“Alex is a pivotal hire in our strategy to return to top-line growth by becoming a live social shopping company,” said Rawlinson.

“Alex brings an impressive blend of media and digital product expertise to our top leadership team. He has a proven ability to innovate and drive growth through live experiences on social, digital, TV and many other platforms. His unique skill set will be instrumental as we continue to execute our growth strategy, build new capabilities, and compete to win.”

Wellen’s appointment is effective immediately.

“QVC and HSN are the original disruptors. They pioneered storytelling through live shopping, and are poised to transform the experience again across social and digital, connecting consumers whenever and wherever they shop,” said Wellen. “With beloved hosts who are trusted by hundreds of millions of fans worldwide, it’s a privilege to join this iconic brand and world-class team at such a pivotal moment in the convergence of retail and media.”

Earlier this month, QVC Group announced its name change from Qurate Retail, explaining the rebrand incorporates the brand equity of the U.S. company’s largest brand, QVC, and the highlights the firm’s growth strategy to expand into a live social shopping company.
 

Istituto Marangoni, one of fashion’s leading private higher educational groups, on Monday unveiled its new Paris campus, locateds in the tony 16th arrondissement of the city.

Marangoni, which was previously located in Paris’ 8th arrondissement, first opening there in 2006. Spread over five floors at 15 rue Boissière, the new campus totals 3,000 square meters.
 
There are currently around 700 students though that number will rise quickly. The student population is composed 15% of French people, with pupils coming from over 50 nationalities. Annual tuition is in line with key European fashion schools; and ranges from €20,000 to €30,000.

Originally founded in Milan in 1935 by tailor Giulio Marangoni, as an applied art school training pattern makers and seamstresses, the college grew into an important third level college offering degrees in a fashion, accessories and marketing.
 
The new IM Paris is located in a district rich with cultural landmarks—from Palais Galliera to the Trocadéro to the Museum of Modern Art. Miu Miu’s twice yearly runway shows are staged around the corner, while the nearby Palais de Tokyo hosts dozens of catwalk shows annually.

“We wanted a campus and we created one,” beamed Valerie Levy, COO of Marangoni France & UK, pointing to an elegant grass garden at the center of the new college. 
 
In some savvy management, Levy managed to convince Paris city hall to authorize the college to connect a series of buildings via the central garden.
 
As a result, one enters the college via a cobblestone courtyard, through two linked buildings on the east side. To the west are a long series of just-renovated classrooms; ateliers for pattern making; photo studio and restaurant. To the north an orangerie ideal for exhibitions.
 
An opening display features the graduate show staged last year in the Galliera, including several impressive lace, guipure and crochet assemblages by Franck Bousquet, who has since been hired by Dior. Alongside each of the 10 students displays one found custom-made scents by perfumer Philippine Courtière inspired by their designs.
 
“The new Istituto Marangoni Paris campus offers an unparalleled environment for future creators. Designed to inspire collaboration and experimentation, it stands as a testament to the school’s unwavering dedication to shaping the future of fashion, luxury, and beauty on a global scale. More than just a campus, this new space is set to become a dynamic creative hub—where emerging talents engage with industry leaders, pushing the boundaries of fashion and luxury,” Marangoni added in a release.
 
The Marangoni group has expanded steadily and now includes campuses in London; Florence and Milan, Italy; Miami, USA; Shanghai and Shenzhen in China; Mumbai in India, and most recently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
 
Among Marangoni’s distinguished alumni are Franco Moschino, Domenico Dolce,  Alessandro Sartori, Alessandra Facchinetti, Julie de Libran and Rahul Mishra.
 
Marangoni is part of Galileo Global Education, Europe’s largest for-profit higher education provider, one of whose key shareholders is Téthys Invest, a subsidiary of the Bettencourt Meyers family. This French family’s huge wealth is based on its controlling stake in L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics and perfume companies.