Welcome back to Fashion Bulletin, a weekly column where Coveteur's senior fashion editor, Ella O’Keeffe, recaps all the buzzy industry news you from the week.
This week, StockX dropped its latest midyear data report. The key findings? Labubus are still, unfortunately, dominating the retail space. The retailer reported the fuzzy blind box characters as the number one best-selling collectibles brand on StockX, with 2.4 million searches for “Labubu” in the first six months of the year.. Disappointing. What wasn’t, however, was the stat around the enduring nature of Takashi Murakami’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton, which was first heralded by Marc Jacobs during his tenure at the house in 2003.
The brand revisited the collaboration in May of this year, rolling out a highly-anticipated three-part re-edition collection, bringing back beloved motifs like the cherry blossom, signature cherries, and multicolor monogram. According to the report, the collection sold out almost instantly and has seen huge success in the secondary market, with resale prices continuing to climb month-over-month on StockX.
Some hopeful findings, some less so, but if you were hoping to be rid of the Labubu craze once and for all this fall, it’s seeming unlikely!
Vans Names SZA Artistic Director
Vans
News we didn’t see coming this week: Vans has named SZA the brand’s Artistic Director in a move to firmly solidify their status in the sneaker community. The news broke yesterday with an announcement that the brand and artist would be engaging in a “multi-year partnership” that will see SZA “work closely with Vans to reimagine upcoming campaigns and co-create exclusive product collections.” While SZA’s music has always been genre-defining and the dedication and creative input to her work is undeniably visible, it will be interesting to witness how this translates to designing footwear and ready-to-wear.
Lacoste And The Plaza Celebrate The US Open With High Tea
Lacoste / Taylor Miller
Tennis season is heating up in NYC ahead of the US Open, and if there’s nothing I love more than spectator sports, it’s high tea. Imagine my delight when the two came together in the form of a bespoke, Lacoste-themed tea time at the Plaza Hotel’s iconic Palm Court. Naturally, there are few things more decadent than ascending the steps to the Plaza and indulging in English Breakfast and tea sandwiches, surrounded by Lacoste pillows—and as a Brit with a penchant for a cream tea, I approve this message. With the sportswear brand heavily involved in the tennis world, this felt like a great way to kick off the season. The offering is now available to the public from August 13 through to September 10.
Jacopo Venturini steps down as CEO of Valentino
Getty Images
Yesterday it was announced that Jacopo Venturini, CEO of Valentino, would be parting ways with the Roman brand after a five year tenure. Valentino said in a brief statement that “Mr Venturini has decided to take a break for personal reasons.”
The brand is not one that has been immune to the luxury downturn, so it will be up to whoever fills Venturini’s shoes to put Valentino back on the path to growth—alongside Alessandro Michele, of course, who has gained a positive reception as creative director of the brand. Now, with a recent 30% share sale to Kering, the pressure will be higher than ever to meet new revenue targets under the watchful eye of Mr. Pinault.
Telfar Introduces The Plastic Bag
Telfar
I have always loved the bags from the bodegas that they package your hero roll in. Something about the flimsy plastic stuffed with napkins and nourishment, printed with a cheery “Thank You,” is something that is quintessential to New York City. Telfar Clemens seems to feel the same way with the release of his eponymous brand’s Plastic Bag, a nylon tote mimicking the city’s most iconic disposable silhouette. The bag comes in two sizes with multiple print options reminiscent of takeaway bags across the city. So fun! And the perfect way to reduce waste.
