1. Ann Demeulemeester Debuts First Pre-Collection with Stefano Gallici
Ann Demeulemeester, the Belgian fashion house, is set to unveil its SS25 pre-collection in Paris, marking its first pre-collection showcase under the guidance of new creative director Stefano Gallici. Since Gallici’s appointment in June 2023, the brand has experienced a notable resurgence, with his artistic vision driving both public engagement and a significant uptick in sales. The forthcoming presentation, scheduled from May 21 to 24 at the showroom on Rue de Saintonge, comes on the heels of successful sales results from Gallici’s second runway collection, which saw a 44% growth from the previous season. This initiative is part of Ann Demeulemeester’s strategic expansion, including the Wardrobe Collection that contributed to a 20% sales increase during the AW24 campaign, underscoring the brand’s new chapter of limitless possibilities and continued growth.
2. Coach Files Trademark Lawsuit Against Gap Over ‘Coach’ T-Shirts
Gap has found itself in legal hot water with Coach, a Tapestry-owned American lifestyle brand, over t-shirts emblazoned with the word “Coach.” The controversy escalated when Coach filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Gap in a federal court in Los Angeles, accusing the latter of unauthorized use of its brand name on merchandise. Coach’s legal action seeks damages for trademark infringement, counterfeiting, and breaches of California’s unfair competition law, demanding the removal of the disputed t-shirts from sale. This legal battle highlights the fine line between drawing inspiration from other brands and infringing upon their trademarks, underscoring the importance of brand identity and the measures companies will take to protect their intellectual property and consumer trust.
3. Serena Williams Debuts Wyn Beauty, an Inclusive Makeup Line Inspired by Tennis and Victory
Tennis legend Serena Williams has launched Wyn Beauty, an inclusive makeup line developed in partnership with Ulta Beauty and Good Glamm Group. The brand, which is inspired by Williams’ passion for tennis and embodies the spirit of victory, features her signature “Wyn Chartreuse” color. Since retiring from tennis in 2022, Williams has expanded her business ventures into the beauty industry, positioning Wyn Beauty as an accessible mid-range brand. The line, launching on April 7th with 10 products, focuses on clean, high-performing ingredients and caters specifically to deeper skin tones. This venture underscores Williams’ commitment to inclusivity and empowerment in the beauty and fashion sectors, reflecting her style and the growing trend of athletes entering the beauty market.
4. Data’s Winning Play: Turning Coach‘s Tabby Bag into a Gen-Z Sensation
Coach transformed the Tabby bag into a Gen-Z sensation by harnessing a blend of hard data and qualitative insights. In an effort to shift its image from an “older label” to one that appeals to the “timeless Gen-Z” demographic, Coach engaged directly with young consumers through shop-alongs and collaborated closely with its data analytics team. This approach revealed the Tabby bag’s potential to draw in a younger audience with its classic design and accessible luxury appeal. As a result, Coach strategically iterated on the Tabby’s design, launched targeted marketing campaigns, and introduced new variations to sustain its popularity. The success of the Tabby bag not only boosted its search and social media engagement but also elevated Coach’s ranking among U.S. female teens’ favorite handbag brands, showcasing the power of data-driven decision-making in fashion.
