Summary
- Jaden Smith is Christian Louboutin’s first men’s creative director, and Gosha Rubchinskiy relaunches his label.
- Major brands like SSENSE and Dickies are undergoing financial and ownership changes.
- Nike sues RSVP Gallery’s Don C, while KAWS inks “Artist in Residence” deal with Uniqlo.
Jaden Smith Named Christian Louboutin’s First Men’s Creative Director
Christian Louboutin has appointed Jaden Smith as the brand’s first-ever Men’s Creative Director. This historic move makes Smith the only individual other than the founder to hold this position since the company’s inception in 1991. The 27-year-old artist’s new role signals a fresh direction for the brand, blending Louboutin’s iconic elegance with a modern and practical sensibility. Smith’s initial collections are set to debut in January at Louboutin stores and during Paris Fashion Week. The collaboration is described as a reflection of a shared creative vision between Smith and Louboutin himself.
SSENSE Secures $40 Million Financing and Court-Approved Restructuring Plan
E-commerce platform SSENSE has successfully secured nearly $40 million in new financing and received court approval for its restructuring plan. The funding, provided by a consortium of banks and the company’s founders, comes as a crucial lifeline following a challenging financial period for the company, which saw a decline in luxury spending and the loss of a key US shipping exemption. This new capital will be used to support the restructuring plan and to explore potential sales or other investment opportunities, ensuring the company’s long-term future. According to CEO Rami Atallah, this marks the beginning of a new phase focused on rebuilding trust and securing the company’s future.
VF Corp. Sells Dickies To Bluestar Alliance
VF Corp. has sold its workwear brand Dickies to Bluestar Alliance for $600 million USD, ending a seven-year partnership. Despite its status as a beloved American brand, Dickies had been struggling under VF Corp.’s ownership. This acquisition aligns Dickies with Bluestar’s portfolio of streetwear-centric brands like Off-White and Palm Angels, suggesting a strategic pivot toward leveraging its cultural influence. The sale is expected to breathe new life into the brand by revitalizing its presence within the subcultures that have long championed it.
Nike Sues Don C Over RSVP Gallery Debts
Nike has filed a lawsuit against streetwear icon Don C and his boutique, RSVP Gallery, seeking nearly $200,000 USD in unpaid invoices. The lawsuit, filed in Illinois’ Northern District Court, represents a public breakdown of the long-standing relationship between the brand and the influential co-founder of RSVP Gallery. The legal action follows a similar (though later-dismissed) lawsuit against another former collaborator, indicating that Nike is adopting a more aggressive stance regarding debts owed by its retail partners within the streetwear industry. The case follows the lawsuit Nike filed against a CLOT founder, Edison Chen, amounting $126,000 USD.
KAWS Appointed as UNIQLO’s First Artist in Residence
Ubiquitous contemporary artist KAWS has been named UNIQLO‘s first-ever Artist in Residence, a new role designed to promote the brand’s “Art For All” ethos. In this inaugural position, KAWS will be responsible for curating art events at UNIQLO stores globally, partnering with museums, and developing new “LifeWear” products. The first collection stemming from this collaboration is slated for release in the Fall/Winter 2025 season. This appointment deepens a partnership that originally began with the partners’ 2016 collaboration — underscoring UNIQLO’s strategy of art and fashion integration.
Gosha Rubchinskiy Relaunches Eponymous Label
Russian designer Gosha Rubchinskiy has officially relaunched his eponymous label after a brief hiatus that began in 2018. The comeback collection features essential pieces like T-shirts, sweatpants, and hoodies, with plans for more complex designs to be released later. The brand will focus on online sales and special collections with retailers, foregoing traditional fashion shows in favor of a “small world tour.” The relaunch also includes a new casting policy, a change made in the wake of a 2018 scandal. This revival follows Rubchinskiy’s previous departure from COMME des GARÇONS and a brief tenure as head of design for YEEZY.
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