Latest news with #ManoloBlahnik
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Repositioning Banana Republic to Regain Relevance
Banana Republic has been hanging in for decades, seeking to reconnect with consumers through a succession of repositionings, from the original safari style to serious careerwear to business casual, and as of late, some modern utility. The path has been bumpy, marked by store fleet downsizings, management changes, logo changes, category introductions of mixed success, and an inability to attract the next generation of shoppers. Two years ago, Banana Republic introduced a home assortment. A year later, the furniture was discontinued while soft home items, like towels, throws and pillows, continue to be sold. Two categories — BR Baby and BR Athletics — were introduced three years ago and didn't do much to move the needle. More from WWD Gabrielle Union Anchors Bold Banana Republic Dress With Textured Manolo Blahnik Raffia Mules at Proudly x JCPenney Launch Laura Harrier and Zac Posen Celebrate Denim and Dandyism in Bold Gap Studio Suit That Challenges Binaries Around Masculinity and Femininity 'The White Lotus' Actor Nicholas Duvernay Stars in Banana Republic's Spring 2025 Campaign Featuring Timeless Pieces, 'Buttery' Suede and More But the most recent changes — and they're ongoing — seem more consequential considering Gap Inc. chief executive officer Richard Dickson has been on the case since the abrupt departure of Sandra Stangl in May 2024, Banana's last president and CEO. 'We've gone back to the roots of the brand and what made it great to begin with — the Safari look but we're reestablishing the brand to convey a modern explorer and travel story. It's really starting to resonate,' Dickson told WWD. 'There is still work to do but we are continuing to strengthen the foundation with each passing quarter.' The White Lotus x Banana Republic limited-edition capsule collection, inspired by the HBO series 'The White Lotus,' helped spotlight the brand and convey its new approach. Dickson also said the search for a new Banana Republic president and CEO continues and that he has been meeting with 'some extraordinary talent.' There seems to be no rush given it's been over a year since there was someone in that role. Dickson, however, did acknowledge that he's been devoting a greater portion of his time to being more hands-on at Banana Republic. The game plan revolves around evoking what put Banana Republic on the map in the first place — a sense of adventure and exploration but through revised merchandising and marketing. There are early signs that recent efforts are bearing fruit, with Banana's comp sales flat last quarter, and total sales down 3 percent. 'The flat comp in the quarter is actually great progress,' Dickson said. 'We've leaned into classics, fits are resonating, men's is performing really well, and there is an improved performance in women's.' For all of 2024, Banana Republic reported comp sales were up a point, and total sales were flat. Recently, WWD met with Meena Anvary, Banana's head of marketing, at the Banana Republic flagship in SoHo, where she explained how the collection is evolving, how the brand positioning is being clarified, and how the 'storytelling' has become richer. She said Banana is going 'back to its roots but in a modern way,' utilizing higher-quality fabrics from Italy, exhibiting more texture such as jacquards and softer color palettes, and overall designing so the fashions convey 'a modern utility where practicality meets style.' 'We're seeing a natural evolution in both women's and men's offerings that reflects a modern sense of ease and timelessness,' Anvary said. 'For women, we've expanded our dress assortment to include airy silhouettes, coastal color palettes and a versatility that's great for any occasion this summer. 'For menswear, it's about modern utility with garments that are both purposeful and elevated. The pieces are crafted from premium fabric mills in Italy and tailored for comfort, style and versatility.' Modern utility, she explained, is about 'marrying function with form in a way that feels intentional and elevated. This is seen through subtle design cues, such as clean lines, convertible pieces, unexpected pockets, and epaulettes, which are a nod to our heritage in exploration, but through a contemporary lens. Epaulettes, specifically, are an homage to our past but reinterpreted in refined, luxurious fabrics. It's that balance of polish and practicality that defines our brand.' She was referring to Banana Republic's safari look which was most prominent in the 1980s. What also stood out at the flagship was an ample presentation of third-party brands, about 10 in all, including hats from Australia's Lack of Color; Castañer footwear, which is known for its craftsmanship and espadrilles; Hunza G swimwear, and cool eyewear from Le Specs, thereby taking a lifestyle merchandising approach. Also on display were candles, books and body washes. 'We highlight tastemakers in our campaigns and in-store activations, whether it be an artist, a chef or someone in entertainment to bring the world of Banana Republic to life in a multidimensional way,' Anvary said. For example, she said Banana Republic has been partnering with Jonah Reifer on events at the SoHo store and has featured Tyler Florence in Banana Republic's 'Art of Living' series on social. 'Our summer collection inspires a sense of ease and timelessness and takes people on our travels. We were inspired by Sicily and Majorca and went on a journey through charming towns, romantic coastlines,' Anvary said. The summer campaign, she added, has 'a local perspective highlighting a sense of curiosity and discovery our customer loves. 'We also tie into the quality and craft inherent to Italian culture and our linen, which is milled in Italy. In Majorca, we were inspired by the slower pace of life and connecting to nature, the rocky coastlines and fishing boats. Majorca inspired our original shell print for the season, while shirtdresses, leather sandals, and plenty of linen round out the uniform for summer travel.' She said Banana Republic is 'creating stories beyond the clothes themselves, and it lives across every detail, from the way a print is illustrated to the settings we choose for our campaigns. We tell an immersive story, infusing our campaign with the character and charm of our travels to create connection and a true sense of place. This summer's campaign is a perfect example. We shot in Majorca and Sicily, locations rich in character and culture. We engaged local Sicilians we met along the way and included them in our campaign, like Rosaria who has lived in an apartment above the town square in Cefalù for more than 40 years. She even shared her family's limoncello recipe with us.' Best of WWD Macy's Is Closing 66 Stores in 2025 — Here's the List, Live Updates Inside the Demise of Lord & Taylor COVID-19 Spikes Elevate Retail Concerns Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sophie Turner oozes elegance in a white two-piece as she stuns in drinks photoshoot after her ex Joe Jonas revealed 'scary' part of their divorce
Sophie Turner looked as glamorous as ever as she posed up a storm for a new photoshoot and video with drinks brand St-Germain. The actress, 29, has returned as the face of the elderflower liqueur for a show-stopping new summer campaign and dazzled in the stunning imagery. Sophie oozed elegance in a stylish ensemble worth over £1,450 as she channelled French Riviera style after the glitz and glamour of Cannes Film Festival. She showed off her incredible figure in a fitted white linen two-piece from Reformation, made up of a vest top and pleated skirt, which costs £298. Styled by Emma Jade Morrison, the Game Of Thrones star added a few extra inches to her height in a pair of £695 mule heels from Manolo Blahnik. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She let her understated outfit do all the talking as she kept her accessories minimal and shielded her eyes with £460 shades from Khaite x Oliver Peoples. Sophie posed up a storm in a conservatory for a series of gorgeous snaps before she lounged on a deckchair outside and soaked up the rays. She sipped on St-Germain's Hugo Spritz - made with its elderflower liqueur, Prosecco and soda water - as she advertised the brand's summery cocktail. Sophie has returned as the face of the brand and her rom-com inspired advertising video, shot in the south of France, serves as a sequel to her popular last campaign. The video showed Sophie eagerly awaiting the arrival of a mystery man, prompting her whip up an array of summery cocktails before ordering in an easy takeaway. Sophie said of the collaboration: 'I'm thrilled to continue my partnership with St-Germain, a brand that not only embodies my philosophy of embracing the lighter side of life, but also makes me look pretty good behind a bar. 'I'm excited to finally show off my bartending skills in this summer's sequel and, whilst I might not be a chef, when it comes to making the perfect drink, I've definitely found my signature – the St-Germain Hugo Spritz.' St-Germain will launch the campaign with events at some of the world's most vibrant events and hotspots, from London's rooftop bars to St. Tropez and the Amalfi Coast. The Game Of Thrones star added a few extra inches to her height in a pair of £695 mule heels from Manolo Blahnik Sophie's latest venture comes after she hinted at where she stands with her ex-husband Joe Jonas, less than two years after their contentious separation. The couple tied the knot in a Las Vegas wedding in 2019 and welcomed two daughters, Willa, four, and Delphine, two, before splitting in September 2023. After Joe filed for divorce, they were plunged into a rancorous legal battle that played out in the headlines, before they reached a settlement one year later. And earlier this week, in an Instagram post, Sophie hinted she is now on good terms with Joe by showing support for her ex-husband's new album. She shared an image of his new album, Music for People Who Believe in Love, on her Instagram Stories on Saturday. She captioned it, 'Go go @joejonas,' as she gushed over the new album, which officially dropped on Friday, May 23. Last week, Joe, 35, gave some insight into what he feels was the scariest part of getting divorced while speaking on a TalkShopLive. He talked about the inspiration behind the track Only Love from his album Music For People Who Believe In Love. 'I was seeing somebody at the time and I was kind of having this idea of dating again,' he recalled. 'It was really scary and intimidating. Love takes different shapes and forms and I was rediscovering what that was.' Joe remembered that someone he was dating - and whom he did not name - had simply told him, 'Well, it's only love. 'I was like, ''Well, when you put it that way…'' So we wrote a song about it. Like, it was not a big deal, but it was a big deal to me, and a big deal to them, too.' 'But it's okay to take a leap of faith and just try again and put yourself out there,' he added. Sophie and Joe began dating in 2016 and got engaged in October 2017 before tying the knot on May 1, 2019, in Las Vegas. In 2023, it was revealed that Joe and Sophie had split before their divorce was finalised in September 2024. Sophie, who has since moved back to the UK, previously told Harper's Bazaar of their split: 'We had a beautiful relationship, and it was hard.' Speaking to British Vogue, Sophie also opened up about having a public divorce, describing it as 'the worst few days of my life'. Amid their split, the two stars underwent a custody battle over their daughters and had disagreements over where their children would reside full-time. Sophie has since been romantically linked to Peregrine Pearson, although the pair have recently been embroiled in split speculation. Joe also went on to .
Graziadaily
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
The Top Of The Summer Is From Zara - I've Already Planned 15 Outfits Around It
I'll be honest - my style leans firmly towards the androgynous, so when polka dots staged their comeback, I greeted the news with a mildly arched brow. But then, as if by divine intervention, London's reigning cool girl Olivia Dean stepped out in a now-sold-out Susamusa polka dot skirt, styled to perfection with Manolo Blahnik slingbacks and a grey top. Suddenly, spots didn't seem so saccharine after all. Fast forward a few months, polka dot skirts and polka dot dresses are flying off shelves - but the trend's latest evolution? Polka dot tops. And yes, I've found the one, courtesy of Zara. Polka dots seem to have shrugged off any twee connotations in favour of designs that look far more grown-up, and Zara's Polka Dot Strapless Top makes a compelling case for the trend, with its flattering sweetheart neckline and bandeau style top. It's versatile too, designed as a top, but with enough length to double as a mini dress for us petite girls - a detail that means it will surely earn its keep in your wardrobe. 1. Polka Dot Strapless Top Zara's Polka Dot Strapless Top is probably the only item on the high street that's convincing me I need to buy into the polka dot trend. It features a sweetheart bandeau neckline that's perfect for styling with a chunky cord necklace, as well as a side zip fastening and A-line silhouette. Its monochrome colourway makes it perfect for pairing with just about anything in your wardrobe - from slouchy denim to pops of colour. Worn as a top, Zara's polka dot offering can be styled with high-waisted jeans or wide leg trousers for an outfit that looks like it could've been plucked straight from 2010. Worn as a dress, pair with kitten heels, a bright bag and oversized sunglasses. What began as a return via skirts and dresses, the polka dot trend is only gaining momentum. Zara's flowy bandeau iteration perhaps signals where the trend is heading next - a departure from the type of polka dot pieces associated with the 80s or old Hollywood glamour, to items that feel decidedly less nostalgic. 2. ZW Collection Strapless Polka Dot Dress If you like the style of the shorter Zara top, the brand also does a midi dress in a reverse colourway. Similar to the Nobody's Child style that sold out almost instantly, Zara's iteration features a bandeau neckline, slit at the bottom and is made of a cool linen-blend yarn. 3. Polka Dot Bandeau Top Zara also has another Polka Dot Bandeau Top, this time with a straight neckline that leaves your shoulders bare (perfect for again pairing with a statement necklace). With details like gathering at the sides and a concealed zip, style with wide leg linen trousers and chunky sandals. 4. ZW Collection Polka Dot Midi Skirt If you're on the hunt for a polka dot skirt with an interesting shape, Zara has the perfect style from its ZW Collection range. The midi skirt has an elasticated waistband and is finished with voluminous pleats - it's very Lady Diana-esque. 5. Polka Dot Linen Midi Dress A likely best-seller for the brand, the polka dot midi is a versatile brown that looks best when paired with tan accessories (like a pair of flip flops or straw bag). Made from linen, it's also sure to keep you cool in warmer weather or on holiday, too. 6. ZW Collection Polka Dot Wide-Leg Trousers If you prefer a pair of fail-safe trousers, even in summer, you can still dabble your toe in the polka dot trend with this pair of wide leg trousers. Smart enough to pair with a crisp white shirt and loafers to head into the office, yet casual enough to wear with a white t-shirt and flip flops, these trousers might just be what your warm weather wardrobe is missing. 7. Polka Dot Satin-Effect Slingback High Heels For a full polka-dot look, pair any spotted piece with these slingback heels. Alternatively, wear the heels with any evening dress for a pop of print. 8. Fine Knit Polka Dot Cardigan For those days where the Mediterranean breeze is slightly stronger, throw this polka knit cardigan over your shoulders to keep you warm. Or, style over the top of jeans and a white t-shirt, or with a satin midi skirt and ballet flats. 9. Shirt With Polka Dot Bows If you're wanting to inject polka dot into your workwear wardrobe too, Zara is prepped and ready to help. This blouse is a real standout, with its semi-sheer fabric (of course, to make it more office-appropriate wear a tank top underneath), long sleeves and bows at the front. 10. ZW Collection Polka Dot Halter Top It's creeping towards linen trouser season and if you're looking for a top to accompany, this one from ZW Collection is floaty and feminine. The kind of top you've seen Sienna Miller in, it features a halter neckline and adjustable tie fastening. Main image credit: Instagram/@lolagllt_ Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.
Fashion Network
16-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
LuxExperience says Mytheresa saw continuing sales growth in Q3
LuxExperience has reported Q3 results for its legacy Mytheresa business and said it saw a 'solid' net sales rise of almost 4% plus 'continued strong adjusted EBITDA profitability at a 4% margin'. Q3 of FY25 covers the three months to the end of March and the company said it saw the growth despite a tough market environment. Highlights included what it called an 'outstanding' Average Order Value, continued gross margin expansion, falling return rates, record-high NPS and 'strong profitability', although it remains loss-making on a reported net income basis. LuxExperience CEO Michael Kliger hailed 'the strength of the Mytheresa business model. Solid GMV growth, higher top customer spend, continued product margin expansion and strong profitability [that] show the health and resilience of the Mytheresa business despite macro headwinds'. He also said the numbers 'underline the fantastic prospects for the recently acquired Yoox Net-A-Porter business. We continue to demonstrate our ability to execute well and achieve strong results under macro uncertainties where other players fail. Combined we will create the leader in global digital, multi-brand luxury with strong profitability and growth.' So let's dive into the details. Mytheresa saw a net sales increase of 3.8% year-on-year to €242.5 million, although in the year to date, net sales rose 8% so the latest quarter did see a slowdown. GMV growth was 3.8% to €261.3 million and Average Order Value increased by 8.8% to €753. The gross profit margin of 44.8% was an increase of 140 BPs year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA of €9.3 million was up from €8.9 million a year ago and the adjusted EBITDA margin edged up to 3.9% from 3.8%, although again, this lagged the full year so far that was at 4.3%. Of course, we can't ignore the fact that the company remains loss-making with the loss this time being €5.5 million for the quarter, wider than the €3.3 million of Q3 a year earlier. And for the year to date the loss was €33.7 million, more than the €21.3 million loss of the previous year to date. But the company also said that adjusted net income this time was positive at €5.4 million compared to €3.8 million 12 months earlier and for the year to date the adjusted net profit figure was €21.4 million, much more than the €3.2 million of the previous ninemonth period. Adjusting items included major one-off costs linked to closing a distribution centre, professional fees and legal expenses. Returning to the highlights of the latest period, the company said it saw an expansion of its partnership with Prada to global distribution rights including the US; a successful two-week immersive Aspen Après-Ski experience in cooperation with Bemelmans in Aspen, with strong acquisition of new high-net-worth customers; the launch of exclusive capsule collections and pre-launches in collaboration with Loewe, Etro, Balenciaga, Manolo Blahnik, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Valentino Garavani, Toteme, Tod's and many more; impactful Top Customer events around the globe and 'money-can't buy' experiences in partnership with luxury brands; and 'outstanding customer satisfaction" with a Net Promoter Score of 86% in Q3 FY25. But the company still clearly faces challenges. As mentioned, it remains loss-making on a reported basis and also said that 'given the recent uncertainties on tariffs and their effects on customer sentiment', it's cautious on sales and GMV expectations. 'We now expect for GMV and net sales growth the lower end of our given guidance of 7% to 13% for the full fiscal year ending June 30 2025 for the legacy Mytheresa standalone business,' it said. But it added: 'Given our continuous focus on profitability we confirm our guidance for adjusted EBITDA margin in the range of 3% and 5%'. As for YNAP, its completed acquisition in Q4 is expected to add another €300 million-€350 million net sales and an adjusted EBITDA loss of between €20 million and €30 million added to the legacy Mytheresa standalone business's FY25 numbers. But it's 'very excited for the medium- and long-term outlook of the combined business. With our proven ability to execute and to show strong results we confirm our medium-term outlook for the combined business' to achieve around €4 billion net sales per year and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 7%-9%. Starting with the Q4 results, the company will be reporting in three operating segments: Luxury - Mytheresa (that is, the legacy Mytheresa standalone business); Luxury – NAP & MRP (Net-A-Porter and Mr Porter); and Off-Price (the Yoox and The Outnet businesses).
Fashion Network
15-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
LuxExperience says Mytheresa saw continuing sales growth in Q3
LuxExperience CEO Michael Kliger hailed 'the strength of the Mytheresa business model. Solid GMV growth, higher top customer spend, continued product margin expansion and strong profitability [that] show the health and resilience of the Mytheresa business despite macro headwinds'. He also said the numbers 'underline the fantastic prospects for the recently acquired Yoox Net-A-Porter business. We continue to demonstrate our ability to execute well and achieve strong results under macro uncertainties where other players fail. Combined we will create the leader in global digital, multi-brand luxury with strong profitability and growth.' So let's dive into the details. Mytheresa saw a net sales increase of 3.8% year-on-year to €242.5 million, although in the year to date, net sales rose 8% so the latest quarter did see a slowdown. GMV growth was 3.8% to €261.3 million and Average Order Value increased by 8.8% to €753. The gross profit margin of 44.8% was an increase of 140 BPs year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA of €9.3 million was up from €8.9 million a year ago and the adjusted EBITDA margin edged up to 3.9% from 3.8%, although again, this lagged the full year so far that was at 4.3%. Of course, we can't ignore the fact that the company remains loss-making with the loss this time being €5.5 million for the quarter, wider than the €3.3 million of Q3 a year earlier. And for the year to date the loss was €33.7 million, more than the €21.3 million loss of the previous year to date. But the company also said that adjusted net income this time was positive at €5.4 million compared to €3.8 million 12 months earlier and for the year to date the adjusted net profit figure was €21.4 million, much more than the €3.2 million of the previous ninemonth period. Adjusting items included major one-off costs linked to closing a distribution centre, professional fees and legal expenses. Returning to the highlights of the latest period, the company said it saw an expansion of its partnership with Prada to global distribution rights including the US; a successful two-week immersive Aspen Après-Ski experience in cooperation with Bemelmans in Aspen, with strong acquisition of new high-net-worth customers; the launch of exclusive capsule collections and pre-launches in collaboration with Loewe, Etro, Balenciaga, Manolo Blahnik, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Valentino Garavani, Toteme, Tod's and many more; impactful Top Customer events around the globe and 'money-can't buy' experiences in partnership with luxury brands; and 'outstanding customer satisfaction" with a Net Promoter Score of 86% in Q3 FY25. But the company still clearly faces challenges. As mentioned, it remains loss-making on a reported basis and also said that 'given the recent uncertainties on tariffs and their effects on customer sentiment', it's cautious on sales and GMV expectations. 'We now expect for GMV and net sales growth the lower end of our given guidance of 7% to 13% for the full fiscal year ending June 30 2025 for the legacy Mytheresa standalone business,' it said. But it added: 'Given our continuous focus on profitability we confirm our guidance for adjusted EBITDA margin in the range of 3% and 5%'. As for YNAP, its completed acquisition in Q4 is expected to add another €300 million-€350 million net sales and an adjusted EBITDA loss of between €20 million and €30 million added to the legacy Mytheresa standalone business's FY25 numbers. But it's 'very excited for the medium- and long-term outlook of the combined business. With our proven ability to execute and to show strong results we confirm our medium-term outlook for the combined business' to achieve around €4 billion net sales per year and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 7%-9%. Starting with the Q4 results, the company will be reporting in three operating segments: Luxury - Mytheresa (that is, the legacy Mytheresa standalone business); Luxury – NAP & MRP (Net-A-Porter and Mr Porter); and Off-Price (the Yoox and The Outnet businesses).
