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Fashion Network
26 minutes ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
This economy is ripe for fake and copycat luxury goods
Meanwhile, US tariffs threaten to elevate the cost of clothing and cosmetics. Such an environment has opened the way for dupes and fakes. This has been thrown into sharp relief by Lululemon accusing Costco Wholesale Corp. of copying its designs in a lawsuit filed in June. The first thing to know is that dupes and fakes are different. Fakes are counterfeits, usually with an identifiable label or logo, making them easier to challenge in court. The big problem with fakes is tracking down those responsible. They're particularly pernicious too as they fund organised crime and exploit vulnerable workers. The escalating cost of genuine luxury goods has also allowed illicit manufacturers to raise their prices, enabling them to invest in better production capabilities. This has led to the rise of so-called 'super-fakes,' which are almost indistinguishable from what they're copying. When it comes to dupes, the picture is more complicated. They don't pretend to the be real thing; instead they offer a similar but cheaper version. This is what the Lululemon and Costco case is about. Fashion has always looked for more affordable takes on the hottest items. But more explicit dupes have been legitimised by TikTok influencers focused on saving money. Brands cracking down now face a delicate balance between protecting their intellectual property and alienating consumers. Calling out a copy cat can also give them oxygen. Mentions of Costco specifically alongside Lululemon have risen by 130% this year, according to Launchmetrics, which tracks social media data. Legally, dupes are complex. They don't have a recognisable logo or symbol that can be challenged. Professor Susan Scafidi, founder and director of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham Law School, told me that under US law, while there is protection for copyright, patents and trademarks, there is no separate category for design rights, as in Europe. Consequently, Lululemon is pushing under the US legal framework to find a way to protect the actual three dimensional shape of its garments, for example highlighting specific design features such as the placement of seamlines in its jackets and men's ABC Pant. The case could have broader implications for dupe culture. Costco declined to comment and has not filed a response. Lululemon has been at the forefront of brand protection, for example suing Peloton Interactive Inc. in 2021 over a line of workout clothes that Lululemon said copied its proprietary designs. The two parties settled out of court a year later. But Lululemon is also under pressure from nimbler rivals such as Alo Yoga and Vuori, as well as changing fashion tastes, which have seen women swap leggings for looser-fitting styles and casual wear inspired more by pajamas than pilates. Analysts have pointed to an increase in discounting at the retailer. Little wonder it's keen to crack down on imitators. The Canadian company's position could not be more different to that of Hermes International SCA, whose iconic Birkin bag has sparked a raft of dupes. While Chief Executive Officer Axel Dumas told analysts in February that copies of the Birkin were 'quite detestable,' he also acknowledged that it was 'quite touching' to see social media posts saying 'we respect Hermes, we can't afford it. But in the meantime I feel like dreaming about it.' Indeed, dupes don't seem to have dented demand for the coveted accessory. A bag that bore an uncanny resemblance to a Birkin was briefly for sale on Walmart's website in December for $78. Dubbed the 'Wirkin,' it quickly sold out. More recently, Philadelphia designer Jen Risk has created the 'Boatkin,' the love child of the Birkin and L.L. Bean's iconic canvas Boat and Tote. Yet in the first half of this year, Hermes' leather goods and saddlery sales, of which so-called 'quota bags' account for about 60%, according to analysts at Bernstein, outperformed most rivals. The sale of Jane Birkin's original bag for $10 million only adds to the allure. Hermes has also taken legal action to protect its intellectual property in the past. There's a lesson to be learned from Birkin's multifaceted appeal. Not only is it notoriously hard to get hold of, but it is hand made in Hermes' workshops in France. Such supply chain integrity is a crucial weapon in fighting fakes. It also underlines why issues such as cashmere maker Loro Piana being placed under court supervision in Italy for alleged poor working practices are so damaging. Sister house Dior faced a similar action last year. These kinds of scandals encourage consumers to question what they're actually paying for. And they make it easier for Chinese factories to claim that they manufacture the goods, even though most luxury items are made in Europe. LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE Chief Financial Officer Cecile Cabanis told investors last month that the company, which owns Loro Piana and Dior, had already stepped up checks on manufacturers and would intensify scrutiny of suppliers. But LVMH and the broader industry must be more vigilant. Because if consumers can't count on their luxury bag being made the right way, why not save thousands of dollars and buy a super-fake?
Fashion United
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fashion United
Street style trends from Copenhagen Fashion Week
This week, Copenhagen Fashion Week took place, once again demonstrating why it is considered a melting pot for creative pioneers. Attendees opted for playful patterns, leaving behind familiar clichés, and combined accessories that balanced nostalgia with urban ease. A willingness to experiment with layering created surprising silhouettes, while striking details such as eye-catching collars gave the looks a distinctive touch. An overview of Copenhagen's best street style trends. 101 Dalmatians As if straight from the fashion universe of 101 Dalmatians, polka dots were one of the most striking patterns seen on the streets of Copenhagen Fashion Week. Inspired by the classic black and white look, the dot pattern here finally freed itself from childish associations and Cruella de Vil drama. It presented itself as stylistically mature and creative. Polka dots in Copenhagen Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight (left); Copenhagen Fashion Week Whether as a transparent skirt with a fine dot pattern over a simple slip dress, on a chocolate brown satin skirt combined with an oversized blazer, or as a large-format print on a cream two-piece suit, the dot pattern was used in a variety of ways in Copenhagen. The looks were complemented by accessories such as bandanas, crochet hats, retro sunglasses and structured leather bags. Bandanas While the dots brought playful lightness to the outfits, bandanas lent the looks a touch of boho romance, a hint of pirate flair and a dash of big-city poetry. For SS26, scarves in Copenhagen became a style-defining accessory, sometimes interpreted nostalgically, sometimes with a modern twist. Bandanas in Copenhagen Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Paired with silk tops, playful blouses or simple knitwear, they not only protected from the sun but also rounded off every outfit, whether minimalist or maximalist, with finesse. Models with vintage prints, graphic patterns or delicate lace were particularly effective. Layering Copenhagen Fashion Week once again proved to be experimental in the styling of silhouettes, especially when layering skirts. Layers became a fashion statement. Skirts over trousers, tulle over denim, mini over maxi, all with surprising ease. The looks played with volume, transparency and structure, opening up new ways to completely rethink classic garments. Layers in Copenhagen Credits: Copenhagen Fashion Week Whether a ruffled tulle skirt over jeans, a striped silk skirt over raw denim or an embroidered lace skirt over airy cotton layers, layering became an art form. Statement collars While many looks at Copenhagen Fashion Week focused on flowing fabrics and summery lightness, some ensembles stood out with a deliberate break. Jackets with striking stand-up collars, known as funnel necks, became the dominant element. Instead of being understood as mere weather protection, the high collars moved to the centre of styling and played a decisive role in defining the silhouettes. Funnel necks in Copenhagen Credits: Copenhagen Fashion Week Whether interpreted in a sporty way in a cream-coloured anorak with a ruffled collar, which appeared almost sculptural in combination with a patterned layered skirt, or in dark, structured denim with a bulky stand-up collar and cropped cut, the jacket became a statement piece thanks to its collar. Even in oversized models with minimalist colouring, the raised collars played a central role and echoed the penchant for dots for SS26. Babies on board Without a doubt, the most valuable accessory of the season in Copenhagen was neither an expensive designer bag nor flashy sunglasses. Rather, it was something that cannot be bought: a mother's love, and at the same time, impressive proof that women really can do it all. Babies on board in Copenhagen Credits: Copenhagen Fashion Week While one of the designers of the duo behind the Rave Review brand skilfully balanced a baby on her hip during the final applause of their SS26 show, mothers on the streets of Copenhagen demonstrated how to integrate their offspring into their outfits with casual style – a contemporary interpretation of "mama chic". This article was translated to English using an AI tool. FashionUnited uses AI language tools to speed up translating (news) articles and proofread the translations to improve the end result. This saves our human journalists time they can spend doing research and writing original articles. Articles translated with the help of AI are checked and edited by a human desk editor prior to going online. If you have questions or comments about this process email us at info@
Fashion United
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fashion United
From football to fishing: Trends of Copenhagen Fashion Week
Copenhagen Fashion Week this season presented itself as a particularly clear reflection of society, showcasing two sides. One, a world full of colourful and alternative looks. The other, a more conservative style with classic silhouettes and high-necked pieces. The trends from the Danish capital stood out, particularly from the first perspective. Some playful details repeatedly lightened up the more conservative looks, perhaps as a sign of hope in difficult times. Discover which trends particularly shaped Copenhagen, and the role the rat played in it all. Negligés On the first day of fashion week, it already became clear that negligés with ruffle details in various designs – from long dresses to recycled pieces – were highly popular for SS26. Depending on the collection, the styling was either simple or sophisticated. A long dress with toe separators at OpéraSport could be seen, as well as more urban looks from Baum und Pferdgarten, which presented the negligé together with olive-green cargo trousers and black Y2K-style boots. Meanwhile, Bonnetje showcased the reconstructed top, with the former slip dress styled as a detail over a knee-length black skirt. From left to right: OpéraSport, Bonnetje and Baum und Pferdgarten Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Transparent fabrics It wasn't just the silky nightdresses that provided a touch of sensuality in Copenhagen. The use of transparent fabrics also conveyed a magical lightness. The respective materials were used for both partial sections and entire pieces. The spectrum ranged from knee-length dresses and jackets to jumpsuits. The transparent materials – especially through the many different applications – created a variety of styles that could be sensual and elegant, but also casual and sporty. From left to right: Cecilie Bahnsen, Caro Editions, Deadwood, Forza Collective, Herskind Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Fishnet Several net-like tops, dresses and decorative throws, reminiscent of full-body jewellery, complemented the rather revealing trend, even if they were sometimes only used as an additional layer. Overall, the looks around the coarse-meshed pieces seemed to show a lot of skin. The decorative aspect seemed to be at the forefront of most pieces of this kind, whether through small details adorning a coarse-meshed dress or the use of the product as an accessory. The exception was a sleeveless top by Rolf Ekroth, where the net was only used as an insert. From left to right: Madsen, Iamisigo, Alis and Rolf Ekroth Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Horse girl The following looks, reminiscent of show jumper uniforms, were significantly more structured. The sharply tailored blazers are reminiscent of the athletes' competition jackets, which, fittingly, were rounded off with leggings and dark boots at brands like MKDT Studio and The Garment. Gestuz, meanwhile, shortened the blazer and combined it with a short skirt – a look less reminiscent of equestrian sports, but one that came closer to a uniform through accessories such as white gloves. From left to right: Forza Collective, MKDT Studio, The Garment and Gestuz Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Football shoulders Statement tops with a sporty reference could also be seen at PLN, Han Kjobenhavn and Rave Review. However, these brands focused particularly on the shoulders, which looked as if the designers had been inspired by American football. They used the associated shoulder pads – the protective gear worn under the jersey – to play with the silhouette. From left to right: PLN, Han Kjobenhavn and Rave Review Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Pattern mix Copenhagen is known for its Scandinavian minimalism as well as its vintage street style aesthetic, which often features patterns from past decades. Some of the brands pursued the second approach this season, sending looks with many different patterns down the runway, some of which also clashed within a single look. Layering played a particularly important role through contrasting prints like floral embroidery with stripes; polka dots with hearts and stripes; and check patterns. The various garments also brought together different colours, combining, for example, pink with brown – a colour palette that doesn't necessarily come to mind immediately, but which created a certain harmony among the disharmony through the jumble of patterns. From left to right: Hendrik Vibskov, Munthe, Rolf Ekroth and Caro Editions Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Stiff scarf The scarf, which has been gaining popularity in recent seasons, including in menswear, was also present in Copenhagen. What was striking, however, was that the accessory tied around the neck at several brands, such as MKDT Studio, Rave Review and Rolf Ekroth, appeared somewhat stiff, sometimes looking as if it were blowing in the wind. From left to right: MKDT Studio, Rave Review (both) and Rolf Ekroth Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Ratty It-bag The absolute It-piece of the season was delivered by Anne Sofie. The 'Radbag', presented in various colours such as a lilac-chrome or gold, is based on the sculpture by artist Esben Weile Kjær and depicts an oversized rat. Various designers have already proven that replicas of animals are popular bags, above all Jonathan Anderson, who has already turned creatures such as pigeons and frogs into absolute It-pieces for his brand JW Anderson. Similar to the pigeon, the rat is popularly considered a dirty, disease-carrying pest, yet they are said to be particularly intelligent animals. The rat, as the cliché 'pet' of punks, is also attributed with rebellion. So is the new It-bag only a statement or is it also a response to the growing pressure from the conservative movement worldwide? Rat as It-bag at Anne Sofie Madsen Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight This article was translated to English using an AI tool. FashionUnited uses AI language tools to speed up translating (news) articles and proofread the translations to improve the end result. This saves our human journalists time they can spend doing research and writing original articles. Articles translated with the help of AI are checked and edited by a human desk editor prior to going online. If you have questions or comments about this process email us at info@
Fashion United
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion United
Animal Prints, High-Heels and Bright, Light Colors set to Dominate Summer Sales Demand
With the summer sales season well underway, consumers across the nation are making full advantage of the offers as discretionary spending decreases. But what items are most likely to make it out of the wish list and into the shopping cart for checkout? What are some of the key trends and essential wardrobe pieces that are in demand this summer? To help brands and retailers answer these questions, Lectra, a software and solutions provider for the fashion, automotive, and furniture industries, studied real-time data from its AI-powered solution Retviews and created a trend report listing some of the most popular items. 'In an industry that moves as quickly as fashion, it is crucial for fashion brands to explore potential scenarios and adapt their strategies accordingly to stay relevant, meet consumer demands, and scale their business operations,' said Antonella Capelli, President EMEA of Lectra, in a statement. Here, we share three of the main trends from Lectra's Retviews. SS26 collection for Marvelis Credits: Marvelis 1. Preppy & Edgy looks dominate summer capsule wardrobes Driven by returning 2010s trends and the surge in popularity of racket sports like padel, pickleball, and tennis, polo shirts are making a strong comeback this summer, showing an increase in demand of 28 percent in 2025 versus 2024*. According to data from Lectra, brands channeling classic preppy style, such as Aimé Leon Dore, Kith, and Ralph Lauren, are experiencing strong growth, especially in men's fashion. The preppy revival has also brought back rugby shirts and collegiate-style long-sleeved polos for women, which are more and more popular among spring outings and cooler summer evenings. Mob Wife aesthetic Credits: main image/Launchmetrics Spotlight Simultaneously, there has been more interest in bolder, more rebellious looks, with trends like 'mob wife' and 'indie sleaze' taking center stage this spring and summer. Animal prints exemplify this edgier direction, with sales jumping 33 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. The Adidas x Wales Bonner leopard sneakers perfectly reflect this trend, commanding a 196 percent resale premium globally and ranking among the fastest-selling designs in recent years. Next to the classic leopard, zebra, and tiger prints, cow print pieces are also emerging as another popular pattern choice this summer. Sleek, elegant footwear makes a return for summer 2025 Credits: null 2. The return of sleek, minimalist, and elegant footwear, aka ballet flats, loafers & kitten heels The return of the preppy look has also made its way over to footwear. Styles like ballet flats, loafers, and kitten heels have quietly been making a return over the last two years, with current sales volumes tripling in comparison to 2023, according to data from Retviews. Further cementing their status as a wardrobe staple for this summer, classic styles like Mary Janes and bow-tie flats are the stars of collections from high-end labels such as Miu Miu, Simone Rocha, and Sandy Liang. In particular, Alaïa's designs have helped push mesh ballet flats into the mainstream, with Retviews data showing 13 percent growth in European sales and 16 percent growth in US sales year-over-year. Miu Miu's kitten heels Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight The data also shows that the footwear market is shifting away from sneakers toward dressier options like loafers and high heels. Kitten heels are also making a strong comeback, fueled by nostalgia for '90s and 2000s fashion and an expanding resale market, with their presence in European collections surging 127 percent compared to last year. 3. Butter yellow, pink, & burgundy are the key summer colors Butter yellow is becoming a major color trend this summer, appearing everywhere from high-profile events to fashion runways and now mainstream retail. In line with the typical seasonal pattern, where brands and retailers embrace brighter hues as warmer weather approaches, Retviews data confirms the shift toward softer colors. Interest in the color candy pink is up 32 percent, and yellow is up 18 percent compared to 2024, while neutral shades are also gaining ground. Butter yellow summer dress Credits: MEXX Meanwhile, darker colors are losing favor this summer, with gray dropping 546 percent and black falling 267 percent. Interestingly, burgundy is one color defying seasonal norms by appearing in summer collections despite its traditional fall association, showing a remarkable 140 percent year-over-year increase. 'In this context, we at Lectra believe that technology is a powerful ally for brands that, through real-time AI-based insights from Retviews, can gain a strong competitive edge,' added Capelli. 'With these tools, they can identify market shifts and trends to make smarter business decisions and strengthen their positioning.' *Note, all percentages compare January 1 to May 1, 2025, against the same timeframe in 2024.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kate Middleton's Wimbledon Dress Generates $918,000 in Media Exposure for Self-Portrait
Kate Middleton's Self-Portrait dress for The Championships, Wimbledon generated $918,000 in media impact value for the British brand, according to a new report from Launchmetrics. Overall, Middleton's attendance for the ladies' and gentlemen's singles finals generated $36 million in MIV for the tournament. (MIV is a proprietary metric that assigns a true monetary value to marketing strategies across print, online and social media in order to calculate ROI.) The Princess of Wales wore the ivory look for the ladies' singles final between Iga Świątek of Poland and American Amanda Anisimova at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London on July 12. To complement her ivory Self-Portrait dress, Middleton wore a pair of Gianvito Rossi pumps and Cartier jewelry. More from WWD Best Dressed Celebrities at 2025 Wimbledon Cynthia Erivo in Ralph Lauren, Lily Collins in Stella Jean and More Striped Looks at 2025 Wimbledon Daisy Edgar-Jones Gives Monochrome Styling a Twist With Silver-Buckled Slingbacks and Gucci Summer Stripes Middleton's Self-Portrait frock notably generated a smaller percentage than the dress she wore to the gentleman's singles final at Wimbledon in 2024. For last year's edition of the grand slam, Middleton wore a purple Safiyaa dress. The look generated $4.8 million in MIV for the label. According to Launchmetrics, the 2025 edition of the tennis grand slam generated $1.1 billion in MIV — a 23 percent increase from 2024. Ralph Lauren, Wimbledon's official outfitter since 2006, saw the highest media value of all the brands present — $22.5 million — a 20 percent increase from 2024. Jannik Sinner, the Wimbledon gentlemen's singles champion, generated $9.1 million in media impact value. Throughout the 2025 edition of the tournament, Middleton was also seen in a cobalt blue midi dress by Roksanda, which she wore for the gentlemen's singles final on July 13. The Princess of Wales' dress coordinated with the attire worn by her family, including Prince William, who styled a navy blazer. The couple's eldest son, Prince George, wore a similar look to his father's, and Princess Charlotte wore a bespoke dress by Sarah Burton — a favorite designer of Middleton. Kate Middleton's Wimbledon Looks Through the Years [PHOTOS] View Gallery Launch Gallery: Kate Middleton's Wimbledon Looks Through the Years [PHOTOS] Best of WWD How Geri Halliwell's Union Jack Dress Inspired a Generation of Pop Stars and Patriotism 23 of the World's Most Expensive Handbags: Jane Birkin's Original Hermès Bag, Chanel's Crocodile Skin Flap Bag and More Brands With the Power of the Purse 'Project Runway' Winners: Where Are They Now? Solve the daily Crossword
