Latest news with #Nanushka
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EXCLUSIVE: Nanushka Pops Up in Paris, Eyes Experiential Retail Expansion
PARIS — Nanushka is planting roots in Paris — at least through winter — with a six-month pop-up opening Thursday inside Galeries Lafayette, the next big step in the brand's global growth plan. 'Paris is going to be a strategic focus for Nanushka in this upcoming period,' said cofounder and chief executive officer Peter Baldaszti. 'We know, based on data and demand for the brand, that France is a very fast-growing market for us. It felt like the right move to test the market more with a bit of a brick-and-mortar experience on a smaller scale.' More from WWD Brown Thomas Supports Homegrown Talent Robyn Lynch With Exclusive Capsule EXCLUSIVE: Fashion Rental Reduces Environmental Impact, According to New Study From The Volte Bal Harbour Shops' Roving Mini Mall on the Road Again The brand already has flagships in Budapest, London and New York, and has imported Nanushka's design DNA into an 88-square-foot physical space, a petite spot of prime real estate next to the highly trafficked Skims on the second floor of the historic department store. Anchoring the design is a hand-carved wooden totem pole featuring the house's Kopjafa symbols, a nod to the brand's Hungarian roots. Other artisan details include bespoke shell lighting, Rubelli fabric from Venice on the walls, 17th-century Italian wrought iron nails, and French plaster applied by hand. Cushions were handmade in Budapest using surplus Nanushka fabric, finished with the label's proprietary vegan leather, Okobor. 'It also allows us to start at the right scale, so it's not immediately a huge jump into flagship opportunity,' Baldaszti added. The pop-up will house three seasonal collections, pre-fall, winter and pre-spring through January, and particularly important through the holiday shopping season. The space also sets the stage for the launch of Nanushka's third handbag, the Harmonica, which will launch globally in October. Inspired by Hungarian folk music instruments, the new bag follows the success of the Origami tote and the Sandi top-handle. 'Bags are very significantly a growing part of the business for us, but we are taking slow and conscious steps on that,' Baldaszti said. 'It's one of my favorite areas of fashion. Bags are particularly interesting because they have to somehow be able to represent the whole brand universe in a very small way.' Despite being 'quite late to the bag game,' Nanushka's accessory business is 'growing in the triple digits,' he noted. 'We also tried to carve out our own niche in the space aesthetically,' he added, citing the Origami bag's distinctive silhouette and crochet detail — 'very Nanushka' — instantly recognizable but notably spared of any loud branding. Beyond product, the brand is committed to deepening its physical presence in key markets. 'E-commerce is very transactional for me, and a very pragmatic, utilitarian experience, while a physical space has to be much more — you have to touch all the senses. You have to build chemistry with the customers,' Baldaszti said. 'For Nanushka, the future is certainly in the right brick-and-mortar stores, where we can find meaningful ways to connect with customers.' Its business is 'very equally split' in thirds across e-commerce, retail and wholesale, he said. The brand bravely opened its London flagship mid-pandemic, and the U.K. remains challenging, he said. But Baldaszti still maintains confidence there. 'We still have a huge trust in that market, and we have a strong customer base.' The London flagship will undergo a facelift this fall with additional hospitality experiences. Nanushka explored experiential early on, with its bookshop-boutique-café combo in Budapest opening in 2018. 'Just experimenting with a space in Paris and connecting with the community,' he said of ideas they will be testing out. 'I think we will find new ways, when the right time comes, to enter the French market [with a flagship].' France is among Nanushka's fastest-growing markets, now expanding 'well more than double digits' across online and wholesale. The brand also maintains a presence in Le Bon Marché and Samaritaine Paris. Still, the U.S. remains Nanushka's largest market, with future plans to extend the Galeries Lafayette model to strategic U.S. wholesale partners. In China, the brand has opted for a digital-first strategy via its Tmall flagship, citing a 'quite challenging' retail environment which caused it to pull back its physical presence there, while it continues strong online performance. Nanushka's growth continues to be firmly rooted in cofounder and creative director Sandra Sandor's sustainable design ethos. 'It has become more institutional and more strategic for us after we realized that it makes sense to talk about it, because we can also influence other brands and influence customers,' Baldaszti said. Sustainability, including the use of Okobor — its proprietary vegan leather made from 56 percent recycled polyester and 44 percent polyurethane — remains an integral part of the brand's identity. The brand, which presented in Paris for fall 2022 and held a runway show in New York for spring 2025 has opted out of showing for the upcoming season, which will be bursting with big designer debuts. 'With our resources, it's kind of impossible to compete with the powerhouses,' he said, still hinting at future plans. 'But there will be a good moment for us to return to the Paris Fashion Week schedule.' In the meantime, they are 'looking into some alternative ideas on how to engage and how to present the collection' this fall, and will host an opening event in the Galeries Lafayette space in September. 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
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Crocs Makes Commitment To UNICEF Mentoring Program
Crocs Inc. is scaling its 'Step Up to Greatness' community impact program. Introduced last year, the program is aimed at helping young adults between ages 15 to 29 gain skills and access to opportunities that can help them reach their greatest potential. Crocs has committed to supporting over 3 million people through partnerships with nonprofits, such as UNICEF's social innovation accelerator Upshift and the Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring program. More from WWD EXCLUSIVE: Nanushka Pops Up in Paris, Eyes Experiential Retail Expansion Stella McCartney Releases Cinnamon-scented S-Wave Sport Trainers for Fall 2025 EXCLUSIVE: Klarna Announces Poshmark Partnership With In-app Resale Integration Crocs said on Thursday that it has committed to a multi-year partnership with UNICEF's Upshift accelerator, which focuses on teaching young people the skills they need to tackle societal challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship and be a positive force in their communities. 'We believe in partnering with organizations with impactful missions such as UNICEF's Upshift initiative and are thrilled to help them equip young people to develop meaningful solutions for themselves and their communities to thrive,' Deanna Bratter, Crocs' chief sustainability officer, said. 'By leveraging our partnerships and activating our brands where they add the most value, we can increase our impact and make a real difference for the next generation.' 'Over the last decade, Upshift's 5.2 million graduates have collectively completed 145 million learning hours across 56 countries, gaining professional and transferable skills to take charge of their today and tomorrow as problem solving global citizens,' Thomas Davin, global director, UNICEF Office of Innovation, said. 'Partnering with Crocs, Inc. will help scale this impact around the world in a collective commitment based on a shared purpose to unlock the potential of youth.' A key goal at Crocs is the creation of a more comfortable world for everyone, including supporting local communities. That's part of Crocs' Purpose strategy that focuses on a shared value for its business, people and the planet. To achieve this goal, the shoe firm works with its nonprofit partners through the power of the Crocs brand to raise funds and awareness, as well as volunteering time. The company's Hey Dude and Crocs stores in the U.S. provide consumers with the option of giving to the youth mentoring organization at the point of sale and on In other sustainability initiatives, Crocs said in a recent report that it is relying on 'raw materials innovation' to reduce the carbon footprint of its popular Classic Clog by 50 percent by 2030. And it is looking to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. For the recent three-month period ended March 31, first quarter net income rose 5.0 percent to $160.1 million, on revenue that slipped 0.1 percent to $937.3 million. On Tuesday, Crocs unveiled its second collaboration with luxury streetwear brand Aries. The first capsule collection in 2023 drew inspiration from the beach, while this second one is urban-inspired. The capsule also includes custom limited-edition Jibbitz charms, while the clogs feature a removable and adjustable strap. Best of WWD All the Retailers That Nike Left and Then Went Back Mikey Madison's Elegant Red Carpet Shoe Style [PHOTOS] Julia Fox's Sleekest and Boldest Shoe Looks Over the Years [Photos] Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Children's Shoe Retailer Amiga Shoes In Liquidation Mode
A shoe retailer in Industry, Calif., has called it quits. Amiga Shoes Factory Inc. at 17766 Rowland St. in the Rowland Heights neighborhood filed a Chapter 7 liquidation petition in a California bankruptcy court in Los Angeles on Wednesday. More from WWD Former Amazon Employee Arrested for Allegedly Stealing 2,000 Pairs of Shoes From Timberland, New Balance + More RH Opens Second Design Gallery in Canada EXCLUSIVE: Nanushka Pops Up in Paris, Eyes Experiential Retail Expansion Not much is known about Amiga Shoes, although a MapQuest listing that was based on a now-defunct company website said Amiga offered a wide range of children's footwear for infants, kids and teens. The listing said the collection had included flats, school shoes, dress footwear, sandals and boots. The petition listed one unsecured creditor, a service center connected to a small business administration loan in the amount of $150,000. The petition, which listed Woon Hung Leung as the owner, indicates that the SBA loan was its only debt. Total assets were $8,635, comprised of $7,438 in a checking account and $1,197 in a savings account. The debtor owes its legal counsel $4,500 for the bankruptcy oversight, and said that after any administrative expenses are paid, there won't be anything left over for its unsecured creditor. The petition also said the company didn't own any real estate nor did it have any lease interests. It wasn't immediately clear when the business shut down, but at the time of the Chapter 7 filing, Amiga Shoes also said it no longer had any inventory in its possession. There wasn't much detail about the business in the filing. But it did state that the business had gross revenue before deductions and exclusions of $1.4 million for the year ended Feb. 29, 2024. For the year ended Feb. 28, 2025, gross revenue was listed at $454,781. And for the five months from March 1, 2025 to the July 23, 2025 Chapter 7 filing date, the petition said the operation generated zero revenue. Amiga is not the only shoe operation that has seen financial distress. In March, sneaker reseller Soleply filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy court protection. The company said high-interest, short-term debt to fund store expansions had resulted in a cycle of inventory shortages and cash flow instability. And overseas, Swedish footwear brand Eytys that's known for its chunky shoes filed for bankruptcy at the start of 2025 in a Stockholm District Court. There's concern across retail and apparel that U.S. President Donald Trump's global reciprocal tariffs will add new pressures to the sector, particularly for retailers and brands that sell primarily to lower-income consumers. The U.S. operation of tween accessories chain Claire's, which also sells socks and slippers, is said to be under financial distress from a high debt load and added costs from higher tariffs. The business relies heavily on a supply chain based in China. Word surfaced earlier this month that one option is for the business to be sold via a bankruptcy process. The retailer previously exited bankruptcy in 2018, a process that allowed it to shed $1.9 billion in debt. Creditsafe's head of brand and company spokesperson Ragini Bhalla said the company faces 'fierce competition from ultra-low cost online retailers like Shein and Temu.' She also said the retailer's payment history shows clear signs of cash-flow strain, noting that Claire's growing late payments are getting worse. Bhalla said the percentage of outstanding bills up to 30 days past due has 'increased significantly' from 9.5 percent in August 2024 to 12.7 percent in September 2024 and then more than doubling to 26.4 percent in October 2024. By May and June of this year, upwards of 50 percent to 67 percent of its outstanding bills were already in the 1-30 days past due category, she said. And it isn't just the low end that's facing pressures. Handmade boot specialist Freebird earlier this year shuttered 14 store locations. The Colorado-based firm, whose boots are priced between $200 and $400 a pair, is looking for a buyer and could close more stores. Freebird is not in bankruptcy proceedings, but it has been operating under a court-appointed receiver since May following a lawsuit by KeyBank after it failed to repay a $15.4 million debt obligation. The company reportedly owes $6 million in unpaid invoices to a Mexican boot manufacturer that supplied 85 percent of its inventory, a company that has since shut-down operations. In addition, department store retailer Kohl's shut 27 retail doors earlier this year. The downsizing will leave fewer shoe shopping options for consumers in the areas where the stores have closed. Those doors are primarily located in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas, and in other states. Best of WWD All the Retailers That Nike Left and Then Went Back Mikey Madison's Elegant Red Carpet Shoe Style [PHOTOS] Julia Fox's Sleekest and Boldest Shoe Looks Over the Years [Photos] Sign in to access your portfolio
Tatler Asia
05-06-2025
- Business
- Tatler Asia
World Environment Day: These designers are making a case for sustainable fashion
Vivienne Westwood Above Designer Dame Vivienne Westwood () The late Dame Vivienne Westwood was a singular force in English fashion, whose punk-fuelled rebellion matured into a powerful call for environmental action. Although she launched her eponymous label in the 1970s, her focus pivoted towards sustainability in the 2010s. Her now-iconic philosophy—'Buy less, choose well, make it last'—became a global manifesto for conscious consumption, encouraging quality over quantity. The label kept fabric overstock below five per cent and committed to sourcing 90 to 95 per cent sustainable cotton, alongside responsibly sourced viscose, a strict no-fur policy and a dedication to leather alternatives. Beyond the brand, Westwood was an outspoken environmental advocate, collaborating with organisations such as Greenpeace—designing its Save the Arctic logo—and donating more than £1.5 million (approximately US$1.9 million) to Cool Earth, while also supporting Amnesty International and Friends of the Earth. Nanushka Co-founded by Sandra Sandor in 2005, Nanushka has become a contemporary luxury label known for its 'modern bohemian' aesthetic and deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. A cornerstone of the brand's innovation is Okobor™, its proprietary vegan leather developed over two years using recycled polyester sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles. Since the pre-autumn 2022 collection, all of Sandor's alternative-leather pieces have been crafted using this textile breakthrough. Circularity is at the heart of Nanushka's ethos. Its Anew collections breathe new life into archival designs using leftover materials from the brand's atelier. The label also advocates for more sustainable consumption through collaborations with resale and rental platforms including TheRealReal and Rent the Runway. Sandor has pledged to reduce Nanushka's greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030, with a long-term ambition of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Brunello Cucinelli Above Brunello Cucinelli wins Community and Social Justice award at the 2017 Green Carpet Fashion Awards () Italian designer Brunello Cucinelli masterfully fuses timeless style with humanistic values. From the brand's headquarters in the restored medieval village of Solomeo, Italy, Cucinelli champions a philosophy of 'humanistic capitalism'—placing equal weight on profit, human dignity and cultural preservation. Renowned for its fine craftsmanship, the brand responsibly sources raw materials such as its signature high-quality cashmere. Cucinelli has also set ambitious sustainability targets, including reducing direct emissions by 70 per cent by 2028 and achieving net-zero by 2050. Environmental initiatives include the use of renewable energy, strict waste management protocols and eco-conscious dyeing processes. Beyond fashion, the brand reinvests a portion of its profits into cultural initiatives—from art restoration and education to the revitalisation of public spaces in Solomeo. Gabriela Hearst Gabriela Hearst launched her eponymous label in 2015, drawing inspiration from her family's 17,000-acre ranch in Uruguay, where durability and craftsmanship were everyday values. Her philosophy of 'honest luxury' centres on timeless design and environmental responsibility. Today, 30 per cent of the label's materials are made from deadstock fabrics. Collections often feature merino wool sourced from her family's farm, alongside material innovations such as Inversa™ Python leather—an alternative crafted from invasive species to help preserve biodiversity. In 2019, she made fashion history with the first-ever carbon-neutral, plastic-free runway show. Her boutiques also reflect this commitment to sustainability, with her New York flagship constructed using 90 per cent reclaimed construction waste. During her three-year tenure as creative director of Chloé, Hearst led the French maison to become the first European luxury fashion house to receive B Corp certification. Marine Serre Since winning the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers in 2017, Marine Serre has become a standout voice in the sustainability movement, recognised for her crescent moon logo and futuristic, upcycled fashion. Half of each of her collections are crafted from repurposed materials—think vintage scarves, denim and neoprene scuba suits. The other half incorporates lower-impact textiles such as biodegradable yarns and GOTS-certified organic cotton. At her 3,000-square-metre Paris atelier, Serre merges large-scale textile upcycling with creative design and public workshops aimed at sharing sustainable practices. She's also expanded her vision into furniture and accessories, bringing her circular philosophy to a wider lifestyle offering.
