The latest news in fashion and luxury (episode 22)
NellyRodi’s fashion and luxury experts share their picks from the market’s major updates. Episode 22 covers January and February 2025 2025.
January 13-16 - Valentino celebrates Fellini in Abu Dhabi
Valentino brings its cinematic vision to life in Abu Dhabi by transforming the 421 Arts Campus into a screening venue dedicated to Federico Fellini. The showcased movies, “La Dolce Vita,” “8½,” and “Roma” were accompanied by discussions on the Italian master’s influence. By blending cultural heritage with luxury, the house goes beyond a mere aesthetic celebration and infuses its universe with a rich narrative. Fashion, like cinema, explores time and identity, and in a region where demand for sophisticated experiences is growing, Valentino cements its prestige beyond clothing and engages in a true cultural dialogue.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
January 21 – The Ritz Paris unveils Its Nail Bar and exclusive Ritzy nail polish
The Ritz Club & Spa has expanded its services with the launch of a Nail Bar in collaboration with Kure Bazaar, a French eco-conscious manicure brand. The occasion was marked with the introduction of Ritzy, a unique red nail polish with blue undertones that echoes the hotel’s iconic color. The initiative seamlessly combines luxury with sustainability, catering to a clientele seeking refined yet responsible experiences. By offering exclusive treatments and a signature shade, the Ritz Paris strengthens its position as an innovator in the luxury hospitality industry.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
January 21-31 – LVMH Watch Week in New York and Paris
At LVMH Watch Week 2025 in New York, bold, creative directions took center stage. Tiffany & Co. unveiled pieces where jewelry shaped horology, featuring gemstone dials and significantly higher price points. Louis Vuitton continued its strategic refocus, prioritizing exclusivity over expansion. Bulgari reinforced its watchmaking status with a new automatic movement for women, and Tag Heuer, energized by its Formula 1 comeback, doubled down on performance. The edition highlighted innovation as both an artistic and strategic endeavor.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
January 27 – Stella McCartney buys back LVMH’s stake in her brand
Stella McCartney has regained full control of her label by repurchasing LVMH’s stake while maintaining her role as the group’s sustainability advisor. This strategic move allows her to safeguard the integrity of her ethical vision while continuing her dialogue with the luxury industry. The transition doesn’t indicate a break, but rather signals a desire for greater independence without rejecting the influence of a major industry player. It’s a delicate balance between creative autonomy and collaboration in a market where luxury and sustainability must now advance hand in hand.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
January 29 – Glenn Martens takes the helm at Maison Margiela
On January 29, Maison Margiela announced Glenn Martens as its new creative director, succeeding John Galliano. Martens, like Martin Margiela, is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. He previously led Y/Project and since 2020 served as Diesel’s creative director under the OTB Group. His appointment marks a new chapter for the house, which aims to merge Margiela’s avant-garde heritage with Martens’ innovative vision. This strategy seeks to reinforce the brand’s identity while attracting a younger, authenticity-driven audience.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
January 30 – Dream of the Desert, the Luxury train redefining travel in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is set for the 2026 launch of Dream of the Desert, a luxury train connecting Riyadh to Al Qurayyat. Designed by Aline Asmar d’Amman, it will feature 34 suites and spaces inspired by Saudi majlis [Arabic for sitting room] and blending local craftsmanship with contemporary design. Part of Vision 2030, this project goes beyond tourism and embodies a new vision of luxury where experience and heritage take precedence over material goods. By merging hospitality, craftsmanship, and travel, it introduces a narrative-driven luxury experience tailored for a clientele seeking both exclusivity and cultural depth.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
January 31 – Dua Lipa becomes the face of the Chanel 25 Bag campaign
With Dua Lipa, Chanel isn’t just choosing a muse, it’s embracing a trustworthy contemporary icon. In a campaign where she hums “She Drives Me Crazy,” the singer infuses the Chanel 25 bag with a spontaneous, playful yet sophisticated spirit. More than an accessory, the bag is designed for effervescent lifestyles, adapting to the rhythms of a generation constantly on the move. The choice feels natural, since Lipa represents a liberated, modern femininity that perfectly aligns with the energy Chanel seeks to inject into its latest iconic bag.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
February 6 – Sabato De Sarno leaves Gucci
Less than two years after taking over as Gucci’s Creative Director, Sabato De Sarno is stepping down. Appointed in 2023, his mission was to steer the brand towards a more restrained aesthetic, a stark contrast to Alessandro Michele’s maximalist era. The expected results, however, did not materialize. His departure underscores the challenge for an iconic house to balance innovation with heritage. Gucci now stands at a strategic crossroads, where redefining its creative vision will be crucial to attracting customers seeking novelty while still staying true to the brand’s renowned identity.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
February 7 – Jacquemus and L’Oréal forge a strategic beauty alliance
Simon Porte Jacquemus’ brand is partnering with L’Oréal to launch its first beauty line. The exclusive collaboration, strengthened by L’Oréal’s minority stake in Jacquemus, seeks to blend the brand’s minimalist Mediterranean aesthetic with L’Oréal’s expertise in cosmetics. This move reflects a growing trend of independent fashion labels expanding into beauty to enrich their universe and meet consumer demand for authenticity and innovation. It also aligns with the lipstick effect, where consumers turn to luxury beauty products as affordable indulgences during economic downturns.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
February 11 – Kering reports a challenging 2024
In 2024, Kering recorded a 12% revenue decline at €17.2 billion. Gucci, its flagship brand, was hit particularly hard, with Q4 sales plummeting by 24% to €1.9 billion. In contrast, Bottega Veneta posted a strong 15% growth over the same period. These mixed results highlight the urgent need for Kering to reassess its strategy. Strengthening brand identities by leveraging heritage while innovating to meet evolving consumer expectations could be the key to regaining momentum. A more nuanced approach that blends tradition with modernity may pave the way for Kering’s recovery.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
