Business of fashion

On my radar: Reluxe x Madewell



Reluxe x Madewell

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Reluxe founder Clare Richardson briefly at a Reluxe x Sana Jardin breakfast event in the Reluxe store. Clare is better known to me through her styling work for publications including Vogue, Holiday and Wall Street Journal magazine, very much in the ‘gentlewoman style’ vein of classic but sexy dressing.

During her talk, Clare made the point that women founders are natural multi-hyphenates, which suits her as a freelance stylist but also explains her segue into founding a luxury resale business. She has smartly chosen to use her top tier fashion industry contacts to foster collabs with relevant brands, the latest being Madewell. (more…)



On my radar: Alexis Bittar



Where is the Alexis Bittar jewelled notebook line? Give me pens! Give me agendas! Fuck it, bring back Rolodexes! I know I’m not the only person living for the – frankly genius – Alexis Bittar Instagram miniseries*. The bite-sized antics of fictional ’upper east side terror and icon’ Margeaux Goldrich, hilariously observed vignettes that show the fashionista terrorising her revolving door of personal assistants, is a masterclass in Instagram marketing.

Each episode (can you call a minute-long clip an episode?) is brilliantly written and shot, then costumed – with accompanying ASMR audio – with statement Alexis Bittar necklaces, bangles, earrings and handbags. (more…)



Gentlewoman style: Rika Studios



Rika Studios SS24

Jennifer Alfano published a fab interview with Rika Studios founder Ulrika Lundgren a few weeks ago, which I missed first time round.

It reminded me what a great, underexposed brand this is, the underexposure possibly intentional. (more…)



From LVMH to Inditex, cultural cachet is the key to fashion credibility



Peter Lindbergh Dior exhibition 2024

Fashion companies sponsoring major cultural events? Discuss…

It’s the summer of LVMH as the luxury conglomerate commandeers the Paris Olympics, not least the opening ceremony. Was it just me though who thought the OTT product placement was a bit much? Not to mention clenching at the sight of the dancers lugging monogrammed Louis Vuitton trunks down those slippery rain-lashed steps on the banks of the Seine. (Oh well, no doubt LVMH can afford the liability insurance.) (more…)