Image courtesy of thetaodayshow.com
There are always comings and goings in the fashion industry; however, some big movers and shakers have moved on at major fashion brands. When I say big movers and shakers, I mean the top dogs!!
Francois Henri-Pinualt, who has been at the helm of Kering since 2005, is stepping down and relinquishing his operational role of Kering. Founded by his father, Kering has been struggling financially as its main cash cow, Gucci, has experienced financial woes with Kering’s stop nosediving by 27% this year. Gucci experienced a 24% slump in 2024
Pinault will stay on at Kering as chairman of the board; however, Luca de Meo will take over the role of CEO of Kering. As CEO of Kering, Pinault chose to focus on attracting a younger consumer to Kering’s coterie of luxury brand. This approach over time has not worked. During his tenure Pinault also focused on bringing sportswear brands into the Kering fold, purchasing Puma in 2007 for 5 billion euros. This purchase did not prove to be profitable, with Kering selling Puma in 2018.
In 2023 Kering acquired the luxury fragrance Creed for 3.5 euros and acquired a 30% interest in Valentino in 2024. Pinault is married to actress Salma Hayek. They have four children.
Image courtesy of theweek.com
Rissi leaves Marni
Marni’s creative director Francesco Rissi exits the brand after 10 years at the helm. Under Rissi’s directorship, Marni’s womenswear was overhauled, new energy was injected into the brand’s men’s wear, and runway shows became more immersive.
“Francesco embraced the spirit and values of the house and, together with his team, opened up new horizons for Marni, building the foundations for a new and exciting chapter of its story. Francesco is a unique designer and a true artist, and I wish him all the best for the future,” said Renzo Rosso, president of Marni’s owner OTB, as reported in fashionnetwork.com.
“I will always be grateful to Renzo for believing in me and giving me the chance to set off on a journey which has turned into something much greater than I could have imagined. Marni was a learning experience, a stage, a dream. I brought to it [color], instinct, and sensitivity, creating a space where people felt they were their true selves. Marni taught me how to build something with passion, and how powerful genuine collaboration can be. My thanks go to the entire Marni team and to all the friends who have joined along the way, and now on to my next extraordinary journeys!” said Risso.
Image courtesy of yahoo.com
Goodbye Leonard
Leading cosmetics icon Leonard A. Lauder passed away on June 14. Lauder was the son of the legendary Estee Lauder.
Leonard started working at Estee Lauder in 1968, serving as president from 1972-1995, CEO from 1982-1999, and chairman from 1995-2005. As president of the cosmetics giant, Leonard Lauder was celebrated for launching multiple brands under the Lauder roster, including Aramis, Clinique, and Lab Series—plus the acquisitions of Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone London, La Mer, and M-A-C. Lauder’s accomplishments also included launching Lauder’s first research and development laboratory, as well as the company’s international sales growth.
In 2020 Leonard Lauder published his popular memoir The Company I Keep: My Life in Beauty. He is survived by his wife Judy Glickman Lauder, son William P. Lauder; son Gary M. Lauder and his wife Laura Lauder, grandchildren Rachel, Danielle, Djuna-Bear, Joshua, and Eliana Lauder, two great-grandchildren, various stepchildren and step grandchildren, brother Ronald S. Lauder and his wife Jo Carole Lauder, and nieces, Aerin Lauder and Jane Lauder.
—William S. Gooch
Speak Your Mind