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Latest updates from the fashion world on this Tuesday.
Farewell to M&J Trimming
M&J Trimming, a beloved New York City destination for ribbons, buttons, patches, and various embellishments since 1936, is set to close its doors. Nestled in the heart of the Garment District, this establishment has garnered a loyal clientele among designers. Curbed shared heartfelt reflections from industry figures such as Rachel Antonoff, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Betsey Johnson. Parker reminisced about her longstanding relationship with M&J Trimming: “This has been my go-to store for trims throughout my life; their grosgrain offerings are unmatched in quality and affordability. The staff knew me by name—I cherished them all.” {Curbed/paywalled}
New Leadership at i-D Magazine
The esteemed publication i-D Magazine welcomes Thom Bettridge as its new editor-in-chief and chief brand officer. Formerly at the helm of Highsnobiety, Bettridge will guide every facet of creativity and brand identity at i-D. The magazine plans to return to print in March 2025 with a revamped biannual schedule. Karlie Kloss, founder of Bedford Media stated, “Thom’s vision represents the future of i-D brilliantly. His creative acumen coupled with cultural insight positions him perfectly to navigate this new chapter.” {Fashionista inbox}
Kors Faces Courtroom Over Handbag Monopoly Concerns
This week brought Michael Kors into the spotlight amid an antitrust trial concerning Tapestry’s proposed $8.5 billion merger with Capri Holdings—a deal aiming to unify numerous luxury brands including Coach, Kate Spade, Versace, Jimmy Choo alongside Kors himself under one umbrella company. During his testimony on Monday, Kors acknowledged that well-established brands often face challenges maintaining consumer engagement while candidly noting that his own label is experiencing what he describes as “brand fatigue.” {CNBC}
Sweatshop Allegations Surface Against Luxury Giants in Italy
An extensive investigation by Milan’s public prosecutors has implicated high-end labels like Dior and Armani in allegations involving sweatshop labor practices—specifically highlighting conditions found at a facility linked with Armani where workers were reportedly paid minimally for assembling expensive bags for Dior priced upwards of $2865 each but earning merely €53 per unit produced. Oversight responsibilities have now been assigned through court commissions to review operations tied to these luxury houses; however no charges have yet been filed against either brand related directly to these concerns identified during an inquiry conducted over several months by <Business of Fashion . This comes amidst slowdowns within luxury markets coupled with escalating debates regarding whether premium pricing justifies current trends.
The End of an Era: Concluding Luxurious Tech Platforms?
Your favorite e-commerce player Farfetch announced last month it would be closing down Farfetch Platform Solutions (FPS)—marking what some describe as an end point following founder José Neves’ ambitious vision surrounding luxury retail’s digitized future trajectory disrupted significantly due largely operational shifts seen throughout numerous brands bringing logistics control back into house instead relying on various external providers.{<
