Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

All eyes on Gucci’s new creative director as Milan Fashion Week opens

Sabato De Sarno, who previously supervised the men’s and women’s collections at Valentino, was named in January to replace star designer Alessandro Michele

All eyes on Gucci’s new creative director as Milan Fashion Week opens

The leading figures in Italian fashion are presenting their creations at Milan Fashion Week, starting Wednesday (20) with anticipation soaring for the debut Gucci collection under its newly appointed creative director.

Almost 70 catwalk shows are scheduled over six days in the northern Italian city, with Fendi, Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta and Giorgio Armani among those showing their spring-summer 2024 collections.


The hottest ticket in town is Friday's (22) Gucci show, the first under new artistic director Sabato De Sarno.

The Italian, who previously supervised the men's and women's collections at Valentino, was named in January to replace star designer Alessandro Michele.

The legendary brand, owned by French luxury group Kering, has also seen the departure of long-time chief executive Marco Bizzarri this year as it grapples with stagnating sales.

There are other new faces this week, with Tom Ford making its Milan debut under the leadership of Peter Hawkings and Simone Bellotti's first collection as design director at Bally.

Off the catwalk, 76 presentations and 33 events are planned, including Moschino's 40th birthday celebrations.

Moncler, known for its puffer jackets, is presenting Wednesday its new collection in collaboration with musician turned designer Pharrell Williams, who made his debut for Louis Vuitton in Paris in June.

And Diesel is repeating an initiative trialled with success last year, with a show Wednesday to which ordinary members of the public were able to obtain tickets.

According to data from Italy's national fashion chamber, industry sales were up seven per cent over the first six months of 2023.

"We estimate annual sales to increase by 4.5 per cent compared to 2022, at more than 103 billion euros ($110 billion)," said chamber president Carlo Capasa.

Exports are forecast to be up six per cent over the year. Between January and May, exports to China and Japan were up more than 18 per cent.

Matteo Zoppas, head of Italy's trade and investment agency, said the "Made in Italy" brand remained strong.

"Compared to general growth in Italian exports of 4.8 per cent in the first five months of 2023, fashion exports rose 7.4 per cent in the same period -- and female fashion was up 11.4 per cent," he said in a statement.

(AFP)

More For You

Prada 2026 sandals

Prada acknowledges Indian influence behind its Spring Summer 2026 men’s footwear

Instagram/prada/iStock

Prada finally acknowledges Kolhapuri chappals inspired 2026 sandals after Indian backlash over Milan show

Quick highlights:

• Prada confirms Indian roots behind 2026 ‘leather sandals’ after controversy
• Indian artisans and officials accused the brand of cultural appropriation
• The footwear resembles traditional Kolhapuri chappals with GI status
• Prada says designs are still in development and open to dialogue with India

Keep ReadingShow less
Anna Wintour

Wintour’s style of leadership earned her the nickname “Nuclear Wintour”

Getty Images

Anna Wintour steps down as editor of US Vogue after 37 years

Key points

  • Anna Wintour steps down as editor of US Vogue after 37 years
  • She will remain Vogue’s global editorial director and hold senior roles at Condé Nast
  • Wintour transformed US Vogue into a global fashion authority
  • The 75-year-old has received numerous honours, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom

End of an era at US Vogue

Anna Wintour has stepped down as the editor of US Vogue, bringing to a close a 37-year tenure that redefined the publication and saw her become one of the most influential figures in global fashion.

The announcement was made on Thursday (26 June) during a staff meeting in New York. Wintour, 75, will no longer oversee the day-to-day editorial operations of Vogue’s US edition. However, she will continue to serve as Vogue’s global editorial director and Condé Nast’s chief content officer, maintaining senior leadership roles across the company.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nadiya Hussain

She also reassured her followers that “exciting” new projects are on the way

Getty Images

“I won’t always be grateful” says Nadiya Hussain after BBC axes her cookery show

Key points

  • Nadiya Hussain confirms BBC will not renew her cookery series
  • Bake Off winner challenges expectations to remain “grateful”
  • She says hard work and talent, not luck, brought her success
  • Celebrities, including Annie Lennox and Fearne Cotton, show support

BBC ends decade-long collaboration with Bake Off star

Nadiya Hussain has spoken out after the BBC decided not to commission another cookery programme with her. The popular TV chef, who won The Great British Bake Off in 2015, shared her views on social media, stating that she “won’t always be grateful” and should not be expected to remain silent about career setbacks.

The decision ends a nearly 10-year working relationship between the broadcaster and Hussain, who has hosted several well-received cookery shows under the BBC banner. In her latest Instagram video, she addressed the public’s reaction and emphasised her right to expect more from her career.

Keep ReadingShow less
weight loss injections UK

The importance of vigilance as demand for these weight loss and diabetes drugs continues to grow

iStock

Hundreds report pancreas issues linked to weight loss injections as UK launches safety study

Key points

  • Almost 400 reports of acute pancreatitis linked to weight loss and diabetes jabs have been filed in the UK
  • Most cases involve popular GLP-1 drugs including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro
  • Health officials are investigating possible genetic causes behind the side-effects
  • Patients hospitalised with pancreatitis encouraged to report symptoms via MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme
  • Adverse drug reactions cost the NHS an estimated £2.2bn annually

Health watchdog investigates spike in serious side-effects from GLP-1 drugs

UK health authorities have launched a study into the side effects of popular weight loss and diabetes drugs following a spike in reported cases of acute pancreatitis. Nearly 400 reports have been received via the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) Yellow Card scheme, which monitors side effects and adverse reactions related to medicines and medical devices.

The medicines involved are GLP-1 receptor agonists – including semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy), liraglutide, and tirzepatide (branded as Mounjaro). The Yellow Card data shows that 181 of the cases involved tirzepatide alone.

Keep ReadingShow less
M&S launches strawberries

M&S’s latest offering taps into both tradition and innovation

The Wire

M&S launches strawberries and cream sandwich ahead of Wimbledon

Summary

  • M&S unveils limited edition strawberries and cream sandwich for £2.80
  • Inspired by Japanese 'sweet sandos', it features Red Diamond strawberries and whipped cream cheese
  • Available in stores now, found in the savoury sandwich aisle
  • Launch coincides with Wimbledon and British strawberry season
  • Wimbledon increases strawberries and cream price for first time in 15 years

New summer sandwich from M&S

Marks & Spencer has launched a limited edition M&S strawberry sandwich, combining classic British summer flavours with a Japanese twist. Priced at £2.80, the strawberries and cream sandwich is available in M&S stores now.

The dessert-style sandwich features M&S’s exclusive Red Diamond strawberries, whipped cream cheese, and sweetened bread. Despite its sweet contents, the product is found in the savoury sandwich section of M&S Food halls.

Keep ReadingShow less