Fashion Stories of the Week: July 21

Loewe

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This week, the fashion industry saw a little bit of everything from the world’s hottest brand to brand price increases and even a new fragrance.

Leading the charge was LOEWE becoming Lyst Index’s World’s Hottest Brand. Ralph Lauren then enters the mix as the heritage brand is continuing to raise its prices. Aside from music, Beyoncé also made the news with the announcement of a new fragrance – her first in over a decade.

Elsewhere, Skepta’s MAINS label is relaunching at London Fashion Week; a second auction of Andre Leon Talley’s items is set for this September, and Drake announced his new NOCTA x Nike Tech Fleece collection.

Below, Hypebeast has rounded up the top fashion stories of the week so you can stay up to date on trends in the industry.

LOEWE Is the World’s Hottest Brand

Loewe

For the first time in the brand’s history, LOEWE is Lyst Index’s World’s Hottest brand. Led by Jonathan Anderson, the label knocks Prada out of the top spot, which it has held for the past two seasons.

Leading the charge for Q2 2023, the brand’s searches have grown by 19% this quarter. Anderson’s LOEWE has birthed a lineup of eye-catching collections from pixelated garments to simple, yet sexy tank tops and balloon heels – all garnering a wide array of attention.

Accompanying its top spot, the brand’s Anagram tank top and raffia tote bag are this quarter’s hottest items.

Ralph Lauren To Continue Raising Prices

Richard Phibbs

Ralph Lauren has announced that it will continue to raise its prices. The brand’s latest business development is an effort to boost brand prestige.

Since 2018, the average unit retail (AUR) of the quintessential American brand has increased by about 80%. This figure details that the average price of the products customers are buying has increased – revealing that customers are keen on acquiring luxe garments. Accordingly, the brand will continue to elevate its roster of pieces.

Additionally, the brand’s gross margins last quarter were 61.7%. So the mission to continuously raise prices also coincides with boosting these figures to meet competitors like Tapestry Inc. and Capri Holdings Ltd.

Beyoncé Reveals New “First Access” Fragrance for RENAISSANCE Fans

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With Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE World Tour underway, fans across the world have been paying special attention to the pop superstar. To capitalize on the album and tour excitement, Beyoncé has revealed her new “First Access” fragrance.

“First Access” marks Beyoncé’s first fragrance in over a decade and is exclusively made for RENAISSANCE fans. Crafted and designed by the songstress, the fragrance includes notes of golden honey, jasmine, rose, clementine and amber.

Retailing for $160 USD, “First Access” will release exclusively in the U.S. and Canada this November.

Skepta’s MAINS London Label Is Relaunching at London Fashion Week

Ciesay

Skepta’s fashion label, MAINS London, is set to debut its new collection at the upcoming London Fashion Week.

Recently, there have been a slew of teasers including Skepta donning new pieces at Wimbledon and Silverstone. Now it’s evident that the British rapper is gearing up for something big. Skepta told Vogue Business that his forthcoming collection will feature “staple, crazy, beautiful, wearable clothes.”

The offering is designed by Skepta and is in collaboration with the brand’s new chief designer Mikey Pearce. The upcoming presentation is set for 8 p.m. GMT on September 16.

André Leon Talley’s Clothing, Books and Furniture To Be Auctioned Off in September

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This past January, an extensive collection of pieces from the late André Leon Talley was auctioned off at Christie’s with proceeds benefiting two historic Black Baptist churches where Talley was a member. Now, a second auction of Talley’s archival pieces is set to take place in Hudson, New York.

Hosted by Stair Galleries, the forthcoming auction is also set to benefit the two churches: Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York and Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina. The new auction is set to feature about 300 lots and is expected to yield over $500,000 USD.

The forthcoming auction is set to debut on September 8 before its official September 21 opening.

Drake Announces His NOCTA x Nike Tech Fleece Collection

Drake

Although Drake is already generating buzz with his North American It’s All a Blur Tour with 21 Savage, the rapper revealed his new NOCTA x Nike Tech Fleece collection.

Appearing in icy blue, the lineup of preview images revealed zip-up hoodies, crewnecks and sweatpants with contrasting white Swoosh detailing. In Drake fashion, the rapper took to the tarmac to shoot the release images aside his Air Drake plane.

The new collection is set to release through Nike on July 27.

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