Francesco Risso Appointed GU Creative Director & Phoebe Philo Sales Top $40 Million USD in This Week's Top Fashion News

Summary

• Francesco Risso joins GU as Creative Director, and Jonathan Anderson debuts his first Dior sneaker.

• Phoebe Philo reaches $40M in sales, while Anta Sports pursues a stake in Puma.

• Louis Vuitton celebrates its Monogram’s 130th anniversary.

Francesco Risso Named GU’s New Creative Director

In a major move for Fast Retailing, former Marni creative director Francesco Risso has been appointed as the new Creative Director of GU. Known for his whimsical and avant-garde approach at Marni, Risso will now lead the creative vision for Uniqlo’s sister brand as it expands its global footprint. His debut collection is slated for Fall/Winter 2026. Additionally, Risso will continue his relationship with the group by designing a new collaboration line for UNIQLO, following their successful partnership in 2022. This appointment signals a more high-fashion direction for GU, bridging the gap between mass-market accessibility and high-end design sensibilities.

Phoebe Philo’s 2025 Sales Surpassed $40 Million USD

According to recent filings, Phoebe Philo’s eponymous label surpassed $40 million USD in sales for 2025, nearly tripling its revenue from the previous year. This impressive growth comes despite the brand’s unconventional business model, which has lacked traditional runway shows and physical storefronts until very recently. The label’s success is largely attributed to its pared-back “Collection” drops and a selective wholesale rollout at retailers like Bergdorf Goodman and Dover Street Market. With a first permanent boutique planned for London’s Mayfair in 2026, the brand’s momentum proves that Philo’s minimalist, luxury-focused vision remains one of the most powerful forces in the industry today.

SS26 Menswear Trends to Watch

The Spring/Summer 2026 menswear runways were defined by bold proportion shifts and whimsical nostalgia. Key trends include the “Dress” Shirt, with hemlines dropping to the ankles, and “Mega Shorts,” which continue the oversized bottom craze with A-line silhouettes. Designers also embraced “Granny Knits,” featuring delicate yarns and floral motifs, alongside a resurgence of military-inspired “Regiment Coats.” Other notable developments include the return of baggy leather trousers, summer check sets, and the integration of opulent brocade fabrics into menswear. This season prioritizes emotion and imagination, blurring traditional gender codes with softer, more fluid designs.

Dior Roadie Marks Jonathan Anderson’s First Sneaker for Dior

Jonathan Anderson’s debut sneaker for Dior, the Dior Roadie, has officially arrived. Fresh off the Spring/Summer 2026 runway, this lace-up boot fuses the aesthetic of a vintage driving shoe with technical innovation. The design features a seamless tubular sole for flexibility, a premium suede calfskin upper, and a lambskin lining. Available in four colorways—brown, gray, dark green, and beige—the shoe is finished with chunky laces and an engraved Cannage signature on the rubber outsole. Priced at $1,200 USD, the Roadie marks a new chapter for Dior footwear under Anderson’s creative direction.

Louis Vuitton Celebrates 130 Years of the Monogram in SoHo

To celebrate 130 years of its legendary Monogram, Louis Vuitton has opened a dedicated pop-up space in New York’s SoHo. Designed as the “Louis Vuitton Hotel,” the immersive experience at 104 Prince Street takes visitors through rooms themed after iconic bags like the Speedy, Noé, and Keepall. Beyond the archives, the pop-up offers on-site care services, including hot stamping and restoration, emphasizing the longevity of the brand’s craftsmanship. The celebration also includes the launch of three limited-edition anniversary collections—Origine, VVN, and Time Trunk—each highlighting a different pillar of the Maison’s history. The space remains open through April 2026.

Anta Sports Reportedly Offers to Buy Stake in Puma

In a move that could reshape the global sportswear landscape, Chinese giant Anta Sports has reportedly offered to buy a 29% stake in Puma from the Pinault family’s investment vehicle, Artemis. The deal is estimated to be worth between $1 billion and $1.5 billion USD. While negotiations are currently described as “stalled” due to valuation differences, the bid signals Anta’s aggressive strategy to scale its Western portfolio, which already includes Amer Sports. For Puma, the potential investment comes at a critical time as the brand undergoes a turnaround strategy under CEO Arthur Hoeld to regain market share from competitors like Hoka and On.