GapStudio. Photo: Courtesy of Gap
These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Thursday.
Gap launches GapStudio
Gap unveiled a new line within the brand designed by Gap Inc.’s Executive Vice President and Creative Director Zac Posen and his design team called GapStudio. The line, which aims to offer “elevated pieces,” will expand in stores and online in Spring 2025. GapStudio’s holiday drop featuring knit jersey dresses, a denim dress and a moto jacket is available to shop now on gap.com. See GapStudio’s campaign images, above. {Fashionista inbox}
System co-founders reacquire magazine
System co-founders Elizabeth von Guttman, Jonathan Wingfield and Thomas Lenthal have reacquired the intellectual property rights and full ownership of the magazine after it was placed into liquidation last month. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The co-founders exited in October after financial turmoil and disagreements with owner and publisher Mike Obenson. System‘s next print edition will launch during Paris couture week in January. {Business of Fashion/paywalled}
Djerf Avenue employees detail degrading work environment
Swedish news site Aftonbladet anonymously interviewed 11 current and former employees of Djerf Avenue, a clothing brand founded by influencer Matilda Djerf, who shared their behind-the-scenes experiences of working for the influencer. Former employees detailed an environment of favoritism and bullying, with Djerf allegedly restricting use of her personal toilet, yelling at workers and making negative comments on models’ body sizes. In the video report posted to YouTube on Thursday, one interviewee says the workers are “terrified of Matilda,” with another describing the work environment as one of “psychological terror.” Djerf Avenue stated in an email that it takes these allegations “very seriously” and Djerf shared her own email response: “If any employee has felt mistreated or unwell in their role because of my actions, it is something I am truly sorry for, and I sincerely apologize.” Watch the full video here. {YouTube}
Why so many indie designers are opening stores right now
Indie designers are increasingly investing in brick-and-mortal retail spaces: Collina Strada and Telfar each opened their very first stores in New York City, Kiko Kostadinov opened in Los Angeles and The Elder Statesman welcomed its second retail outpost in NYC and is planning to open another store in Aspen this December. Many indie designers previously relied on wholesale accounts and e-commerce to grow their brands, but a renewed appetite for in-person shopping and the opportunity to create an aesthetically curated retail experience have fueled cult-favorite designers opening their own spaces. Physical retail stores serve as a brand-building marketing tool for indie designers, while also allowing customers to try on clothes and connect with new brands. {Vogue Business/paywalled}
Sephora announces 2025 Accelerate incubator program recipients
Sephora has chosen eight BIPOC beauty brands for its 2025 Accelerate program, an incubator designed to grow emerging beauty brands through a six-month mentorship, merchandising support, grants, investor connections and the opportunity to launch at Sephora North America. The 2025 finalists include Jade Beguelin and Sabrina Sadeghian of 4AM, Hye Young Kim of OliviaUmma, Merian Odesho of Bounce Curl, Aziza El Wanni of The Potion Studio, Christal Alert of Tonal Cosmetics, Funmi Monet of Influxious, Fatema Raja and Navneet Kaur of Ruhveda as well as Judy Koloko of The Steam Bar. Founders will also have access to targeted sessions that address challenges that early-stage brands often face, including Nancy Twine’s (Briogeo) financial readiness; Christine Chang and Sarah Lee’s (Glow Recipe) social media and community; and marketing sessions with Amy Liu (Tower 28).{Sephora}
Bic buys Tangle Teezer for $210 million
Bic has acquired hair brush brand Tangle Teezer for $210 million. Tangle Teezer was originally founded in the U.K. in 2007 and created a hair brush with patented plastic bristles and a more ergonomic design. In 2021, private equity firm Mayfair Equity Partners invested in Tangle Teezer via a managed buyout and since then, the hair brush maker has doubled its earnings and grown its annual net sales to more than $76 million. {Business of Fashion/paywalled}
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Source: Fashionista.com
