Photo: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images
These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Thursday.
How the Trump administration upended retailers DEI initiatives
Following the return of the Trump administration and rising conservative activism, retailers that once highlighted diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are now rolling back these efforts to “protect their business interests.” George Floyd’s death in 2020 and subsequent Black Lives Matter protests fueled some retailers to enact diversity-focused programs and take the Fifteen Percent Pledge, but now retailers like Walmart, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply and Target are stepping back from DEI programs. Some companies will hedge their public stances or tone down messaging, and they will likely focus on words such as “belonging” and “employee excellence” rather than diversity and inclusion. These DEI rollbacks could affect retailers’ relationships with shoppers who may now see their initiatives as inauthentic. {Modern Retail/paywalled}
Ulta Beauty partners with Alshaya Group for first Middle East stores
Ulta Beauty and international retail franchise operator Alshaya Group are teaming up for a franchise partnership to bring Ulta stores to the Middle East for the first time. The companies are aiming to bring Ulta to the Middle East by late 2025. This expansion follows Ulta’s plans to launch in Mexico as its first international market. “Our partnership with Alshaya marks an exciting opportunity to expand Ulta Beauty’s differentiated business model to a new market, as part of our overall growth strategy,” Kristin Wolf, senior vice president of enterprise strategy and new growth at Ulta Beauty, said in a statement. “We know the power of beauty is universal, and we look forward to reaching a new community of beauty enthusiasts in the Middle East.” {Alshaya Group}
Louis Vuitton becomes official partner of Formula 1
Louis Vuitton is joining Formula 1 as an official partner in a 10-year agreement. Louis Vuitton will have prominent trackside signage and the luxury brand’s Trophy Trunk will be presented before races and on the podium after races. The next Formula 1 season starts on March 14 with the Grand Prix on March 16 in Melbourne, where Louis Vuitton will serve as the title partner of the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025. This move builds on Louis Vuitton and Formula 1’s partnership of presenting the Trophy Trunk for the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco from 2021 to 2024. {Fashionista inbox}
How Scandi fashion is adapting to 2025’s challenges
Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW)’s Fall 2025 schedule looks different from last year, given that Ganni moved to Paris Fashion Week for Spring 2025, Saks Potts closed its doors and (Di)vision filed for bankruptcy. But even as these shifts leave Scandinavian fashion in flux, CPHFW is adapting to what Nordic fashion is in 2025. Some brands such as 66North and Filippa K have joined the schedule for the first time, while some brands are navigating building a successful global market amid the luxury slowdown, exploring new show formats and centering partnerships with smaller boutiques in the challenging international wholesale landscape. {Vogue Business/paywalled}
Alessandro Michele makes his couture debut for Valentino
Alessandro Michele debuted his first couture collection for Valentino (and his first couture show ever) this week, and The New York Times‘ Fashion Director and Chief Fashion Critic Vanessa Friedman shared her thoughts on the larger-than-life collection: “What transpired was, in fact, an exercise in designer self-indulgence — a fancy dress party of Shakespearean costume dramatics adorned in the pomp and circumstance of the intellectual.” The show featured elaborate tent-like ballgowns and ensembles resembling old-fashioned royalty, with Valentino couture moving away from something for everyone and instead veering into excess. “It’s not that couture needs to be practical, or even realistic,” Friedman writes. “But it should show some sensitivity to the modern condition. Otherwise it’s just a museum piece.” {The New York Times/paywalled}
Source: Fashionista.com
