Photo: Tom Brenner/Getty Images
These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Monday.
Ralph Lauren and Anna Wintour awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
On Saturday, Ralph Lauren became the first fashion designer to be honored with the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. The award — established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 — is given to influential figures who shape culture or contribute to the world’s interests for the better. Lauren’s award honors his many trailblazing contributions to fashion as well as his impact o then American design aesthetic. Anna Wintour, Vogue editor-in-chief and chief content officer at Condé Nast, was also an award recipient to honor her achievements in using “fashion as a mirror to reflect our culture.” {Business of Fashion/paywalled}
Heidi Klum will return to “Project Runway”
Heidi Klum will return to “Project Runway,” which she exited in 2018, for the reality design competition show’s Season 21, premiering later this year on Disney’s Freeform. Klum had a successful 16-season stint hosting the show, resulting in nine award nominations and winning a 2013 Emmy Award that she shared with her co-host Tim Gunn. Following the pair’s departure, “Project Runway” Season 4 winner Christian Siriano stepped in, eventually fulfilling both roles. There’s been no news about whether Gunn will also return to the show. {Variety}
Saint Laurent Productions wins its first Golden Globe awards for “Emilia Perez”
On Sunday night, Saint Laurent Productions walked away with four Golden Globe awards for “Emilia Perez.” The production studio received the awards for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Non-English Language Motion Picture, Best Original Song and Best Supporting Female Actor, awarded to Zoe Saldana. This achievement also marks a major milestone for Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello “as the first designer to co-produce a film that has received Golden Globe awards,” the press release states. {Fashionista inbox}
What the Saks-Neiman merger means for brands and designers
With Saks’ $2.7 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group finalized, the merger requires some repositioning for affected brands and designers. Some stores will close and a few backend operational management structures will be consolidated, however, Saks Global executives have emphasized any restructuring will provide greater long-term financial stability. All Saks vendors waiting on delayed payments are also assured to be paid. “This is about transformation, not consolidation. It’s about growth….There are redundant functions that are going to be rationalized. It will be a process we go through over time,” Marc Metrick, chief executive officer of the new Saks Global Group, told WWD. {WWD/paywalled}
The beauty brands investors are targeting for 2025
Last year yielded few mergers and acquisitions in the beauty space; investors and founders are hoping for a more promising market in 2025. The groundwork is laid for potential deals to materialize, with a handful of beauty brands set up well for probable investment, including fragrance brand Kayali, makeup brands Merit and Makeup by Mario and sun-care brand Vacation. {Business of Fashion/paywalled}
Marquee Brands acquires Laura Ashley
British clothing and home furnishings brand Laura Ashley is now owned by New York-based Marquee Brands, which also acquired Ben Sherman and Martha Stewart. Previously, Laura Ashley was bought by Gordon Brothers in 2020, reviving the business out of administration and returning it to brick-and-mortar via a handful of licensing agreements. The acquisition’s financial details have not been revealed, though the new deal allows Laura Ashley’s UK-based team to continue operations while exploring new categories and products for the label to “unlock its future potential as a full lifestyle brand,” said Heath Golden, the chief executive of Marquee Brands. {The Guardian}
Source: Fashionista.com