Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Friday.
Raúl Martinez returns to Vogue as global creative director
Effective Feb. 5, Raúl Martinez is Vogue‘s new global creative director. This follows his stint as creative director at Victoria’s Secret, where he has been since 2021. In this role, he will report to Anna Wintour (editorial director of Vogue and chief content officer of Condé Nast), overseeing the brand’s creative direction globally and Vogue‘s visual approach on all platforms, according to WWD. “One of the things I am most excited about is using our platform to introduce up-and-coming creatives to the world, as well as to mentor young artists,” said Martinez in a statement. “I also look forward to imagining new ways to tell stories – whether in-book, on social, digital, or video.” Martinez first worked at Vogue from 1988 through 1996, later returning in 2009 and in 2015 as Condé Nast’s chief creative officer. {WWD/paywalled}
Frédéric Arnault appointed CEO of LVMH Watches
In a newly created role, Frédéric Arnault is named chief executive officer of LVMH Watches, overseeing the Hublot, Tag Heuer and Zenith brands. Previously, Arnault served as the CEO of Tag Heuer, during which time the brand saw a “spectacular transformation” and 50% growth between 2020 and 2023, as reported by WWD. {WWD/paywalled}
Bangladesh garment workers reportedly fired en masse amid wage protests
Bangladesh unions claim garment workers are being fired in large numbers as protests continue over the revised minimum wage, Sourcing Journal reports. To date, it’s estimated that between “1,000 and 5,000 workers have either been fired over the past two months or are currently on the run.” Though manufacturing executives claim they are unaware of such turmoil in the workforce. “The workers are still miserably suffering,” said Nazma Akter, president of the union Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation and executive director of the advocacy group Awaj Foundation. “Many of them have lost their job [or faced] attendance deduction. Furthermore, injury, lack of proper treatment and medical cost, legal support, food and other daily necessities of living are missing. So now they are [living] a very insecure life with multiple crises including mental trauma and fear to save both life and job.” {Sourcing Journal/paywalled}
Arc’teryx, Salomon owner files for U.S. IPO
Amer Sports — the owner of Arc’teryx, Salomon, Atomic and Peak Performance — filed to go public in the U.S. after reporting a 30% revenue increase for the first nine months of 2023 on Thursday. Following a lackluster period throughout 2022 and 2023, U.S. initial public offerings are forecasted to rebound due to near-record highs in the stock market. “It looks like the company had a terrific 2023, in terms of both growth and EBITDA profitability. The enormous debt level is a turn-off, but the IPO will help in that regard,” Matthew Kennedy, senior strategist at IPO-research firm Renaissance Capital, told Business of Fashion. {Business of Fashion/paywalled}
Barneys flagship to become condos
The New York landmark that was once known as Barneys‘ flagship on Seventh Avenue has been bought by architect and developer Raymond Chan and is being transformed into condos, as confirmed by Curbed. The company inevitably foreclosed after going bankrupt in 2019, and its flagship location remained empty for two years until it was temporarily turned into a Spirit Halloween pop-up. {Curbed/paywalled}
Never miss the latest fashion industry news. Sign up for the Fashionista daily newsletter.
Source: Fashionista.com