At the Drapers Inner Circle Summit, leaders from Rixo, Hurr, and Baukjen shared strategies for thriving in today’s challenging fashion market. Their insights into sustaining growth and adapting business models reflect emerging trends in the industry.
- Rixo’s co-founder emphasised the importance of staying true to brand essence while focusing on sustainable growth and profitability without deviating from their core offerings.
- Hurr’s chief operating officer highlighted the value of leveraging data insights to innovate and enhance their rental platform beyond traditional approaches.
- Baukjen’s design director discussed reinventing their business model to prioritise garment longevity and environmental responsibility.
- The panel’s insights reflect a broader movement towards sustainable practices and innovation in fashion.
During the Drapers Inner Circle Summit, key figures from Rixo, Hurr, and Baukjen shared their experiences and strategies for gaining market share. These discussions revealed important insights into how brands are navigating the current disruptive landscape.
Henrietta Rix, co-founder and CEO of Rixo, stressed the necessity of communication with consumers. She pointed out that sustainable growth and profitability are critical, yet staying true to the original brand vision is equally important. Rixo remains focused on delivering women’s wear, particularly dresses, maintaining a consistent product line similar to its origins nearly a decade ago.
Lauren Roberts, COO of Hurr, described their approach as leveraging an extensive database of insights drawn from their peer-to-peer community. Unlike conventional advice to excel in one area, Hurr focuses on continual innovation, utilizing data to expand and refine their offerings. Roberts noted this strategy as key to their ongoing success and adaptation in a fluid market environment.
Natalie Grant, design director at Baukjen, explained the company’s shift towards a sustainable model. Recognising the environmental impact of fast fashion, Baukjen has embraced designing products for longevity, aiming to lead by example in transforming industry standards. Grant highlighted their commitment to doing good for the world as a cornerstone of Baukjen’s philosophy.
This panel discussion underscored the increasing momentum towards sustainable fashion practices. Rix expressed surprise at the rapid shift towards sustainability, noting a significant rise in consumer and industry interest in more responsible practices over recent years.
The insights from Rixo, Hurr, and Baukjen highlight a dynamic shift towards sustainability and innovation within the fashion industry.