Author: Sam Allcock

British menswear designer Bianca Saunders has been announced as the winner of the 2024 BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund, a recognition of her remarkable craftsmanship.The £100,000 cash prize is accompanied by a year of invaluable pro-bono business mentoring and legal services to aid Saunders’ brand growth.Saunders was selected from a competitive shortlist that included other talented designers such as Labrum London, Saul Nash, and Bleue Burnham.Last year’s winner was Grace Wales Bonner, demonstrating the fund’s commitment to supporting groundbreaking talents.Bianca Saunders has rapidly expanded her brand and influence, with notable achievements including designing for the 2023 Met Gala.Bianca Saunders, a British…

The rise of generative AI has sparked a legal debate on copyright implications.Generative AI systems are capable of creating content by learning from existing works.The risk of copyright infringement arises during both training and creation phases.UK copyright law poses challenges in defending against infringement allegations.International standards, such as the EU’s AI Act, may affect future AI development.The emergence of generative AI systems has introduced significant challenges to copyright law, as these technologies develop new text, images, and other content by learning from existing works. The potential for copyright infringement is most pronounced during the AI training phase, where third-party texts…

UK fashion retailer PrettyLittleThing introduces a return charge to customers.Starting 3 June, a fee of £1.99 will be applicable for online returns.The charge aligns PrettyLittleThing with similar policies by major retailers like Zara and Boohoo.Alternative courier options are available, affecting the refund method for customers.The move reflects broader industry trends addressing return-related costs.As of 3 June, online fashion retailer PrettyLittleThing has instituted a £1.99 charge for returns. This fee will be deducted from the customer’s refund or paid directly if using alternative couriers such as Evri, Royal Mail, and Inpost. This policy change brings PrettyLittleThing in line with other major…

Chanel’s creative director Virginie Viard has announced her departure, prompting discussions about her successor and the implications for gender representation in the fashion industry.Viard, who had been with Chanel since 1987 and took the helm in 2019, led the brand to financial success despite market challenges.Speculation about her successor includes names like Hedi Slimane, Pierpaolo Piccioli, and Phoebe Philo, highlighting the industry’s gender gap.Chanel’s pricing strategy and product innovation under Viard’s tenure have drawn scrutiny and stirred consumer interest.The fashion world watches closely as Chanel seeks to honour its legacy while appealing to a diverse audience.Chanel’s creative director, Virginie Viard,…

Harrods has taken a decisive step toward sustainability by releasing its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report.The report captures key achievements and future goals, marking a milestone for the luxury department store.A significant 2.4% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions has been accomplished.Initiatives like the beauty recycling scheme and solar panel installations demonstrate Harrods’ commitment.The Community Pillar strategy aims to support global communities through partnerships with charities.Harrods has made a significant move towards sustainability with the release of its first annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report covering from February 2023 to January 2024. This report…

The British Fashion Council (BFC) is launching a new cultural format for London Fashion Week.The event commences on 7 June at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, marking the week’s opening to the public.Exhibition themes include Black, South Asian, and queer cultures, each captured by respected photographers.Public access to discussions and exhibitions will be available on 8 June with ticket sales supporting the BFC Foundation.Notable speakers and designers will showcase throughout the weekend, highlighting diverse and creative voices.The British Fashion Council (BFC) is pioneering a novel cultural experience for London Fashion Week, now accessible to the public. Beginning on 7 June…

Despite increased health and wellbeing support, businesses still face significant employee-related issues.Currently, 74% of employers report offering more wellbeing support compared to two years ago, aiming to alleviate workforce challenges.However, issues such as quiet quitting and staff turnover remain prevalent, affecting 35% and 34% of businesses respectively.Hybrid working arrangements, presenteeism, and absence rates further complicate the workplace dynamics.Strategic, targeted health and wellbeing initiatives are needed to address these persistent issues effectively.In recent years, a significant 74% of employers have increased their health and wellbeing support, with 42% offering substantially more than before. This effort aims to mitigate ongoing employee-related challenges…

Bernard Boutique, a cherished womenswear shop in Esher, Surrey, has announced its closing date.Founded in 1969, Bernard Boutique has been a staple on Esher’s High Street for over 40 years.The boutique’s last trading day is set for Saturday, 8 June.The co-founder cited health reasons for the closure, expressing a desire for relaxation and family time.The boutique’s website has been inaccessible since late May, affecting its operations.Bernard Boutique, renowned for its premium womenswear, will close the doors to its beloved Esher store later this week. This decision marks the end of an era for a business that has been a fixture…

N Brown Group has achieved a noteworthy financial turnaround, reporting a profit before tax of £5.3m, contrasting with the previous year’s £71.1m loss. Despite a 9.8% drop in group revenue to £601m, the company focused on driving profitable sales in a challenging market. Key product developments included JD Williams’ Anthology line and Jacamo’s brand expansion.The company achieved significant financial improvement, moving from a loss of £71.1m last year to a profit of £5.3m, thanks to revised strategies and market resilience.Despite facing a tough market environment, N Brown Group’s revenue fell by 9.8% to £601m, with product revenue dropping 10.6%.Notable product…

The renowned Selfridges store on London’s Oxford Street has revealed its refurbished Beauty Hall after a year-long transformation.The new layout highlights visibility and ease, featuring 37 dedicated brand counters including Fenty Beauty and Victoria Beckham Beauty.A “Beauty Spot” offers a dynamic space for both established and emerging brands, with Refy currently in residence.Modernised lighting, inspired by daylight, enhances the shopping experience by providing accurate make-up application.Sustainability is a focus, with refill services planned at all counters by 2025 as part of the Reselfridges initiative.The prominent Selfridges department store in London has reopened its Beauty Hall after completing a comprehensive renovation…