WHEN BLACK FRIDAY BACKFIRES
Black Friday was once a sharp, high-impact retail moment that rewarded urgency and created genuine excitement. Today, it has swollen into a month-long pseudo-season, dominated by repetitive discounts and predictable 30/40/50 percent markdowns. It is no longer a moment; it is a habit. And like most habits, it dulls everything around it.
Traditionally, the sales period that mattered in Australasia began on Boxing Day. The summer sale season ran for three to four weeks, and shoppers understood the rhythm: premium goods held their price through Christmas, then dropped as part of an annual clearance cycle. That rhythm protected brand equity, maintained pricing credibility and ensured that full-price trading had room to breathe.
Black Friday has disrupted that pattern in a way that disadvantages both brands and consumers. When retailers begin discounting from early November, they burn through margin for an entire month. Then they get roughly three weeks of normal trading in December before plunging straight back into Boxing Day sales. The result is a relentless discount cycle that erodes full-price positioning and conditions customers to
treat regular pricing as ornamental.
In that environment, Black Friday starts to look suspiciously like the Briscoes model, where perpetual sale becomes the norm, and the original value proposition becomes hard to locate. Many brands believe they are driving demand with month-long markdowns, yet what they are really signalling is that their full price was never believable.
But not everyone is sliding into this spiral. The more strategic brands have moved on entirely from the markdown game, choosing to treat Black Friday as an opportunity to release limited editions, restrained colourways or exclusive bundles that strengthen, rather than weaken, their market position.
Beauty products are another example. Re-releases of old favourites, or shades only available over the sale period, sell briskly without relying on aggressive discounting. This is scarcity deployed with precision, not a clearance event dressed in black and neon.
In the sneaker world, the return of the Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” for Black Friday 2025 follows the same principle. No aggressive markdowns, just a reissue of a rare and coveted design that collectors will chase at full price. It is brand equity reinforced, not diluted.
Even some booksellers have shown discipline, using Black Friday to promote signed or limited-run editions rather than diving into blanket discounts. A signed copy can command full price because it is genuinely valuable, not artificially cheap.
These examples point to the smarter path forward. The real power of Black Friday lies in scarcity, storytelling and tightly controlled exclusivity. Limited runs, special editions and seasonal one-offs restore urgency and reinforce pricing power. They create momentum without undermining the brand’s yearround value.
If brands continue to treat November as a month-long clearance event, followed by Boxing Day’s traditional markdown stretch, they risk compressing the full-price window into a narrow slice of December. That is not a sustainable retail strategy. It is a tactical sugar hit with long-term consequences.
The brands that prosper will be the ones that resist the gravitational pull of constant discounting. Black Friday can still be useful, but only when it adds value rather than subtracts it.
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EPSON COLLABORATES WITH THE SOCIAL OUTFIT
To Support an Ethical and Sustainable Fashion Industry
This week in an event that launched The Social Outfit’s latest Resort collection featuring designs made with fabric digitally printed on an Epson Monna Lisa ML8000 direct-to-fabric printer, Epson and The Social Outfit highlighted their ongoing collaboration and shared commitment to supporting an ethical and sustainable fashion industry.
Epson A/NZ MD Craig Heckenberg explained, “‘Our partnership with The Social Outfit reflects Epson’s belief that technology can enrich communities and drive a more sustainable future. By supporting local, on-demand fabric printing, we’re helping enable ethical production and creative expression, while contributing to a more responsible and innovative textile industry.”
The Social Outfit is a social enterprise charity and fashion label that creates jobs, skills and community for refugee and new migrant women. Since 2014 The Social Outfit have provided paid employment, training and mentoring to help refugee women gain their first Australian work experience and progress into meaningful work. Their approach blends social impact with environmental responsibility, producing limited-edition fashion collections from
(Left to Right) Epson Australia Environment and Sustainability Manager Fatida Un, The Social Outfit Ambassador Bianca Spender, Epson A/NZ Corporate Marketing Manager Priscilla Dickason and The Social Outfit CEO Amy Low
remnant and deadstock fabrics that would otherwise go to landfill.
On their partnership with Epson
The Social Outfit’s CEO Amy Low said, “There is so much creative potential available to us through this Epson partnership. Accessing technology that enhances our ability to share stories of refugee and migrant women in Sydney is very exciting. This Monna Lisa digital print making was particularly intriguing to us, especially in translating one of our community print stories into a fashion capsule via Epson’s direct-to-fabric technology.”
An example of the designs printed and brought to life by Epson on the night and part of the new High Summer collection was a community print story called ‘Sama’. This unique design was digitally printed using the Epson Monna Lisa ML-8000 direct-to-fabric printer and displayed designs by 12 women from the Chester Hill Community Hub.
Part of the new High Summer collection and community print story ‘Sama’
Low continued, “When The Social Outfit team visited the Epson Experience Centre and saw the potential of the Monna Lisa directto-fabric printer and technology, we immediately considered what opportunities existed to provide learning opportunities and upskilling for our staff of refugee and migrant women. We are thrilled that Epson could add another layer of storytelling to our community print. Epson have gone above and beyond to support our vision, from being hands on with the selection of fabric to the printing process via their Monna Lisa printer and then printing elements to be included in our campaign imagery.”
‘Sama’ was digitally printed by Epson on the ML-8000 in Sydney and then made in The Social Outfit’s ethical garment manufacturing workroom in Marrickville by refugee and migrant women. This summer
customers can buy the garments that feature Sama online or at The Social Outfit’s store in Newtown. Customer service interactions at The Social Outfit support young refugee women participating in the organisation’s paid work experience program.
As the partnership has grown, Epson has also provided both financial and in-kind support to The Social Outfit as its official print partner. This includes large-format printing for photoshoots, window displays, projection and events.
Amy Low added, “Our partnership with Epson has allowed us to explore what it looks like to create a fully Australian manufactured garment. From printing all the way through to garment production and the experience we can provide to customers in our store. The Epson partnership has really helped us enhance the storytelling of what we do. In addition to locally printing fabric for our ‘Sama’
community print, their large format printing and amazing projection have enhanced our retail space and campaign imagery, significantly helping us capture the imagination of our customers and our community.”
Through its print and projection technology, Epson helped create and showcase works featured at this year’s Refugee Week celebration earlier this year, supporting efforts to raise awareness and celebrate the vital contributions of refugees to society.
Craig Heckenberg concluded, “It’s hard to overstate the importance of organisations such as The Social Outfit and the role they play in the sustainable fashion industry. The Social Outfit’s goals firmly align with Epson’s and that’s why we are so committed to this partnership. As a result, we believe the future for an ethical and sustainable fashion industry in Australia looks increasingly positive and bright.”
SHED 10 STAGE FOR AUCKLAND DESIGN WEEK
Auckland Design Week 2026 announced it will move to Shed 10 to set the stage for a bigger and bolder event.
Auckland Design Week (ADW) 2026 has launched with a gathering of the design community at Lexus of Auckland. Now in its third year, and running from 2 to 10 March 2026, activity will centre on its new home at Shed 10 in Auckland’s CBD, the ‘Design Depot’ for the event, hosting a diverse programme of exhibitions, workshops, and its flagship Design Conference.
Lexus continues its strong support of Auckland’s leading design event for a second year, elevating its role to Presenting Partner to reflect its commitment to fostering innovative and human-centred design.
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CHRISTCHURCH SPRING FASHION FESTIVAL RECAP
Christchurch came to life as its best-dressed crowd flocked to shows, panels and presentations of the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival, in partnership with New Zealand Fashion Week.
Abusy morning consisted of a fragrance launch from taylor and collection viewings with Zambesi. Lela Jacobs and Natural Hand drew a crowd to a historic Lyttleton Port venue for the show I Made My Coat a Mountain.
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HUGO BOSS JOINS BRANDS AT M&S
Hugo Boss is the latest name to join a growing portfolio of curated brands on M&S, starting with a collection of men’s premium underwear, loungewear, vests and tees.
Research has shown that male shoppers across all age groups rank ‘a wide range of brands’ among their top priorities when shopping, with this factor significant for the 18-34 and 35-54 cohorts, key demographics for M&S.
“Hugo Boss joins a curated selection of leading brands on the Brands at M&S platform, giving customers even more choice from names they know and trust,” said Stephanie Macleod, Head of Category for Third Party Brands at M&S.
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H&M LAUNCHES CONCEPT STORE & PRELOVED IN BEVERLY HILLS
This special destination store focuses on offering the most fashion-forward womenswear through a handpicked curation of H&M's most elevated designs, special collections, accessories, and H&M Pre-Loved. It will also serve as a hub for events and activations, further embedding H&M into Los Angeles' cultural fabric.
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NZM X TEXTILEGENESIS IMPROVE TRACEABILITY
The New Zealand Merino Company has expanded its collaboration with TextileGenesis to deliver full traceability for 100 percent of ZQcertified wool and ZQRX regenerative wool. This move followed the successful completion of a traceability pilot with three leading global brands in 2023. READ THE FULL STORY ONLINE
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PORTUGAL STEPS INTO THE FUTURE OF FOOTWEAR
Portugal’s footwear industry spent two days in the global spotlight this November, as APICCAPS and CTCP hosted an international gathering in Porto centred on technology, sustainability, and the future of European manufacturing.
Held at the historic Palácio da Bolsa and across several leading factories in the region, the programme offered a rare inside look at how Portugal is positioning itself as one of Europe’s most advanced and agile production hubs.
For decades, the country’s footwear makers relied on craftsmanship, family knowledge, and deep manufacturing heritage. Now they are coupling those strengths with automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and sophisticated sustainability strategies. The pace of change is striking, and the conference made it clear that the sector is preparing for a new era defined by digital capability and
environmental responsibility.
Speakers from across academia, industry, and technology outlined the challenges facing European producers. Asia currently manufactures around 94 percent of the world’s footwear, and competition has intensified as low-cost imports enter European markets without the same regulatory constraints. This imbalance has accelerated the need for Europe to strengthen its own industrial competitiveness, modernise processes, and protect high-value manufacturing.
APICCAPS president Luís Onofre emphasised that Portugal has already made significant progress, backed by more than 100 million euros in recent investment to modernise factories and
embed new technologies. The data is compelling. In 2024, Portugal exported 68 million pairs of shoes to roughly 170 countries, reinforcing its reputation for quality, flexibility, and reliability. The country is also recognised as one of the safest and most stable places in Europe to do business.
Panels throughout the event explored both technical innovation and the evolving business landscape. Sessions on automation and robotics revealed the level of integration already happening on factory floors. At the same time, conversations about new business models showed how the next generation of Portuguese brands is thinking beyond traditional manufacturing. From circular materials
to data-driven production planning, the cluster is experimenting with ideas that challenge established industry norms.
Factory visits to Carité, Bolflex and Vapesol offered a grounded look at these innovations in practice. Delegates moved from cutting-edge moulding technologies to advanced sole production lines, then to robotic systems that streamline repetitive tasks. Despite the technological emphasis, the human element remained central, with several speakers stressing that technology must enhance the workforce rather than replace it.
The role of artificial intelligence was another recurring theme, particularly in forecasting, product development, and supply chain optimisation. AI
experts demonstrated how digital tools are reshaping decision-making and unlocking efficiency gains that were not previously possible.
There was also a strong focus on Europe’s broader industrial future. APICCAPS general director João Maia and ANIVEC president César Araújo spoke candidly about the pressures facing manufacturers. They agreed that the region must simplify legislative processes, move faster, and prioritise the production of value-added goods instead of competing on volume.
The conference closed with remarks from CEC president Rosana Perán, who described this moment as pivotal for Europe’s footwear community. She noted that progress must sit alongside
tradition, and that technology should serve the people who define the industry’s identity. Her message was clear: Europe cannot rely on being a consumer market. It must strengthen its capacity to innovate and produce.
Across two days, the event demonstrated why Portugal continues to attract international attention. The country’s combination of craftsmanship, innovation, and strategic investment positions it as a credible and increasingly influential alternative to mass production in Asia. For footwear and fashion brands seeking European manufacturing partners with a long-term vision, Portugal is showing exactly what the industry of the future can look like.
NIKE X DEVIN BOOKER | BOOK 2 BEGINS THE NEXT CHAPTER
Nike Basketball is releasing the next chapter in Devin Booker’s timeless signature athlete story: the Book 2 footwear and apparel collection.
Booker worked closely with Nike designers to craft his second signature shoe into a modern classic, resulting in a low-profile, high-performance silhouette inspired by skateboarding, vintage cars and classic Nike sportswear.
Book 2 is a modern take on a classic basketball shoe that doesn't sacrifice comfort or performance. The lowprofile design delivers a well-cushioned and responsive ride, driven by the strategic combination of a forefoot Air Zoom unit, a bouncy Cushlon 3.0 midsole, and a plush foam sock liner. Booker took inspiration from classic Nike sneakers with the utmost intention.
A durable outsole takes after the venerable Air Force 1, featuring a new sun-dappled herringbone traction
pattern that serves as a shout-out to Phoenix while helping hoopers stay fast on their feet, pivot and get to their spot with time to spare.
A closer look reveals cactus-inspired details and tiny asterisks drawn by Booker himself, and a lateral outrigger creates a broader base of support for quick, side-to-side movements and added on-court stability.
Taking inspiration from the classic Nike Air Zoom Spiridon, two Book 2 models feature a lightweight, webbed mesh upper, while the others have a new moulded upper that gives the shoe a more modern aesthetic while still providing a similar locked-in fit and solid midfoot support.
Book 2 is joined by an apparel collection, an expertly curated selection of modern sportswear drenched in
a sun-faded look that celebrates his career in Phoenix.
Booker’s impeccable personal style shines through, bringing the heat with eight versatile pieces that pay homage to basketball culture.
The collection applies classic basketball cuts to premium, heavyweight fabrics that are finished with laser etching for a rugged yet tailored fit and feel, creating an oncourt vibe that extends seamlessly from the stadium tunnel to the street.
Pieces include long-sleeve T-shirts honouring Haven, Booker’s first Cane Corso mastiff; a cutoff shirt with a raw edge created to his exact specifications; a woven jacket and game pant; and a brushed hoodie, shorts and pants.
Nike Book 2 footwear and apparel will be available in January 2026.
DR MARTENS X MARC JACOBS
A bold new edge for a modern classic, introducing Dr Martens x Marc Jacobs.
The two brands have joined forces to boldly reinvent the beloved Kiki Boot, merging Marc’s signature runway details with Dr Martens' resilient, heritage-inspired design.
The Kiki Boot first appeared on the Marc Jacobs Fall '16 runway and was instantly anointed an alternative icon still revered today.
Crafted from smooth Buttero leather, this statement silhouette features unmistakable multi-buckle Kiki closures
with a lock-and-key charm set.
Buttero is a full-grain, smooth leather with a satin gloss and premium supple feel, and the SoftWair memory foam footbed ensures comfort from the first step.
The boot gets a Dr Martens angle with the exaggerated Corran heel sole finished with a yellow welt stitch.
Marc Jacobs x Dr Martens Kiki boots are available in two colourways, black and lavender, as well as a crocembossed style.
NIKE & CONVERSE BEGIN VAQUERA PARTNERSHIP
Nike and Converse have partnered with Vaquera to reinterpret a selection of the brands’ sportswear silhouettes.
The collaboration has begun with two bold expressions of the iconic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star: the XXXHi Slouch Wedge and XHi Slouch Wedge.
It highlighted materiality and construction, merging Converse’s classic design language with the subversive, narrative-driven approach central to each piece from the Parisbased fashion label, which is known for an irreverent, do-it-yourself sensibility that balances playfulness and social commentary.
“We love to take something wellknown like the Chuck and make it feel new,” said Bryn Taubensee, co-founder, Vaquera.
“We kept a lot of the iconic elements of the Chuck but removed the laces and supersized the upper. The effect is something familiar while at the same time unknown and exciting.”
Unveiled during Vaquera’s fall
2025 ready-to-wear presentation, both Converse x Vaquera silhouettes transformed the Chuck into a slouched, textile-heavy expression with hidden wedge soles.
Each style was designed to exaggerate proportion and movement, with the XXXHi extending above the knee and the XHi falling just below.
Wrapped in synthetic waxed canvas that softens and patinas with wear, both silhouettes reimagine Converse’s signature details, such as the patch, pinstripes and canvas through Vaquera’s experimental lens.
The release is also the first in a broader collaboration between NIKE, Inc. and Vaquera, which includes an upcoming reinterpretation of the Nike Air Max DN8, the brand’s latest advancement in Dynamic Air technology.
“Romance is a major brand code at Vaquera,” said Patric DiCaprio, cofounder, Vaquera.
“We covered the Dn8 with kiss marks. The effect is something playful and romantic while maintaining Nike’s high standard of functionality.”
Both collaborations reflect Vaquera’s dedication to blurring the line between homage and parody, satire and sincerity through what Taubensee and DiCaprio described as “fashion fan fiction.”
From viral pillow dresses to support from Dover Street Market’s brand development arm in Paris, Vaquera has evolved from a series of blog-era experiments into a cult fixture on the Paris Fashion Week calendar.
Balancing playfulness with social commentary, the brand thrives on contradiction, carving out a space where fashion becomes both a critique of itself and a celebration of its possibilities.
The Converse x Vaquera footwear will release globally in November, followed by the Nike x Vaquera Air Max Dn8 launch in December.
AGNÈS B.
Pink emerged as one of the most expressive colours of the Spring 2026 season, shifting fluidly between softness and strength as designers explored its full emotional spectrum.
Whether delivered in gentle powders or saturated brights, the hue offered a confident, modern statement that shaped some of the season’s most memorable looks.
Agnès B approached the shade with an injection of casual optimism. A monochromatic ensemble of a lightweight jacket, relaxed shorts, and a crisp white tank delivered a fresh, uncomplicated mood. The look balanced vivid colour like Mara 6-890 with approachable ease, reminding us that pink can function as a grounded, everyday essential while still bringing energy to simple silhouettes.
Aje opened the conversation with an ethereal interpretation of pink, a perfect match to Mara 6-2528, presenting a feathered mini layered over a sheer pencil skirt that moved with an air like delicacy. The play between transparency and volume created a weightless silhouette that
felt both youthful and refined. This soft, luminous take on pink embraced movement and texture, capturing a sense of effortless elegance.
Veronique Leroy pushed pink into sculptural territory with an oversized coat that dominated in a hue like Mara 7-716. Its structured shoulders and elongated lines created a bold architectural shape, softened by the muted powder tone. Paired with minimal styling and stark white heels, the piece showed how pink can assert power without sacrificing subtlety.
At Coperni, pink took a directional turn through deconstructed tailoring. A draped halter top in a washed check like Mara 6-984 was layered with split front trousers and an oversized jacket, giving the colour an unexpected edge. The look blended ease with experimentation, showcasing how pink thrives in more subversive, asymmetrical compositions.
Shiatzy Chen delivered a sharp taupe
suit that was punctuated by a vivid pink shirt creating a striking contrast that elevated the tailored silhouette. The combination felt modern and precise, using colour to emphasise confidence and clarity in menswear.
Zimmermann offered a more fluid interpretation, sending a model down the runway in an airy, draped twopiece that floated with each step. Gathered fabric, gentle pleating, and a cropped silhouette combined to create a romantic yet contemporary moment. The softness of the hue worked in harmony with the billowing construction, presenting light pink, similar to Mara 6-320, as a poetic force across evening and resort dressing.
Across Spring 2026 collections, pink proved itself far more multifaceted than its familiar associations. Designers embraced its subtlety and its drama, its softness and its structure, presenting a hue that can shift effortlessly between worlds.
MARA 6-890
MARA 7-716
MARA 6-984
MARA 6-382
MARA 6-320
SHIATZY
CHERISHED & LOVED FOR YEARS TO COME
Lucy Maxwell, founder and creative director of Josephine, has spent over 14 years working in the fashion industry.
Lucy Maxwell Founder & Creative Director Josephine
Her career began as a workroom assistant for a Melbourne-based designer, before she moved into a garment technician role at a wholesale company, and gained a deep understanding of design, production, and the business side of fashion.
From there, she progressed through roles at Neuw and Cotton On as a global designer, and eventually landed her dream role at Country Road as a womenswear designer.
According to Maxwell, that position was a turning point and a career highlight as it solidified her path as a designer and gave her the confidence to launch her own label.
“My earliest memory of fashion goes back to when I was around 12 or 13, learning to sew at school. We designed a simple cotton bag, and I picked it up almost immediately. I remember thinking, This is what I want to do,” said Maxwell.
“I’d always loved fashion, the outfits, the styling, the creativity, and I was fortunate that my small rural school offered a fashion design course within the NZQA curriculum. That opportunity was pivotal, and it’s what set me on the journey that ultimately led to Josephine.”
Josephine was officially launched in
August 2023, when Maxwell returned to her roots in the North Island of New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic and realised it was time to pursue her lifelong dream and create a label that truly represented her as a designer.
“I wanted to create design-led pieces in beautiful, premium fabrics at a more accessible price. As a professional woman, I’d often struggled to find pieces I loved that were both thoughtfully designed and well-made. Starting Josephine has allowed me to merge professional ambition with personal values, creating a brand that’s truly my own.”
The name Josephine was inspired by Maxwell’s grandmother, who has been one of the strongest, most inspirational women in her life, and it perfectly captured the blend of sophistication and a touch of quirk.
Josephine is all about an effortless aesthetic, and its summer collection is no different, with 100 percent cotton across all styles, each with a different weave. Natural fibres and breathable fabrics are at the heart of Josephine, not just for the longevity of the pieces, but for how women feel wearing them.
Continued
designer focus
Continued from pg. 20
Maxwell chose to avoid synthetics like polyester, both for the planet and because she personally didn’t enjoy wearing them. On rare occasions when a synthetic is necessary for construction, she tends to opt for recycled materials, keeping sustainability and quality at the forefront.
The collection is timeless and all about ease, lightness, and versatility, pieces that move with the body.
“When a garment is thoughtfully designed and well-made, it can be worn for years, effortlessly styled with both existing wardrobe staples and new additions. I want Josephine pieces to go beyond fleeting trends; they’re created to be cherished, worn, and loved for years to come.”
Maxwell added that she loved masculine-inspired, oversized silhouettes and playful proportions as they can break conventional norms while keeping pieces timeless and wearable. At the same time, subtle touches, such as carefully placed seams for durability and meticulously chosen buttons, ensure each garment feels refined and premium. It’s these small details that give the collection its effortless appearance while maintaining quality and sophistication.
Longevity also comes from considered design, such as choosing the right fabrics, seams, and trims, all of which play a vital role. It’s these details, combined with high-quality manufacturing, that ensure Josephine pieces are built to be loved and worn for years.
“When designing, I always ask myself: who’s wearing this, and how will they wear it? Each piece needs to suit a wide range of women and style effortlessly, both with other Josephine items and with pieces they already own. It’s about creating a collection that’s versatile, wearable, and timeless.”
Burnt Red is an intense hero shade this season, complementing the other shades in the collection, and all inspired by summer sunsets' warmth; those soft, lingering evenings that define the season.
The new Plum Stripe is another distinctive addition, and every stripe is custom-designed in yarn-dye to keep the finish premium. The same warmth as Burnt Red inspired the new Plum Stripe, and Maxwell wanted it to feel rich, refined, and timeless.
“Over the years, I’ve found these
When designing, I always ask myself: who’s wearing this, and how will they wear it? Each piece needs to suit a wide range of women and style effortlessly, both with other Josephine items and with pieces they already own. It’s about creating a collection that’s versatile, wearable, and timeless.
deeper, thoughtful tones and stripes really resonate with our beautiful customers, making it a perfect addition for summer.”
Additionally, the introduction of accessories felt like the natural next step in slowly building the Josephine brand. Maxwell said each piece was designed to pair effortlessly with the apparel while carrying the same relaxed, refined aesthetic.
“Accessories allow us to extend the wardrobe in thoughtful, versatile ways while staying true to the brand’s identity. I particularly love the Oversized Tote Bag; its beautiful, exaggerated silhouette makes it a must-have piece for summer.”
Maxwell added that she and her partner were fortunate to spend some time overseas, which gave them the perfect opportunity to shoot the summer collection.
“We wanted to capture the warmth of those long summer days, rich sunsets, and the contrast of white sands against the blue water, all of which reflect the collection's feeling.”
The campaign imagery reflects warm, sun-soaked tones and slow summer moments, shot on film, adding a timeless, textured quality and helping convey Josephine's relaxed, effortless aesthetic.
EILISH FRAGRANCES LAUNCHES YOUR TURN II
Eilish Fragrances announced the launch of Your Turn II, a bold new evolution of the award-winning fragrance portfolio, introduced in February 2025.
Developed in partnership with Billie Eilish and beauty company Parlux, the captivating new scent explores a bold, sensual dimension of Eilish's fragrance artistry, with a woodyfruity composition that plays with the contrast of light and dark.
The alluring fragrance opens with an unexpected contrast between the bright heat of pimento berry and the lush sweetness of mirabelle plum, and the verdant edge of green cassis leaves.
The composition evolves into a quietly seductive heart of fig nectar, black tea leaves, and vanilla orchid, before settling into a grounded base of natural vetiver and cedarwood for a finish that lingers with intention.
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SUPERGOOP! ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW CEO
Supergoop! has announced the appointment of Melis del Rey as CEO and Board Director, effective the 8th of December 2025.
Widely recognised for her expertise in brand building, beauty technology innovation, and scaling businesses with strong retail partnerships to unlock shared growth, del Rey brings more than two decades of experience in the global beauty and consumer products industry.
With a career spent shaping some of the world's most influential consumer businesses, her leadership spans roles at both Amazon and Procter & Gamble.
Most recently, del Rey served as General Manager of Amazon U.S. Health and Beauty, where she led a major transformation of Amazon's U.S. Beauty business, evolving it from a replenishment-driven channel into a leading beauty destination, known for its immersive, innovative, and personalised shopping experiences.
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MECCA TO TRANSFORM PACKAGING WITH PHANTM’S AI
MECCA has partnered with packaging technology company Phantm to use AI to transform how packaging data is collected, analysed and reported.
Signing on to Phantm’s packaging intelligence platform will see the company build one of the cosmetics industry’s most comprehensive packaging data assets.
This includes using Phantm AI, an image-assisted platform that provides instant insights into packaging materials, formats and weights. The AI-enabled technology will help MECCA identify opportunities to reduce costs, waste, and emissions while strengthening its packaging performance and reporting capabilities.
FREEDOM BY KAYALI, ROOTED IN LIBERATION
KAYALI has announced the launch of its most anticipated fragrance collection yet, FREEDOM.
Following the brand's global success with gourmand-inspired scents, FREEDOM marked a new chapter for KAYALI, one rooted in liberation through fragrance. A bold new scent that celebrates empowerment, selfacceptance, and the beauty of defining freedom on your own terms.
Anchored by the timeless note of musk, the collection reimagined this iconic ingredient through four distinct creations, each designed to evoke a unique facet of individuality and authenticity.
"The story behind this collection is deeply personal to me. It was inspired by my own journey toward independence and learning to fully embrace who I am. I started asking myself - what does freedom smell like? For me, it had to be musk,” said Mona Kattan, founder and CEO of KAYALI.
EMMA LEWISHAM REDEFINES SUSTAINABLE LUXURY
Emma Lewisham has continued to pioneer and set the global benchmark for luxury skincare, achieving the highest B Corp score of any luxury skincare brand.
It has set a new industry benchmark with a record-breaking B Corp score, positioning it as the highest-rated luxury skincare company globally in the Personal Care Products – Wholesale/ Retail category.
"This achievement represents promising progress, but our work is ongoing, and I believe it always will be as we continue to push boundaries, innovating through both skin science and sustainability, keeping this at the heart of everything we do," said Emma Lewisham, Co-Founder and Creative Director.
"We very much see sustainability as a way of being, not a destination. At Emma Lewisham, we want to see even higher adoption of refills and more material returned to keep in circulation, which, in turn, reduces carbon emissions. "
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Each limited-edition set provides beauty lovers with the chance to purchase the brand's iconic, awardwinning lash or brow products at an incredible value.
The Triple Threat Collections for Lashes and Brows comprise three unique sets, each designed to condition, nourish, and beautify natural lashes or brows with RevitaLash Cosmetics’ groundbreaking formulas.
Consumers will have the opportunity to purchase the Lash Triple Threat Collection, which includes the bestselling, full-sized RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner, a full-sized DoubleEnded Volume Set Volumising Primer & Mascara, and the brand-new Lash & Brow Styler.
E.L.F. BEAUTY RELEASES FY25 IMPACT REPORT
e.l.f. Beauty has released its fourth annual Impact Report alongside a bold new campaign encouraging the community to “give an e.l.f.”
The digital-first report is built around the theme of “the every”, a reflection of e.l.f.’s commitment to be a bold disruptor with a kind heart.
To amplify the message behind the Impact Report, e.l.f. also launched a bold, international consumer campaign: “Give an e.l.f.” The campaign features voices of kindred spirits and encourages the community to fuel their own sense of purpose.
A NEW LIGHT ENTERS THE SHELTER
The Shelter has announced the arrival of the Rick Owens candle L’Apparition.
L’Apparition is both an object and an experience, handcrafted and handpoured in France.
This vegetable-based candle is housed in a weighty, reusable black glass vessel derived from Owens’ iconic furniture range.
Inspired by modernist design and brutalist architecture, the form conveys a sense of discipline and a purity of line and intention that mirror his sculptural approach to space and object.
The fragrance reveals itself in layers: lotus, labdanum, myrrh, frankincense, and ambergris. Notes that rise and fall, grounding, meditative, quietly powerful.
Each element is drawn from ethically sourced essential oils and natural extracts, produced with environmental consideration in mind.
Once the final flame fades, the vessel remains. A new form of function, ready to be reimagined as a vase, sculpture or object of reflection.
L’Apparition has continued Rick Owens’ exploration of rawness, refined. It is an extension of his world, elemental, architectural and deeply human.
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LSKD EXPANDS FURTHER WITH NEW HAMILTON STORE OPENING
Australasian activewear brand LSKD is set to open its latest New Zealand store in Hamilton, marking the brand’s fifth location across the country and its first in the Waikato region.
The opening followed the huge success of LSKD’s recent Ponsonby Central launch on the 30th of August, which saw over 850 people line up before doors opened, cementing the brand’s fastgrowing popularity across New Zealand. With thriving stores already in Auckland (Takapuna and Ponsonby), Christchurch, and Mount Maunganui, Hamilton will now joins the LSKD community hub line-up. LSKD’s CEO and Founder, Jason Daniel, said the Hamilton expansion was a natural next step.
“We’ve been blown away by the support from our Kiwi community, and Hamilton has been high on our list for a while. This new store is about creating a space for the Waikato community to connect, experience our products in person. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone on opening day.”
Born out of Daniel’s love for BMX freestyle and motocross, where he earned the nickname “Loose Kid,” LSKD has grown from selling T-shirts trackside into a global brand.
The Hamilton store will stock LSKD’s
full range of technical activewear and streetwear, designed to support training, sport, and everyday life.
To mark the launch, LSKD will host an exclusive grand opening event, including:
• A tights and shorts swap through LSKD’s Project Earth initiative, giving customers the chance to trade in preloved activewear for fresh new LSKD gear.
• Limited-edition Hamilton-inspired merchandise, available only on opening day.
• Special giveaways, in-store surprises, and community workouts to bring the LSKD spirit to life.
• Kapa Haka performances, live music/ DJ, local brand partners and familyfriendly activations.
• In line with its values, LSKD is committed to hiring locally, supporting New Zealand athletes, and building meaningful community connections. Inspired by New Zealand’s rich sporting culture, the brand continues to draw on lessons of teamwork, resilience, and leadership.
Marking another milestone in LSKD’s New Zealand journey, with plans for further store rollouts across the country, the Hamilton store will open on the 1st of November 2025.
RAG & BONE’S NYC INSPIRED COLLECTION
rag & bone has unveiled its first-ever Fall/Winter 2025 premium watch collection
The Fall/Winter 2025 collection features three signature style categories, Casual, City, and Urban, each expressing a distinct facet of rag & bone's design identity.
Designed in Milan, the collection showcases refined, sustainable details that reflect rag & bone's commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship. Sapphire crystal ensures durability and clarity, while intricate movements showcase precision and sophistication. Premium Italian leather straps certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG) underscore the brand's dedication to quality and sustainability.
Casual designs blend denim-inspired accents with timeless silhouettes. The men's 40mm Bleeker pairs a vintagestyle stainless-steel case with Japanese date movement and a choice of leather or oval-linked bracelet for classic, comfortable wear.
City styles introduce elevated polish and subtle New York references.
The women's Brynn, a rectangular timepiece offered on both a vintage bracelet and a leather strap, and Rory, an oval design with slim Italian leather straps and polished stainlesssteel loops, nod to the brand's iconic accessories.
Urban highlights bold, edgy styles with modern case shapes, such as the men's Mercer Automatic, a tonneaushaped watch available in two versions: a statement-making logo dial or a sleek automatic bracelet. Both feature a screw-down crown and 5 ATM water resistance.
Signature rag & bone elements, including subtle logo stitching, minimalist dials, and the brand's signature dagger motif, honour its heritage while advancing its design aesthetic into a new category. Each piece is engineered to transition effortlessly from denim to tailoring, reflecting the brand's vision of modern, versatile luxury.
"This debut collection represents the next chapter for rag & bone, translating their iconic downtown New York aesthetic into timepieces that are as refined as they are functional," said Brett Gibson, Sequel President and Chief Commercial Officer.
"Every watch is crafted with precision, designed to tell a story and built for how people truly live today."
The collection is now available online with boutique roll-out throughout the remainder of 2025 in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Morocco, Australia, and Mexico.
SPECSAVERS LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE RECYCLING SOLUTION
Specsavers’ new research has shown that New Zealanders are collectively ‘gloarding’ with an astonishing 5.25 million pairs of old prescription glasses and 660,000 empty contact lens blister packs currently stored in Kiwi homes, cars or elsewhere.
This staggering volume would extend beyond the distance between Auckland and Christchurch, posing a significant environmental challenge.
To combat this growing optical waste, Specsavers has partnered with Opticycle to introduce a pioneering, end-to-end recycling solution across New Zealand.
This initiative offers a dual benefit, helping Kiwis declutter their homes and protecting the planet by diverting hard-
to-recycle optical waste from landfill.
Over half of New Zealanders were unaware that old glasses can be recycled, and 7 in 10 were unaware that empty contact-lens blister packs can be recycled.
“This initiative is a cornerstone of Specsavers' broader commitment to positive social and environmental impact,” said Cathy Rennie Matos, Specsavers ANZ Head of Sustainability.
“By making it easy to recycle old
eyewear, we’re helping people declutter their homes while protecting our planet. It’s a win-win for the environment and for personal peace of mind.”
If you’re a ‘gloarder’, Specsavers invites customers across New Zealand to bring their old glasses and contact lens blister packs to any Specsavers store for recycling. It’s a simple step that can significantly reduce optical waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.
RISE BEYOND THE REEF FIJI X KW CELEBRATE THREE YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP
Karen Walker has announced its latest collaboration with Fiji’s Rise Beyond the Reef, marking the third year of partnership.
The project has brought together Karen Walker’s chicmeets-utility sensibility with the craftsmanship of women from remote Fijian communities.
Founded in 2014, Rise Beyond the Reef created sustainable pathways for rural Indigenous women and their families, helping bridge the divide between remote communities and the modern market.
Each handmade piece reflects ecological, cultural and social values while supporting climate-smart initiatives and preserving traditional skills.
“Fiji holds a deep connection for me and my family, and it’s a privilege to continue working with the artisans of Rise Beyond the Reef. This collaboration celebrates their skill, creativity and resilience while sharing their work with a global audience,” said Karen Walker.
This year’s collaboration features five handwoven bags and three fan designs, all handcrafted by artisans from two
Fijian communities: Cakaudrove Province and Kioa Island.
Each bag is finished with signature Karen Walker Runaway straps, a contemporary detail that carries these traditional pieces from the shores of Fiji to city life. The fans, woven in coordinating natural fibres, highlight the same artistry in its most refined form.
Wamere Wild Vine Baskets (Small and Large), Bucket Bag and Fans in Cakaudrove Province on Fiji’s secondlargest island, more than 50 women weave baskets and fans from the wild wamere vine, a technique first introduced to their village generations ago. The vine is harvested deep in the forest, one strand at a time, then peeled and split entirely by hand.
As demand for woven goods grows, men are now joining in the harvesting, a shift that supports weavers and creates a more balanced share of work at home.
Round Basket Totes (Small and Large) On Kioa Island, part of Fiji’s northern region, artisans work with sasa
"Fiji holds a deep connection for me and my family, and it’s a privilege to continue working with the artisans of Rise Beyond the Reef. This collaboration celebrates their skill, creativity and resilience while sharing their work with a global audience,"
(coconut palm spine) and pandanus, harvesting, preparing and weaving each piece by hand. The island’s isolation limits access and makes it costly, yet it preserves a way of life in which knowledge and technique are passed from one generation to the next.
The finished weavings are sent to Sabeto Valley, where the Rise Beyond the Reef Studio Collection team completes the leather finishing and assembly. This final stage provides job training and employment for youth from partner communities before the completed designs are sent to New Zealand.
Janet Lotawa, Co-Founder and Director of Rise Beyond the Reef, said that working with Karen Walker has been a meaningful partnership.
“Together, we’re creating opportunity, empowering women and keeping traditional craft alive while connecting it to a global market.”
The new collection will be available from the 18th of November 2025.
SILK & STEEL’S CELESTIAL INSPIRED COLLECTION
Inspired by the stars and the quiet beauty of night, Étoile has captured a sense of celestial charm, romantic yet directional, designed for modern muses who love to shine.
Each piece has been ethically handcrafted by skilled artisans using sustainable practices, in rhodium and 14k goldplated sterling silver, and adorned with white zirconias that beautifully mimic diamonds.
Showcasing delicate star motifs, layered chains, sculptural hoops and radiant statement drops, timeless keepsakes designed to illuminate.
The collection features hero pieces
like the Ciel huggies, Aria hoops, Galaxie cuffs, and Étoile drop earrings, perfect for stacking or wearing solo for understated polish.
Refined, radiant and made to shine, this limited-edition collection celebrates jewellery as an everyday form of selfexpression.
Étoile will be available to shop from the 3rd of November in select stockists and online.
PATAGONIA RELEASES LANDMARK
WORK IN PROGRESS REPORT
Patagonia has released a report disclosing the company’s progress toward using business to implement solutions to the climate and ecological crisis.
Intended as a spin on the typical corporate impact report, Patagonia’s Work in Progress Report provides the most comprehensive view of its business impact, ownership structure and environmental giving that it has ever released.
As company employees began creating the document a year ago, it became clear the report would need to balance data and metrics with narrative storytelling for context. The report's name has conveyed the notion that Patagonia sees itself as an experiment
Our goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. This report doesn’t just share where we’re making an impact; it also shows where we still have work to do. In New Zealand, we’re just getting started,
in doing business differently and as a work in progress.
“We want to show our employees, customers and community where we are doing well, and where we have work to do,” said Corley Kenna, chief impact and communications officer at Patagonia.
“We are not perfect, as this report will show, but we remain steadfastly committed to improving all parts of our business, from making the highest quality products to supporting our employees and community of activists and ambassadors. This report is a transparency tool, not a victory lap.”
Since opening its first store in Tāhuna, Queenstown, in January 2024, Patagonia has continued to build connections with local communities by supporting grassroots conservation efforts and environmental organisations.
“Our goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. This report doesn’t just share where we’re making an impact; it also shows where we still have work to do.
In New Zealand, we’re just getting started,” said Cody Randell, Patagonia New Zealand Operations Manager.
In September 2022, Patagonia announced founder Yvon Chouinard and his family had transferred ownership of the company to the Holdfast Collective and the Patagonia Purpose Trust. The ownership structure allowed the company to indefinitely remain bound to its purpose of saving the home planet. Its excess profits are distributed to Holdfast Collective, a collection
of nonprofits that use the money to protect nature and biodiversity.
As a privately held company, Patagonia has never been required to provide annual stakeholder reporting. Over the years, the company has shared its efforts through Our Footprint online, B Corp assessments, and other tools. Until now, however, this reporting has been disjointed.
The report spans Fiscal Year 2025, from May 2024 to April 2025, and includes some older data to provide context. Key subjects include:
• Responsible Business — How Patagonia exists as an experiment in doing business more responsibly.
• Product — How the company builds quality, functional products responsibly and reduces the quantity of items its customers need.
• Community engagement — How the company activates its community to connect with the natural world and become environmental activists.
• Giving ecosystem — How the company uses its resources to find solutions to the climate and ecological crisis.
Randell added that Patagonia’s unconventional approach is deliberate. “We’re here to protect the places and communities that make outdoor life in New Zealand so special, and to show that business can be a force for good. We’re excited to build on this work even more in the near future as Patagonia grows in New Zealand.”
MIU MIU’S 2025 HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN
Miu Miu has launched its 2025 holiday campaign, shot by Angela Hill and featuring Gigi Hadid, Dede Mansro, Viola Sharp and Ju Xiaowen.
Acast of characters gathers for the holiday season at an Elizabethan manor house in the British countryside. They encounter a place that feels new to them, yet is layered with centuries of history and remembrance.
Ancient brickwork and scarred stones evoke a marked, emotionally resonant contrast between the antique, in places ruined, splendour of the surroundings and the youth and pristine beauty of those who inhabit it. Here is a family mansion, revealed in its purest form, one that exists as a permanent expression of the majesty of time passing.
The contrasts that lie at the core of the Miu Miu name are integral: the effortless elegance and high spirits of the young women interacting are set against the stately grandeur of a monolithic stone fireplace; their attitude is as strikingly at odds with
this backdrop as it is natural and spontaneous.
A discreet sparkle lifts looks created for the festive season: crumpled and embroidered duchesse satin in soft shades, patchworked shearling, glitterand sequin-embellished knits, liquid bias-cut satins, lingerie-inspired stretch georgette, and ultra-feminine prints.
Signature moccasins, loafers, slippers, and ballerinas are contrasted with knee-high stretch-leather designs first seen on the Fall-Winter runway, ultra-flat sneakers, and pointed-toe, grosgrain-trimmed pumps with a high or kitten heel.
Bags include the iconic Wander, Arcadie, Pocket, Beau, Solitaire and the backpack in classic colours and - for the holidays - seasonal red.
Captured on Super 8 film and photographed on film, the campaign upholds an authentic, tactile aesthetic.
perspective:
the power of uncovering whitespace through multi-view analysis
CONNECTED DATA IS THE FUTURE OF RETAIL ANALYSIS
Whitespace analysis is the difference between reacting to the market and shaping it. It’s what helps retailers uncover unmet demand, identify oversaturated spaces, and build assortments that perform. But to do it well, you need more than just a snapshot of your competitors — you need complete data and the flexibility to explore it from multiple angles.
True whitespace insight comes from seeing the whole picture: how your mix compares to others, what’s trending by fabric or color, how price strategies differ, and how timing plays into performance. Retailers who can look at data dynamically move faster, reduce risk, and capture more opportunity.
COMPARING TO COMPETITORS: DIRECT, ASPIRATIONAL, AND ACROSS MARKETS
The best whitespace analysis starts with smart benchmarking. It’s not just about how you perform next to your direct competitors – it’s also about the brands you aspire to compete with. By analyzing both sets, retailers can identify where they have room to stretch their brand, elevate positioning, or close assortment gaps.
It’s equally valuable to compare across markets and regions. A product category or colorway that performs in one country may lag in another. Having the flexibility to view localized performance uncovers regional preferences and allows teams to fine-tune assortments by geography, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all strategy.
VARIETY OF TIMEFRAMES: SEEING THE NOW AND PLANNING FOR WHAT’S NEXT
Timing is everything in retail. The ability to look at performance through multiple timeframes, whether short-term for in-season adjustments or long-term for future range planning is essential. Near-term analysis helps teams make quick, high-impact decisions like increasing depth in bestsellers or phasing out underperforming colors. Broader time views, such as comparing across multiple seasons or fiscal years, reveal evolving trends and cyclical patterns. This dual view helps retailers act fast today while planning smarter for tomorrow.
SLICING
THE DATA: FABRIC, COLOR, PATTERN, AND BEYOND
Retail success often comes down to the details. Being able to analyze data by fabric type, blend, color mix, or pattern helps retailers understand what’s truly resonating with customers.
A surge in technical fabrics, for example, might signal a shift in consumer preference that’s still in early stages. Or color analysis could reveal that competitors are leaning heavily into certain tones while others remain underrepresented — an opening to differentiate. The ability to slice and filter data this way helps teams pinpoint microtrends before they hit the mainstream.
PRICE
MODEL COMPARISON: FINDING WHITESPACE BY PRICE POINT
Whitespace isn’t just about product mix — it’s also about pricing strategy. Comparing how competitors price within categories helps identify where there’s opportunity to expand or reposition.
Are you missing key price buckets? Are competitors selling out fullprice items where you’re relying on markdowns? Evaluating good, better, best price structures across competitors provides a clearer view of where your brand can win, both in perception and profitability.
LEVERAGING AI TO SURFACE WHAT YOU WOULDN’T THINK TO LOOK FOR
Even the most experienced teams can miss patterns hidden within massive datasets. This is where AI becomes a competitive advantage. AI can highlight unexpected signals — a rise in certain color families, a new pattern combination gaining traction, or a subtle shift in phasings and sell-outs — insights that might not be on your radar yet.
By surfacing what’s unseen, AI helps teams stay proactive rather than reactive, uncovering whitespace opportunities before they’re visible to the broader market.
HOW EDITED HELPS
To uncover real whitespace, you need complete, connected data and the flexibility to explore it from every angle. EDITED brings together more than 14 years of market data, covering over 5,000 retailers and billions of products, all within a platform designed for deep, customizable analysis.
From competitive benchmarking and multi-season views to filtering by fabrication, color, or price point — EDITED gives retailers the clarity to move faster and make more confident, data-driven decisions. And with AIpowered insights built in, you can identify emerging trends before they take off.
