RIGHT NOW
Na-kd
The Brand Builder
Valentino de Luca (centre) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his brand Lucky de Luca. Congratulations!
Lucky de Luca
The Consistency of a Free Spirit This year, designer Valentino de Luca celebrates the tenth anniversary of Lucky de Luca, his first and still most dominant label, with creative fireworks. Based on the progressive optimism of the 1960s and the era’s rebelliously creative nature, the new Lucky de Luca collection celebrates the successes of the last ten years in its own individual manner. By pairing expressive prints with the joyful nonchalance of the entire collection, Valentino de Luca pays homage to Roy Liechtenstein and the heroes of Pop Art in this very special range. He still remains true to his roots, however. Every collection piece is manufactured exclusively by certified partners in Turkey and Italy under fair conditions. The unbelievable dynamic in the collections always intertwines with the almost pedantic perfection reflected in the cuts and details. Valentino de Luca perceives himself as the “most German Italian in the world”, because he is always punctual and supervises every process with meticulous care. style in progress wishes you continued success in the future, Valentino! www.luckydeluca.com
As the new Co-Owner and Global Sales Director Wholesale & Retail of Swedish brand Na-kd, Thorsten Baumann has achieved much within just one year - and he has more on his agenda. “We started the wholesale and retail rollout in Europe in May, after the launch in Germany and Austria in September 2017,” Baumann notes. This was followed by the Benelux markets, Italy, Scandinavia, and France. “All across Europe, we have the major department stores on board,” Baumann adds. The success of the brand, which was launched online in 2016, rubs off on retailers too. Na-kd credibly links its lifestyle with the international blogger community. Retailers who enthuse the young target group with Na-kd include Breuninger, Peek & Cloppenburg, Ludwig Beck, Citadium, Galeries Lafayette, Hudson Bay, and Magasin Du Nord. “In the first business year of the wholesale department, we were able to realise 20 percent of Na-kd Brand Group’s total sales.” The next launches will take place in the Middle East, Canada, and the US. Baumann’s previous employers include Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Pepe Jeans, all companies positioned in the same brand environment as Nakd. “Charging brands with emotion and building on their success is my passion.” www.na-kd.com
Vogue Concept Store
Outlet Pop-Up
Five months in the Outletcity Metzingen: the first Vogue Concept Store.
The first Vogue Concept Store was launched as a pop-up format in November. It offered German designer labels such as Marina Hoermanseder, David Tomaszewski, and Lika Mimika, complemented by brands such as Iris von Arnim, Talbot Runhof, and Vogue Accessories. The concept was developed by Condé Nast Germany as a means of Vogue for reaching out to readers. But why was the Outletcity Metzingen chosen as a venue rather than a city centre? “In Outletcity Metzingen, we have found a partner who has the necessary retail know-how, premises, and courage to try out new things. The direct proximity to stores of luxury brands and an international, affluent audience were among the reasons for the choice of location. In addition, designers can sell collections from previous seasons,” says Ines Thomas, the Director of Corporate Communications at Condé Nast Verlag. “Vogue Germany regularly organises initiatives such as ‘Vogue loves Breuninger’, as well as co-operations with the likes of KaDeWe and Lodenfrey. We are aware of our brand’s power at the POS. It is conceivable the concept could be implemented in other locations in order to bring the Vogue Salon designers together with the right target group in an upscale environment.” www.vogue.de
Thorsten Baumann believes that Na-kd is the retail trade’s answer to Zara.
style in progress
017