E-Commerce Firm Jumia Draws Takeover Interest From Axian
A deal between the biggest e-commerce platform in Africa and telecommunications company Axian would help both company expand across the continent.
technology / Manufacturing
The Best of BoF 2024: Finding Technology’s Value
Technology was forced to prove its worth this year as businesses sought practical use cases for AI and data analytics amid a tough consumer environment that brought a few high-profile businesses crashing back down to earth.
Partner Content
Understanding the Potential of Digital Product Passports
New regulations from the European Commission will require fashion and other consumer goods to be fitted with unique digital product passports as early as 2026. At BoF’s VOICES 2023, the CEO of Arianee demystifies the future of digital product passports and their ability to reimagine fashion brands’ revenue stream.
Understanding the Potential of Digital Product Passports
New regulations from the European Commission will require fashion and other consumer goods to be fitted with unique digital product passports as early as 2026. At BoF’s VOICES 2023, the CEO of Arianee demystifies the future of digital product passports and their ability to reimagine fashion brands’ revenue stream.
Entrepreneurship
How War Changed Ukrainian Brand Sleeper
When Russia invaded early last year, the Kyiv-based brand — known for its viral feathered party pyjamas — was forced into survival mode. Now, founders Asya Varetsa and Kate Zubarieva are ready to speed up growth and introduce a new Sleeper, starting with a fresh logo.
How War Changed Ukrainian Brand Sleeper
When Russia invaded early last year, the Kyiv-based brand — known for its viral feathered party pyjamas — was forced into survival mode. Now, founders Asya Varetsa and Kate Zubarieva are ready to speed up growth and introduce a new Sleeper, starting with a fresh logo.
Diamond Prices Are in Free Fall in One Key Corner of the Market
One of the world’s most popular types of rough diamonds has plunged into a pricing free fall, as an increasing number of Americans choose engagement rings made from lab-grown stones instead.
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Walmart, Centric Probe Suppliers For Potential Links to Cambodia Women’s Prison
Walmart and Centric Brands are investigating their supply chains in Cambodia over allegations that inmates at the country’s largest women’s prison were illegally employed to produce garments for export.
Start-Ups Are Vying to Fix One of Fashion’s Fossil-Fueled Secrets
Transferring dye to fabric is incredibly carbon-intensive. Newer sustainable techniques, including colouring with carbon dioxide, may help.
Should DTC Brands Open Their Own Factories?
Some digitally native start-ups are buying or building factories to cut production times and control quality. But not every company is built to handle manufacturing themselves.
Luxury
Case Study | Inside Hermès’ Best-in-Class Leather Goods Strategy
How a unique approach to supply chain, design, communications and retail has powered blockbuster demand for iconic bags like the Birkin and Kelly, enabling the French leather goods house to face down rivals and become a global megabrand with a market capitalisation greater than Nike’s.
Case Study | Inside Hermès’ Best-in-Class Leather Goods Strategy
How a unique approach to supply chain, design, communications and retail has powered blockbuster demand for iconic bags like the Birkin and Kelly, enabling the French leather goods house to face down rivals and become a global megabrand with a market capitalisation greater than Nike’s.
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Reformation’s IPO Push Bets on Going Green in $200 Eucalyptus Pants
Fast-growing womenswear maker Reformation will be the next big test of whether a brand pitching sustainability can win over a wider audience and deliver on environmental promises.
Will Fashion’s Next Generation of Materials Be Brewed Like Beer?
Japanese sportswear group Goldwin and biotech start-up Spiber are set to test the market for lab-grown materials with collections for brands including North Face and Woolrich this fall.
Apparel Factories in Vietnam Struggle With US Ban on Xinjiang Cotton
Tighter US rules to ban imports from China’s Xinjiang are compounding pressure on Vietnam’s apparel and footwear makers.
The BoF Podcast | Ten Years After Rana Plaza, Has Fashion Changed?
Labour rights activist Kalpona Akter and chief sustainability correspondent Sarah Kent reflect on where the industry stands a decade after the deadly factory collapse.
The News in Brief
Billionaire H&M Founding Family Speeds Up Share Purchases
The Persson family and its related companies owned over 60 percent of H&M's shares at the end of May, prompting speculation the company may return to private ownership.
Kate Moss’ Cosmoss Enters Liquidation
The prestige skincare and wellness line founded by the British supermodel entered liquidation proceedings after failing to file its company accounts.
Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo Paired for Blockbuster Exhibition
The two era-defining avant-garde fashion designers will be the subject of a major exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia.
Exclusive: Smythson of Bond Street Acquired by Oakley Capital
The British luxury lifestyle brand, known for its leather handbags, notebooks, homeware and other accessories, will look to accelerate its growth and expand internationally.
L’Oréal to Acquire Hair Care Brand Color Wow
Hair care was the second fastest-growing category at L’Oréal last year after fragrances.
Bold Management Acquires Influencer Agency The Digital Prototype
The deal bolsters Bold’s talent management capabilities in France.
Prada Credits Sandal’s Indian Legacy Amid Uproar
The Italian fashion group has acknowledged the Indian roots of a new open-toe sandal design after criticism from artisans and politicians.