Authenticity 500 Index’s Post

Subscribe to Authenticity ® Report This week, we will focus on how luxury and outdoor fashion brands like Arc'teryx Equipment, Hermès, and Vans stand out for their authenticity, staying true to their roots through craftsmanship, purpose, and connection to their communities. Our Roundup highlights the increasing demand for authenticity in leadership, Adobe's new tool for creator protection, and George and Mayan Lopez attributing the success of their show "Lopez vs. Lopez" to the authentic portrayal of family dynamics. https://lnkd.in/gyXH4URp

📊 The Lyst Index Q3 2024: Shifts, Comebacks, and Surprises in Fashion 📊 The latest Lyst Index continues to showcase the dynamic nature of the fashion industry, highlighting major brand movements and trends. Here are some key takeaways: 🌟 Alaïa’s Ascendancy: With a remarkable rise of 12 spots, Alaïa’s popularity surged this quarter, driven by its blend of sensual design and high craftsmanship. Under Pieter Mulier’s direction, the brand’s iconic pieces, like their ballet flats, are resonating strongly with consumers, proving that timeless elegance still commands attention. 🌟 The Row’s Strategic Positioning: It’s fascinating to see The Row climbing up the rankings. The Olsen twins seem to be strategically positioning the brand as the next Hermès, focusing on understated luxury, impeccable tailoring, and timeless pieces. Their approach emphasizes quality and exclusivity, setting them apart from fast fashion trends and solidifying their place as a staple for those who value quiet luxury. 📉 Balenciaga’s Continued Struggle: Despite efforts to recover, Balenciaga fell 10 positions this quarter. The brand's decline can be traced back to its controversial ad campaigns in late 2022, which sparked global backlash and calls for boycotts. Statements from creative director Demna, promising a focus on craftsmanship over provocative designs, have yet to fully resonate, as some of the recent runway pieces and marketing moves still feel misaligned with his public declarations of change. This contrast has left consumers questioning the sincerity of the brand's new direction, impacting its market performance 🏅 Ralph Lauren’s Return: One of the notable new entrants is Ralph Lauren, making a comeback on the list. The brand’s inclusion can be partially attributed to its association with the Olympics, as it continues to leverage its heritage and iconic American style on a global stage. This alignment with high-profile events underscores how strategic partnerships can reinvigorate brand appeal. The Lyst Index provides a fascinating snapshot of how brands are navigating the current fashion landscape, reflecting both the power of strategic innovation and the challenges of rebuilding consumer trust. For a deeper dive, explore the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dCu322Kn #LystIndex #FashionTrends #LuxuryFashion #Alaia #TheRow #Balenciaga #RalphLauren #ConsumerInsights

The game of musical chairs among creative directors is almost over (Blazy at Chanel, Rider at Celine...). So what does that mean for fashion in 2025? The New York Times Fashion Director Vanessa Friedman's piece is spot on and sparks so many thoughts on the future of fashion and luxury (especially in this economic climate). As she so succinctly puts it: "It's time for a fashion revolution.... ...Out of chaos came creativity. That’s where we are now: at a mass inflection point when the world order is in flux, social mores are shifting, the A.I. era is dawning and it’s not clear how everything will be resolved. The first quarter of the 21st century, with the ascent of streetwear and athleisure, is over. There is a hunger for the defining next." Her recounting of how past designers revolutionized fashion serves as a reminder that ideas once considered shocking often evolve to become part of the mainstream. But many of her examples, from Chanel's LBD to Dior's New Look, were created at a time 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 luxury conglomerates. So I wonder how much leeway designers are now given to flex their creative muscles? How calculated must their risks be? Will they be given enough creative control to "Surprise us. Enchant us. Shock us." as Friedman requests? Or will executives with a short-term vision put the kibosh on revolutionary ideas that may not directly translate to immediate sales? I’m eager to see what debuts on the runways this year - but just as curious about the pieces that never make it there. #fashion #luxury #CreativeDirectors #trends2025

So, here’s all you need to know about fashion branding wisdom (with a nod to Ляйсян Купаева for reminding me of the iconic H&M vs. Balenciaga scene from Triangle of Sadness—screenshot attached! 🎬👗). As for H&M's rebranding efforts, here’s my take so far: - The new collection? A bit more polished, sure, but pricewise, it’s more or less the same 💸. - The ads? Everywhere, and in black-and-white, of course (because that’s the go-to move when a brand wants to signal seriousness 🖤🤍). - The stores? Haven’t noticed any significant redesign—though, to be fair, Iceland is probably a little too small to follow the global brandbook to the letter 🇮🇸😄. Oh, and Instagram is back, with models looking non-smiley and moody (because, fashion 😎🖤). But let’s talk about the splash they made: H&M & London, kicking off their A/W 2024 celebrations with performances by Charli XCX and Jamie XX , and an A-list guest list. Not to mention the launch of Atelier, their new capsule menswear collection, which they’re framing as a nod to heritage craftsmanship ✂️🧥. So, what’s the verdict? Have you noticed any big changes? Or is this just a fresh coat of paint on the same old H&M? 🛍️🤔 Would love to hear your thoughts! 💭

Here’s the surprising truth about why top fashion labels are dropping parts of their names. The luxury fashion world has undergone a wave of rebranding, with names being stripped down to their core. Saint Laurent dropped "Yves" from its name CELINE transformed into "Celine" Paco Rabanne became simply "Rabanne" These changes have sparked intense discussions about heritage, modernity, and brand identity in the fashion industry. Each rebrand has represented a pivotal moment for these iconic labels, challenging perceptions and redefining their place in the contemporary fashion landscape. In a move that has captured the attention of fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike, Alexander McQueen has announced a significant change. The brand is simplifying its name to "McQueen." Born Lee Alexander McQueen, the designer's self-titled label, was a calculated choice born out of necessity. He adopted his middle name as his brand identity to maintain unemployment benefits while pursuing his passion. Gradually, "Alexander McQueen" became synonymous with radical fashion. Here's how the rebranding could impact the brand's perception 1️⃣ Designer to product focus This signals a shift from creator-centric branding to product-focused marketing, potentially setting a new industry standard for brand identity beyond the original designer. 2️⃣ Heritage vs. innovation Risks diluting the brand's connection to Alexander McQueen's personal narrative and design ethos, challenging the balance between honoring the legacy and embracing future growth. 3️⃣ Simplification trend This may accelerate the move towards streamlined luxury branding, prioritizing digital-friendly names and influencing other high-end labels to follow suit. 4️⃣ Consumer loyalty test It challenges the emotional connection of long-time fans while potentially attracting new audiences, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining core supporters and expanding market reach. Is this a bold move towards a new era or a misguided attempt to rewrite history? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #design #fashion #brands #consumer #shift

Discover what’s shaping the future of fashion with our Spring/Summer 25 Trend Report, based on insights from over 200 runway shows worldwide. As Paris Fashion Week came to a close with Coperni’s bold, fairytale-meets-gothic finale featuring Kylie Jenner, the message was clear: fashion is embracing contradiction and complexity. From New York’s patriotic storytelling to Milan’s “loud luxury” and Paris’ avant-garde experimentation, the season captures the push-pull between dreams and realism. ✨ Explore key trends including body-conscious silhouettes, boudoir-inspired styles, and athletic influences, reflecting a growing obsession with both form and function. Plus, discover the return of bold prints, romantic bohemia, and transparent fabrics—each offering a new take on expressive dressing. Ready to stock the trends that matter? Download the full report and dive into the 16 must-know apparel movements that will define the SS25 season. Download now: https://loom.ly/tquH3iI

When Skew started, introducing trends to licensing wasn’t common. We set out to change that, embedding trends into strategy to create meaningful, future-proof brand extensions. Fast forward to now, and trends are everywhere. But with the rise of micro vs. macro trends and complex global themes, the challenge is applying them in nuanced, brand-specific ways. This weeks blog will be unpacking biophilic fashion—a movement merging sustainability, nature-inspired aesthetics, and cutting-edge innovation. From algae-based fabrics to couture mimicking coral reefs, this trend is as beautiful as it is forward-thinking. Find out which consumers and brands should be paying attention to this trend 👇 https://lnkd.in/e9R3c9Qf 🎟️ Want to see our expert knowledge in action? Join us for Skew Haul: The London Retail Masterclass on the 16th January 2025. Visit our website to find out more https://lnkd.in/eGb3sr6x #brandextension #licensing #brandlicensing

Prada does not miss. Their shows always demand your time, attention, and brain. But this was special—a fusion of high concept, high execution, and cultural commentary. The brand's target was something that we all recognize: the stifling orthodoxy of "algorithmic curation." To challenge that concept, the brand used some of its most famous styling, product motifs, and ideas as a freewheeling firehose of reference with zero regard for reverence. Familiar 'Pradaisms' showed up in unusual places and contexts. Styling fused pieces together in unusual combinations. It was meta and modern. Chaotic on one level and crisp on another. As the show notes and post-show interviews detailed, the pushback to this orthodoxy was in "the idea of choice, of unpredictability as a measure of human creativity, of Prada for each individual" and "uniform dressing" remixed, reimagined, and recontextualized. It's heady stuff but devastatingly effective because it's an example of what fashion brands can innately do when permitted to explore and expand their language in response to the world around us. It helps us understand ourselves and how culture and society shape our needs and behaviors. Unlocking that impact and the implications of those dynamics are brand unlocks, too. Prada's double-digit growth in a sea of negative numbers in the luxury category results from its ability to deliver consistent and excellent brand management from top to bottom. That tension between the conceptual and commercial helps turn a passive audience into an active one. Left brain/right brain combined to drive commercial growth. This anti-dumbing down as a business strategy leads to thought-provoking shows, engaging marketing, and sustained growth. Post-pandemic, the easy way to drive growth for brands (of all sizes) was to shovel more and more at the consumer. Volume equaled velocity. But this show (alongside others such as Marni) signals that those days are ending. The lack of growth in the category demands not just 'more' for the sake of it. But asking why these ideas and clothes matter to the wearer. That's not empty calories. It makes every purchase meaningful while still engaging in the back-and-forth dynamics of the outside world. Fashion and luxury brands will win in championing intelligence, thoughtfulness, and context. (Prada Group)

The coming years will reveal whether the return to design fundamentals can reinvigorate brands like Givenchy and reignite consumer passion in key markets. What is clear, however, is that the luxury fashion industry is at an inflection point. The outcome of this shift towards "proper" designers could reshape the landscape for years to come. Click here to read the full story: https://lnkd.in/e3zST3hT

James Denman recently posted that “Prada does not miss” and I think could be applied across the broader retail landscape. He mentions that “Volume equated Velocity” was the easy way o drive growth and measure success of a brand. He has been writing in recent posts and rightfully calls out is that these days are coming to an end and concludes “Fashion and luxury brands will win in championing intelligence, thoughtfulness, and context.” But there is more… This sets the stage that for todays’ brands (beyond Fashion and Luxury to all vertical) to achieve growth in a crowded market they must push themselves to constantly define: - Why do we exist - Why do we deserve to exist Once that brand foundation is set a critical strategy that has been missing has to be put into place – content strategy. This brings me to the strategic work that Jessica Quillin, PhD and Bryce Quillin PhD have been doing at It's a Working Title LLC. They have been at the forefront of ensuring a content strategy becomes foundational to a brands' success (especially in fashion and luxury) and imoving beyond a singular moment or campaign. The best way to win in today's consumer world is blending a fully developed content strategy into experience design (across digital, physical, and human) enabled by technology and data. Give it a read, follow Jessica Quillin, PhD and Bryce Quillin PhD, and let me know what you think! #digital #contentstrategy #growth #brand https://lnkd.in/dVvEb3p8