OECD unemployment rate broadly stable at 4.9% in Mar 2025

ORLEN VC has invested in Norway’s Hystar, a maker of high-efficiency PEM electrolysers with ultra-thin membranes that cut hydrogen production costs. The deal supports ORLEN’s goal to use 350,000 tons of renewable hydrogen by 2035. Hystar aims to reach 1.5 GW annual output by 2027. The investment is part of ORLEN VC’s broader strategy to back clean tech innovations.

Pierpaolo Picciolo Credits: © David Sims via Kering Kering has appointed Pierpaolo Piccioli as the new creative director of Balenciaga, marking a pivotal moment in the French luxury conglomerate’s

Hugo-Boss-Dependance in Paris Credits: Bertrand Perret HUGO BOSS has successfully established a commercial paper (CP) program, enabling the Group to issue short-term, unsecured notes in an aggregate

Gen Z Credits: Pexels This week's "Nothing to Wear" episode features the host, in conversation with social media star Liv James, exploring matching sets, sheer skirts, and the ongoing fashion debate

BERSHKA reinvents its flagship store in Ibiza. Credits: BERSHKA BERSHKA has opened a new flagship store in the heart of Ibiza that breaks with all traditional retail norms. Conceived as a living, scu

Darren Mckoy, global vice president of product design and creative direction at Timberland Credits: Dr Martens VF Corp-owned Timberland has tapped former Dr Martens creative director Darren Mckoy as

Alessandro Pane, managing director at Omnes Credits: Omnes London-based B-Corp womenswear brand Omnes has named Alessandro Pane, former chief operating officer at Alexander McQueen, as its new managi

Tropicfeel store at number 55 Calle de Goya in Madrid, Spain. Credits: Tropicfeel. Madrid – Tropicfeel, the emerging fashion firm from Spanish entrepreneur Alberto Espinós, is taking a decisive le

Italy’s consumer price index rose by 0.1 per cent month on month (MoM) and by 1.9 per cent YoY in April. Core inflation (excluding energy and unprocessed food) was 2.1 per cent in the month, and inflation excluding energy was 2.2 per cent. The harmonised index of consumer prices rose by 0.4 per cent MoM, mainly due to the end of the winter sales of clothing and footwear, and by 2 per cent YoY.

UK’s clothing imports rose by 11.99 per cent year-on-year to £1.419 billion (~$1.883 billion) in March 2025 and by 9.91 per cent from February 2025. First-quarter imports increased by 10.28 per cent to £4.075 billion. However, full-year 2024 imports fell by 7.06 per cent to £14.612 billion. Textile fabric and fibre imports also showed mixed trends across the months and quarters, according to the ONS.

Younger consumers, especially Gen Z and millennials, prioritise convenience, digital tools, and minimal interaction when shopping, unlike older generations, as per the latest GoDaddy Consumer Pulse survey of 1,500 US consumers. While generational differences are clear, all consumers value ease at checkout and still often carry physical wallets.

Australian wool prices stabilised this week as China’s two largest Merino top makers purchased over 38 per cent of the sold Merino fleece, reviving market confidence. While overall demand remained cautious, crossbred wools saw gains despite a stronger Australian dollar. Drought conditions continue to threaten future supply, reducing fleece yields.

Puma has named Dominique Gathier as VP of its Teamsport unit. A 19-year Puma veteran, he replaces Matthias Bäumer and will report to chief product officer Maria Valdes. Gathier previously led product lines for FUTURE, ULTRA, and KING football boots. He will now oversee product strategy and partnerships across football and other key sports.

H&M Move’s S/S 2025 racket sports collection debuts in all-pink, blending clean, feminine style with high-performance features. The capsule includes versatile pieces like a tennis dress, bandeau top, and zip jacket, paired with white accessories. Made with DryMove and SoftMove fabrics, it is available online and in select stores from 15 May 2025.

Navy made-to-measure suit from Sartoria Vienna. Credits: Sartoria Vienna Two year ago, Fashion United portrayed The Shirt Dandy, an Austrian company that makes customised shirts for men in India. Now

Sheep Inc. first swim shorts made entirely from natural materials, with zero plastic and zero microplastics Credits: Sheep Inc. London-based knitwear brand Sheep Inc. has launched the industry’s fi

Credits: Waste2Wear There are many misconceptions about recycled polyester (rPET) in the fashion industry. While the discussion about closed-loop systems and improved recycling technologies is import

Helena Helmersson, ex-ceo H&M and chair at material company Circulose on stage at World Retail Congress Credits: World Retail Congress London - One of the best speakers at the World Retail Congress 2