Designer Debuts Lead Milan SS26 Schedule & Tariff Anxieties Rattle Brands in this Week’s Top Fashion News

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Summary

  • This September, Milan Fashion Week SS26 will feature a wave of new creative directors making debuts. Key shows will include Demna’s debut for Gucci, Dario Vitale for Versace, and Louise Trotter for Bottega Veneta. In the meantime, Pharrell Williams also launches a new Louis Vuitton menswear capsule, inspired by Ivy League style.
  • A new 15% tariff on European goods coming to the US could exacerbate the economic woes faced by global brands, forcing more companies to raise prices. German sportswear giant adidas is one of the many anticipating price hikes due to these extra costs.
  • Hermès continues to thrive with a 9% sales jump in Q2 2025, contrasting with struggling groups like LVMH, which is rumored to be in talks to sell Marc Jacobs off for $1 billion to offset costs.

Versace, Gucci, & Bottega Veneta Debut Dates Unveiled Ahead of Milan Fashion Week SS26

From September 23 to 29, Milan Fashion Week showcases several exciting debuts from new creative directors for Spring 2026. Demna will make his Gucci debut on the 23rd, followed by Simone Bellotti at Jil Sander on the 24th, Dario Vitale at Versace on the 26th, and Louise Trotter at Bottega Veneta on the 28th. Later in the week, at 7 pm, Armani will mark its 50th anniversary with a special runway show at Palazzo Brera, located within Milan’s design district. The event will be preceded by two Emporio Armani shows on September 25.

Will the US-EU Tariff Worsen the Luxury Slowdown?

The upcoming trade agreement between the U.S. and the EU will introduce a 15% tax on most European products, a move that is predicted to negatively impact the comeback of the luxury fashion industry following decreased sales. This new levy, though lower than the 30% tariff that was once suggested by Trump, still places additional strain on brands such as Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, which have recently experienced a drop in consumer interest. Given that these luxury brands have already raised their prices by approximately 33% between 2019 and 2023, the new tariff may necessitate further price hikes — estimated to be around 2% in the U.S. — to preserve profit margins. In response, some luxury companies are contemplating alternative strategies, like LVMH setting up manufacturing facilities in the U.S., as a means to lessen the impact of the tariffs and prevent overburdening price-conscious consumers.

adidas May Hike Prices as US Tariff Costs Increase by $230 Million USD

Adidas has joined other sports apparel vendors in anticipating potential price increases within the U.S., due to new tariffs potentially costing the company an additional $230 million USD. CEO Bjørn Gulden explained that these tariffs would directly boost costs for the US market, and adidas is reviewing its product lineup to identify which items may be affected. Despite attempts to maintain prices on iconic models like the Samba and Gazelle, newer designs are expected to see a price increase. Adidas is also worried about how these cost increases could influence consumer demand, particularly as other industries grapple with similar effects from trade changes.

Hermès Keeps Flying Higher Reporting 9% Sales Jump

In Q2 2025, Hermès bucked the trend of luxury market slowdown, posting a 9% sales increase. Unlike many rivals who are grappling with decreasing demand, especially from high-end shoppers, Hermès’ strategy of price rises and maintaining an air of exclusivity seems to be paying off. The company behind the Birkin bag saw its sales surge to €3.9 billion in Q2, primarily due to its leather goods division, a sector where competitor LVMH is experiencing a downturn. Anticipating new tariffs, Hermès plans a global price rise, along with an additional 5% increase in the US market. This strategy is expected to counterbalance the impact of tariffs. The brand’s robust performance, which has seen Hermès overtake LVMH as the most valuable luxury stock globally, is credited to its meticulous production methods and dedicated customer base.

Pharrell’s Latest Louis Vuitton Collection Dresses the Modern Dandy

Pharrell has revealed a fresh Louis Vuitton Fall 2026 menswear assortment, which will be available in stores starting September. This collection, offering pieces across seasons, offers a modern interpretation of the traditional “dandy” look, blending Ivy League style with a laid-back vibe. Drawing inspiration from university life on both sides of the Atlantic, the palette leans towards academia-inspired colors, while incorporating vivid accents and patterns. The emphasis this season is on outerwear, featuring structured wool blousons, jacquard coats, and camel jackets. Additionally, the designer introduces innovative interpretations of the Louis Vuitton monogram, including a tartan-like pattern on flannel and denim, as well as a refreshed take on the brand’s renowned floral design.

Moncler Grenoble to Show Fall 2026 Collection in Aspen, Colorado

The popular American ski resort, Aspen, Colorado, has been chosen as the venue for Moncler Grenoble’s upcoming outdoor runway event. This will be their first show held at a U.S. ski destination, following their March presentation at Courchevel in the French Alps. The decision to host the show in the United States comes after Moncler reported a 1% decrease in Q2 revenue for H1’25, primarily due to reduced spending by tourists in Europe and Japan. However, sales in the Americas remained strong, leading Moncler to refocus their efforts on the U.S. market. The Moncler Grenoble Fall 2025 show is scheduled for January 31, 2026, although the exact location has yet to be disclosed.

Is LVMH About to Sell Marc Jacobs?

According to reports, luxury group LVMH is considering selling the Marc Jacobs brand for approximately $1 billion as part of a plan to simplify their collection and concentrate on their highest earning brands during a period of market-wide slowdown in luxury goods. This move comes after LVMH’s first-half 2025 financial results showed a decrease in both net profit and sales, contributing to the decision. Possible contenders for purchasing Marc Jacobs, which LVMH has owned since 1997, include management firms such as Authentic Brands Group, Bluestar Alliance, and WHP Global. This development follows LVMH’s recent disposal of other contemporary brands like Off-White and its share in Stella McCartney, suggesting a clear transition in LVMH’s business approach.

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2025-08-01 23:26