Kering Hires New CEO & Francesco Risso Exits Marni in This Week’s Top Fashion News
Summary
- As Kering as says farewell to Francois Henri-pinault and welcomes new CEO Luca de Meo, OTB Group’s Marni says goodbye to its creative director of 10 years, Francesco Risso. Elsewhere in luxury, Louis Vuitton launches its LV BUTTERSOFT Sneaker and Pitti Uomo’s 108th edition hosts Asian designer labels like Children of the Discordance for special runway shows.
- In streetwear, Nike has finally reached a settlement of an undisclosed amount with custom-sneaker studio The Shoe Surgeon, Telfar readies an interactive co-creation campaign with its customers.
Luca de Meo Named Kering’s New CEO
Luca de Meo, currently CEO of Renault, has been chosen to lead the luxury group Kering. This follows the announcement that François-Henri Pinault, current Chairman and CEO of Kering, will be stepping down. Pinault took over Kering (previously known as PPR) in 2005, a conglomerate that oversees brands such as Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Dior, and others for the past 20 years. The news brings hope to Kering, which has been grappling with difficulties, notably Gucci, one of its flagship brands, witnessing a sharp drop in sales and profitability over time.
Beginning in mid-July, the CEO of Renault will relinquish his present position. On September 15, he’ll assume leadership of the luxury corporation. In the interim, François-Henri Pinault, the current CEO of Kering, will retain his seat on the Board of Directors. De Meo expressed gratitude towards François-Henri Pinault and the board in a statement, stating, “I am grateful to François-Henri Pinault and the Board for entrusting me with guiding Kering through this next phase of growth. I embark on this new career opportunity with excitement, anticipation, and self-assurance, motivated by the power of its brands and the skill of its workforce. I am convinced that collectively, we will continue to make Kering a key player in the luxury sector.
Marni Bids Farewell to Francesco Risso
After ten years, Francesco Risso has chosen to step down as the Creative Director of Marni. He was appointed in 2016 and during his tenure, he built upon the legacy left by founder Consuelo Castiglioni, introducing a focus on craftsmanship and a lively aesthetic that appealed to younger luxury consumers. His unique knitwear designs, floral patterns reminiscent of bohemia, and collaborations with artists like Erykah Badu were particularly popular among Gen Z and Millennials. Risso’s departure is one of several changes taking place within parent company OTB Group, which also owns Diesel and Jil Sander. As of now, Marni has not announced a replacement for Risso, but there are rumors suggesting that the brand might be looking to bring back a female perspective, with designers like Martine Rose being considered due to her unconventional, colorful style which aligns well with Marni’s unique identity.
Nike Settles Legal Battle With The Shoe Surgeon Over Trademark Claims
Back in 2024, there was a trademark disagreement between Nike and The Shoe Surgeon. They’ve now resolved it with a settlement where The Shoe Surgeon pays an undisclosed amount to Nike. From now on, he’s not allowed to use any Nike branding that could confuse people. But, he can still make custom sneakers, as long as Nike approves the conditions first.
To Sneaker Bar Detroit, the Shoe Surgeon voiced his desire to work together with iconic footwear brands. He also voiced his puzzlement over Nike’s choice to resort to legal action during discussions, yet remained optimistic that a resolution can be found through conversation with Nike’s fresh leadership team. He underscored that “we are shaped by creation” and that “genuineness is woven into our very essence,” ending with the sentiment that “where there is harmony, there is triumph”.
Children of the Discordance SS26 Sews Chaos at Pitti Uomo 108
At Pitti Uomo 108, the Children of Discordance group displayed a vibrant collection, featuring revamped clothing that drew inspiration from rebellious youth subcultures and urban turbulence. Designer Hideaki Shikama described his design method as similar to DJing, emphasizing the creation of remixed and altered pieces, much like the technique known as “remixing” or “chopping-and-screwing”.
This collection showcases exquisite tailoring in rigid outfits such as skirts and jackets, but also incorporates bold, edgy elements like faded over-dyes and dismantled shapes. Patchwork suits combine harmonious fabrics, while remnants of dark fabric are stitched into textiles for diverse clothing items. The idea of “discordance” is reflected in garments that have been divided down the middle, including a Japanese keepsake jacket and a graphic soccer jersey. The show ended with an unusual bridal ensemble crafted from crumpled t-shirts, embellished with a jeweled cross on a hood-veil fusion.
Louis Vuitton Has an LV BUTTERSOFT Colorway for Everyone
At its FW25/26 show in January, Louis Vuitton unveiled the long-awaited LV BUTTERSOFT sneaker, featuring 24 distinct colorways, some adorned with their famous monogram. The design, by Pharrell, blends the elegant workmanship of a formal shoe with the casual shape of a ’90s-inspired sneaker, paying tribute to the fashion sensibilities of the early 2000s hip-hop community.
This special highlight showcases the distinctive features of the shoe, such as the Louis Vuitton logo placed on the side and a “Phriendship” silhouette of Pharrell etched onto the tongue. Additionally, an embossed lobster on the back serves as a hidden detail referencing Pharrell and Nigo’s collaborative journey. Skilled Italian artisans craft these shoes from a soft leather that offers a luxurious ‘buttery’ texture, giving them a plush feeling. Unlike flat-soled luxury shoes from brands like Miu Miu and Loewe, this design boasts elevated platform soles. The design, leaning towards a cartoonish look, mirrors the Minecraft-style pixel patterns seen in Pharrell’s earlier collections for the brand.
You Can Choose Who Walks Telfar’s Next Fashion Show
Telfar is commemorating 20 years in business by launching a special “New Models” series on June 18 at 8 p.m. ET. This unique hour-long broadcast will be shown on TELFARTV, the brand’s self-owned public access channel. The show, which combines elements of a game show and an experimental media project, will have contestants competing for a place in Telfar’s upcoming New York City runway show. Viewers can engage by voting live to decide the winners. This innovative event aims to reshape traditional modeling norms, striving to redefine representation within the fashion world by questioning who usually gets the spotlight.
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2025-06-20 23:56