Articles by Isabella Naef
Isabella Naef has been the Senior Editor of FashionUnited Italy since 2008. She is in Milan and covers fashion and luxury goods, with a particular focus on financial and economic news and sustainability. A dual Italian and Swiss citizen, Isabella graduated in Political Science from the University of Milan. She is member of the Professional Journalists' Association since 2000, contributing to newspapers and magazines. She is passionate about covering the fashion industry during this dynamic period, where sustainability, Gen Z, and artificial intelligence are paving the way for new and exciting chapters in economic, creative, and trend history.
La Perla saved: Former Expedia CEO Peter Kern is the new owner
The name of the new owner who acquired the La Perla brand and production site has finally been revealed, saving 210 jobs and creating forty new positions. Peter Kern, former chief executive officer of Expedia and wine investor, purchased La Perla. The name of the new owner was revealed by the Roman newspaper, Il Messaggero, citing sources from...
BusinessFeatured10 Jun 2025
Woolrich: Flamini new CEO after Baoxiniao agreement
Woolrich announced the official closing of the agreement with the Chinese group Baoxiniao, signed at the end of 2024 and finalised in February 2025. Under the agreement, Woolrich International holds the intellectual property rights to the brand outside of Europe, marking a key step towards wider international expansion, particularly in strategic...
BusinessFeaturedMember10 Jun 2025
Prada acquires ten percent of Rino Mastrotto Group
Rino Mastrotto and Prada Group have signed a binding agreement for Prada to acquire a minority stake in Rino Mastrotto Group. As part of the transaction, Prada Group will contribute 100 percent of Conceria Superior SpA—following the acquisition of remaining shares—and Tannerie Limoges SAS to Rino Mastrotto Group. The group also made a cash...
BusinessMember5 Jun 2025
Marcolin and Guess extend licensing agreement to 2040
Italian eyewear manufacturer Marcolin and US fashion company Guess?, Inc. renewed their exclusive licensing agreement for the design, production and worldwide distribution of Guess and Marciano branded sunglasses and eyeglasses. The partnership, originally set to run until 2030, was extended for a further ten years to 2040. "We are delighted...
BusinessMember3 Jun 2025
Creative direction reshuffle: Does the trust between CEO and creative director have an expiration date?
With Maria Grazia Chiuri's departure from Dior now official, new appointments are anticipated. It seems as though all that is missing is the station master's whistle and the call of “all aboard” to begin this latest journey towards a new creative direction in luxury fashion. We are witnessing a continuous reshuffling of creative directors; only...
Fashion |Opinion Featured30 May 2025
New investor found for La Perla: Production and jobs secured
The wait is over for La Perla. As the Italian Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy (Mimit) announced today, an industrial investor has been found for the Italian lingerie label. This investor is expected to secure production and jobs, leading the heritage brand into a new future. The new industrial player, along with the associated...
BusinessMember27 May 2025
In Italy, a new protocol is introduced to combat exploitation in fashion production
On May 26, Luca Sburlati, the president of the Italian textile association Confindustria Moda, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at tackling illegality and exploitation in the local fashion production chain. With this, the Confindurstria Moda thus confirms its full willingness to collaborate with public institutions and other...
Fashion Featured27 May 2025
Dsquared2 and Staff International settle legal dispute, agree to continue collaboration
Peace has been made between Dsquared2 and Staff International. The duo have signed a strategic agreement to continue their collaboration in the production and distribution of Dsquared2's ready-to-wear collections. “This decision will lay the foundations for a collaborative approach, with Staff International supporting the brand in the...
BusinessMember27 May 2025
Who is Pierpaolo Piccioli: From his synonymous uniform to his protection of freedoms
Pierpaolo Piccioli's new path has now been unveiled. The Italian designer has been named as the successor to Demna at Balenciaga, where he will unveil his first collection for the Kering-owned brand in October, at Paris Fashion Week. Here is everything you need to know about him. Pierpaolo Piccioli was born in Rome on August 29, 1967. He lives...
PeopleFeatured20 May 2025
Geox: revenues down 2.4 percent in first quarter
Geox spa approved the results for March 31, 2025, today. Consolidated revenues for the first three months of 2025 amounted to 189.0 million euros, a decrease of 2.4 percent compared to the previous year (-2.6 percent at constant exchange rates). The decline was mainly due to the performance of the wholesale and retail channels, only partially...
BusinessMember13 May 2025