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- Prachi Singh |
Lectra, the technological partner for companies using fabrics and leather, has announced the appointment of Akihiko Tanaka to the role of Managing Director, Lectra Japan. Based in Osaka, the company said, Tanaka’s role is to support Lectra’s Japanese fashion & apparel and automotive customers as they undergo transformations related to Industry 4.0.
“Japan’s automotive industry is one of the most important in the world: its ecosystem radiates internationally. I am proud to promote Lectra’s solutions, designed to facilitate the co-ordination of all actors in the production chain, whether they are based in Japan, the ASEAN countries, Europe or North America,” said Tanaka in a press release, adding, “Japan is also a land of fashion, which benefits from an active local market and also has a strong position on the world stage. Our solutions, rooted at the heart of our customers’ transformation, enable them to respond rapidly to both the digitalization of their respective industries and to their evolving relationships with consumers.”
Tanaka has over 20 years of experience as a sales director in the automotive and electronic industries. From 1994 to 2000, he worked in France as sales director of Matsushita Electric Industrial (Panasonic) in charge of commercializing automation equipment to the automotive and electronic industries, and then went back to Japan in early 2000. In 2001, he joined INCS, a consulting and engineering company, to develop the footprint of a 3D CAD offer, initially within Japanese markets, then elsewhere in Asia, and Europe. In 2005, Akihiko Tanaka joined Dassault Systèmes where he successively held the roles of business developer for PLM solutions, then sales and marketing director for the design solution 3D CATIA, and finally as director, academic programs.
“Akihiko Tanaka’s international experience, and his robust knowledge of technological professions, are a major asset to reinforce our value proposition. The major challenge facing our Japanese customers is accelerating development cycles for their products within a fast-evolving automotive market and a fashion industry on a quest for greater agility,” added Daniel Harari, Lectra Chairman and CEO.
Picture credit: Akihiko Tanaka via Lectra
- Sara Ehlers |
Louis Vuitton is losing one of its long-term artistic visions. After serving the French fashion house for seven years, Kim Jones is officially set to leave the lifestyle brand. Louis Vuitton announced this in a press release.
Jones will leave his role as men's artistic director this week. He will show his last collection for the fashion house Thursday in Paris. “It has been a huge privilege to work with Kim,” said Michael Burke, Vuitton’s chairman and chief executive officer, in a press release of his departure. “All of us who have been fortunate to work with Kim wish him continued success in his next venture.”
Kim Jones to leave French fashion house Louis Vuitton after Paris show
Currently, there is no public statement on why Jones left, although there is speculation that he could move to another elite fashion house. Although nothing is confirmed, there is a possibility that he may work with Burberry, as reported by Business of Fashion. If he does move to another fashion house, it seems that there will be no ill-will towards the designer coming from Louis Vuitton, in reference to Burke's statement of wishing Jones "continued success."
After being recruited by Louis Vuitton for menswear design in 2011, Jones ultimately helped shaped the vision and creative flow of the brand for the next following years. With Jones' work, he took control of one of the ready-to-wear label's main lines introducing an infusion of streetwear and luxury.
Under Jones' creative direction, Louis Vuitton sparked the highly controversial collaboration with New York-based label Supreme. The streetwear fashion brand was introduced into the prestigious fashion house at the Autumn/Winter 2017 collection show. Louis Vuitton then held various exclusive pop-up shops, including one in Los Angeles that fared well. He worked to create unique, engaging looks as well as sparked several collaborations for the fashion house.
Following this news, Louis Vuitton has yet to name a successor or plans for a replacement. Both Louis Vuitton and Jones could not be reached immediately for comment.
Photo credit: Patrick Kovarik / AFP
- Kristopher Fraser |
Elaine Welteroth, Teen Vogue's editor-in-chief and one of the magazine industry's biggest media personalities, has announced that she will be leaving Teen Vogue and Condé Nast Publications. The internal e-mail went out to Condé Nast's staff on Thursday afternoon.
Welteroth officially became editor-in-chief of the teen glossy publication in April 2017, after she shared leadership duties with digital director Phillip Picardi and creative director Marie Suter for a year. Before joining Teen Vogue and Condé Nast, Welteroth began as an intern at Ebony, and climbed up the ladder to become the beauty & style editor. She then made a lateral move over to Glamour, and after that she was promoted to Teen Vogue's beauty and health director prior to becoming editor-in-chief. This made Welteroth the youngest person and the second woman of color after Keija Minor at Brides to become editor-in-chief of a Condé Nast publication.
Elaine Welteroth departs Condé Nast Publications
Teen Vogue ceased print publications in November 2017, and it's unclear what Welteroth's role would have been going forward. According to a statement from Condé Nast issued to Fashionista, "We talked to Elaine about a number of different opportunities but ultimately she decided to go in a different direction. She was instrumental in the successful launch of the Teen Vogue Summit and know that she will carry that same passion and enthusiasm into her next venture. We wish her all the best in what we know will be an incredible career."
In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, it was revealed that she has signed with CAA, meaning she could be pursuing an on-camera career. Welteroth is known to be an impressive interviewer, having nailed interviews with high-profile figures such as former Vice President Joe Biden and 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
Despite her departure from one of the world's top publishing houses, Welteroth's future is still looking bright.
- Prachi Singh |
New York & Company, Inc. has appointed Miki Racine Berardelli as an independent director to its board, effective January 3, 2018. The company said, Berardelli brings to the company’s board significant experience in digital marketing and commerce in the apparel retail industry.
Commenting on Berardelli’s appointment, Grace Nichols, New York & Company’s Non-Executive Chair of the board said in a media release: “We are excited to welcome Miki to our board of directors and look forward to benefiting from her strong background in brand building, digital and social marketing and e-commerce, demonstrating our ability to grow our board with the talented people who possess the skills and expertise to assist us to achieve our goals.”
Berardelli has served as chief executive officer of Kidbox, a start-up digital commerce business selling children’s apparel and accessories, since 2016. Before joining Kidbox, from 2014 to 2016, Berardelli served as president, digital commerce & CMO of Chico’s FAS, Inc. From 2009 to 2014, she served as chief marketing officer of Tory Burch LLC, and from 2002 to 2009 she served as SVP of marketing and in a number of other senior-level marketing positions for Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation. From October 2013 to August 2014, Berardelli was a member of the board of directors of Sport Chalet, Inc., a specialty sporting goods retailer.
Picture:New York & Company website
- Prachi Singh |
Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) has announced that Marc Metrick, President of Saks Fifth Avenue, will expand his leadership role to include Gilt and Saks OFF 5TH. In this capacity, the company said, Metrick will lead distinct teams and work to ensure that each business remains well positioned to execute within their respective operating structures. The company also added that with this change in leadership, Jonathan Greller will leave HBC effective January 12.
“Since assuming leadership of Saks Fifth Avenue in 2015, Marc has successfully implemented strategies to enhance business performance and elevate the Saks experience to be at the forefront of luxury retailing,” said Richard Baker, Governor, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO in a statement, adding, “Marc’s ability to shape and evolve the shopping experience is critical for success in an ever-changing retail environment, and I have great confidence that he will position Gilt and Saks Off 5th to drive improved performance.”
The company added that as a long-tenured retail executive, Metrick has served in a number of leadership roles for HBC and Saks Fifth Avenue. Since April 2015, he has held the role of President, Saks Fifth Avenue. Prior to this, he served as chief marketing officer and chief administrative officer of HBC, where he was responsible for corporate strategy and administration for all of HBC’s retail businesses. Metrick spent the first 15 years of his career at Saks Fifth Avenue, ultimately becoming its chief strategy officer before joining the leadership team of HBC in 2012. At HBC, the company said, he played an instrumental role in the acquisition of Saks Fifth Avenue and has since focused on driving growth there.
“I’m excited to work closely with the entire team at Gilt and Saks Off 5th to drive performance and move the business forward. There is opportunity for growth at both businesses, especially on their respective digital platforms. I look forward to collaborating with the leadership team to position the business for future success,” added Metrick.
Picture:Saks Fifth Avenue website
- Prachi Singh |
Marks and Spencer Group plc (M&S) has appointed Humphrey Singer to its board as Chief Finance Officer. Singer, the company said, has been Group Finance Director at Dixons Carphone plc since 2014 following the merger of Dixons Retail with Carphone Warehouse Group.
Commenting on Singer’s appointment, Steve Rowe, Chief Executive, M&S, said in a media statement: “As we embark on our five-year transformation programme, Humphrey will be a great addition to the top team. His experience as part of the team that led Dixons through its period of change and migration to multi-channel retailer is most relevant to what we are undertaking here. This, coupled with his retail expertise and eye for detail and cost, will be very important to our team dynamic as we move forward."
He became group finance director of Dixons in 2011, having held several other finance roles since joining the company in 2007. His early career included finance roles at Cadbury Schweppes plc and Coca-Cola Enterprises UK Limited. Humphrey is a Non-Executive Director at Taylor Wimpey plc.
“Under Steve M&S is changing and there’s no better time to be joining the team that is transforming the business,” added Singer.
Humphrey will replace Helen Weir who, as previously announced, is leaving M&S on March 31, 2018 to pursue a portfolio career.
Picture:M&S media gallery
- Prachi Singh |
Debenhams has announced the appointment of Richard Jones as Trading Director, Global Sourcing starting February 5, 2018. The company added that his appointment follows the recent arrival of Steven Cook as Managing Director of fashion and home and will further strengthen Debenhams’ own brand product proposition. Jones’ responsibilities will include leading Debenhams’ product development and sourcing team, which includes overseas hubs in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Commenting on the new appointment, Angela Morrison, Debenhams IT and supply chain Director, said in a media release: “Richard joins Debenhams with excellent knowledge and credentials in both sourcing and product development. He will undoubtedly be a real asset as he leads Debenhams UK and international teams to improve our product offer as we continue to implement the Debenhams Redesigned strategy.”
Jones, Debenhams added, joins with a proven track record of buying and merchandising roles along with optimised sourcing and supply chain experience. He has played a significant part in developing the Sainsbury’s Tu clothing apparel business and brand. He has also held senior commercial and operational roles at Marks and Spencer plc, Tesco plc and Target, Australia.
“I am delighted to join the team at Debenhams. The brand occupies a unique and trusted position with customers and has created a strong house of brands. I am excited to lead on developing sourcing capabilities and to be a part of the Debenhams Redesigned strategy,” added Jones.
Picture credit:Richard Jones via Debenhams
- Danielle Wightman-Stone |
Finnish design company, Marimekko, known for its original prints and colours, has named Satu Maaranen as head designer of ready-to-wear, bags and accessories, with immediate effect.
Maaranen, a graduate of Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, is an international award-winning and experienced designer, she won the Grand Prix at the Hyères Fashion Festival in France, and has been designing clothes and prints for Marimekko since 2010, but will now join as the full-time head designer.
Succeeding Anna Teurnell, who exited as creative director last February, Maaranen will be responsible for the direction and visual aspects of the design for Marimekko's ready-to-wear, bags and accessories, and she will also work closely with Minna Kemell-Kutvonen, who is in charge of Marimekko’s print design and home collection. Both report to Marimekko president and chief executive Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko.
Commenting on the appointment, Alahuhta-Kasko said: “We wanted to find the most suitable approach to design management for us. Marimekko is known as one of the world's first lifestyle brands, and our design has been based from the start on the idea of a community in which designers from different backgrounds create something new together. We believe this is still unique in our field.
“Satu Maaranen's highly international profile and experience, and – above all – her fresh and modern views on the direction of Marimekko's ready-to-wear, bag and accessory design were decisive factors in her selection. Satu's vision and ambition are exquisitely combined with her knowledge of our form idiom and our heritage of design. I believe that this combination will be a great asset as we build Marimekko internationally as a phenomenon that engages an ever-wider clientele.”
Finnish label Marimekko appoints Satu Maaranen as head designer
Maaranen added: “I’m excited about my appointment and having the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of pioneering Marimekko designers. Marimekko has always been a brand of strong, independent women, which makes it more relevant now than ever before. I have lots of ideas about how to continue to develop Marimekko’s collections for international clientele.”
As well as designing in the past for Marimekko, Maaranen also worked for international brands including Petit Bateau and Exception de Mixmind. In addition, she is one of the founders of Pre Helsinki, an organisation focusing on the internationalisation of Finnish fashion designers.
Rebekka Bay, a member of Marimekko’s board of directors, commented: “Satu Maaranen, who was chosen from among several excellent international candidates, has the fresh vision and great passion to drive the development of the global relevance of Marimekko’s ready-to-wear, bag and accessory collections. She is already familiar with Marimekko’s creative community and has a deep knowledge of its art of print making, which I think is a major advantage.”
Marimekko, founded in 1951 is currently sold in around 40 countries and has 160 stores. In 2016, brand sales of the products worldwide amounted to 199 million euros and the company's net sales were close to 100 million euros. The label’s key markets are Northern Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region.
Image: Marimekko Facebook
- Danielle Wightman-Stone |
Trade show firm Igedo Company has named Ulrike Kähler as its second managing director to sit alongside Philipp Kronen as the business divides responsibilities within its management team.
Kähler, who has been a member of the Igedo’s board of management since 2014, will continue to “shape the direction” of the Düsseldorf platforms Gallery and Gallery Shoes, said the company in a statement, focusing on trade show strategy and marketing, while Philipp Kronen will be in charge of finances, HR and corporate strategy.
“Intelligence and emotionality are fundamental in the fashion business and essential for the success of our trade fairs,” explains Kronen. “We have been working together for almost ten years and I have the utmost confidence in Ulrike Kähler. For her extraordinary commitment to her projects in Düsseldorf, this next step in her career is more than deserved.”
Commenting on her new role, Kähler said: “I believe in our formats, our service, our appeal and the potential of our framework, with which we are setting international benchmarks in terms of the scheduling and aesthetics of the events.
“In the coming years, I still want to achieve a lot with my management and team colleagues, both for Düsseldorf as a fashion destination as well as in the further development of the CPM in Moscow.”
Igedo’s senior management team will be completed by project manager Christian Kasch, who has been at the helm of CPM Moscow for almost 15 years.
Image: Ulrike Kähler courtesy of Igedo Company
- Kristopher Fraser |
Please call it a comeback. Nathan Jenden, who spent over a decade working alongside DVF in the early 2000s, will be returning to the brand as chief design officer and vp, creative. Jenden takes over for Jonathan Saunders who left the post after just eighteen months with the brand.
“It is with joy and pride that I look forward to welcoming Nathan back at DVF,” von Furstenberg said in a statement. “Nathan is an extremely talented and technically skillful designer who also has a great gift at surrounding himself with young, emerging talent. He totally embraces the DVF woman and the brand enjoyed its greatest commercial success during his tenure.”
In 2010, Jenden left the brand to focus on his own label, but has mostly operated behind the scenes for other brands since. Most recently, he served as creative director of Bebe.
Nathan Jenden joins DVF as chief design officer, vp creative
After Jenden's departure, the creative director positions at DVF was held briefly by Yvan Mispeleare followed by Michael Herz. Saunders joined the brand in 2016, and although his stint with the brand was also very brief, during his time there he changed the logo, switched to a presentation format rather than runway show for Fashion Week, and made the design aesthetic more modern.
While his collections were very successful, once DVF announced she would be selling equity stake in her company, he opted to leave. Jenden is already hard at work on the next collection for the brand, which will debut next month.
“The fundamental essence of DVF that Diane created is an identity that has empowered women everywhere, delivering accessible style, confidence, independence, and a sense of self-worth,” he said in the statement. “Diane delivers that message not only through fashion, but in her approach to life, her love of art, culture, diversity and philanthropy. I see DVF as being more relevant today than it ever was in its message of self-empowerment while being dynamic and modern. I want to give the DVF girl what she wants when she wants it, and with the joie de vivre and sense of purpose that epitomizes Diane, DVF the brand, and the spirit of women today.”
Now the question remains, will he take the early '00s approach to design, or create something new and modern for DVF's customer today?
Photo: Mark Mainz / Getty Images North America / AFP
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