w York, Dior has announced that its Pre-Fall 2025 show will take place in Kyoto, Japan. The show will be held in the city’s historic Kokugikan, a sumo wrestling arena, on May 25. The choice of location is a nod to the brand’s long-standing relationship with Japan, which has been a source of inspiration for many of its collections. The show will also coincide with the opening of the Dior boutique in the city’s Gion district, which will feature a special capsule collection designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri. The announcement comes as Dior continues to focus on the Asia Pacific market, with the brand’s CEO stating that the region is “the most important market for luxury goods.” Levi’s Launches Japan-Exclusive Blue Tab LineLevi’s Levi’s has unveiled its new Blue Tab line, a Japan-exclusive collection that pays homage to the brand’s heritage and iconic styles. The collection features reimagined versions of classic Levi’s pieces, including the 501 jeans, trucker jackets, and Western shirts. The pieces are made with premium Japanese denim and feature unique details such as embroidered graphics and patches. The Blue Tab line is part of Levi’s efforts to cater to the growing demand for vintage-inspired and heritage pieces in the Japanese market. The collection will be available in select stores in Japan and online. Proenza Schouler in Search of New Artistic Director as Founding Design-Duo DepartsProenza Schouler In a surprising announcement, Proenza Schouler has revealed that its founding design-duo, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, will be leaving the brand. The duo, who have been at the helm of the brand since its launch in 2002, will be stepping down from their roles as co-creative directors to pursue other opportunities. The brand is now in search of a new artistic director to lead the label into its next chapter. McCollough and Hernandez have been praised for their innovative and modern designs, which have earned them numerous awards and a loyal following. Their departure marks the end of an era for Proenza Schouler, but also opens up exciting possibilities for the brand’s future.
In this week’s fashion headlines, the FW25 season arrived with newcomers debuting and familiar faces returning, luxury shares saw a boost following positive results, brands announced new chapters, and new diffusion lines were introduced.
MM6 Maison Margiela Makes a Triumphant Return to Pitti Uomo Stage
On Wednesday evening, Florence’s historic Giardino dell’Orticoltura was transformed into the glowing stage of MM6 Maison Margiela‘s FW25 presentation at Pitti Uomo 107. The botanical garden and antique greenhouse was adorned with stark white decor, referencing Maison Martin Margiela’s famous 2006 “white-out” show. Models circumnavigated the glass structure in sleek, tailored numbers characterized by a sensual androgyny. Highlights included starry prints, faux mink materials, lurex, modular gloves, and pagoda shoulders inspired by Miles Davis. Standing out among the looks was an aqua suit, which provided a bold pop of color. Infusing sharp menswear silhouettes with refined finishes, the collection served as a manifesto for a more complex masculinity that revels in fluidity.
Richemont Sales Surge 10%, Boosting Shares for LVMH and Hermès
In a report released on Thursday, French conglomerate Richemont revealed a 10% increase in sales during the three months ending at the New Year, a key period for luxury performance. Following a rocky end to 2024 which put most luxury brands on high alert, the positive news is a sign that the luxury market might be picking up again. According to Business of Fashion, the US and European markets drove the boost with purchases focussed on fine jewelry from labels like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, counterbalancing weaker than normal watch sales. Though sales continued to decline in Asia, most heavily in China, the results reportedly beat analysts’ expectations. Along with boosting Richemont’s shares by 18%, the reports spread cheer across the luxury sector as top conglomerate LVMH gained as much as nearly 9% and Hermès International increased by 6%.
Dior Takes Pre-Fall Show to Ancient Kyoto Garden
Resuming the traveling runway strategy that brought the French house to Seoul, Mumbai and New York, Dior has announced that its Pre-Fall 2025 show will take place in Kyoto, Japan. The show will be held in the city’s historic Kokugikan, a sumo wrestling arena, on May 25. The choice of location is a nod to the brand’s long-standing relationship with Japan, which has been a source of inspiration for many of its collections. The show will also coincide with the opening of the Dior boutique in the city’s Gion district, which will feature a special capsule collection designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri. The announcement comes as Dior continues to focus on the Asia Pacific market, with the brand’s CEO stating that the region is “the most important market for luxury goods.”
Levi’s Launches Japan-Exclusive Blue Tab Line
Levi’s has unveiled its new Blue Tab line, a Japan-exclusive collection that pays homage to the brand’s heritage and iconic styles. The collection features reimagined versions of classic Levi’s pieces, including the 501 jeans, trucker jackets, and Western shirts. The pieces are made with premium Japanese denim and feature unique details such as embroidered graphics and patches. The Blue Tab line is part of Levi’s efforts to cater to the growing demand for vintage-inspired and heritage pieces in the Japanese market. The collection will be available in select stores in Japan and online.
Proenza Schouler in Search of New Artistic Director as Founding Design-Duo Departs
In a surprising announcement, Proenza Schouler has revealed that its founding design-duo, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, will be leaving the brand. The duo, who have been at the helm of the brand since its launch in 2002, will be stepping down from their roles as co-creative directors to pursue other opportunities. The brand is now in search of a new artistic director to lead the label into its next chapter. McCollough and Hernandez have been praised for their innovative and modern designs, which have earned them numerous awards and a loyal following. Their departure marks the end of an era for Proenza Schouler, but also opens up exciting possibilities for the brand’s future.
