its K-Tech activewear line, a collection of elevated performance gear designed for the modern athlete. The line features a range of technical pieces including jackets, shorts, and leggings, all made with high-quality materials and innovative design. In addition to the K-Tech line, Kith has also announced a collaboration with Swiss running brand On Running for Spring/Summer 2025. The collection will feature a range of footwear and apparel, blending Kith’s signature streetwear aesthetic with On Running’s advanced technology. The collection is set to release in early 2025 and is sure to be a hit among both runners and fashion enthusiasts. Greenwashing Allegations Against GORE-TEX and Criticism Against Saks Fifth Avenue for Financial and Environmental ConcernsGORE-TEX and Saks Fifth Avenue have both come under fire this week for their alleged unethical practices. GORE-TEX, known for its waterproof and breathable fabrics, has been accused of “greenwashing,” or making false or exaggerated claims about their environmental sustainability. Critics have pointed out that the production of GORE-TEX materials involves the use of harmful chemicals and contributes to pollution. Meanwhile, luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue has been criticized for its handling of financial troubles, with some accusing the company of throwing brands under the bus to save itself. Saks has been accused of canceling orders and refusing to pay for merchandise, leaving smaller brands struggling to stay afloat. OTB Reveals Unsatisfactory Performance in 2024, Lagging Behind Competitors in Luxury RecoveryOTB, the parent company of luxury brands such as Diesel, Maison Margiela, and Marni, has revealed unsatisfactory performance in 2024. The company has reported a 30% decrease in revenue compared to the previous year, lagging behind its competitors in the luxury market’s recovery from the pandemic. OTB’s CEO Renzo Rosso has attributed the decline to the company’s heavy reliance on brick-and-mortar retail, which was greatly impacted by lockdowns and restrictions. However, Rosso remains optimistic about the future and plans to invest in digital and e-commerce strategies to drive growth. Columbia Sportswear’s Insulating Fabrics Headed to the Moon on Next MissionColumbia Sportswear has announced that its insulating fabrics will be used on the next moon mission, making it the first outdoor brand to have its products used in space. The fabrics, which are designed to keep astronauts warm in extreme temperatures, will be used in the spacesuits worn by astronauts on the Artemis mission in 2024. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Columbia Sportswear and showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation and technology.
In this week’s top fashion news: Legacy brands make big moves, performance activewear stays strong, and community backlash hits major players.
Ray-Ban Names A$AP Rocky as First Creative Director
Ray-Ban
Shortly after asserting his innocence in court, A$AP Rocky was appointed as Ray-Ban’s first creative director. The rapper’s presence in the fashion world makes him a perfect fit for the role. Rocky will lead Ray-Ban Studios, an initiative that celebrates music and artistic expression. His first project, the Blacked Out Collection, will debut this Spring and features reimagined Mega Icons with ultra-black lenses and gold-plated details. Rocky will also direct campaigns and help revamp Ray-Ban boutiques. The artist has already been seen wearing Ray-Ban sunglasses during his court appearances, along with YSL suits. He expressed excitement for the opportunity to work with a brand that can adapt while staying true to its roots, and hopes to bring his elegant style to the next chapter of Ray-Ban.
Nike and SKIMS Launch Joint Women’s Activewear Label
NikeSKIMS
Nike and Kim Kardashian’s shape-wear brand SKIMS have announced a joint label focused on women’s activewear. This collaboration comes at a pivotal moment for both brands, as Nike welcomes new CEO Elliot Hill and SKIMS continues to expand its initiatives. In a statement, Kardashian said, “Nike and SKIMS share a deep commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and pushing boundaries, driven by an unwavering belief in the power of women.” SKIMS has already collaborated with the Olympic Team USA at the Tokyo Games and will continue to support the national team at the Beijing 2022 Games and the 2024 Paris Olympics. The first NikeSKIMS collection will be released in Spring 2025, with plans for global expansion in 2026.
Kith Launches K-Tech Activewear Line and Collaborates with On Running for SS25
Stay Kith
Kith has officially launched its K-Tech activewear line, featuring a collection of elevated performance gear designed for the modern athlete. The line includes technical pieces such as jackets, shorts, and leggings, all made with high-quality materials and innovative design. In addition to the K-Tech line, Kith has also announced a collaboration with Swiss running brand On Running for Spring/Summer 2025. The collection will feature a range of footwear and apparel, blending Kith’s signature streetwear aesthetic with On Running’s advanced technology. The collection is set to release in early 2025 and is sure to be a hit among both runners and fashion enthusiasts.
Greenwashing Allegations Against GORE-TEX and Criticism Against Saks Fifth Avenue for Financial and Environmental Concerns
GORE-TEX and Saks Fifth Avenue have both faced criticism this week for their alleged unethical practices. GORE-TEX, known for its waterproof and breathable fabrics, has been accused of “greenwashing” by making false or exaggerated claims about their environmental sustainability. Critics have pointed out that the production of GORE-TEX materials involves the use of harmful chemicals and contributes to pollution. Meanwhile, luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue has been accused of mishandling financial troubles, with some accusing the company of sacrificing smaller brands to save itself. Saks has been accused of canceling orders and refusing to pay for merchandise, leaving smaller brands struggling to stay afloat.
OTB Reveals Unsatisfactory Performance in 2024, Lagging Behind Competitors in Luxury Recovery
OTB, the parent company of luxury brands such as Diesel, Maison Margiela, and Marni, has reported unsatisfactory performance in 2024. The company’s revenue has decreased by 30% compared to the previous year, lagging behind its competitors in the luxury market’s recovery from the pandemic. OTB’s CEO Renzo Rosso attributes the decline to the company’s heavy reliance on brick-and-mortar retail, which was greatly impacted by lockdowns and restrictions. However, Rosso remains optimistic about the future and plans to invest in digital and e-commerce strategies to drive growth.
Columbia Sportswear’s Insulating Fabrics Headed to the Moon on Next Mission
Columbia Sportswear has announced that its insulating fabrics will be used on the next moon mission, making it the first outdoor brand to have its products used in space. The fabrics, designed to keep astronauts warm in extreme temperatures, will be used in the spacesuits worn by astronauts on the Artemis mission in 2024. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Columbia Sportswear and showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation and technology.
