From executive changes to the revolving door of fashion house creative directorships, this week in fashion presented a caliber of newsworthy moments. Some of the top moments included Off-Whiteâ„¢ naming a new CEO, Ann Demeulemeester announcing its new creative director and Bally announcing its new creative director.
Another high moment included Pharrell’s JOOPITER announcing its new auction with Colette founder, Sarah Andelman. Beyond this, Dover Street Market is bringing its Market Market Monolithic Magic archive sale to NYC and LOEWE opened its first ReCraft store in Osaka, Japan.
Below, Hypebeast has rounded up the top fashion stories of the week so you can stay up to date on trends in the industry.
Off-Whiteâ„¢ Names New CEO, As New Guards Group Shakes Leadership
Farfetch revealed the appointment of a new CEO at Off-White™ alongside the departure of New Guards Group’s (NGG) co-founders, Davide De Gigilio and Andrea Grilli.
The two co-founders served as CEO of NGG and CEO of Off-White™ respectively. Assuming De Giglio’s seat is Farfetch group president Stephanie Phair who will serve as chair of NGG. Over at Off-White™, Cristiano Fagnani will take the lead, who previously served as NGG’s chief marketing officer. In addition to Off-White™, Fagnani will oversee Farfetch’s partnership with Reebok.
“I would like to thank Davide and Andrea for their dedicated leadership over the past four years, and for building a very strong team of successors to continue driving the strategy and operations of NGG,†said Farfetch’s founder/CEO José Neves.
Ann Demeulemeester Appoints Stefano Gallici as New Creative Director
Following Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s recent departure from Ann Demeulemeester, the brand has named Stefano Gallici its new creative director.
After studying fashion design at the Università Iuav di Venezia in Venice, Gallici became the assistant designer to Haider Ackermann. A few years ago in January 2019, the designer moved to the Antonioli Group, which acquired Ann Demeulemeester the following year. Since then, Gallici has played a “key role in the development of the brand,†having previously served as the Belgian house’s menswear designer.
“Stefano immediately demonstrated a strong creativity and a clear vision for Ann Demeulemeester,†said Claudio Antonioli. “He represents the DNA of the brand with an eye to the future.â€
Gallici will present his first collection for Ann Demeulemeester as creative director on September 30 during Paris Fashion Week.
Bally Appoints Simone Bellotti as New Design Director
Following Rhuigi Villaseñor‘s departure as Bally’s Creative Director after just one year, the brand has officially appointed new leadership. The Swiss brand will see Gucci alum Simone Bellotti take charge of its creative director role.
Bellotti first joined the brand in October 2022 and will now lead all in-house design operations. The Milan native has previously held senior positions at Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana and Gianfranco Ferré – covering the areas of ready-to-wear, tailoring and accessories.
“It is a great honor to be appointed Bally’s Design Director and trusted with contributing to Bally’s extraordinary legacy,†said Bellotti. “The House’s unique Swiss heritage, coupled with its beautiful history rooted in a pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence, is a powerful inspiration.â€
Bellotti will reveal his first collection as creative director during Milan Fashion Week in September 2023.
Pharrell’s JOOPITER Announces ‘Just Phriends’ Auction With Colette Founder Sarah Andelman
Pharrell’s digital-first auction house JOOPITER is expanding its territory with a new partnership. The latest endeavor sees Pharrell join forces with long-time industry friend Sarah Andelman, who is the founder of the Parisian concept store Colette and owner of consulting and curating company, Just an Idea.
Titled Just Phriends, the collection was curated in collaboration with Andelman and features over 50 unique lots of rare artworks, culturally-provenant objects and exclusive interdisciplinary collaborations, which are both unseen or specially crafted for this auction.
The collaboration features works from artists including Pharrell himself alongside Takashi Murakami, KAWS, Daniel Arsham, Futura, JR, Paola Pivi, Invader, Xavier Veilhan, MSCHF, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Richard Mille and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Additionally, a special note of “The Simple Things†(2009) by Takashi Murakami and Pharrell Williams will be a part of the auction and on display for the first time in Paris.
The Just Phriends series auction will goes live on Joopiter from June 19 to 27. The lots will also be on display during Paris Men’s Fashion Week.
Dover Street Market Market Monolithic Magic Returns to New York City
After seven years Dover Street Market recently brought back its Market Market Monolithic Magic archive sale in London. Now the archive sale is moving to New York City – this time in collaboration with COMME des GARÇONS.
Opening on June 8 for four days, the event will take place at 866 United Nations Plaza. Specifically, the sale is set to sell pieces by COMME des GARÇONS, Jacquemus, Palace, Youths in Balaclava and more.
For more information, visit the Dover Street Market website.
LOEWE Opens First ReCraft Store in Osaka
LOEWE has officially opened its first store specializing in repairing and maintaining the brands’ leather goods. Located at Hankyu Umeda, Osaka, the space will have a full-time leather artisan on hand to assist customers.
Alongside repairs, the location sells woven leather baskets crafted from repurposed surplus materials from previous collections. The store also features exclusive colorways of LOEWE’s signature basket bags with multi-colored leather patches and straps. Another focal feature of the space is personalization services.