Anton Pershin ✪

Episode 03: Alexa inquires Bernd Keller – DRIVING POSITIVE CHANGE IN FASHION YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dcyU8iKT In this episode of Designing the Future: Textiles and Transformation Talks - Alexa Inquires - powerd by PERFORMANCE DAYS, we are joined by Bernd Keller, a visionary leader in sustainable fashion with over 30 years of experience at top brands like Hugo Boss, Marc O´Polo, Puma, and Adidas. As co-founder of 1C1Y, a social luxury brand. Bernd has consistently pushed the boundaries of design with a purpose. In this conversation, he shares his insights on sustainable leadership, balancing innovation with social responsibility, and the critical role CEOs play in driving change. Bernd shared his inspiring vision for a sustainable future in fashion, emphasizing the importance of leadership, social responsibility, and authentic connections with consumers. His passion for meaningful change reminds us that every step, no matter how small, can help shape a more responsible and innovative industry. "Humans must remain at the center: individual, creative personalities who can also turn mistakes into new and surprising outcomes." Quote Bernd Keller   Host: Alexa Dehmel • Expert in performance clothing design, functional material advisory and curation • Focus on innovative transformation in the textile industry • Engages in education, trend keynote speaking, and freelance journalism   Guest: Bernd Keller • Creative Director Bernd Keller Consultancy – Bamberg / Germany • Visionary creative director, fashion designer and industry leader   Episode 03 Highlights: 1. Vision for Sustainability: Sustainability is shifting from a focus on raw materials and certifications to greater social responsibility, requiring guidance from governments and individuals to act. Products prove sustainability doesn't mean sacrificing quality. Telling a compelling sustainability story is key to engaging stakeholders. 2. Challenges and Adaptation: Sustainability must be a top-down commitment led by CEOs. Authentic leadership and truly living sustainability values are essential. Boundaries like sustainable goals drive deeper creativity and innovation. Social responsibility extends beyond fair wages, helping communities and creating lasting impacts. 3. Human Capital and Leadership: Leadership isn’t tied to titles; anyone can lead by example. AI and technology should be tools, not replacements for human creativity. 4. Consumer Engagement: Personal, face-to-face interactions build stronger consumer-brand connections. Consumers appreciate the effort behind sustainable collections through direct engagement. 5. The Legacy Question: Bernd hopes to be remembered as an authentic advocate for good who loved his work. Sustainability is essential for the future of fashion. Focus on craftsmanship and hands-on learning. Personal connections with producers are key to understanding the value chain.

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Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Saturday, October 5: 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 SHEIN’s senior executives, including founder Sky Xu, are expected to meet potential US investors over the coming week as the fashion giant moves closer to a potential listing in London. 👚 The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has recommended all of Meta’s social media platforms for inclusion on the upcoming “notorious markets” counterfeiting list. ⛳️ A logo dispute between Tiger Woods’ apparel company Sun Day Red and Tigeraire, a company that makes cooling products for athletes, is now in the hands of the federal court system. 🚢 The port strike has ended. But it will still take a while for the flow of goods to return to normal. Ahead of the strike various logistics experts had said it would take three to five days to recover from any one day the ports were shut. 🚚 After delivering frozen foods to doorsteps from iconic yellow trucks for more than 70 years, Yelloh — previously known as Schwan’s Home Delivery — plans to shut down in November. ✂️ Poshmark this week lowered seller fees, replacing its 20% take in the US with a new structure. Sellers will now be charged 5.99% of the order total plus a fixed fee depending on the price of the product sold. 🏬 Hamilton Marketplace, a prominent shopping centre in New Jersey that boasts a 99% occupancy rate and over 1m sq ft of retail space, has been acquired by Paramount Realty for over $100m. 👜 Frasers Group has acquired £4m worth of shares in Mulberry, increasing owner Mike Ashley's stake to approximately 37%. The move comes shortly after Frasers' £83m takeover bid was rejected by Mulberry's board. 💵 Despite high prices and rising home costs, American spending on burgers, drinks and travel powered much of last month’s strong hiring even as other economic engines like manufacturing, tech and finance have idled. 🦆 Swedish clothing retailer H&M plans to phase out its use of virgin down and feathers, materials harvested from ducks and geese, by the end of 2025. The company aims to use only post-consumer recycled down and feathers. 🍺 Constellation Brands has exceeded Wall Street estimates with its second-quarter results, driven by strong demand for its beer brands, particularly Modelo Especial and Pacifico. ⌚️ UK-based Watches of Switzerland has acquired watch enthusiast platform Hodinkee, which operates a website, magazine, brand partnerships division and insurance business, for an undisclosed sum. 📈 America's job market roared back in September as US employers adding 254,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 🇭🇰 Hong Kong's struggling retail market is prompting landlords to offer significant discounts, creating opportunities for brands to expand. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

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Had another great conversation with Saurabh Vijayvergia on AI in retail; busting myths (design is alive and well thank you) and, as always, learning from the AI guru. Saurabh thanks for including me in another episode of your podcast! https://lnkd.in/gTRXib_b

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As an investor and thought leader in #fashiontech, I am beyond excited to announce the launch of the world’s first digital fashion onchain non–profit organization, the Digital Fashion Designer's Council (DFDC) and my role as Executive Board Member and Chief Advisory Officer. Digital Fashion Designers Council (DFDC) is a non-profit and open-source infrastructure protocol run by decentralized governance via councils and the core team (operations). https://lnkd.in/gCdazUJY The #DFDC’s purpose is: •⁠ To integrate digital fashion into the traditional fashion ecosystem.  •⁠ To provide a standardized solution for brands to connect their physical products and consumers with their digital environments.  •⁠ To align incentives for brands, platforms, and users through strategic partnerships and global IRL/URL activations and facilitate interoperability across digital environments and experiences. The #DFDC’s objectives are: •⁠ To create resources, standards, and opportunities for brands and designers alike to integrate digital environments with their physical collections. • ⁠To create and facilitate open-source incentive mechanisms to drive users through cross-context game loops between social, game, and e-commerce touch points. •⁠ ⁠To provide funding and promotion opportunities, infrastructure, and a variety of IRL and URL platforms to showcase the best of digital and connected fashion globally. The #DFDC’s vision is: •⁠ To establish a key entity that collaborates and interfaces with legacy fashion brands to ensure and certify quality, fostering the maturation of the entire digital fashion industry. The #DFDC connects fashion labels, platforms, and industry leaders, going beyond the role of traditional trade organizations and standards forums. It works directly with the world's leading platforms and technical partners to align incentives and create standards that span across different industries. #DigitalFashion #ConnectedFashion #FashionWeekConnect

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As the jewelry industry continues to evolve, staying ahead requires more than just keeping up with trends—it’s about leading the charge. This insightful article highlights key shifts that are shaping the future of jewelry, and we at The Bling Store are excited to be part of this transformation. #JewelryIndustry #Innovation #Sustainability #AI #TheBlingStore #TechInJewelry #JewelryStoreOwners #IndianJewelry

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The Business of Fashion x McKinsey & Company - The State of Fashion Report 2025: https://lnkd.in/eX-AJtxH Judged purely by the topline, the fashion industry’s outlook for 2025 appears to be a continuation of the sluggishness seen in 2024: revenue growth is expected to stabilise in the low single digits. 10 fashion industry themes that will set the agenda in 2025: 1. Trade Reconfigured Global trade will accelerate in the fashion industry in 2025 due to rising costs, evolving trade policies and sustainability targets. Fashion brands are likely to double down on diversifying their sourcing footprint in Asia. 2. Asia’s New Growth Engines China’s economic deceleration, changing consumer preferences & the return of international travel are making growth in the country highly challenging, leading international fashion brands to look to other Asian markets (India, Japan) 3. Discovery Reinvented Fashion shoppers are overwhelmed with choice, which negatively impacts their engagement and conversion rates with brands. 4. Silver Spenders Fashion brands have typically focused on youth, but in 2025 they may struggle to grow sales from younger shoppers alone. The “Silver Generation” aged over 50 represents a growing population with a high share of global spend. 5. Value Shift Macroeconomic pressures & rising prices have driven fashion shoppers to adopt cost-conscious behaviours. To capture customers’ share of wallet, brands will need to prove their value. 6. The Human Side of Sales Brands can achieve that by empowering their store associates to reach their full potential, as sales staff have a central & valuable role to play in connecting with customers. 7. Marketplaces Disrupted Share prices of no-luxury marketplaces have dropped as much as 98% since Covid peaks due to existential business model challenges & disruptions. Non-luxury marketplaces globally must carve out a clear role in the fashion ecosystem to survive. 8. Sportswear Showdown Challenger brands are forecast to generate over half of the sportswear segment’s economic profit in 2024, up from 20% in 2020. Brands will need to develop innovative products & use right ambassadors & channels to activate unique brand stories. 9. Inventory Excellence Inventory remains a challenge for the industry with both excess stock and stocks-outs impacting brands. Margin pressures & sustainability regulation will place greater emphasis on end-to-end planning excellence, with brands adopting tech tools & adjusting their operating model to support agile supply chains. 10. The Sustainability Collective Fragmentation & complexity across the fashion value chain, coupled with consumer reluctance to pay for sustainable products, are inherent barriers to reaching sustainability goals.

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Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Monday, April 22: 👕 Fashion retailer EXPRESS has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, announcing the closure of more than 100 stores. The company listed assets and liabilities ranging from $1bn to $10bn. 👟 Nike reverses course as innovation stalls and rivals gain ground. The shoe giant has stumbled as CEO John Donahoe pulled away from retailers and relied on old hits. Now it says it’s refocusing on cutting-edge footwear for athletes. 🏬 Levi Strauss & Co. is leaning into its stand-alone stores to glean insight into shifting consumer tastes. The plan is working: nearly half of sales now come from selling directly to shoppers. 💷 Thai conglomerate Central Group, co-owner of Selfridges, is seeking ways to gain more control over the luxury retail chain amid a financial crisis engulfing its Austrian co-owner, Signa. ❤️ Oura Ring is launching a new partnership with Target, the next step in the health tech brand’s retail expansion as it seeks to grow sales outside of its website. 👖 Wrangler's women's business is growing thanks to the cowboy trend. While other fashion brands are embracing “cowboy culture” as a momentary trend, Wrangler has made the Western aesthetic core to its identity. 🌯 Chipotle Mexican Grill keeps raising prices. Gym rats and millennials are still buying burritos: the chain outperforms restaurant rivals with customers who tend to have higher incomes and be health conscious. 🧩 Board game makers are evolving their products and re-imagining classics to stay competitive and align with new consumer trends. Mattel, Inc. recently unveiled Scrabble Together, a 'collaborative' and 'more accessible' version. 💊 Most people taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications say they are spending less on eating out at restaurants and ordering takeout. A smaller share of those surveyed say they are tightening their purse strings in the grocery store. 🚗 America’s car dealers started March with an oversupply of new vehicles. They worked hard through the month and sold cars at a faster clip than the month before. As a result, they started April with an oversupply of new cars. 🌳 Greenwashing has become the fashion marketer’s biggest concern. Now, legislation from the EU, like the Greenwashing Directive enacted in March 2024, is accelerating the shift toward better communication. 🛠️ A The Home Depot in a New York City suburb has hired security guards to deter aggressive migrants from harassing shoppers and thieves from breaking into cars, according to a report. 🧀 Individually wrapped cheese would be largely banned under a far-reaching bill getting pushed by New York environmentalists and politicians to reduce the use of plastics. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

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Predictions for the fashion sector & what will define it in 2025 now live! And looking forward to The Business of Fashion VOICES kicking off today. I’ll share insights that build on these predictions and analysis of the market.

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Lately, RetailX has issued its yearly issue on Fashion Sector and came up with a certain number of insights. I summarised them for your convenience. The 2024 issue highlights significant growth in the global fashion market, revealing a vibrant recovery to $673 billion in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Here are some of the critical findings and insights from the report: 1. Market Growth and Regional Dominance:   - The fashion market experienced an 8% annual growth with apparel being the largest segment, followed by footwear and accessories.   - Asia emerged as the leading market, generating nearly 50% of global fashion sales, significantly outpacing the Americas and Europe. 2. Consumer Spending Trends:   - Despite high volumes, average spending per consumer in Asia remains lower compared to the more affluent regions like Europe and the Americas. In contrast, Australasian consumers spend the most on fashion annually. 3. E-commerce and Physical Retail Dynamics:   - E-commerce has seen robust growth, particularly in India and China where more than two-thirds of consumers shopped online. However, physical stores remain preferred globally, underscoring the importance of a hybrid retail model. 4. Sustainability and Second-hand Fashion:   - Sustainability is increasingly driving consumer choices, though regions like the UK lag behind with only a third of consumers purchasing sustainably. Meanwhile, the second-hand fashion market is expanding, with a significant portion of global consumers engaging in this more sustainable practice. 5. Technological Adaptations and Innovations:   - The report underscores the critical role of technology in shaping future market trends, including the adoption of digital wallets, contactless payments, and advanced e-commerce platforms. 6. Challenges and Opportunities:   - The sector faces challenges such as geopolitical impacts on supply chains and the need for sustainable practices. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and market expansion, especially in developing regions and through sustainable fashion initiatives. The report suggests that as the global economy stabilizes, fashion will continue to thrive with increased consumer spending, especially in emerging markets. However, adapting to the hybrid nature of modern retail and enhancing sustainability practices will be crucial for future success. #trend #fashionindustry #strategy #sustainability

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With far more demand than supply, Hermès #Birkin bags flip economics on its head by having a resale value of ~2x the original sales price. Of course, that’s only if you can get one. Demand is so high that when a shipment of Birkins arrive to a store, they are “assigned to individual sales associates,” who must make a case for why their client “deserves a Birkin and get the store manager’s approval.” Yet another reason why I love the #fashion industry. https://lnkd.in/emtwPUnt

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🌟 The Evolving Landscape of Luxury Beauty E-Commerce 🌟 As explored in Beauty Independent, luxury beauty brands are facing increased competition in the e-commerce space and a declining department store channel. Elana Drell-Szyfer, CEO of RéVive Skincare, notes that new online platforms like TikTok Shop and affiliate models are diverting traffic from traditional luxury e-tailers and department stores. With consolidation and larger players like Saks and Neimans stepping up, the dynamics are rapidly shifting. At True Beauty Ventures, we believe strongly in the DTC channel for luxury brands, offering control over brand experience and resilience against retail challenges. Given limited retail distribution and the high AOV, gross margin profile and LTV of a loyal consumer, DTC economics are most attractive for this product segment. Cristina Nuñez #beautyinvesting

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Interesting to see the narrative change ;-) “By charging more, the industry is inadvertently encouraging its shoppers to buy from cheaper rivals and the resale market” - “Finding regular size [handbags] at less than $3,000 from reputed brands has become virtually impossible,” says Luca Solca analyst at Bernstein.    - The number of units sold by the luxury industry this year is expected to be 20% to 25% lower than in 2022, according to Bain. - Christian Dior ’s medium Lady Dior handbag. According to a Bernstein analysis, the purse cost €3,900 in 2020 but is €5,900, or roughly $6,200, today—a 51% increase. - This month the world’s biggest luxury resale website, The RealReal , said sales rose 11% in the third quarter compared with a year earlier, as more shoppers turned to its platform for value. Notably, it is experiencing fast growth in luxury handbags that cost $1,000 to $3,000, a price range where there is little choice in the primary market. The company’s stock has gained nearly 75% since it reported its latest results. https://lnkd.in/evRbxDFF

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Finally, the much-anticipated “State of Fashion 2025” report is here! McKinsey & Company & Co. and The Business of Fashion have painted a clear picture of the challenges and shifts shaping fashion industry. It’s a great snapshot of current thoughts—covering everything from inventory issues to changing consumer behavior. This report supports also the fact that in 2025, data-led strategies will be essential to adapt to change and truly understand consumers. And in my opinion, the best and the easiest tool for becoming data-led is Purply's Nordic Market Intelligence platform that offers actionable insights tailored to this unique market. It’s how we help premium fashion retailers turn data into competitive edge.

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The 2024 Better Buying Report is Out! This year’s report analyzes the buying practices of 40 companies across the sporting goods and fashion apparel industries—including major players like Lululemon and PVH Corp.— drawing insights from 1,273 suppliers. Key Trends in Fashion Buying 📉 Shorter Forecast Timelines: 30% of order forecasts were provided less than 60 days before actual orders. Fashion buyers are 37% more likely to provide late forecasts compared to sporting goods buyers (22%). 📈 Order Variability and Lack of Commitments: Monthly order variability rose 15% this year, driven by fashion buyers. Over 52% of fashion buyers made no formal commitments to suppliers, and only 24% committed for a short term (6 months to 1 year). 💰 Price-Driven Decisions: Fashion buyers often prioritize price in supplier comparisons, while sporting goods buyers consider broader competitive factors. The Reality: Fashion Buying in 2024 is HARD. The rise of ultra-fast competitors like Shein and Temu and changing customers mean high variability is the norm. For manufacturers, this translates to capacity planning chaos—balancing unpredictable demand with efficiency. To thrive in this environment, brands and manufacturers must work in unison. MannyAI, we’re helping brands do this - ✅ Convert long-term volume commitments into weekly order placements. ✅ AI-powered capacity planning for manufacturers. 💡 Contact us for a demo today! #BetterBuying2024 #FashionTech #SupplyChainInnovation #CapacityPlanning #SustainableFashion

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Saudi Arabia's fashion industry is experiencing significant growth and evolution. The fashion market is projected to increase by an impressive 6.8%, exceeding the regional average. For a deeper understanding of these developments, I encourage you to read the full 2024 State of Fashion Report: https://lnkd.in/dXVT2Wvd #SaudiVision2030 #FashionFutures

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"New" Economy turning "Old": Facebook to buy Luxottica/Essilor? Facebook owner Meta has explored a multibillion-euro investment in eyewear group EssilorLuxottica, as the social media platform intensifies its push to develop smart glasses. The Silicon Valley company has considered taking a small stake in the €87bn Franco-Italian group. The move comes as Meta has been holding talks with EssilorLuxottica to deepen their existing collaboration following the successful launch of a revamped version of their “Ray-Ban Meta” smart glasses last year. Meta’s chief Mark Zuckerberg has spent billions of dollars in recent years to enter the wearable technology market, such as by creating virtual reality headsets. Meanwhile, Paris-listed EssilorLuxottica has also pushed for deals that can attract a new generation of shoppers. There is no guarantee that any investment will take place, said the people close to the talks. Meta has been working with Morgan Stanley on the matter. Just to remind everybody: this is almost a decade after Google halted production of its $1,500 Google Glass headsets over privacy concerns.  #openinnovation #innovation #disruption Mind the Bridge Financial Times

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M&A in Hard Times: Reshaping Markets and Paving New Paths in Luxury and Tech. In challenging economic times, mergers and acquisitions become powerful tools for companies to reimagine their futures and solidify their positions. Today, two bold moves are making waves: Moncler’s potential acquisition of Burberry and Meta’s expanding interest in EssilorLuxottica. Moncler’s strategy is ambitious. What they’re aiming for has rarely been done in Italy with lasting success: creating a luxury conglomerate akin to France’s Kering and LVMH. But Moncler’s approach is unique it’s all about building an “outerwear empire.” With Moncler’s global appeal and the experimental innovation of Stone Island, adding Burberry would be a strategic extension. Burberry has its roots in outerwear, recognized globally for trench coats and rain gear. This isn’t a generalist move; it’s a statement about specialization in the luxury segment, where brands are defined by their focus rather than breadth. On the positive side, combining Moncler’s high-performance fashion with Burberry’s British heritage could create a unique, unmatched offering in the luxury outerwear category, cementing their place in niche high-end markets. However, integrating two iconic brands comes with the risk of cultural clashes and the possibility of alienating loyal customers. The financial investment required for this acquisition also brings potential strain, success will depend on skillfully merging these unique identities without losing their distinctive appeals. As for Meta’s anticipated move with EssilorLuxottica, this step feels almost inevitable. With advancements in AI fueling the next generation of tech products, wearables are emerging as a critical segment. Eyewear, in particular, stands at the intersection of style and functionality, and a strengthened partnership would put Meta in a prime position to set new standards in smart eyewear. This could also serve as a strategic defense against competitors like Microsoft or Apple, who might look to EssilorLuxottica for similar partnerships. Yet, Meta’s growing involvement in luxury eyewear raises questions. Can a tech giant like Meta harmonize with EssilorLuxottica’s core focus on eyewear expertise? While this partnership could accelerate innovation, there’s always a risk of strategic misalignment. And, of course, the smart eyewear market itself is still nascent: consumer adoption may be slower than expected, posing financial risks for both partners. As these sectors converge, it’s clear: luxury and tech are moving toward a future where specialization, adaptability, and innovation are paramount. It’s an exciting time for brands willing to bet on bold, unconventional collaborations. Where do you stand? Are these moves poised to reshape their respective industries, or are they overreaching into uncertain territory? #LuxuryMergers #TechInnovation #Moncler #Burberry #Meta #EssilorLuxottica #WearableTech #AI #SmartEyewear #tech #fashion #luxury

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A good and more or less accurate analysis of the current luxury sector.

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