Arianna Medina

- 1 to the launch of my project... I have always been convinced that a #fashion or a #luxury brand should avoid having diva-like employees like creative directors or CEOs working mainly for their own benefit in the short term and that the Brand should be put first. This is the only way to create Brand Equity. That intangible asset so much despised by CFOs who cannot measure it but that represent the winning weapon on the market. I got to this conclusion after: - more than 20 years as a manager and top executive in key groups and brands - several years of studies thanks to my job as luxury management professor in key universities - my own research and curiosity crossing a regular brand analysis I do for my consulting job Brunello Cucinelli financial results of Q1 24 prove exactly this point. - Having a good product aligned with a powerful and consistent storytelling making the brand distinctive and unique is the only leverage helping companies to surf the ups and downs of this industry, especially in these volatile times - A company cannot recover quickly from the turmoil if they did not work well in advance in creating and nurturing a solid brand management and strategy - #talentmanagement is key and the team spirit is crucial. No divas...I remember Carla Fendi, one of the five sisters who developed Fendi had a desk in the open space with us, sharing everyday every single inspiration and thought with all of us, nobody excluded. - You can have the right mix of knowledge of brand management in fashion and luxury if you work in the industry and you study at the same time brand management applied to the industry - There is no need to launch hype, if you develop a great, robust, distinctive brand Tomorrow will be the day of the launch of my personal project. Stay tuned if you are interested!

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Italian Luxury: It’s Not Just About Commercial Success, It’s About Synergy and Cultural Relevance Yemi, great points on the commercial success of Italian luxury creative directors! But it’s important to look beyond just the revenue numbers. What makes creative directors like Alessandro Michele and Pierpaolo Piccioli extraordinary is their ability to balance tradition and innovation, creating cultural relevance that resonates globally. Take Prada—the Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons partnership and Patrizio Bertelli’s leadership shows how strategic synergy between creative vision and business acumen drives not just sales, but brand longevity. Additionally it’s the increasing need for CMO and Creative Director symbiosis that will shape the future of luxury brands. These roles are more intertwined than ever, especially in a world where digital engagement, sustainability, and personalization define consumer loyalty. Don’t be too surprised about Pierpaolo, he started at Valentino with Maria Grazia Chiuri in Accessories and worked together until 2016, when Maria Grazia moved to Dior. He maybe in search of just the right opportunity, partnership, set up? Finally, luxury brands must learn from the mass-market evolution of companies like Uniqlo, which has blurred the line between fast fashion and high fashion by focusing on cultural relevance, spearheaded by Christophe Lemaire and Sarah Linh Tran and the recent hiring of Clare Waight Keller (non italians). The question now isn’t just about who’s doubling revenues, but who’s leading the charge in aligning heritage with modern consumer values. #MFW #LuxuryFashion #CreativeDirectors #CMOSynergy #CulturalRelevance #Vogue #Dior #BOF

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The Italian subsidiary of Dior is under judicial administration – the dark side of the “Made in Italy” luxury brands. Dior is not the first fashion company targeted by the Milan Court for employment issues. In April, judicial administration was ordered for Giorgio Armani Operations Spa, which designs and produces clothing and accessories for the fashion group, following an investigation concerning the alleged exploitation of labour through the use of contracts for the production of illegal factories and the use of illegal and clandestine Chinese labour. In January, the judicial administration measure was taken for Alviero Martini Spa, deemed "incapable of preventing and curbing phenomena of labour exploitation within the production cycle". This is the sad truth about the so-called “Made in Italy “production of a lot of luxury companies. That is why the EU's new directives measures to ensure that textiles are produced circularly, sustainably and socially justly are not made just for fast fashion brands but also for luxury brands that have increased their price since 2019 by up to 33%. I firmly believe that the excuse of the fashion industry's complex supply chain being difficult to control is unacceptable. If the same money allocated for advertising and brand building were used to improve working conditions and reduce the fashion industry's environmental impact, it would greatly benefit the industry. It's crucial to ensure that a fair share of earnings reaches the people at the beginning of the supply chain, allowing for sustainable growth and granting equal rights for both men and women to build their own and their children's futures. As a consultant, I have insight into the manufacturing operations of my clients. Being a woman, I am particularly sensitive to ensuring good working conditions for both genders and providing opportunities for personal growth and development for all individuals.   https://lnkd.in/d8XDUvSE

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAUTE COUTURE AND LUXURY BRAND High-end fashion is divided into different categories, each with its own unique characteristics. Among these, Haute Couture and Luxury Brand represent two distinct worlds, often mistakenly conflated. Here are the main differences: 1. Haute Couture Haute Couture, which means "high sewing" in French, represents the most exclusive and artistic level of fashion. It is governed by strict rules defined by the “Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris”. To be classified as Haute Couture, a fashion house must meet rigorous criteria, including: - Creating custom-made garments for individual clients, using artisanal techniques. - Having a workshop in Paris with at least 15 full-time employees. - Presenting at least two collections per year with a minimum number of looks, often featuring exclusive details such as hand embroidery, premium materials, and unique designs. Haute Couture is therefore a sartorial art form aimed at an elite clientele, often celebrities or billionaires, and represents the pinnacle of creativity and craftsmanship. 2. Luxury Brand Luxury Brands are fashion and lifestyle companies that produce high-quality goods on a larger scale compared to Haute Couture. Examples of luxury brands include Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many others. The main features of luxury brands are: - Ready-to-wear products (prêt-à-porter), more accessible than Haute Couture’s unique pieces. - Industrial production, while still using premium materials and maintaining high design standards. - A diversified product range, including clothing, accessories, perfumes, handbags, jewelry, and lifestyle items. - A global marketing strategy aimed at building an aspirational identity and enhancing the brand's desirability among consumers. Luxury brands, while maintaining an aura of exclusivity, are designed for a broader audience than Haute Couture, often reaching younger or less exclusive market segments. In summary, Haute Couture is synonymous with art and uniqueness, while Luxury Brands represent accessible luxury for a broader high-end market. Both worlds, however, embody values of excellence, quality, and timeless style. I suggest that when you create and share fashion designs, you clearly define and attribute them to the correct category, ensuring clarity about your work and intentions. Last but not least: AI is not a magic wand that can replace proper study and knowledge. Fashion design is a serious profession, and it’s not something you can simply improvise! #hautecouture #luxurybrands #experience

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ZARA SA Do you think #Zara doesn't feel like #FastFashion #Brand Anymore ? Imagine Julia, a young professional with a keen eye for style. She's browsing her favorite fashion blog when she spots a stunning Zara dress. It's chic, well-made, and surprisingly affordable. But here's the kicker: it looks like it could easily hang alongside the designer pieces in her closet. This is the magic of ZARA SA 's recent transformation. They've gone from a fast-fashion giant to a brand that offers quality and design that rivals the high-end labels. Julia isn't afraid to mix her Zara dress with her trusty CHANEL bag – in fact, it's become trendy to combine high and low pieces. #Zara's smart pricing strategy lets them charge a bit more for their elevated designs, which means more money to keep improving their collections. There's a whisper that big-name designers have secretly contributed to Zara's success (who wouldn't want a piece of that magic?). And now, the addition of Stefano Pilati to the team is sure to add even more prestige. But the secret sauce isn't just design. Zara has invested heavily in creating a #luxury feel. Think celebrity campaigns with top models and photographers, collaborations with creative agencies – the whole package. This strategy has successfully shifted the perception of Zara from a fast-fashion haven to a destination for sophisticated style. Zara’s #customer #strategy is bifurcated. Zara’s assortment services its core, trend-chasing, deal-seeking customer, but its Studio Collections, Capsules (e.g. Steven Meisel), and collaborations attract the premium, more discerning and less price sensitive customer, as well as add aspirational dimension to the core customer purchases. Getting a $29 turtleneck feels more aspiring . Finally, Zara’s business model is a hybrid between #fastfashion #retail and #Luxury strategy. From fast retail, it takes novelty, trend responsiveness and speed. From luxury strategy it takes limited edition #capsules and #collaborations, elevated retail experience across channels, and fashion’s most exclusive talent. For 2024 and 2025, Zara’s clear priorities are logistics, customer experience (live-streaming) and store network expansion. There is a set annual budget and success metrics for this business growth strategy (so far, the YoY sales results have been positive). The biggest win? Customers like Julia no longer see Zara as just another fast-#fashion brand. They see it as a place to find unique, high-quality pieces that fit their budget and their desire to stand out. It's a win-win for everyone. ZARA SA #luxurybrands #digital #Marketing #Brand #Strategy #innovation #creativity #talentacquisition #london #communications #Retailnews

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Via The Business of Fashion. Confirming my previous post! Luxury brands raising their prices higher than inflation rate WITHOUT the backup of true newness in products, combined with formulaic consumer engagement, and questionable quality proposition is a sure recipe for gloom and doom! Hermes, Cucinelli, Moncler are buckling the trends, but what works for them may not work for your brand. Find your own voice! Among the underpeforming brands, I still hold hope for a rare few. For them, this quote from Bemjamin Disraeli comes to mind: "The secret of success, is constancy of Purpose." To these brands, I say: listen to your consumers, learn, adjust, focus, and trust your teams!!! ... and don't waste a good crisis!

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Post updated with Italian economics performance ! Italy remains a global leader in fashion thanks to its deep-rooted tradition of craftsmanship and innovation. Milan, in particular, has solidified its position as a fashion capital, hosting major events like Milan Fashion Week, which is coming pop this week. Iconic Italian fashion houses are continuing to influence global trends with their distinct blend of elegance and modernity. Italy’s fashion industry thrives on its ability to merge tradition with innovation, particularly in sustainable fashion and cutting-edge design. The "Made in Italy" label, still synonymous with luxury and quality, used extensively by French labels, draws from the country’s legacy in textiles, leatherwork, and tailoring. Colors is Italy, Quality is Italy, Dolce vita style is Italy, current quiet luxury is all Italian ! Italian exports have been particularly dynamic, increasing by 48% between 2016 and 2023, compared to only 28% for France and 27% for Germany. Italy's manufacturing surpluses have become increasingly significant, reaching €116 billion in 2022 (out of which fashion for 32 billion). Over the past ten years, Italy has been the only European country to maintain its market share in global trade, despite the rise of China. With 5% of global exports, Italy has risen from 7th place ten years ago to 4th place, behind China, the United States, and Germany. In a decade, it has surpassed France, South Korea, and, just recently, Japan. Meanwhile, France has dropped from 5th to 7th place. Even Germany, which generated 14% of global exports ten years ago, has seen its market share fall to 12.6%.

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Why DOLCE&GABBANA exhibition in Milano at Palazzo Reale is a must see for brand managers in #fashion - A unique chance to see the brand DNA coming to life in collections, inspirations, universe - An incredible display of savoir faire, the demonstration that Haute Couture is not only French - The richness of the brand roots merged with Italian traditions such as arazzi, painting, opera, mosaici - The powerful consistency of the brand message - The unique style They are champions of brand management in a privately owned company that doesn’t need to show the muscles of impossible, unsustainable growth. They are great in business diversification per geographical area

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You might not know the name Marcolin Spa, the Italian eyewear manufacturer, but you’ll definitely know the brands they produce frames for: Tom Ford, Christian Louboutin, adidas, BMW eyewear, Candies, Gant, 6CDS, Kenneth Cole, Marciano for Guess, Max&Co, MaxMara, Pucci, Skechers, Timberland and Tod’s. Revenues last year crept up 2% but EBITDA grew 27.9% driven by strong performance in Asia following a re-org in the region. Despite this reports have been common that PE backers PAI Partners (83% shareholders) have put Marcolin up for sale at a cool €1.3Bn. Interested parties are said to include Safilo, Marchon, Kering and EssilorLuxottica. #Marcolin insights FY23: 📈 Full Yr revenue €558m, +2% YOY 📈 Adjusted EBITDA reached 78.1 million euros (+27.9% v FY22) 📈 13m glasses sold 📈 EMEA - revenue was +1.7% - driven by the luxury segment in France, UK, Italy and Spain 📈 Americas - revenue was -4.8% - impacted by macroeconomics of the region and a declining eyewear sector 📈 Asia - revenue was +81.5% - Strongest growth came from South Korea, and the countries of SE Asia (operated by third party distributors) 🏭 Revenues by region: EMEA 47.4% Americas 39.6% ROW 5.2% APAC 7.8% Key FY23 Highlights ✅ Paid $250m for a long-term licence agreement with The Estée Lauder Companies for TOM FORD eyewear, a significant extension of the current licence agreement ✅ Acquired the the German company ic! berlin GmbH for €38.5m. The acquisition was arranged with the aim of increasing metalworking expertise and expanding the portfolio of luxury brands, strengthening the commercial position of the Group in key areas such as Asia and Europe. ✅ Signed new licence agreements with MCM and Christian Louboutin (the latter at the beginning of 2024) and the renewal and extension of licence agreements for brands already in the portfolio such as Emilio Pucci, Zegna, Max & Co, GCDS, Harley Davidson and Skechers ESG ✅ Implemented a path to sustainability in line with ESG standards (since 2021). Actions focus on various issues, including carbon emissions reduction and the circular economy. ✅ Reduced use of fossil-based materials. Increased use of innovative plastic materials. The latter include bio-based acetate, which is employed in a number of collections for some of Marcolins key Brands. For injection-molded eyewear, instead, R-PET plastic (Recycled PET) is used Employees / ED&I ✅ 57% of employees are women, 43% of whom are snr managers ✅ With the amalgamation of ic! Berlin headcount increased from 1854 to 2000 ✅ A Psychological Help Desk was launched through an online platform accredited by the Italian Health Service offering 24/7 help and support to anyone in need. The service is anonymous and available to employees and their families. ✅ Approved a new Gender Equality Policy in Nov 23 which establishes the company’s commitment to an inclusive and fair work environment, guaranteeing equal opportunities and parenting support

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Do your image searches remotely with Milano Fashion Library From June, not only will you be able to purchase or consult 70,000 fashion publications at our headquarters or on our website https://lnkd.in/dPX3G_d, in fact it will be enough to contact us by email or via WhatsApp indicating the topic of a desired search and your times to receive the images that are useful to you and, automatically, we will produce a quick quote tailored to your needs. Once approved, in just a few days you will be able to obtain all the images found in digital format directly at your offices. The searches can cover: - Photographic shots - Editorial articles - Advertising campaigns - Brand stories - Product stories - Trend moodboards Reconstruct the history of brands, their products, or their communication to give them the right value and heritage. These actions are very appropriate on occasions such as: - Buying and selling of brands - Copyright protection actions - Company anniversaries or to create moments of inspiration for style offices or in the process of designing events, exhibitions, and advertising campaigns. For information: WhatsApp service: +39 3756655712 https://lnkd.in/dPX3G_d #fashionimage #fashionmagazine #fashionresearch #fashiontrend #fashionlibrary #fashionbrands #fashionadvertising

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Prada Most Valuable Italian Luxury Company Milan fashion week starts tomorrow and one italian luxury company has seen incredible success recently. Prada Group consisting of Prada, Miu Miu and Church's,is the most valuable italian luxury company and has achieved double digit growth in a slowing market. #luxurymarket Moncler has been transformed under their ceo Remo Ruffini; saving the brand from bankruptcy 20 years ago. Interesting that both Miu Miu and Moncler appeal to young luxury customers, strong demand in China and both have mature ecommerce offerings. #luxurycustomer #luxuryecommerce They are also very good at brand collaborations. #luxurybrandpartnership These two italian companies embody for me what is the future successful luxury playbook. Scientia est Potentia - Knowledge is Power #luxurymarket #mfw24 #thefreshkid

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This weekend we tried a fun experiment outside in the streets of SoHo, New York. The results? People thought we worked for Ralph Lauren, Loro Piana, Eleventy, Burberry, Bruno Cucinelli & more... Our idea? We wanted to show the world that Le Alfré is among the best best in the world. That we're on the same level of design, quality & craftsmanship as iconic brands who have been making the world's finest for decades. But the issue is how do you do that without telling people that you're the best? When I started Le Alfré 2.5 years ago, I would tell everyone who I met (friends, editors, CEOs, random strangers that I met at networking events & parties) that Le Alfré can design & compete with anyone. I'd throw our names like Ralph Lauren, Loro Piana, Burberry. People in the fashion industry didn't like it. I was young, naive and at the time, didn't understand how to communicate the brand and vision properly (when there was nothing to see). Only I could see it. But I did, and still do get the feeling that just because I'm not an experienced designer or because I didn't go to fashion school (and worked in investment banking out of college) that someone could ever think that we could make incredible, innovative products. And because of that, we crafted an idea to show (not tell) how beautiful our products actually are, and why our brand and design can be among the best in the world. All with limited resources & connections as a 3 person team doing this from scratch. So... we ripped the neck label off our newest collection of "Cable Knit Rugbys" and asked people in New York what they thought of the products and who they thought made them? If they got it right, they'd get $100. No clues, no hints. The brands they were naming were some of the best & my favorite brands in the world. Brands that I definitely take inspo from. It was cool to even see some people already know of us. One person took a random guess that we made it - which at this stage is incredible that we would have a clear aesthetic for someone to even think Le Alfré designed it. I feel like when you're trying to tell people something in marketing, they can be more easily bothered by your "arrogance" (aka confidence & self-belief) or have a hard time trusting you (or at least us since we're still new & no one knows us yet). So this was a way thinking outside of the box to have strangers be the voice and have them tell others what they think. At no cost. Plus we had a few people even buy them on the spot (we had to run back to our store and grab a fresh one with the neck label in 20 minutes before they finished shopping around haha). If you see us on the streets of NYC on the weekends, please say hi!

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Dear friends, peers and colleagues.   After three amazing decades in #luxuryretail at #poloralphlauren #hugoboss and #giorgioarmani working with the most beautiful product, in gorgeous work environments and with incredibly talented people, I have come to learn of an ugly, insidious evil that I cannot turn away from. #humantrafficking is now the largest global criminal enterprise and has so many far-reaching tentacles such as #sextrafficking #childsexualabusematerial #illicitmassage #sextortion to name a few.   90% of women who are trafficked were sexually abused in their youth 42% of the women are trafficked by a family member 80% of women will return to their trafficker if they don’t have a safe place to go   I am now involved with Onehope Refuge, a nonprofit safe home for women escaping sex trafficking with their children. On any given day, survivors are involved in trauma-informed counseling, continuing education opportunities, life-skills training, and/or faith-based devotions. Research shows it takes a minimum of two years to stabilize, restore and recover from the severe and complex PTSD experienced by sexually victimized women. Onehope’s holistic care model was designed with this data in mind. Simply put, we are in it for the long-haul. The stories of #healing, #growth and #love are truly extraordinary, and the children playing, going to school and being tutored give us all hope for a better future.  Recently, Onehope Refuge kicked off our first-ever year-end defendHERs giving campaign. If you can give/support, please consider. Our vision is to grow from two safe homes to a private campus of duplexes situated on a scenic, bucolic property in/by the year 2026. Every single contribution is meaningful and makes a difference for women and children desperately trying to escape their circumstances. Learn more about our case for support here: https://lnkd.in/e2znVMhN Follow along with our journey on Facebook: https://lnkd.in/eytXXu_w Thank you for the many years of joy throughout my career and I appreciate any amplification or support you may give in the future. Peace!  Vince #extraction #advocacy #safehomes #demandreduction #traumainformedcare #nonprofit 

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so looking forward

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Brunello Cucinelli Records Double Digit Growth Globally By this stage, we've all likely observed Hermès' impressive quarterly performance. I'd like to redirect our attention to another cornerstone of understated luxury, Brunello Cucinelli. Brunello Cucinelli, known for its "sportivo chic" Italian luxury, saw an 18 percent rise in quarterly sales. This phenomenon underscores a trend where super high-end customers seem less affected by economic constraints compared to aspirational shoppers. Cucinelli's success is not just local. In Europe, sales surged by 13.9 percent, while Italy saw a remarkable 26.8 percent increase. The Americas and Asia also experienced substantial growth, with revenues climbing by 19.5 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Looking ahead, Cucinelli remains optimistic, forecasting around 10 percent growth for the full year of 2024, supported by strong demand for their autumn-winter collection.

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-2 to the launch of my project! As the #fashion and #luxury industry continues to party at the Milan Design Week like on a sort of Titanic, 2024 is sending out relevant messages to those who are willing to hear them. - There is no free lunch. If you push for a crazy growth, get ready for a big bust - This industry is about business. And frivolity or unreasonable greed will be paid by millions of people in the world: suppliers, workers, employees. These are very likely those buying your products. If they earn less, they will spend less. - It’s not about finance, it’s about manufacturing - All the stereotypes imposed fade away quickly, like the colour of the season - Fake talents enhance fake business, both won’t last - Strategy is the only leverage that helps entrepreneurs build robust brands. Those who don’t care about it will miserably fail - As dear Marshall Goldsmith highlights “what got you here, won’t take you there!” meaning the consultants and managers that took you to the brink of disaster won’t help you get out of the sandpit - The more you see the hype on a brand or product, the faster it will disappear - The main press is not showing the reality. Never. Watch Sydney Lumet 1976 movie “Network” My project won’t be for everybody. It’s exclusive and very focused. It’s for those willing to thrive in an ever changing fashion and luxury system. For those unwilling to listen to the sirens of mainstream. For those open to critical thinking and rational analysis. Those willing to participate just to steal ideas and make them theirs will be ousted with no pity. Same for those willing to catch free suggestions for developing their own projects. Or students trying to copy and paste without quoting for their dissertation. There will be occasions or opportunities to have 1-1 mentorship or strategic support on a fair basis. We are an amazing community and the sharing with respect spirit will be preserved. Soon to come!

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HERE WE ARE This morning, I was asked what I foresee for the Fashion industry in 2025. The article published by #MilanoFinanza highlights a possible recovery starting from the second half of next year, focusing on the financial aspects of the sector. From my perspective, which is nourished daily by feedback from professionals in the creative, production, and distribution sectors, the outlook appears less optimistic. The ongoing crisis has already been decimating important brands and companies for months. However, what I foresee with certainty is an acceleration in the adoption of new Artificial Intelligence tools. These tools, while posing challenges for those who fail to update and adapt, will also bring enormous opportunities: cost reductions in various areas of the supply chain, coupled with a significant qualitative improvement in results across multiple fields. As #MarcoBizzarri asserts, and as valuable entrepreneurs have taught me over the years, it is precisely during the most challenging times that great successes can be achieved. This revolution, now irreversible, will radically transform the Fashion and Luxury sectors. Personally, I hope this change will also lead to a recovery in terms of image and quality, regaining what has been lost in recent times. One thing is certain: whether by 2025 or 2026, there is no turning back! #fashionnews #fashionluxury #fashionrevolution

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It’s incredibly disheartening to pour so much energy, creativity, and dedication into a job, only to see the company shift focus without regard for the people who built it. Fashion can feel indifferent, treating people like assets rather than valuing their passion and dreams. With everything happening globally, the contrast of fashion’s glitter and the world’s harsh realities can be overwhelming, even disillusioning. Thoughts about change, like opening a flower shop or doing luxury cat-sitting, are a reminder of the simple joys and grounding passions we crave when the industry feels too brutal. And the pull toward starting your brand is equally compelling—it offers freedom, but the real question is whether the landscape is stable enough for that step. Despite all this, fashion has a unique resilience. Perhaps it’s because people need art and expression most during times of chaos. INSTINCT and VALUES might just lead you to carve out a new path that feels more sustainable and true to yourself, whether inside or outside the industry.

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Standard Ethics today confirms Ermenegildo Zegna Group 's #ESG #rating. The Group is part of the Agency's European Fashion&Luxury Index. Download official release here for further details: https://lnkd.in/d6ReDxu7 #Sustainability #fashion #luxury #compliance #standards #complyingwiththefuture

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