Top Fashion Stories of the Week: October 27

Top Fashion Stories of the Week: October 27

This week’s biggest headlines in fashion spanned brand launches and fame-filled campaign releases to scandalous exposés and luxury financial reports. Among the most notable reads, Kylie Jenner announced her namesake fashion label, KHY, will launch its debut collection in November, and A$AP Rocky was named the creative director of PUMA and Formula 1’s partnership.

Elsewhere, The New York Times published a new investigation that revealed adidas had excused Ye’s misconduct for almost a decade in pursuit of profits; and Kering posted revenues that declined by 13%. Rounding out the list, Maggie Smith fronted LOEWE’s latest campaign; Robert Pattinson starred in Dior’s new Icons imagery, and Balenciaga unveiled its first-ever ski capsule.

Below, Hypebeast has rounded up the top fashion stories of the week so you can stay up to date on trends in the industry.

Kylie Jenner Unveiled Her New Clothing Label, KHY

This week, Kylie Jenner pulled back the curtain on her all-new clothing line, titled Khy.

The brand, which takes its moniker from a nickname of Kylie’s, will house various other “guest designers and concepts throughout the year,” according to the Wall Street Journal. Additionally, the label aims to produce “investment pieces” for affordable prices, and nothing in Khy’s inaugural release will cost more than $200 USD.

Following the initial announcement, Khy’s official Instagram account confirmed that its debut collection, which was designed in collaboration with Namilia and features a number of black leather garments, launches online on November 1. Learn more here.

adidas Tolerated Ye’s Misconduct for Almost a Decade, According to New York Times Investigation

According to a new report from The New York Times, adidas “had been tolerating [Ye’s] misconduct behind the scenes for nearly a decade.”

The German sportswear company held onto its highly-lucrative YEEZY partnership with the artist, despite his consistently antisemitic and hateful behaviors. Per the examination, Ye “made antisemitic and sexually offensive comments, displayed erratic behavior, and issued ever escalating demands” throughout the partnership, and the publication cites several instances in which Ye displayed misconduct with the company.

In one instance, in 2013, when adidas employees showed the artist their initial designs for YEEZY sneakers at the brand’s headquarters in Germany, Ye was not satisfied with the product and sketched a swastika on the toe of one shoe, according to two participants. Later, in 2018, Ye reportedly told adidas employees and associates that he “admired Hitler’s command of propaganda, viewing him as a master marketer.”

After several other instances of misconduct and myriad employee complaints, the company finally terminated its partnership with the artist last year. See the full report here.

A$AP Rocky Named PUMA and Formula 1’s New Creative Director

A$AP Rocky was named the creative director of PUMA and Formula 1’s fashion-centric collaboration. In the role, Rocky will design collections comprising exclusive footwear, apparel and accessories that will be sold at future race days.

The rapper announced the news on Instagram, posting a photo of himself wearing a black track jacket with orange line accents and PUMA and Formula 1 iconography. The sleeves, meanwhile, are covered in dual-branded badges, and the silhouette is paired with handprint-inspired gloves and PUMA “Inhale” sneakers.

A$AP Rocky’s inaugural collection in the role will debut at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November.

Bernard Arnault Secured Control of LVMH for the Next 30 Years

French billionaire Bernard Arnault has locked down the LVMH empire for the next three decades. The company will live under the same family, and the succession plans will be put into motion once Arnault’s youngest son, Jean, turns 25.

In a limited partnership structure called Financière Agache, the company includes general partners, management authority and limited partners with economic rights. The ultimate economic control lies under the general partner, Agache Commandité, which Arnault has divided among all five of his children.

For the next 30 years, Arnault’s children will not be allowed to sell shares, ensuring that control of LVMH remains in the family.

Maggie Smith Fronted LOEWE’s SS24 Campaign

In the aftermath of its Spring/Summer 2024 runway during Paris Fashion Week, LOEWE unveiled an all-new campaign starring Harry Potter‘s Maggie Smith.

Shot by German photographer Juergen Teller, the sartorial delivery sees the actress pose in fur coats and silk dresses against brick walls, while holding the brand’s famous Puzzle Bag.

Actor Josh O’Connor also appears in the campaign under a branded blanket, and Greta Lee stands on a marble surface wearing ruffled denim. Meanwhile, Mike Faist dons the label’s hooded bomber; Dakota Fanning holds a number of bags; and Rachel Jones, FeiFei Sun and TAEYONG don knitwear. See the full campaign here.

Balenciaga Unveiled First-Ever Skiwear Campaign and Collection

Balenciaga revealed its inaugural skiwear collection earlier this week. The slopes-ready range, which launches in mid-November, includes a vast lineup of winter sport products, as well as ready-to-wear, accessories, equipment and gear.

The brand’s signature appears across a selection of utilitarian athletic objects, such as snowboards, skis, helmets and poles for downhill, cross-skiing and hiking. Outerwear, meanwhile, receives a water-repellent finish, with a bevy of pieces available in black, grey and red colorways.

In footwear, Balenciaga revealed the Alaska Boot, which features outsized proportions and a foamy construction, with nylon, leather and faux fur options. Additionally, the 3XL Ski Sneaker employs a water-resistant interior lining and an attachable spiked crampon.

Balenciaga’s skiwear collection will launch on November 15. Learn more here.

Kering Group’s Revenue Declined 13% in Q3 2023

Kering revealed its third-quarter financial report on Tuesday, reporting a 13% decrease in revenue, at reported exchange rates, across its roster of high-caliber luxury brands. The group tallied sales of €4.46 billion EUR in the three-month period, marking a 9% decline on an underlying basis.

The conglomerate’s financial figures met the expectations of industry analysts, many of whom had already lowered their forecasts for the group. Gucci, Kering’s biggest label, reported sales of €2.22 billion EUR, or a 14% decrease at reported exchange rates and a 7% decline on an underlying basis. Meanwhile, Yves Saint Laurent dropped by 16% at reported rates, and Bottega Veneta fell by 13% at reported rates.

See Kering’s full Q3 2023 financial report here.

Robert Pattinson Starred in Dior’s New Icons Menswear Campaign

Robert Pattinson is the face of Dior’s new Icons menswear campaign, spotlighting an all-new range of pared-back styles, designed by creative director Kim Jones.

Following on from the brand’s debut denim collection, the Dior Icons line places the focus on timelessness. Launching on December 1 in Dior stores, the essentials range includes a bevy of structured coats, leather bombers, cashmere sweaters, spacious trousers and minimalist layers. Additionally, the capsule houses a number of accessories, including the Dior Gallop shoulder bag and Dior Buffalo derby shoes.

Lensed by Alasdair McLellan, with art direction from Ronnie Cooke Newhouse and styling from Ellie Grace Cumming, the campaign sees Pattinson wear a number of neutral-toned garments from the collection. See the full campaign here.