Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.fashion team.
Elton John launches ‘Rocket Man Resale’ eBay shop for charity
Now, I didn’t just select this news because I’m a big Elton John fan. Well, maybe that has something to do with it… but it also marks a major moment for eBay! Known as the ‘Rocket Man Resale’, the online platform has listed hundreds of items from the star’s wardrobe, with all auction proceeds set to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation. So, not only is it a great opportunity to get your hands on some exclusive memorabilia, it also supports a great cause.
Giving fans and collectors a once in a lifetime chance to own a piece of fashion history, items include bespoke Gucci jackets, Versace robes, customised Prada loafers, as well as more “affordable” items such as historic concert t-shirts and baseball caps. In addition to hundreds of pieces from Elton John’s wardrobe, David Furnish, Donatella Versace, Brandi Carlile, Betsey Johnson, Robin Roberts, and Andy Cohen will be offering select pre-loved pieces from their own closets too.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
The Interview: Diane von Furstenberg on revolutionising women’s fashion and paying homage to Holocaust survivor mother in new documentary
Diane von Furstenberg has always fascinated me. She represents the dawn of feminism, creating era-defining clothing for women on the go. Her work within the world of fashion – such as creating the iconic wrap dress – has seen DVF earn a spot in the Hall of Fame of American designers. Although, there is no doubt about her impact on global fashion. But, this was only the beginning of my fascination with the now New York maven.
If you weren’t already familiar with her life story, the new documentary, called Diane von Furstenberg: Woman In Charge, will get you up to speed. It shares the designer’s defining moments, from being born in Brussels in 1946, 18 months after her mother was released from Auschwitz, to falling in love with a German prince, moving to New York and partying with the Studio 54 set, and setting up her world-famous eponymous brand, which revolutionised the way women dressed.
The documentary, which was co-directed by two-time Oscar-winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, is available on Disney+ now.
Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.
SUDU signs “landmark” kit deal with Wolves heralding cut in shirt prices
Something most football fans didn’t expect to happen came to fruition this week, as new Manchester-based sportswear brand SUDU signed a deal to supply kit to Premier League team Wolves.
Described as a “landmark deal”, it will see Wolves football shirts for the 2024/25 season considerably drop in price compared to last season’s shirts – made by Castore. Football fans have long been complaining that the prices of replica and pro shirts are a rip-off, and they only ever seem to go up every season. So, this is indeed a landmark moment.
By changing the business model, which cuts out traditional licensing agreements, SUDU is bringing the whole process under one roof – encompassing manufacturing, retail and brand. It’s not only the fans that will benefit, but the football club too, as the deal will translate to reduced expense for Wolves and greater commercial return.
Joe Poole, Head of Partnerships at Levy Merchandising, a new arm of Levy UK & Ireland – the sports and entertainment experience giant of which SUDU sits within – said: “We’ve seen the price of Premier League jerseys increase consistently over the past few years. Our philosophy is that a pro jersey should not cost £125, Wolves’ will be £80. A replica jersey should not cost £80, Wolves’ will be £58.”
In contrast, the new Manchester City pro shirt by Puma for the new 2024/25 season is £120, while the more basic replica shirt is £80. Meanwhile, over at Spurs, fans are now paying £124.99 for the new season’s pro shirt and £84.99 for the bog standard replica shirt, both made by Nike. For Wolves then, the new deal is a win win, and other clubs will surely follow suit so long as the quality is there.
Tom Bottomley, Contributing Editor.