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This week, some of fashion’s biggest news moments spanned new company launches, business moves, creative director changes and more.
Leading the charge was Rihanna’s announcement of Fenty Hair. On its heels was the announcement of New Era’s forthcoming acquisition of ‘47, its competitor.
Elsewhere, Virginie Viard is leaving Chanel; Alpinestars debuted its new streetwear label, RSRV; the British Fashion Council announced its 2024/25 NEWGEN class and Yohji Yamamoto designed the Japan national football team’s 2024 kits.
Below, Hypebeast has rounded up the top fashion stories of the week so you can stay up to date on trends in the industry.
Rihanna and Fenty Beauty Announce Launch of Fenty Hair
Rihanna continues building out the Fenty Beauty family with the announcement of Fenty Hair – a fitting decision given the star’s many recognizable hair eras.
“A new family is moving in! @fentyhair is pullin up and it’s time to finally have the hair experience you’ve been waiting for. You know how much switching my hair up matters to me. I’ve had almost every texture, color, length, from weaves to braids to natural – so I am launching a flexible line of products for not only every hair want, but every single product is designed to strengthen and repair all types of hair, which is what we truly need! It’s time to play and get stronger by the style,” Rihanna said via Instagram.
Fenty Hair is set to launch on Thursday, June 13.
New Era To Acquire ‘47 in Major Sporting Headwear Deal
Hypebeast/Nick Llanton
One of America’s leading sports headwear brands, New Era, a leading is set to acquire the major hat label ‘47 – a move that unites the largest names in sports headwear.
According to Reuters, New Era plans to build a company that brings in roughly $2 billion EUR a year. Before New Era proceeded with the acquisition plans, it was exploring a public offering, which saw a $5 billion USD value. Now, the new deal places the company’s IPO well above that figure.
“We are pleased to have reached this agreement to acquire ‘47, a company that shares our commitment to making iconic products and delivering premium experiences,” said Christopher H. Koch, chief executive officer of New Era. “We have known and respected the D’Angelo family and the ‘47 team for many years and have tremendous respect for the business they have built.”
Although the acquisition terms have not been released, the deal is set to close by the year’s end.
Virginie Viard Is Exiting Chanel
Francois Durand/Getty Images
Virginie Viard is leaving Chanel after a decade as its creative director.
“Chanel confirms the departure of Virginie Viard after a rich collaboration of five years as Artistic Director of Fashion collections, during which she was able to renew the codes of the House while respecting the creative heritage of Chanel, and almost thirty years within the House,” stated Chanel in a statement.
During her time at the French luxury fashion house, Chanel reported increases in sales that saw 2023 revenues of $19.7 billion USD, which is up more than 75% over 2018.
Chanel has not announced Viard’s replacement yet.
Alpinestars Rides Into Streetwear With New Line, RSRV
Alpinestars/Thibaut Grevet
For well over a year now, motocross styles have been on the minds and bodies of many ranging from high fashion to everyday streetwear. Out of the many brands that have jumped on the trends, one of its leaders, Alpinestars, has remained due to its rooted history in motorsports apparel and gear since 1963. Now the brand is branching out on its own again with the launch of its debut streetwear line, RSRV.
By moving into the luxury streetwear space, the Italian brand is finally able to cater fully to the desires of not just its clientele, but all those who lean into the street-ready active styles. To bring Alpinestars RSRV to the light, the brand is starting with a nine-piece limited-edition capsule.
“We are excited to introduce Alpinestars RSRV, a manifestation of our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and style,” said Denise Focil, Head of Collaborations and CEO of RSRV at Alpinestars. “This collection represents a fusion of our rich heritage in motorsports with our dedication to forward-thinking design for a different consumer.”
The first capsule from Alpinestars’ RSRV line is set to launch on June 6 online.
Meet the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN Class of 2024/25
British Fashion Council
In the fashion landscape, there are a few standout programs that support and champion
emerging talent. One of those is the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN initiative, which has been supporting UK talent for over 30 years. Now the British Fashion Council has revealed its 2024/25 class.
This new class includes AARON ESH, ANCUȚA SARCA, Charlie Constantinou, Chet Lo, DERRICK, DI PETSA, HARRI, JOHANNA PARV, Karoline Vitto, Kazna Asker, Leo Carlton, LUEDER, MASHA POPOVA, Paolo Carzana, Pauline Dujancourt, Sinéad O’Dwyer, Steve O Smith, The Winter House, TOLU COKER and YAKU.
Yohji Yamamoto Designed the Japan National Football Team’s 2024 Kits
Footy Headlines
With the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris around the corner, celebrated designer Yohji Yamamoto decided to join the momentous occasion by designing the 2024 kits for the Japan national football team.
Although this isn’t the first time the designer has crafted football kits, as his Y-3 label has a partnership with Real Madrid and Palace, this is a special collaboration as it’s for Yamamoto’s home country.
Leaning into the team’s “Samurai Blue” moniker, the kits see a deep navy base with a burning blue flame. Aside from the rich blue shades, the kits see the team’s crest and a center chest Y-3 logo.