Editors' Top Reads: News from ASOS, Everlane, Boxfresh and more...

Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.fashion team.

Everlane founder Michael Preysman teases new brand following Shein sale

This week, Everlane confirmed its acquisition by Shein, sparking significant industry debate and backlash, including criticism from co-founder Michael Preysman, who left the company last year.

The reaction has been particularly strong given Everlane’s positioning around ethical production and transparency. Its website describes the brand as "dedicated to making the fashion industry cleaner and more sustainable", a mission that now appears sharply at odds with its alignment with Shein, widely associated with ultra-fast fashion.

While some may see strategic value for Shein in acquiring a brand with a strong ethical reputation, the move completely undermines Everlane’s identity. Preysman expressed disappointment at the acquisition, saying he was not involved in the deal and only learned of it “20 minutes before [its finalisation]”. Speaking to Vogue, he added: “The idea that this would happen wasn’t something I ever imagined. They’re the opposite of what I wanted.”

It came as he announced plans for a new venture in fashion. In a statement, Preysman said he is “starting over” with the intention of “bringing back the vision of Everlane” through a new brand, though details remain limited. The project is currently being developed via the website stillradical.com, which states: “Same principles, but a new take. And this time: no venture capital, no private equity.”

I’m certainly interested to see how both of these stories progress.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer. 

British streetwear brand Boxfresh relaunches for SS26

It was interesting to see the much-hyped relaunch of British streetwear brand Boxfresh this week, under the guidance of new global license holder and CEO Luke Hodson, who is best known as the founder of youth and culture marketing agency NERDS Collective.

Boxfresh was founded by Roger Wade in 1989 and was acquired by the Pentland Group around 2005. In 2015, Pentland decided to ditch the apparel and concentrate solely on the brand’s footwear offer, before putting Boxfresh into “hibernation” around 2020.

Hodson raised the capital and set up a new company under the name Boxfresh Holdings Ltd last year, and its return to the fashion arena for SS26 has the approval of founder Wade, who recently commented “Love it!” in response to a relaunch promotional video posted on LinkedIn.

So far, it is direct-to-consumer from a website (boxfresh.world) only, and it will be interesting to see the uptake from old fans of the brand, as well as new ones. Relaunching a brand from the past, which once had such an identity, is never going to be an easy task, but it seems that Hodson has the credentials.

Tom Bottomley, Contributing Editor.

Radley acquired by Gordon Brothers as stores face closure

After a reported race by Gordon Brothers and NEXT to take over British heritage bag company Radley, it has been confirmed that the owner of LK Bennett and Poundland has acquired the brand. 

The Gordon Brothers intend to operate Radley under an “asset-light” model, with the deal including the brand and related intellectual property but not its 21 UK stores. The deal led to the immediate redundancy of 42 employees.

In future, the new owners want to focus on strengthening the brand's relationships with retail partners, international growth and expanding into new categories including watches, jewellery, eyewear and beauty gifting.

The Gordon Brothers' acquisition of LK Bennett in January 2026 followed a similar strategy, with the closure of retail stores and plans to transition the business to an asset-light model.

It follows a number of high-profile acquisitions that have been made in recent months, and subsequent store closures. Following NEXT's acquisition of struggling British shoe brand Russell & Bromley in January, all but three of its retail locations were shut down, with 332 redundancies made. Since then a fourth store, in Richmond, has been re-opened.

We are seeing this happening more often – a new buyer consolidating retail operations to strengthen commercial performance. For me, this highlights how the role of the brick-and-mortar store is shifting. Most importantly, perhaps, I don't believe this shows that they have lost importance. We have seen evidence of how much brands value stores as assets – including both Ted Baker and Topshop moving to rebuild their high street footprint. I believe instead this signals a move by brands and retailers to create more purposeful, strategic retail opportunities. And I think that is an exciting proposition. 

Camilla Rydzek, Senior News and Features Writer. 

ASOS expands menswear offer with nine new brands including Gap

ASOS, which is undergoing a turnaround under CEO Joé Antonio Ramos Calamonte, is beefing up its branded menswear offer with nine new labels, the most eye-catching of which is Gap.

Gap itself is also in a turnaround situation and is finding favour with a new generation of consumer, which nostalgic me is very pleased to see. Gap's UK operations are run by NEXT, which is opening standalone stores and shop-in-shops, and which also operates its UK e-commerce.

However, if Gap wants to find that fashion-obsessed 20-something consumer, then there's still no better place to go than ASOS.

Shazmeen Malik, Partner Brands & Flexible Fulfilment Director at ASOS revealed that 40% of its branded menswear offer has been newly acquired in the past two years, so there's strong momentum in the men's market for ASOS.

We'll no doubt see more brands added over the coming months, but this Gap tie-up is a smart move on both sides.

Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.