Editors' Top Reads: News from Longchamp, Burberry, Six Stories and more...
Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.fashion team.
The Interview: Longchamp UK MD Stephanie Azan on driving growth and engaging the next generation
Longchamp has carved out a distinctive space at the intersection of accessible luxury, and it’s no surprise that the French brand continues to win over customers.
I can’t remember the last time I went out and didn’t see at least one person carrying a Longchamp bag - usually, there are several. While much of the luxury sector is grappling with slower growth and more cautious spending, Longchamp seems to be defying the trend. The brand’s sweet spot - premium and aspirational, yet still accessible - has clearly resonated with consumers, who can’t seem to get enough.
In this exclusive interview with TheIndustry.fashion, UK & Ireland Managing Director Stephanie Azan shares the key strategies driving Longchamp’s success in a competitive market. She also discusses the opportunities and challenges shaping the luxury industry, the growing appeal of Longchamp among younger consumers - particularly through the bestselling Le Pliage bag - and outlines her ambitions for the brand in the UK.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
Burberry turns corner with first sales rise in two years
Joshua Schulman's turnaround plan at Burberry looks to be gaining traction. The British luxury house recorded a modest but significant 2% lift in sales in its second quarter. This led to a flat performance in the first half overall, which may not seem like much to cheer about - until you compare it to the 20% drop a year before. Furthermore, it has cut half-year losses to £48 million from the prior year's £80 million.
Some tough decisions have had to be made, including the slashing of 1,700 staff worldwide. But CEO Schulman appears to have been able to deal with the bad stuff behind the scenes, while presenting new energy and optimism to the outside world. Chief designer Daniel Lee has been left in no doubt about where the brand's strengths lie and which products will drive sales (mostly outerwear), and the brand has once again embraced its Britishness with pride.
I don't want to speak too soon, but Burberry does appear to be at its most successful when it has an American CEO and a British creative director (think Rose Marie Bravo and Christopher Bailey). Can we look forward to even better numbers next quarter? Its Christmas campaign is great (Jennifer Saunders - such great casting), and it's enough to make me put a trench on my Christmas list. I am hopeful others will do the same.
Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.
80s Casual Classics unveils new store in former Philip Browne unit in Norwich
Neil Primett’s 80s Casual Classics is proving that it is feeding more than just a fad for retro football terrace-inspired sportswear and casualwear, putting the emphasis on brand exclusives and new takes on old designs at its latest store in the former Philip Browne unit in Norwich, which opened last weekend.
As Primett himself said: “We are still one of the few (menswear independent) retailers in ascendancy, as customers look for exclusivity and better value for money. We like newness, but we aim to constantly tick the ‘repeat business’ box.” It’s a formula that certainly seems to be working.
It’s also good to see the old Philip Browne store reborn as another menswear independent. It was back in March this year that 80s Casual Classics acquired Elements, around the corner from Philip Browne at 12 Lower Gate Lane. Elements had been going since the late 1990s and had a brand portfolio that already had a certain crossover with 80s Casual Classics.
The store traded as dual-branded Elements x 80s Casual Classics until the move into the larger former Philip Browne unit (which saw the old store close). What’s also good news is that former Elements manager and buyer Jonny George has been kept on to run the new store - along with all former Elements staff.
Jonny George ran the Elements store for 25 years but actually started out in retail working for Philip Browne. He said: “Number 3 Guildhall Hill is an iconic store, synonymous with Philip Browne and the 38 years of hard work and passion for 'the business' he brought to Norwich.
“We're very mindful of the mantle we've taken on. We're not only seeing loyal Elements and 80s Casual Classics customers coming in, but former Philip Browne customers too - acknowledging it’s good to see the store being used for clothing retail again.
“I started out working for Philip Browne back in his former store on the corner of Lower Goat Lane, which were great days, so it's a little like coming full circle for me.”
In an age where so many independent menswear retailers have fallen by the wayside, or have been taken over by the big retail players and subsequently shuttered, it’s refreshing to hear that some old faces remain in the game -especially when they are so connected to their community and local customer base, who rely on them to keep well dressed.
Tom Bottomley, Contributing Editor.
The Interview: Lucy Menghini on building Six Stories into a £10m occasionwear brand
When I saw Six Stories appear on The Sunday Times 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list for the second year running, I knew I had to speak to Lucy Menghini. In a landscape where so many bridal and occasionwear labels have struggled to evolve post-pandemic, her brand has quietly built a £10 million business that’s rewriting what "modern bridal" means.
Menghini’s story isn’t the usual overnight success tale. She started Six Stories from her spare room while working for Steven Bartlett, and it’s clear that his entrepreneurial mindset rubbed off. What began with handmade flower girl tutus has become a global occasionwear label stocked at overseas big dogs Macy’s and Nordstrom, powered almost entirely by community and instinct.
What struck me most during our conversation was how deeply Lucy listens to her customers. "Every product, every campaign starts with her," she told me. "We talk to thousands of women through surveys, WhatsApp groups, and community spaces, and that feedback drives every decision we make."
That emotional intelligence is what’s set Six Stories apart. It’s not just about weddings; it's about Menghini’s vision for what she calls "sentimental fashion."
Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.
