Editors' Top Reads: News from Marks & Spencer, Hugo Boss, Chloé and more...

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

Paris Fashion Week: 70s boho chic is back at Chloé

I've wanted to like Chloé for many years, but I've struggled to if I'm honest. While I admired Gabriela Hearst's sustainable focus, the clothes (and bags and shoes) did little for me. I guess that's purely down to personal preference, but her Chloé never felt like Chloé to me, which I've always associated with fresh, floaty and 70s vibes.

It was with much anticipation that I waited to see new creative director Chemena Kamali’s take on the brand and my over-riding emotion when seeing it was relief. Would I wear this stuff on a daily basis? No. Do I love it? Yes. Maybe I'm old fashioned but I do like creative director's to respect a brand's heritage and house codes when they take over and that is what Kamali has done (she may be new as creative director but she is not new to the brand and she clearly loves and respects the house).

I'm really excited to see more from Kamali and am keen to see this hit the stores so I can have a proper look. I think Chloé fans everywhere will feel the same.

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

TheIndustry.fashion LIVE! 2024 - The Year of Growth

This week, TheIndustry.fashion hosted our very own LIVE! event. Not to toot our horns, but our round-up of insights from the day is most certainly worth a read if growing your fashion business is on the agenda.

The event, titled '2024- The Year of Growth' saw a crowd of fashion industry professionals from the likes of Harrods, N Brown, Dune London, and more come together to spend the day learning all about how brands and retailers can boost growth in 2024 and beyond.

Boasting panellists including Rixo Founder Henrietta Rix and Just Hype Co-founder Bav Samani, the event explored five key themes, from identifying and maximising growth opportunities to finding growth through circular models and getting personal in the last mile and beyond.

Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.

Marks & Spencer wins High Court challenge over Marble Arch redevelopment

Good news for Marks & Spencer, which won a High Court challenge over the blocking of its Marble Arch flagship redevelopment this week. The judge agreed with the retailer that Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, had "misinterpreted and wrongly applied planning policy", branding his decision to block the scheme as "unlawful".

The British retailer was previously given permission to demolish the building and replace it with a new, modern retail space alongside office and leisure facilities. However, the decision was overturned by Gove on heritage and environmental grounds last year, leaving Marks & Spencer feeling rather frustrated and almost causing it to walk away from the site altogether.

The High Court then granted the business a right to appeal Gove's decision towards the end of last year, with the court proceedings taking place this month and the decision now finalised today. Whilst happy about the decision, Marks & Spencer said the ordeal provided a "long, unnecessary and costly delay", but it is still determined to deliver "one of London’s greenest buildings, while creating thousands of new jobs and rejuvenating London's premier shopping district".

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.

Hugo Boss launches HUGO Blue denim line targeting Gen Z

At some point, the big brands always seem to launch a denim-focused sub-brand - you’ve only got to think about Tommy Hilfiger, which rebranded from its original Hilfiger Denim line to Tommy Jeans back in 2017, or Polo Ralph Lauren’s seemingly short-lived Denim & Supply range.

Now Hugo Boss is on the case for its younger HUGO offer, with a dedicated line called HUGO Blue – adding some streetwear and "gender-neutral" styles into the mix of jeans, denim skirts, jackets, trench coats, shorts and dungarees. In fact, there are a whopping 280 pieces in the debut collection across all product categories. That’s a lot of product.

It will be interesting to see how the target Gen Z customer responds to it, as Nadia Kokni, Senior Vice President Global Marketing at Hugo Boss, has said that is "where the sweet spot for the brand overall is".

Tom Bottomley, Contributing Editor.

Savile Row tailor Richard James unveils £2m refurbishment of Clifford Street store

How beautiful is this store? Not only that, but how fantastic is it that the men's tailoring market has bounced back so strongly in the post-pandemic era that Savile Row tailor Richard James has had the confidence to invest £2 million in the refurbishment of the Clifford Street store? And the brand is promising a new concept for its Savile Row store in the next six months too.

Have a read of my colleague Tom Bottomley's article on the success story of Richard James, enjoy the wonderful photographs, and, if you're ever in the area, why not pop in and have a drink at the bar above? I know I will be doing it at the earliest opportunity.

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