Editors' Top Reads: News from Ted Baker, M&S, NEXT and more...

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

Ted Baker's UK business called in administrators, leaving jobs at risk

This week, the industry suffered another shock - following Frasers putting Matches into administration - when the news broke that Ted Baker's UK licensee, No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), also called in administrators.

Authentic Brand Group (ABG) licenses the Ted Baker brand to NODL in the UK, which has appointed Teneo Financial Advisory as administrators. Six weeks ago, it terminated Ted Baker’s contract with AARC, which operated the British-founded brand's retail stores and e-commerce platform in the UK and Europe.

John McNamara, Chief Strategy and Transition Officer at Authentic Brands Group, told TheIndustry.fashion: "Despite our tireless efforts, the damage done during a period under AARC in which NODL built up a significant level of arrears was too much to overcome."

Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.

In depth: NEXT outlines its strategy for a 'new era'

NEXT this week revealed yet another period of positive growth as the high street giant saw annual profits rise 5% and outlined its strategy for continued success amid a challenging economic environment that has impacted so many businesses.

While NEXT isn't immune to the problems facing the market, the retailer is still beating expectations and resonating with the UK consumer - and seems to remain confident it will continue to do so, backed by its strategy that signals a "new era".

This in depth review of NEXT's strategy, as well as its results  and commentary from a number of industry experts, details the retailer's plans to continue on its growth journey. From strengthening the NEXT brand overseas to the development of new brands and licences, and continuing to develop its Total Platform, 2024 may be another impressive year for NEXT and I look forward to seeing how it performs.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.

In History: Ted Baker. A timeline of a British retail icon

What now for Ted Baker? With the UK business in administration there is speculation that, like so many others, it could end up in the hands of NEXT or Frasers. Or perhaps Associated Brands Group – the US brand house that bought it in 2022 and called in the administrators after an ill-advised decision to outsource the management of its retail business – may rescue it in some form.

At this stage, we don't know what the future holds but we can look back at the events that got us to this situation. And that's exactly what I did in this special feature, published earlier this week. Each key milestone of the business, from its inception in 1988 to the administration of 2024, is mapped out. Let's hope there are many more happier milestones to come.

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

Marks & Spencer unveils SS24 campaign with new TV ad starring Sara Sampaio

This week saw Marks & Spencer launch its new SS24 womenswear campaign with a TV ad starring actress and model Sara Sampaio, set to the soundtrack of Cyndi Lauper’s infectious 80s pop song 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun'.

In the 30 second ad, Sampaio enthusiastically "turns her world into a personal catwalk" with a variety of looks in different settings – all in quick succession. It has bags of life and a real feelgood factor, so full marks to the team that put it together.

Anna Braithwaite, Marketing Director for Clothing & Home at Marks & Spencer, said: "Embodying the spirit of the season, it’s confident, playful – and set to a track that our customers are sure to be humming throughout the season!" I think she could well have that one right.

Tom Bottomley, Contributing Editor.

Can’t see the wood without the Dries as Van Noten steps down

Under the radar and under-rated, one of my favourite designers has this week stepped down from the brand he founded 38 years ago.

Van Noten was a fashion insider's fashion designer and a master of colour, print and cut. He was so often left in the shadow of flashier brands and designers and not given the coverage I think his designs deserved but maybe that's how he liked it? And anyway, those who loved him, appreciated him and wore him so that's what matters. Spanish group Puig obviously saw his potential when they bought his brand back in 2018. The relationship with Puig appeared to be harmonious and Van Noten is now 65 and wants to pursue a different path in life. He deserves it.

Our contributor Marcus Jaye wrote this piece on how he sees the future of Dries without Van Noten. And, if you want to appreciate some of his most beautiful designs on some of the world's best-known women, check out this piece too.

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