FASHION FRIENDS FOREVER: Friends of the CFDA, a bunch of like-minded individuals who’re keen about philanthropy and fashion, has formed under the leadership of Jordan Roth, theater producer, couture collector and red carpet favorite, as chairman.

The thought behind Friends of the CFDA got here from Thom Browne, chairman of the CFDA, when he first took over on Jan. 1. One in every of his first initiatives was to pick out a small group of fashion devotees in support of American designers.

Friends of the CFDA will provide this group unprecedented access to the American fashion industry, including exclusive advantages corresponding to invitations to special events, private gatherings with industry leaders and recognition for his or her commitment to the CFDA’s mission.

The annual membership fee advantages CFDA’s philanthropic initiatives including emerging designer support, sustainable fashion initiatives, diversity and inclusion programs, and industry education and advocacy, amongst others.

“As chairman of the CFDA, my emphasis is on the importance of creativity in constructing successful businesses…American fashion might be magical and provoking…with Friends of the CFDA, we hope to bring exclusive access to the talent and creativity of our designers…and profit vital CFDA initiatives and programs,” said Browne.

Roth said, “When Thom asked me to guide the Friends of the CFDA, I immediately and wholeheartedly agreed as I’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary work of the organization. The CFDA has long been a driver of the style industry’s creativity, innovation and growth. Its programs and initiatives have nurtured emerging talents, promoted sustainability and propelled Latest York City as a world fashion capital. Nevertheless, the CFDA’s work couldn’t be completed without the collective contribution of people that recognize and experience the transformative power of fashion.”

In accordance with Steven Kolb, chief executive officer of the CFDA, it’s not an official membership program based on dues. Slightly, it’s an invite-only charter with “Friends” making an annual donation of $10,000 to the CFDA Foundation.

Asked how they selected Roth to grow to be chairman of the group, Kolb said, “Jordan is an incredible friend of the CFDA and he embodies a love of fashion and creativity. His enthusiasm and keenness make him an ideal leader of Friends of the CFDA.”

A fashion devotee, Roth is president and majority owner of the Jujamcyn Theaters in Latest York. He oversees five Broadway theaters including the St. James, Al Hirshfeld, August Wilson, Eugene O’Neill and the Walter Kerr. A frequent front-row attendee at fashion shows (who dresses in response to each designer), Roth attended the CFDA and Spotify’s kick-off to Latest York Fashion Week at Gracie Mansion this month, where Mayor Eric Adams welcomed the style crowd.

Kolb said the goal is to start out with 50 friends. “We would like it to be intimate and interesting, but we’re open to expanding if there may be interest,” said Kolb. He said the activities will vary from networking to conversations with designers, studio visits, retail engagement and general access to CFDA events and programs. — LISA LOCKWOOD

ULTA NEW PRESIDENT: Kecia L. Steelman, Ulta’s chief operating officer who’s viewed in industry circles as a possible successor to chief executive officer Dave Kimbell, has added president to her title.

Within the joint roles, Steelman has responsibility for corporate strategy, information technology, store and services operations, supply chain, Ulta Beauty at Goal, enterprise-wide transformation and loss prevention.

That features inventory shrink — the difference between balance-sheet inventory and actual stock that is usually blamed on organized retail crime — which has weighed on Ulta’s gross margin. As a part of that, she has led Ulta’s move to lock up fragrance in cabinets in 70 percent of stores by the top of the yr.

“What we’re seeing is within the initial stores that we rolled out the locked fragrance cases for, we actually saw sales improvement because we were in stock with the product,” she said during an August call with analysts to debate Ulta’s most up-to-date earnings.

Steelman was named chief operating officer in 2021 when Kimbell was appointed CEO. Prior to that, she has been chief store operations officer since 2015. Previously, she was group vice chairman at Family Dollar Stores from 2011 to 2014.

“Kecia is a talented executive with a proven track record of driving operational excellence while fostering a caring and inclusive culture and creating exceptional guest experiences,” said Kimbell. “During the last yr, Kecia has increased her scope and influence inside our organization, and this expanded role recognizes her value to the corporate and her many contributions to our success, while also demonstrating our ongoing confidence in her leadership to assist us drive profitable growth for the corporate over the approaching years.”

Last month, Ulta raised its full-year outlook on the back of a robust second quarter. The wonder retailer now expects net sales to are available in at a spread between $11.05 billion and $11.15 billion. Previously it had forecast $11 billion to $11.1 billion. Estimates for diluted earnings per share have been lifted to $25.10 to $25.60, from $24.70 to $25.40. — KATHRYN HOPKINS

DIOR DENIM: Fresh off dressing K-pop band Tomorrow x Together, aka TXT, on the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, Dior menswear designer Kim Jones is launching a denim capsule collection geared toward a younger, more casual clientele.

The Dior Denim line, set to land in stores on Oct. 19, includes wardrobe staples corresponding to pants, shirts and bucket hats produced from eco-friendly cotton in washes starting from indigo to gray and black, for those able to swap their oblique suit for a Canadian tuxedo.

Prices range from 750 euros for a pair of slim jeans to 1,900 euros for an overshirt.   

“This collection is the primary capsule dedicated to denim. It consists of casual and complicated pieces, that are the proper match for a men’s wardrobe,” Jones said in a press release.

“I remember after I was young, I went through a phase where I wore Vans, jeans and a Stüssy T-shirt daily. Jeans are certainly one of those basic that may stick with you for all times. This might be the last modern invention for men. It’s something cultural,” added the designer, who has an enormous collection of vintage clothing.

The gathering combines workwear-inspired details, like stitching on carpenter jeans and darts on back pockets, with house signatures just like the Dior Oblique motif, which appears on certain linings, and leather patches embossed with the Dior logo. Accessories include the B33 sneaker and a cream and navy weekender bag.

The primary denim designs for men at Dior were launched for spring 2003 by Hedi Slimane, the designer of Dior Homme between 2000 and 2007. — JOELLE DIDERICH

SHOUTING OUT: Historic British retailer Fenwick has launched its first promoting campaign, titled “Quiet No More.”

Targeted at a younger audience, the ads feature images from upcoming photography duo Pablo Estévez and Javier Belloso, in addition to Ana Paganini. 

Moody images overlaid with text can be displayed across the U.K., from Edinburgh to Bristol and Birmingham to London, as billboards and wild postings.

“The launch of our first Fenwick brand campaign is a monumental moment for us. As a historically discreet brand, that is our time to be quiet no more,” commented Fenwick’s chief marketing officer, Mia Fenwick.

“Our campaign reaches out to a latest generation who want to interact with authentic brands, feel seen and welcomed. That is where we’re spotlighting all of the pioneers — young and old, all ages and gender — who embody what Fenwick stands for,” she continued.

Accompanying the campaign is a pop-up shop within the department store, where customers should purchase limited-edition T-shirts printed with the slogans “Quiet No More,” “Unquiet Luxury” and “Wear Something With Volume.” 

“This campaign concept embraces daring statements that upend the general public perception of what Fenwick is or is alleged to represent. We are going to connect with younger people’s desire to be properly understood, by showing that anything old might be made latest again and your style journey starts once you decide to live out loud,” explained Hank Park, creative director at MMBP, the agency chargeable for the campaign. 

It comes somewhat lower than a yr after the retailer announced it had sold its Bond Street store site and nearby London properties, in favor of funneling 40 million kilos into its flagship in Newcastle, England, where it has had a presence since 1882. — VIOLET GOLDSTONE

NRF HONOR: Ed Stack, executive chairman of Dick’s Sporting Goods, will receive The Visionary award from the National Retail Federation at its annual convention in Latest York City in January.

Stack, who served as chairman and chief executive officer of the sporting goods retailer from 1984 to 2021, will receive the award throughout the ninth annual NRF Foundation Honors event on Jan. 14. He’s being celebrated for growing the business founded by his father from two stores in upstate Latest York to the country’s largest omnichannel sporting goods retailer. Dick’s has greater than 850 stores and likewise owns Golf Galaxy and Moosejaw.

Stack stepped into the role of executive chairman in 2021, with Lauren Hobart taking on as president and CEO.

“Starting his retail profession at a young age, Ed Stack has led Dick’s Sporting Goods through a long time of remarkable growth with tremendous business acumen and ingenuity,” said Matthew Shay, NRF’s president and CEO. “His story demonstrates how retail is unmatched in opportunity. Throughout his tenure, Ed has stood by his convictions and dedication to creating a difference, and NRF is honored to acknowledge him with The Visionary award.”

“I actually have spent my life in retail, and I’m honored and humbled to be recognized as The Visionary by the National Retail Federation,” Stack said. “This recognition is on behalf of the greater than 50,000 associates with Dick’s Sporting Goods who’ve helped construct the corporate during the last 75 years.” 

Past recipients of The Visionary award include Lowe’s chairman and CEO Marvin Ellison; Goal Corp. board chairman and CEO Brian Cornell; former Kohl’s CEO Michelle Gass; Nike chairman, president and CEO Mark Parker; Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon; and Levi Strauss & Co. president and CEO Chip Bergh.

Stack may also take part in a fireplace chat with Shay on Jan. 14 throughout the NRF’s convention: Retail’s Big Show. — JEAN E. PALMIERI

MORE SOCIAL: Be Social and Socialyte have merged to create The Digital Dept.

The 2 influencer agencies were acquired by Dolphin Entertainment — a marketing, publicity and production company headquartered in Florida — in 2020 and 2022, respectively. The brand new branch can be overseen by co-chief executive officers Ali Grant, founding father of Be Social, and Sarah Boyd, formerly the president of Socialyte.

“In constructing this group of world-class marketers over the past six years, we have now repeatedly held that the long run of selling is in creating and influencing culture, sparking two-way conversations and earning a spot in consumers’ lives,” said chief executive officer Bill O’Dowd, who founded Dolphin Entertainment in 1996. “That’s not possible to realize today without the very best leaders, tastemakers and relationship builders within the creator economy — and the merger of Be Social and Socialyte does just that, by creating an influencer relations powerhouse.”

In unifying, the aim is to “facilitate brand partnerships and artistic strategy across diverse social media verticals,” in response to Dolphin Entertainment, connecting popular culture and entertainment across industries.

With PR houses 42West, The Door and Shore Fire Media as subsidiaries, Dolphin Entertainment services brands in film, television, music, gaming and hospitality. The Digital Dept. will have the option to tap into Dolphin Entertainment’s network. Meanwhile The Digital Dept., which now has a portfolio of greater than 200 creators with a combined social reach of greater than 200 million, provides Dolphin Entertainment with access to influencers and know-how in social media.

“Uniting our teams will deliver continued growth and immediate value to our creators and types,” said Boyd. “Together, we can have even greater capabilities corresponding to organic and paid influencer strategy for brands, coupled with production, marketing, earned media and crisis management offered by most of the Dolphin subsidiaries. Match that with a various talent management roster and extra experiential and event capabilities to proceed to reinvent the approach to digital awareness and advance our overall company agenda and mission.”

“By coming together, we’re creating and increasing latest opportunities in the best way of brand name relationships, connections and reach for our collective partners and creators,” added Grant. “Our growing team and roster paired with our Dolphin portfolio of agencies allows us to raised serve our client’s needs in ways in which simply haven’t existed before.”

The Digital Dept. has offices in Los Angeles, Latest York, Nashville and Miami. — RYMA CHIKHOUNE

MORE PRADA ART: Miuccia Prada is furthering her commitment to Fondazione Prada by revealing that she is formally taking up the role of director of the cultural institution that she established alongside her husband Patrizio Bertelli in 1993.

Already president of Fondazione Prada, which operates three outposts in Milan and Venice, Prada said: “Right from the beginning, through the Fondazione’s activities I aspired to research human culture in all its variety and complexity. Over these 30 years, I actually have wondered in other ways how artistic and mental research can impact people’s lives. Looking for increasingly topical answers to this query is the basic objective I actually have set myself with the muse.”

After relinquishing her role as co-chief executive officer of the Prada Group, which she shared with Bertelli, as a part of her company’s succession plan that saw Andrea Guerra join the Italian luxury firm within the role of group CEO, Prada is restating her personal commitment to Fondazione Prada’s present and future projects, after de facto leading it for the past 30 years.

The institution concurrently unveiled the creation of a steering committee tasked with identifying “research areas to develop multidisciplinary projects that may impact the contemporary cultural debate and indicate possible lines for experimentation and education.”

Comprising professionals across different disciplines, the committee will work in tandem with Prada, in addition to general manager Cristian Valsecchi and head of programs Chiara Costa.

The committee includes Giuliana Bruno, Emmet Blakeney Gleason professor of visual and environmental studies at Harvard University; Giancarlo Comi, honorary professor of neurology on the Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan; Theaster Gates, artist, activist and professor on the University of Chicago within the Department of Visual Arts; Alejandro González Iñárritu, film director, screenwriter and film producer, and Salvatore Settis, archaeologist, art historian and professor emeritus on the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, Italy.

Fondazione Prada counts three everlasting locations overall including a stately multicomplex venue on Largo Isarco, in southeastern Milan, in 2015 and accomplished in 2018 with the addition of the Torre [tower], and the Osservatorio [observatory] contained in the city’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The third location is headquartered in Venice at Ca’ Corner della Regina. — MARTINO CARRERA

NEW ROLE: Chioma Nnadi has been named British Vogue’s head of editorial content, taking on responsibilities from Edward Enninful.

As WWD reported over the weekend, Nnadi was said to be the frontrunner for the post.

Unlike her predecessor Enninful, Nnadi is not going to hold the title of editor in chief. Slightly, as head of editorial content, she’s going to take care of the day-to-day running of the magazine, mirroring the situation in any respect of Condé Nast’s titles. 

The general editorial direction of Vogue is about by Condé Nast global chief content officer and Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour, who has solidified her dominance over the corporate’s editorial operations over the previous couple of years.

“Chioma is beloved amongst her colleagues at Vogue, and is an editor and author with an impeccable popularity — each here and in the style industry at large. I’m so grateful to Edward Enninful for all the things he’s completed at British Vogue, and we’re all looking forward to a productive and artistic relationship with him in his latest role,” Wintour said in a press release. 

“I can’t consider a more worthy person to follow in his footsteps than Chioma, who has proven herself adept at chatting with our digital audience and has found ways to increase Vogue’s reach, authority and influence across all of our platforms. She is keen about fashion, music and culture, and I couldn’t be happier that she can be leading our editorial and artistic teams in London,” she added.

Enninful, who can be taking up two latest roles at Condé Nast, said he was thrilled about Nnadi’s appointment: “She is an excellent and unique talent with real vision, who will take the publication to ever greater heights.”

Nnadi, whose parents are Nigerian and Swiss German, is a Vogue veteran. She first joined the title in 2010 as a author, based in Latest York. She later became fashion news director, and most recently assumed the role of editor of vogue.com, where she was charged with directing digital content.

“I’m beyond excited and honored to have been appointed as British Vogue’s head of editorial content. As someone who was born and raised in London, the energy of town — its boundary-pushing style and artistic scene — has shaped the best way I take a look at the world,” Nnadi said.

“Now, greater than ever, it seems like a moment to look beyond borders while also celebrating the broad scope of what it means to be British. I’m looking forward to engaging a loyal and inspired digital community that’s energized by our access, perspective, and storytelling,” she added. — V.G.