Laura Ingrassia

Levi's is one of the most iconic fashion brands and a reflection of American culture. Think Marlon Brando in The Wild One. Jeans will no doubt continue to be a wardrobe staple and a cultural statement for decades to come.   The same can be said for '47 – helping fans express their team loyalties in apparel and other sports merchandise for more than 75 years.   Having a long heritage however, does not mean relying only on the past. At ‘47, we’re always focused on the future in meeting new and expanding generations of fans, such as our latest partnership with NASCAR. We’re also entering new partnership agreements to reach more consumers, such as our collaborations with Stoney Clover Lane, Rowing Blazers, Salty Crew and more.    At ‘47, we’re increasingly digital and omnichannel, enabling more customers to discover and explore our expanding line of fanwear that also makes a fashion statement. And, just as our favorite sports occupy the calendar year-round, sports apparel is always in season.   We see a strong parallel to Levi’s latest strategy to redefine how consumers relate to and shop for the brand, including more direct-to-consumer sales. Levi’s goal is to have customers clad in denim from head to toe–as seen in its “Live in Levi’s campaign” for 2024, which celebrates movement and dance.   Both ‘47 and Levi’s are classic examples of long-time brands honoring their past, updating their image in the present, and securing their place in the future. Threading it all together are enduring core values.   At ‘47, for more than 75 years, we’ve been known for a deep commitment to quality and attention to detail. And that’s a legacy that will endure. https://lnkd.in/gHM_bxZV

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Christophe Georges, you said some pretty interesting things, which I share here 💪: ·     Best combination is high performance and high craftsmanship.  ·     It’s not a question of age to desire a Bentley. It’s when can you afford it.  ·     Today people can make money faster, so they become wealthy younger.  ·     People want to live to the maximum of their ability. “I want to enjoy my life.”  ·     People purchase because they get excited about it. ·     Biggest challenge is changing technology. It takes 4 years to introduce a new product then 7 years in the market. The market can change quickly in 11 years. ·     Collabs are very important; they extend the reach through other brands. ·     Dinners and events are important parts of marketing. Mickey ALAM KHAN Luxury Roundtable UBS Seth Rutman Quinn PR Cassandra Small Kristie Farinha Liz McNeil

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Diverge Meta collaboration with the London-based fashion brand, Sinead Gorey, whose designs are worn by Miley Cyrus, Cardi B, Sita Bellan, has expanded into the dynamic worlds of Roblox and NAVER Z (ZEPETO). With a bold move into Roblox, that has 70 million users daily, they've further extended their reach to Zepeto, spotlighting the iconic designs and connecting with an audience passionate about immersive virtual experiences. The creation of a digital twin is a revolutionary step that bridges traditional fashion with the immersive digital world, offering far more than just access to new audiences. It's about weaving the brand into the very essence of digital culture, merging the virtual and the real to redefine fashion.  It’s where the virtual and tangible intertwine, creating a new paradigm for what fashion can be – an endless horizon of innovation and creativity. If you want to bring your brand to gaming, reach out to explore the potential of digital twins and immersive experiences. #roblox #zepeto #digitaltwin #digitalfashion #videogames #gaming #brands #mobentertainment #gamingindustry

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I was quoted in this article on the FTC trying to block the merger between Tapestry and Capri. What I find interesting is that, like me, most of the other people quoted find the ruling incredulous. This includes an executive from a competitor brand, who admitted that while they should be happy about the attempt to block, they actually think the FTC is anachronistic and has no understanding of how the market works. I go further. I think the FTC has become a menace. It is attacking the companies that generate wealth and make the country stronger. It does so under the camouflage of 'protecting consumers' but, in reality, the only thing it's protecting in this instance is its own warped worldview. Thanks to WWD for including my thoughts alongside many other interesting musings... https://lnkd.in/e-qqm_z6 #retail #retailnews #luxury #handbags #FTC #competition

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Earlier this year the National Retail Federation hosted the State of Retail & The Consumer, an annual meeting hosted by their Chief Economist, Jack Kleinhenz, Ph.D.. This year, Jack, alongside analyst Bryan Nagel and senior economist Kenneth Kim, shared their predictions for the year ahead. Here are some highlights: 😱 Consumers surprised many economists last year. Looking back at 2023, the inconsistencies we saw made consumers unpredictable – something to be mindful of as we “assess” this year’s landscape. 📈 We’ll likely see “moderate but steady” growth in retail spend this year – a predicted 2.5-3.5% increase in retail sales year over year. 🧑‍💻 To better understand consumer spending, we need to look at the job reports. “If the consumer has a job, if they feel comfortable keeping that job, if they can get another job, that’s what drives their spending”. 🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Be aware of the upcoming generational wealth transfer. The article notes: “More than $53 trillion is expected to be transferred from baby boomers, representing 63 percent of all transfers, likely to their Gen X, millennial, and Gen Z heirs.” This is sure to impact consumer behaviors for some in the next generation. 💸 The rise of Buy Now, Pay Later means more spending, but likely more debt. What do you think about these predictions? Agree with them all? Think differently about any of them? I’m interested to hear from my peers in the comments below. https://lnkd.in/gn3ZFwgQ

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I don’t think luxury brands will play along with dupe culture Whereas people used to pass off their fakes as the real thing, today’s Gen Z-ers openly flaunt their dupes. But there’s a big difference between a dupe and a counterfeit product. Dupes don’t pretend to be a brand that they’re not. Whilst counterfeit products do – and are illegal. I can’t see high-end luxury companies going along with the recommendation to “lean in” and play along with dupe culture, even if well-known premium brands like lululemon and Olaplex Inc. (Nasdaq: OLPX) have done so. Last year Lululemon offered anyone who had purchased Lululemon dupe leggings to exchange them for the real thing at no cost. The gamble paid off and 50% of those 1000 customers who chose to swap their dupes were new to Lululemon. Olaplex sponsored influencers to push a product called Oladupé. When consumers clicked on the link they were taken to the real Olaplex and reminded that nothing is better than the real thing. But it’s different when dupes take advantage of a luxury brand’s icons. These companies have spent decades investing in their brands to make these icons desirable.  I expect them to continue to fight counterfeiting and rightly so. So, does the rise of dupe culture speak to a generational shift in consumption of goods and media? What do you think?   And finally, there’s been very little debate about the conditions in the factories that make such dupes. I suspect many might be sweatshops or similar. Any thoughts? #luxury #dupes #counterfeit #sweatshops #dupeculture #genz #brands Smith Square Partners https://lnkd.in/eCeQHVjk

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You might say that analysts have said everything there is to be said about LVMH’s results. At The Luxury Institute, LLC we focus on the 360-degree life of the UHNW, HNW and Affluent customer. We are always taking the pulse of luxury consumers. Here are some observations from the luxury buyer POV: First, price increases have been so high that even UHNWs question the logic. If we could break out brand revenue numbers by volume, price, mix and forex effects, we would see that volumes are much worse. That’s not a good sign. Second, we can see the effects of affluent consumer habits changes in the numbers: Beauty (skin care) up as consumers at all life stages focus on taking better care of themselves earlier, for the longer journey. Wine and spirits consumption down driven by strong health/self-care effects across all consumers, especially the young. Leather goods consumption holding steady because a great handbag is a need, a statement piece, an investment item. Jewelry and watches still beloved, but consumers telling brands they went too far on pricing. As far as regions, China used to be the engine of luxury since the early 2000’s and now it is just another major region that suffers ups and downs, like the rest. In terms of segments, the UHNW are always immune, but sometimes they choose not to be. With so many crises and risks in every region of the world, their spending mood is “quieter.” HNWs are less resilient and are feeling the pain and fear of white collar layoffs (more coming), AI displacement, as well as cumulative (not just recent) inflation plus very high interest rates. And the Fed says there is no relief coming in 2024. Aspirationals are definitely struggling hard and luxury is not their priority; they may have work, but they are barely coping with cumulative inflation and high borrowing at high rates.  Analysts and executives we love and respect are calling this a “Normalization.” If you have gone through various luxury cycles and are listening to the signal of the customers, not the noise, you know there is nothing “Normal” about this global economy - both good and bad.

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In our latest episode of #imPRessions, David H. Dancer talks with co-hosts Jennifer Lewis and Kalli Vetrano about how to rebrand flawlessly. Having led iconic rebrands across industries, David shares the do's and don'ts of revamping a brand. From communicating changes to customers instead of surprising them to phasing in modifications, Dancer's advice is truly 💯. In this episode, David breaks down famous fails like Twitter/X and wins like Dunkin shedding "Donuts." Are you feeling inspired to modernize your business? Tune into this episode before starting your revamp. #Rebranding #BusinessBranding #MarketingStrategy #MarketingPodcast #BusinessPodcast #LinkedInMarketing #podcast The Pollack Group

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The FTC is suing to block Tapestry's merger with Capri. Once again, the FTC has created a totally artificial market of its own imagining: the accessible luxury market. It's artificial because people don't go out and say "oh I'll but an accessible luxury handbag today". They explore brands and look at a variety of options suited to their budget and then make decisions. And when making those decisions, even in the mid-priced market, they have plenty of choice. A quick glance at Macy's website reveals it stocks literally hundreds of handbag brands. There is no dearth of choice and, even as a combined entity, Tapestry and Capri cannot simply raise prices without the threat of losing market share. Unfortunately, the FTC has misread the market and failed to understand how brands work, how consumers shop, and the actual level of choice for the consumer. In my view, the FTC's rulings are getting out of hand. The agency is becoming extremely anti-business and needs to be reined in. https://lnkd.in/gKRj5ERT #retail #retailnews #markets #FTC #luxury #handbags #competition

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Under the exceptional leadership of CEO Fran Horowitz, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has undergone a significant transformation. By addressing past mistakes and implementing a comprehensive rebranding strategy focused on inclusivity and diversity, she has driven the company’s remarkable resurgence. This success is the result of years of dedicated effort and commitment to doing what’s right. A recent Forbes article highlights this impressive turnaround, reporting record-breaking first-quarter earnings and a 459% stock growth over the past year, even outperforming tech giant Nvidia. In an era when many organizations have abandoned their commitments to diversity, Abercrombie & Fitch's steadfast dedication stands out. As a former employee, seeing the company thrive once again, with its evolved and inclusive approach, is both familiar and refreshingly new. This transformation is a testament to the power of embracing diversity and inclusivity, and it’s a change worth celebrating.

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"It’s about extending our ability to find incredible brands we believe our customers will love and introducing them to those brands at a bigger scale, without the cost of a #wholesale model.” A lot to applaud in Nordstrom's #marketplace launch (#TLDR their vision is to become "The Spotify of #Fashion") ... enabling broader, deeper assortments; building out extended sizes; making marketplace items accessible to in-store #stylists; offering tailoring and alterations; and perhaps most importantly, allowing in-store #returns for marketplace purchases. In addition, I think they should use this as an opportunity to extend beyond "#gifting, #home, and #outdoor" and build share of wallet across a broader range of products and services. For some retailers, a marketplace is a chance to try and become #TheEverythingStore. For most, however, it's an opportunity to curate a range of goods and services that are tailored to your target customer(s), without the requisite costs of setting up #fullstack teams., processes, and #OTB to support. https://lnkd.in/g9aR6sjE

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Amazon is making waves in the luxury retail sector with its recent investment in the $2.65 billion Saks-Neiman Marcus merger. The fashion industry is buzzing as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus merge under Richard Baker's HBC to form Saks Global, with Salesforce also contributing to the deal. This strategic move by Amazon has sparked discussions on regulatory approval and the tech giant's intentions. Will Amazon approach this investment as a venture capitalist, or is it positioning itself to make a splash in the luxury market? Targeting affluent shoppers, Amazon aims to revolutionize high-end retail by blending exclusivity with its widespread accessibility. It is interesting to see how Amazon's entrance will disrupt and reshape the luxury retail landscape. 

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Discounting should only be a tactic as part of a strategic planning process. Finite understanding of the luxury market behaviour with the tactic applied at only the strategic moment is an additional rare perk to the audience. Incorrectly incorporated can be highly damaging and dependent to a retailer.

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This article is about the insights I gained during the SDG jury at Cannes Lions this year. Thanks Kim & Adam Shaw for releasing this in your valuable space. https://lnkd.in/g6a_szdE

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For months, the $8.5 billion merger between Tapestry and Capri Holdings Limited has seemed like a done deal. But could the FTC throw a wrench in the works? Possibly, if a recent report in The New York Times is to be believed. According to discussions I’ve had, there are some concerns about the sale of handbags through outlet stores and the fact a merger may reduce competition and increase prices in that space. This seems a very pernickety point. Higher end fashion brands do not, primarily, compete on price, even at outlet stores. And it’s not like there’s a dearth of competition from other brands, in either the outlet or full-price space. However, the FTC’s more muscular stance on mergers might mean it is fishing around for any excuse to prevent a merger – one that has already gained approval in the EU and Japan. I enjoyed chatting with The Business of Fashion about the latest on the deal. #retail #retailnews #fashion #handbags #competition #mergers

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