Fashion in 2025–26 is defined by leadership shake-ups, AI-driven sustainability, resale growth, trend revivals, luxury deals, and major exhibitions worldwide.
1
Grace Wales Bonner named Hermès Men’s creative director (future start)
Industry watchers celebrated Grace Wales Bonner’s appointment to helm Hermès Men’s ready-to-wear, a high-profile move that will begin in 2027 and was widely covered as a major leadership shift in luxury fashion.
2
Demna’s first full Gucci collection confirmed for February
Demna’s formal debut at Gucci—following his move from Balenciaga—was scheduled for February, generating notable spikes in brand attention and consumer searches after his appointment.
3
Major 2025 trends: Miu Miu, flip-flops, and Y2K/90s revivals
Lyst and industry reports identify Miu Miu as a top-performing brand in 2025, with flip-flops, 2010s bandage dresses, and strong 90s/Y2K revivals dominating searches and sales trends throughout the year.
4
AI and sustainability reshape supply chains and product discovery
Analysts report fashion’s rapid adoption of AI for supply‑chain optimisation, waste reduction and personalized discovery—trends tied to a projected global e‑commerce market exceeding $1.2 trillion in 2025.
5
Retail and economic pressures: UK retail sales fall before Christmas
Retail data in December showed unexpected weakness in UK run-up-to-Christmas sales, highlighting broader economic headwinds affecting fashion demand and seasonal performance.
6
Etro attracts new minority investors to accelerate expansion
Rams Global, Swinger International and SRI Group acquired a minority stake in Italian brand Etro to bolster international growth and category development; terms were undisclosed but the valuation exceeded previous investor levels.
7
Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo paired for major exhibition
A blockbuster museum exhibition pairing Vivienne Westwood with Rei Kawakubo was announced for the National Gallery of Victoria, signaling continued mainstream institutional interest in avant‑garde designers.
8
Kate Moss’s Cosmoss enters liquidation
Cosmoss, the prestige skincare and wellness line founded by Kate Moss, entered liquidation proceedings after failing to file accounts, marking a notable celebrity‑brand failure in beauty adjacent to fashion.
9
Industry year-in-review: thinness concerns and model diversity setbacks
Yearly roundups highlighted a rollercoaster 2025—creative debuts and viral trends were counterbalanced by setbacks such as a rollback on plus‑size representation and continued emphasis on ultra‑thin models.
10
Fashion events and marketplaces expand with Informa’s 2025 season
Fashion by Informa’s 2025 events (MAGIC, COTERIE and others) reported record participation, aligning show timings with NYFW and expanding marketplace opportunities for emerging brands.
11
Supply‑chain and geopolitical risks spotlight Haiti and Mexico apparel sectors
Coverage in 2025 flagged the vulnerability of garment hubs after Hurricane Melissa in Haiti and trade fragility between Mexico and the US—both posing risks to global sourcing and supply continuity.
12
Resale and circular models accelerate as consumers prioritise sustainability
Reports show growing consumer preference for environmental impact—44% cite it as key—fuelling resale platforms, circular initiatives and startups using tech to extend product lifecycles.
13
Fashion Trend Awards and industry recognitions highlight denim and footwear shifts
Award shows and trend summits in 2025 spotlighted raw selvedge Japanese denim, Vibram toe shoes and an ‘ugly shoe’ momentum across footwear categories.