“What Patagonia has done is incredible,” said Laura May Gibbs, founder of Australia-based activewear brand Nagnata. “That’s my vision: to have a business that purely funds environmental programs and communities dedicated to combating environmental issues.”

With the retail landscape recently reiterating that it’s less than stable, plus relevance-chasing malls remaining in a state of flux, pop-ups are catching on as shopping centers’ secret weapon. Of course, they also work to the advantage of brands that are sold on the value of physical retail yet gun-shy about...

The Groundbreakers: The executives behind key changes at influential companies Sam LobbanEVP, GMM of women’s apparel, men’s apparel and designer Named the retailer’s general merchandising manager in August, Sam Lobban has been instrumental in fueling excitement around Nordstrom’s product assortment since joining the company to support menswear merchandising in 2018....

The Accelerators: The leaders fueling established companies’ catapulted growth Nili LotanFounder, CEO and designer For Nili Lotan, who’s owned and operated her namesake luxury fashion brand for nearly 20 years, 2022 was “a year of growth.” “Despite everything going on in the world, I’m proud that we’ve continued to go...

The Accelerators: The leaders fueling established companies’ catapulted growth Ryan VeroCEO, Claire’s Since joining 60-year-old Claire’s as CEO in mid-2019, Ryan Vero has focused on evolving the accessories company “from the mall’s biggest retailer to a global brand powerhouse,” he said. That’s included expanding the company’s global retail footprint, both...

The Changemakers: The disruptors driving values-based industry evolution Albert AyalFounder and creative director, Up Next Designer Through the Instagram account Up Next Designer, public relations veteran Albert Ayal has established a global stage and launchpad for emerging designers. The account, which has garnered nearly a quarter million followers, has leveled...

The Changemakers: The disruptors driving values-based industry evolution Ben BarryDean of fashion, Parsons School of Design So much for fashion schools lagging. After years of fashion media reporting outdated teachings at the top fashion schools — particularly due to their lack of focus around designing for extended sizes, prioritizing sustainability...

The Changemakers: The disruptors driving values-based industry evolution Corey SmithHead of diversity and inclusion, N.A. Head of diversity and inclusion was a new position at LVMH when Corey Smith stepped into the role in September 2020. However, he’s quick to note he’d been in talks with the company about potentially...

With short-form videos dominating Americans’ screen time, largely in the form of TikToks, brands across price tiers and categories have increasingly leaned into the opportunity. In response, social platforms specializing in other content formats have rolled out features accommodating the trend. YouTube’s Shorts is proving worthy of brands’ focus, even...