Articles by Isabella Naef
Isabella Naef has been the Senior Editor of FashionUnited Italy since 2008. She is in Milan and covers fashion and luxury goods, with a particular focus on financial and economic news and sustainability. A dual Italian and Swiss citizen, Isabella graduated in Political Science from the University of Milan. She is member of the Professional Journalists' Association since 2000, contributing to newspapers and magazines. She is passionate about covering the fashion industry during this dynamic period, where sustainability, Gen Z, and artificial intelligence are paving the way for new and exciting chapters in economic, creative, and trend history.
The North Face unveils collaboration with Cecilie Bahnsen during Paris fashion week
The North Face has unveiled a collaboration with Cecilie Bahnsen, presented during the designer's spring/summer 2026 show in Paris. The brand creates luxury clothing, shoes, bags and accessories for everyday wear. This new chapter in the partnership between the two brands introduces a lighter, more modular and fluid approach to technical...
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Moschino parent Aeffe initiates crisis proceedings
Shares in the Italian luxury goods group Aeffe remain suspended from trading due to heavy share price losses. The company's board of directors decided on October 2 to initiate a negotiated crisis settlement procedure (Composizione Negoziata della Crisi d'Impresa, CNC). Aeffe is listed on the Euronext Star Milan segment of the Euronext Milan...
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Armani explores minority stake sale
The latest collection designed by Giorgio Armani was presented in Milan less than one week ago. The management has now reportedly contacted potential buyers for the sale of a minority stake in the fashion group. This was reported by the Reuters news agency, which cited three sources familiar with the situation. The move has initiated a de facto...
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Massimo Cantini Parrini, mentor for Polimoda's master's in costume design, on the role of the costume designer today
Polimoda's new master's in Costume design will launch in February. The course frames costume design as a narrative art form. It adopts a research-based methodological approach, aimed at providing students with a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the essential elements of costume design. Students will develop skills in historical...
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Betty Blue: Elisabetta Franchi takes over from Bizzarri
A change in leadership at Italian Betty Blue SpA, which produces the Elisabetta Franchi brand. The company announced that following the end of Marco Bizzarri's term as chairman of the board of directors, the role has been assigned to Elisabetta Franchi, the brand's founder and creative force. The appointment represents a strategic move in...
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Moncler launches new AI-powered brand digital platform
Moncler has unveiled its new brand website, redefining the online experience from a simple distribution channel to a brand platform where the product takes centre stage, supported by artificial intelligence. The new site was created to seamlessly connect storytelling, product, and service. It invites the brand's community to discover, explore,...
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Italy: First 'Casa del Made in Italy' at Fiera Milano
Last week, on 25 September 2025, a three-year memorandum of understanding was signed between the Italian Ministry of Enterprises (MIMIT) and Made in Italy, Fondazione Fiera Milano and Fiera Milano spa. At the heart of the agreement is a structured public-private collaboration to multiply opportunities for Italian companies and enhance the 'Made...
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Dario Vitale's Versace blends vintage references with street style
From Prince to Ennio Morricone and Eurythmics to Janet Jackson, the soundtrack for the presentation of the upcoming spring/summer 26 collection designed by Dario Vitale for Versace reveals that the pieces are neither monotonous nor predictable. The designer, formerly the creative director of Miu Miu, has not fallen into the trap of evoking the...
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Tod's wins 2025 sustainable fashion award for craft and artisanship
Tod’s has won the 2025 Sustainable Fashion Award in the 'craft and artisanship' category. The award was organised by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI). It recognises the brand's Tod’s Passport project, a digital product passport created for its two signature products: the iconic Di Bag and the Gommino loafer. "This project, created...
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Cucinelli under fire for allegedly violating Moscow sanctions; the house reaffirms compliance with EU rules
Brunello Cucinelli is under fire, accused of circumventing EU sanctions against Russia, which prohibit the sale of goods valued over 300 euros. The company is also accused of “weakening the brand's exclusive positioning” through a policy of “aggressive discounts” to conceal the need to clear “inflated” inventory. According to the Ansa news...
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