Articles by Rachel Douglass
Rachel has been with FashionUnited since mid-2021. Descending from the UK, she moved to the Netherlands in 2014 to attend Amsterdam Fashion Institute, where she studied a BA in International Fashion and Branding with a specialisation in Journalism.
At FashionUnited, Rachel covers daily news, from store openings to acquisitions, alongside which she focuses on research-based stories, interviews and on-the-ground event reporting. Her topics of interest include digital fashion, independent retail and current trends.
Fusing commerce and culture: CIFF and 10 Corso Como partner for cultural exchange
CIFF kicked off its 66th edition today with the opening of a collaborative space alongside Italian luxury retailer, 10 Corso Como. The partnership, the first between the Danish fashion fair and an international retailer, marks the beginning of broader cultural cooperation between the duo. At the launch, CIFF director Sofie Dolva confirmed plans...
Fairs|Interview loading...
20 years on: A look back at Copenhagen Fashion Week’s evolution over two decades
Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) has officially entered its 20th year. The Danish event, which has roots in commercial trade, has grown to become an influential player in the global fashion agenda, giving it the status of the “fifth fashion capital”. Its positioning has seen it drive forward eco-conscious values across the industry, and broader...
Fashion Featuredloading...
Spring Fair's event director talks industry evolution, strategic focus, and the role of fashion
Spring Fair, a trade show bringing together fashion, home, gifting and gardening brands, is almost upon us, and major transformations are underway, reflective of an industry in need of change and fairs that can then cater to these evolving desires. This edition of Spring Fair will be one of newness: The Hidden Forum stage will platform leading...
Fairs|Interview loading...
Guess goes private as Authentic finalises majority takeover
Authentic Brands Group has finalised its acquisition of a majority stake in Guess, taking the American brand private after a deal with existing shareholders was approved. The 1.4 billion dollar transaction, initially announced in August last year, sees Authentic secure a 51 percent stake in Guess’ intellectual property. The brand’s existing...
BusinessMemberloading...
Poundland finalises store closure programme, relaunches Pep&Co clothing
Budget retail chain Poundland has announced the end of its store closure programme, reflecting progress on its court-approved restructuring plan, including the relaunch of its Pep&Co clothing range. Now under the ownership of Gordon Brothers, the company said it has finalised its store consolidation efforts, which formed part of a restructuring...
BusinessMemberloading...
Saks Global’s SVP of fashion exits business
The head of fashion at Saks Global has exited the luxury retailer. Roopal Patel, the group’s senior vice president of fashion, has departed and her successor has not yet been named, according to a report by WWD. Patel’s exit was confirmed to the publication by Saks Global, which said in a statement: “Roopal Patel, SVP of the fashion office, Saks...
PeopleMemberloading...
Manolo Blahnik doubles down on Mainland China, opens second store
Footwear label Manolo Blahnik has opened its second store in Mainland China, doubling down on the market as it continues wider global expansion. The company now operates 21 stores globally. This new location is the first Manolo Blahnik boutique in Beijing, and opens over one year on from the brand’s Chinese retail debut in Shanghai. Located...
Retailloading...
Vinted announces “major” US expansion to address growing demand
European resale platform Vinted has made a more definitive leap over the pond to launch its services in the US. Its expansion in the region, beginning with New York, responds to evidence of a growing need among Americans for an outlet to offload their secondhand goods. The latest shift hints at an intention to potentially scale the platform in...
BusinessFeaturedMemberloading...
Kenneth Cole to launch across 30 countries as it eyes European expansion
US fashion house Kenneth Cole is plotting an expansion across 30 countries, positioning itself among regions where it sees opportunity for growth. With a focus on Europe, the expansion is expected to generate between 400 and 500 million dollars in sales by 2030. The brand confirmed the move to WWD, through which it announced that its first...
BusinessMemberloading...
Marks & Spencer technology chief exits months after cyber attack
A new report has suggested that Josie Smith, Marks & Spencer’s chief technology officer, has exited the British retailer. Her departure comes months after the company faced a cyber attack that impacted operations businesswide. A memo seen and reported on by Sky News said Smith had “decided to leave M&S”, a statement that was then confirmed to...
Peopleloading...