Leah Chernikoff, the executive editor of Harper’s Bazaar, joins the discussion on the shifting landscape of designer appointments over the past 15 years. She highlights Matthieu Blazy's significant move to Chanel and the implications for the industry. The duo rates festive panettone from luxury brands, reflects on Calvin Klein's return to the runway, and assesses the future of department stores post-Nordstrom news. They also explore the impact of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's iconic style at a recent auction.
The discussion highlights the evolving nature of designer appointments, particularly emphasizing Matthieu Blazy's notable move to Chanel as a turning point.
Calvin Klein's anticipated return to the runway is seen as a critical moment for revitalizing its brand identity and engaging past designs.
The Nordstrom family's strategic shift to take the business private reflects broader challenges facing department stores in a changing retail landscape.
Deep dives
SAP Business AI: Practical Applications
SAP Business AI offers businesses tools to improve operational efficiency by streamlining tasks and optimizing supplier selections. Among its key features is the capability to identify the most suitable suppliers for specific projects, such as navigating plant-based packaging rollouts in Southeast Asia. It also serves to enhance employee development by determining the training needs of junior staff to help them advance in their careers. By automating repetitive tasks, SAP Business AI enables teams to focus on innovation and strategic growth opportunities.
Calvin Klein's Return to the Runway
Calvin Klein's anticipated return to the runway is generating excitement, particularly as it involves a deep dive into the brand's past and an exploration of its future direction. The relaunch, featuring new designs, will be an essential topic to monitor within the fashion industry. A retrospective look at Calvin Klein’s impact on American fashion highlights its pivotal role in shaping styles throughout the years. The upcoming February event promises to be an engaging showcase of both men's and women's fashion.
Nordstrom Goes Private: Family Dynamics and Business Strategy
The Nordstrom family’s bid to take the business private reflects their ongoing commitment to enhancing the shopping experience, which they prioritize even in a declining retail landscape. Despite previous rejections from investors, the family's new offer is significantly lower, indicating a challenging environment for department stores. Likely outcomes from this transition include strategic shrinkage of locations to optimize profitability while maintaining Nordstrom’s reputation for engaging customer service. This moment highlights broader trends affecting department stores amidst changes in consumer preferences.
Panettone Trends in Luxury Fashion
The competition for the best Panettone among luxury brands highlights an intriguing intersection of food and fashion, with brands leveraging seasonal treats as marketing tools. Notable examples include Gucci's efforts through its café and Prada's collaboration with Marchese to produce quality delights. Individuals engaged in the Panettone debate are eager to crown a winner, showcasing consumer enthusiasm for both culinary and fashionable gifts. The conversation surrounding Panettone becomes more vital during the holiday season, offering a chance for luxury brands to connect with their clientele creatively.
Shopping Experiences: Preferences and Insights
Shopping experiences in department stores like Nordstrom are becoming essential for consumers looking for enjoyable retail environments. The appeal lies in well-structured stores that offer personalized interactions and a curated selection of goods. Unique shopping destinations, such as vintage stores and specialty shops, also provide memorable experiences that foster consumer loyalty. Conversations about modern shopping preferences reveal a growing desire for quality interactions rather than just transactional exchanges, encouraging retailers to elevate their customer engagement strategies.
Lauren is joined by Harper’s Bazaar executive editor Leah Chernikoff to discuss how covering designer appointments has changed in the 15 years since they first worked together, and why Matthieu Blazy going to Chanel is a seminal moment. They also rate designer panettone (from Gucci to Etro to Prada), contemplate the future of department stores on the back of the Nordstrom take-private news, and break down the significance of Calvin Klein’s return to the runway. Plus, some thoughts on the Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy auction at Sotheby’s.