The Who What Wear Podcast: The 2024 Luxury Report: Little Luxuries, Endless Elegance, and the Fashion Sports Love Affair
Dec 11, 2024
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Kristen Nichols, Associate Director of Special Projects at Who What Wear and an expert in luxury markets, shares her insights on the future of high-end fashion. She discusses transformative trends and leadership changes shaping the industry, and how sports are intersecting with luxury fashion. The rise of personalized items like bag charms reflects consumers' desire for individuality. Nichols also anticipates a shift from minimalism to maximalism, sparking excitement for upcoming innovations in 2025.
Leadership changes among top designers are redefining brand identities and creating new trends in the luxury fashion industry.
There is an emerging trend of 'little luxuries' and modern heritage pieces, allowing consumers to access luxury while showcasing their individuality.
Deep dives
The Impact of Creative Director Changes
The luxury fashion landscape is significantly influenced by recent shifts in creative director roles at major fashion houses. High-profile transitions, such as Alessandro Michele at Valentino and Shamina Kamali at Chloe, are reshaping brand identities and setting new trends. This evolution is poised to continue as both established and upcoming designers step into their roles, with the fashion community eagerly anticipating announcements from brands like Chanel. The ongoing changes indicate a focus on distinct design visions and a potential resurgence in classic luxury aesthetics.
Rise of Modern Heritage and Little Luxuries
There is a growing interest in 'modern heritage pieces' that transcend fleeting trends, such as designer bags that are revered for their timeless appeal. Examples include the Rose Margo bag, which has gained traction since its 2018 launch, alongside other classic designs, highlighting a shift toward investment in enduring fashion. Additionally, smaller luxury items, often referred to as 'little luxuries,' like bag charms and stylish accessories, are becoming increasingly popular. These items allow consumers to engage with luxury in a more accessible way, reflecting personal style and individuality.
Fashion and Sports Convergence
The intersection of fashion and sports is becoming more pronounced, creating exciting collaborations and influences within the luxury market. Notable instances include athletes like Carlos Alcaraz and Caitlin Clark aligning with high-fashion brands, showcasing the synergy between sports achievements and luxury fashion endorsement. This trend indicates a strategic move by fashion labels to connect with broader audiences beyond traditional fashion circles. As brands tap into the sports world, we can expect more cross-disciplinary initiatives that enrich both realms.
This week, Shopping Director Bobby Schuessler sits down with Associate Director of Special Projects Kristen Nichols to discuss her 2024 Luxury Report. Her insightful, well-researched piece breaks down everything you need to know about the high-end fashion business right now, the biggest trends, what the most-coveted pieces say about where the industry is headed, and how leadership changes at the top fashion houses are setting the tone for luxury fashion’s future.
Watch this episode of the Who What Wear Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYortCBaf3A