Latest news with #luxuryfashion
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Saudi's new online shopping platform is here: What to expect?
Image credit: Supplied Maison Safqa, a members-only private sales platform, has officially launched in Saudi Arabia, providing a curated online destination for luxury fashion and lifestyle at exclusive prices. Designed specifically for the modern Saudi shopper, the platform combines international prestige with regional creativity, debuting with well-known global brands and planning to gradually showcase emerging Saudi designers. Read- The platform redefines access to luxury style by offering time-limited private sales that allow members to shop premium fashion, lifestyle, and beauty products with a sense of exclusivity and excitement. Each brand appears on the platform for a limited period, creating urgency and freshness with every drop—from coveted high-end labels to rising global designers. 'Maison Safqa was built on the idea that each brand deserves a dedicated off-price sales channel to maximize its performance and reach without compromising the equity and name they have built,' said Co-founder and CEO Léa Mehaweg. 'For our customers, we wanted to create a space where they could shop premium and luxury brands with insider prices, without sacrificing experience or taste.' Luxury brands often face challenges with fast-moving fashion cycles leaving excess inventory. Maison Safqa turns this into an advantage by providing a private, members-only platform where brands can discreetly reintroduce past collections. This strategy protects brand prestige, preserves value, and keeps luxury on its own terms. Now live in Saudi Arabia, Maison Safqa offers a fresh approach to fashion, luxury, and digital exclusivity for discerning shoppers.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Songs Of Siren: A Tribute To Indian Master Artisans
Greek mythology-inspired luxury label Songs of Siren pays homage to Indian artisans Indian artisan communities have quietly powered the global fashion industry for decades, their extraordinary skills often uncredited despite driving major luxury collections. From Prada's interpretation of traditional Kolhapuri sandals to Louis Vuitton's autorickshaw-inspired bags and Gucci's custom sari for actress Alia Bhatt at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the fashion world increasingly turns to India for inspiration, yet the master craftspeople behind these techniques remain largely invisible. Designer Tinka Weener is changing that narrative with her couture label Songs of Siren, launched in late 2024. Drawing from her experience freelance styling for Alexander McQueen and working across retail, photography, and fashion PR in Los Angeles, Weener has created a brand that doesn't just borrow from Indian traditions, but celebrates them as the centerpiece of every collection. A Modern Mythology Rooted in Ancient Indian Craft "The collection is positioned as a modern interpretation of timeless tales, celebrating the power and allure of femininity in a contemporary context," Weener explains. While her brand takes its name from Greek mythology and reimagines sirens not as dangerous temptresses but as powerful feminine archetypes, the soul of Songs of Siren lies in India's textile heritage. Her debut collection features intricate hand-beading and sculptural silhouettes designed to make women look and feel their best. The meticulous detail and artistry found in traditional Indian embroidery techniques are meant to empower the wearer, a concept deeply inspired by her time at Alexander McQueen, where she witnessed firsthand how exceptional craftsmanship could transform both garment and wearer. Songs of Siren's luxury garments range in price from $895 to $1,250 and is made for the modern ... More woman. Authentic Indian Collaboration, Not Cultural Appropriation Shot in Mumbai and creatively directed by Indiana Vos, Songs of Siren's latest campaign serves as a vibrant love letter to India's rich textile traditions. But this isn't surface-level inspiration. In fact, Weener has built her entire creative and production team around authentic Indian collaboration. Working with Indian stylist Shrreeya Shorewala, the campaign incorporates traditional accessories and clothing pieces including saris, potli bags, and dhoti pants. The models are women of South Asian descent wearing culturally inspired accessories. "There is this elegance and confidence in Indian women that you cannot find anywhere else," Weener notes. "Everyone is so warm and welcoming and they really make me feel at home whenever I'm there." This approach stands in stark contrast to fashion's tendency to reduce rich cultural traditions to "bohemian" trends mixed with Western wear. Instead, Songs of Siren places Indian craftsmanship at the focus, giving it the respect and recognition it deserves. The Art of Aari: Preserving Ancient Indian Techniques At the heart of Weener's collections lies the Aari technique, which is an embroidery method using a hooked needle that requires extraordinary skill and patience. Craftsmen sit on the floor, one hand plying the sharp needle from above while the other feeds silk thread from below the fabric. It's painstakingly time-consuming and detail-oriented work, with each piece emerging as a unique work of art. Tinka merges Greek and Biblical symbolism with India's ancient textile wisdom, resulting in a body ... More of work that feels both divine and deeply rooted. "I love how it's the polar opposite of what a lot of fashion brands do in this day and age," Weener explains. "It's not focused on speed and overconsumption. I wanted to create a brand that slows down the process and focuses on the human aspect to create truly timeless pieces of wearable art." Working with Anurag Vora, Co-Founder of Ricamour Embroideries, Weener communicates her vision through drawings, mood boards, and inspiration images. The collaborative process involves multiple stages: creating small swatches for feedback, developing artwork for beading on dress panels, and maintaining constant communication through work-in-progress photos and videos to ensure the final pieces align perfectly with her creative vision. Ethical Conditions Are Cornerstone Of This Indian-Inspired Brand In an industry facing increasing scrutiny over labor practices such as the recent expose of Italian luxury brand Loro Piana over worker abuse, Weener has made ethical conditions non-negotiable. Her partner atelier focuses intensively on fair labor practices and ethical working conditions, providing not just fair wages and paid annual leave, but government-mandated pensions and private health insurance that extends to workers' families. During Diwali, the annual Festival of Lights, artisans receive annual bonuses, with top performers earning higher rewards for exceptional work. The atelier also provides interest-free loans to help craftspeople buy houses or land, ensuring their families' long-term financial security. This comprehensive approach to worker welfare stands as a model for how fashion brands can operate ethically while producing extraordinary work. Recognizing And Celebrating Indian Fashion More than commercial success, Songs of Siren represents a fundamental shift in how fashion brands can engage with cultural traditions. Rather than extracting inspiration without acknowledgment, Weener has built her entire brand around showcasing and celebrating Indian artisanship on the global stage. "We produce in India and work directly with extraordinarily skilled artisans," she emphasizes. "We want to highlight their incredible work and demonstrate that we are not outsourcing or trying to hide where our garments come from. Their artistry, attention to detail, and brilliance help bring our creative vision to life, and we want to celebrate that." Thhe Aari technique is known for producing intricate and detailed designs which is commonly used ... More with beads, sequins, and metallic threads. Each garment tells a story of collaboration and respect, transforming fashion from cultural appropriation into genuine partnership. The campaign brings India's master craftspeople into the spotlight where they belong: not as hidden labor, but as celebrated artists. "My ultimate goal is for everyone who wears one of these pieces to feel confident and proud," Weener concludes. 'I want them to know that they are wearing a work of art, infused with history and created with passion. This is about empowering through fashion and giving a global platform to the incredible Indian artisans who are the true stars of this project.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Campbell's Company Board Elects Mary Alice Dorrance Malone Jr. as Director
CAMDEN, N.J., July 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Campbell's Company (NASDAQ:CPB) today announced that the company's Board of Directors has elected Mary Alice Dorrance Malone Jr. as a member of the Board. Malone, 42, is the Founder and Chief Brand Director of Malone Souliers, an international luxury fashion brand. "We are pleased to welcome Mary Alice to Campbell's Board of Directors," said Keith R. McLoughlin, Chair of the Board. "Mary Alice's unique blend of creative, analytical and entrepreneurial experience and deep appreciation of Campbell's history will be an asset to the Board and the company." With nearly 20 years in the fashion industry, Malone has built and led successful businesses. She is experienced in general management, retail sales and brand building. In 2014, she founded Malone Souliers, a luxury footwear brand with global distribution and a reputation for beautifully crafted collections. In 2020, Malone acquired U.K.-based Duo Boots out of bankruptcy and successfully relaunched the forty-year-old footwear brand following improvements in operations and product development. Malone is the great-granddaughter of Dr. John T. Dorrance, the inventor of condensed soup and President of the company from 1914-1930, and the granddaughter of John T. Dorrance Jr., a former Chair of the company from 1962-1984. She is the eldest daughter of long-time board member Mary Alice Dorrance Malone who served on the board from 1990 until her recent passing in June 2025. Malone earned her B.A. in international politics from Elon University and studied design and manufacturing at the University of the Arts, Denver and London College of Fashion. About The Campbell's Company For more than 155 years, The Campbell's Company (NASDAQ:CPB) has been connecting people through food they love. Headquartered in Camden, N.J. since 1869, generations of consumers have trusted Campbell's to provide delicious and affordable food and beverages. Today, the company is a North American focused brand powerhouse, generating fiscal 2024 net sales of $9.6 billion across two divisions: Meals & Beverages and Snacks. The Campbell's portfolio of 16 leadership brands includes: Campbell's, Cape Cod, Chunky, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Pace, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Rao's, Snack Factory pretzel crisps, Snyder's of Hanover, Swanson and V8. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Investor Contact: Rebecca Gardy(856) 342-6081Rebecca_Gardy@ Media Contact: James Regan(856) 219-6409James_Regan@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Rue Agthonis Maps A Mediterranean Journey Through Two Seasons
Rue Agthonis Maps A Mediterranean Journey Through Two Seasons. Pictured: look from the brand's AW25 collection Courtesy of Rue Agthonis For its two seasonal collections in 2025, luxury house Rue Agthonis has painted a complete portrait of the Mediterranean soul — from the sun-drenched spring to the contemplative winter — in a variety of dramatic and vibrant hues. Known for injecting a dose of modernity into premium tweed, the label marries craftsmanship and natural inspiration again for both SS and AWE25 by showcasing untamed beauty of the Mediterranean landscape. In a unique interpretation of ancient Olympian aesthetics, the house's SS25 collection 'Embracing the Essence' transported audiences to the Apollo's Muse Room with visions of turbulent ocean waves and verdant olive groves. Rue Agthonis' founder and creative director, Syl, has crafted a range of looks with a specific color palette in mind — one that emanates a resort feel that's languorous yet sophisticated, complete with striking authenticity and a unique energy that reminds one of the scenes of White Lotus 2. Adopting warm sunlit tones fused with deep oceanic blues and vibrant greens, Syl describes the collection as 'a visual journey through the Mediterranean landscape.' The designer, whose background spans theatre academy in Shanghai and fashion design in New York, says the region's charm always spoke to her. Look from Rue Agthonis' SS25 collection Courtesy of Rue Agthonis 'Its contrasts of rugged coastlines against serene waters mirror the duality we embrace at Rue Agthonis,' says Syl, referring to Rue Agthonis' spring presentation. 'With 'Embracing the Essence,' I wanted to capture that natural tension between structure and fluidity, between resilience and grace.' This Mediterranean meditation continued into fall, but with dramatically different visuals and silhouettes. 'The Glimpse of Radiance,' unveiled at London's historic Raffles Hotel, dials down on the vibrancy of spring and summer, and explores the same coastal landscape through the lens of twilight and memory. Where this year's first collection celebrates the brilliant clarity of day, autumn embraces the mystery of shadows — think deep shades of black, navy, and charcoal punctuated by glimmers of metallic tinsel. The evolution is in line with Syl's preferred approach to seasonal storytelling. Both collections feature the house's signature materials — luxurious tweeds, shimmering sequins, and flowing silks — with their application reflecting the changing light of the Mediterranean year. Spring's sequins captured the playful dance of sunlight on water; autumn's sequins 'shimmer delicately across structured forms, catching the light with every movement like fragments of a dream.' Looks from Rue Agthonis' SS25 collection Courtesy of Rue Agthonis Look from Rue Agthonis' AW25 collection Courtesy of Rue Agthonis Opting out of its usual runway show and instead staging a presentation, Rue Agthonis follows a trend in luxury names shifting their focus away from the crowded fashion week schedules, and instead creating an immersive experience that's more meaningful to press, buyers, and customers. This decision, Syl notes, reflects the brand's commitment to authenticity. 'These pieces demand to be experienced up close — the interplay of light on our sequins, the depth of our tweeds, the movement of our silks. I've always believed that true luxury reveals itself in the details, in those moments of discovery that can't be rushed.' Rue Agthonis's ethos of striking a delicate balance between resilience and grace — a duality that has become something of a signature for the brand — has allowed the brand to carve out a distinct position in the luxury landscape, one that prioritizes attention to finer details and storytelling that resonates. The Mediterranean thread connecting both collections speaks to something deeper than seasonal inspiration, and notes on the region's enduring feminine vitality and energy. Spring's 'stylishly glamorous yet tastefully coquettish' pieces celebrates vitality and energy, while autumn's 'knee-grazing column gowns rise like modern-day monoliths, embodying a serene authority and strength.'
Entrepreneur
17-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
OYO's Ritesh Agarwal Invests in Culture Circle at Over INR 100 Cr Valuation
With over one million monthly users and more than 4,000 verified sellers, Culture Circle offers authenticated luxury and streetwear fashion. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Ritesh Agarwal, founder and chief executive of OYO, has invested in Culture Circle, a fashion commerce platform, at a valuation exceeding INR 100 crore. The funds will be used to enhance the company's artificial intelligence capabilities, expand its product categories, and grow its presence in global markets. Culture Circle was co-founded by Devansh Jain Nawal and Ackshay Jain. The startup had previously raised INR 3 crore from Agarwal and Kunal Bahl on the television show Shark Tank India, turning down a larger offer to preserve equity. Jain Nawal, an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad and former Goldman Sachs employee, leads the company alongside Jain, who has worked at Google and currently convenes the JIIF Gurugram chapter. With over one million monthly users and more than 4,000 verified sellers, Culture Circle offers authenticated luxury and streetwear fashion. The platform uses AI-powered tools to verify products, compare prices in real-time, and connect with trusted global sellers. It currently operates flagship stores in Delhi and Hyderabad and plans to open new outlets in Gurugram, Mumbai, and other cities. "Culture Circle is one of the most exciting youth-first platforms to emerge from India," said Ritesh Agarwal. "Their focus on trust and experience makes them truly stand out." Devansh Jain Nawal stated, "This is more than funding, it's a partnership built on shared values." Ackshay Jain added, "We're building a cultural movement and this round will help us scale SourceX, our AI-powered engine, and enter new categories and markets." Culture Circle aims to position India as a significant force in the global streetwear and luxury landscape while making high-end fashion more accessible to Gen Z consumers.
