Luxury Headlines – 19/10/2026
Luxury Headlines – 19/10/2026
-
Alexander McQueen Creative Director Seán McGirr Steps Down
Kering has announced the exit of creative director Seán McGirr from Alexander McQueen following a three-year tenure. His departure comes alongside executive shifts, including the recent appointment of CEO Gianfranco D’Attis, and broader restructuring efforts to address financial losses caused by rapid retail expansion and over-reliance on footwear sales. Under Kering CEO Luca de Meo, the parent company is reshaping its brand leadership to establish a new creative direction centered on McQueen's tailoring heritage and cultural relevance. Kering will announce new creative leadership soon.
-
Brunello Cucinelli Reports 10.2% Revenue Growth in 9M 2026, Led by the Americas
Brunello Cucinelli reported revenue of €1,123.6 million for the first nine months of 2026, up +10.2% at current exchange rates (+13.3% at constant exchange rates), with third-quarter sales reaching €374.2 million (+13.5% at constant exchange rates). Retail revenue increased by 15%, representing 66% of total revenues, while wholesale grew by 2%. The Americas led regional growth, rising 14% and supported by broad-based demand across major cities and new boutique openings. Asia grew 10%, with China being a key contributor, while Europe increased +6%, supported by local customers and international tourism. The company also reported that more customers visited the stores after discovering and selecting products through its Callimacus-powered online boutique. Supported by Fall-Winter 2026 sales and Spring-Summer 2027 orders, Cucinelli raised its full-year revenue growth forecast to approximately +12% at constant exchange rates, from +10–11% and maintained its expectation of approximately +10% growth for 2027.
-
Richemont and Signet in Talks to Join $1B De Beers Acquisition
Richemont Group and Signet Jewelers are in advanced talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny. The consortium is seeking to acquire De Beers from majority owner Anglo American for approximately $1 billion. The acquisition comes as lab-grown gems account for 50% of global diamond volume and 15% of value, contributing to a 16% decline in De Beers' rough-diamond price index in H1 2026. In addition, Anglo American is selling its 85% stake, including the De Beers London jewelry brand and its 37 stores, to simplify its portfolio and refocus on copper, iron ore, and fertilizer. The consortium includes Namibia and Angola, while Botswana plans to raise its stake from 15% to 25%.
-
Breitling Enters Luxury Real Estate with Miami Residential Tower
Breitling owner Partners Group is investing approximately $220 million to launch "B Residences," a luxury residential real estate project, beginning with a 70-story tower in Miami’s Brickell financial district. Scheduled for completion in 2031, the project will feature over 300 private apartments alongside high-end penthouses with private pools, a two-level rooftop, and exclusive amenities including a private gym and concierge services. Developed by Empira Group in collaboration with architectural firm Arquitectonica, the residence will also include a Breitling Social Club concept, expanding the watchmaker's presence beyond timepieces into high-end hospitality, dining, and brand-centered lifestyle spaces.
-
Kim Jones Launches Eponymous Brand in Hong Kong
Renowned designer Kim Jones will launch his eponymous fashion brand in mid-2027 through e-commerce and a flagship boutique at Central Yards in Hong Kong. Co-owned with business partner Lucy Beeden, the label will feature genderless, fluid garments made primarily in Japan and Italian leather goods at a considered price point. Selecting Hong Kong leverages Jones's deep personal connection to Asia, where he previously spearheaded major creative collaborations and gained foundational tailoring experience. Backed by strong regional brand equity and a pioneering influence on relaxed, streetwear-infused menswear, Jones aims to expand his vision into broader artistic mediums beyond traditional clothing.
-
Loewe and On Introduce FW26 Footwear and Apparel Collection
Loewe and On have unveiled their Fall/Winter 2026 collaborative collection, introducing the new Cloudsolo Hiker and Cloudtilt Cosmic sneaker silhouettes alongside a functional ready-to-wear apparel line launching on October 15, 2026. The Cloudsolo Hiker combines a lugged marble rubber outsole with custom hardware across four colorways, while the Cloudtilt Cosmic features a streamlined profile with engineered mesh and a CloudTec Phase cushioning system in six shades. Shot by photographer Rosie Marks, the supporting campaign highlights artists Joan Jonas, Martine Syms, and Tarek Atoui showcasing the technical footwear and outerwear pieces in motion across outdoor and urban settings.
-
Golden Goose Unveils Mickey & Friends Collection
Golden Goose has launched a new Mickey & Friends collection in collaboration with Disney, featuring ready-to-wear apparel, accessories, and a vintage-inspired gray suede Super-Star sneaker. Celebrating creativity and shared brand values, the capsule offers extensive customization through Disney-inspired patches, pins, and charms. To support the release, Golden Goose is launching a global in-store co-creation tour running through early December across major cities, including New York, Milan, Paris, Beijing, and Tokyo. The immersive experiences bring together brand artisans and official Disney cartoonists to offer live illustrations, custom workshops, and personalized product styling for customers.
-
The Plaza Hotel Sets Four-Year Shutdown for Facade Restoration
New York City’s landmark Plaza Hotel will be closed to guests starting January 2027 to undergo a comprehensive, at least four-year restoration of its landmark-protected exterior facade. Hotel operator Fairmont Hotels & Resorts said the complete shutdown is required to meet strict historic preservation standards and ensure safety during the complex repair process. The temporary closure affects the 282 guest rooms and the historic Palm Court, though Fairmont has not confirmed whether residents in the building's 181 private condominiums will need to vacate. To support the affected workforce, the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council will seek to place the hotel's 378 employees in alternative positions throughout the renovation period, which is targeted for completion in 2031.
Related Insights
This Week in Luxury
Luxury Headlines – 12/10/2026
From creative shifts in luxury fashion to new destinations for beauty and wellness! Discover the hottest updates in the...
This Week in Luxury
Luxury Headlines – 05/10/2026
From leadership changes in luxury fashion to immersive retail and wellness experiences! Discover the hottest updates in the world...
This Week in Luxury
Luxury Headlines – 28/09/2026
From new beauty partnerships to fresh creative ventures in fashion and luxury! Discover the hottest updates in the world...
Let us partner for success.
Contact us and see how we can help your experience transformation goals.