Luxury Headlines – 22/9/2025
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Gucci Appoints Francesca Belletini as CEO
Kering has appointed Francesca Bellettini as president and CEO of Gucci, replacing Stefano Cantino, who exits after less than one year in the role. Bellettini, currently Kering's co-deputy CEO for brand development, brings extensive experience, having previously served as CEO of Saint Laurent from 2013 to 2024, where she transformed the house into a megabrand with significant revenue growth. This appointment represents the first major decision by Kering's new CEO, Luca de Meo, who is moving quickly to simplify reporting lines and restore Gucci to profitability amid declining sales. Bellettini has already been closely involved in key decisions at Gucci, including the recent appointment of Demna as creative director, whose first presentation is scheduled for September 23 in Milan.
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Kering Closes Deal to Make Valentino Eyewear
Kering has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Valentino to develop and distribute glasses and sunglasses under the Valentino label, effective January 2026. The deal represents a deepening of ties between the two companies, coming just days after Kering announced it would delay its full acquisition of Valentino until at least 2028. The first eyewear collection under this partnership will debut at Valentino's Paris fashion show on October 5, with products available in stores and online from March 2026. This agreement allows Kering Eyewear to further consolidate its leadership in high-end eyewear while Valentino gains access to Kering's expertise in luxury eyewear manufacturing and distribution.
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Swatch Plans Tariff-Driven Price Hikes in the US
Swatch CEO Nick Hayek announced the Swiss watchmaker will increase prices in the United States by 5-15% across different brands in response to President Trump's 39% tariff imposed on Swiss imports last month Despite the tariffs, Swatch has seen strong U.S. performance with approximately 15% growth in local currency across all brands by the end of August, and American customers have continued purchasing even after price increases . The company also launched a provocative limited-edition "WHAT IF...TARIFFS?" watch exclusively in Switzerland, featuring reversed 3 and 9 numbers on the dial as a satirical response to the trade policy.
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Dior Names Actress Mia Goth as Ambassador
Dior has named English actress Mia Goth as its newest brand ambassador, marking the third major signing this month alongside Mikey Madison and Greta Lee ahead of Jonathan Anderson's womenswear debut on October 1. The French fashion house praised Goth for her "bold, unique" personality with "magnetic charisma" and "profoundly independent presence," highlighting her roles in horror films including "Suspiria" and "MaXXXine". Anderson expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that working with Goth is "a dream come true" and calling her "a perfect Dior woman of today"
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Tod’s Designates New Americas CEO
Tod's Group has appointed Marco Felci as its new CEO Americas, effective immediately, succeeding Roberto Lorenzini who stepped down after 14 years with the company. Felci joins from Dolce & Gabbana, where he served as executive vice-president commercial, wholesale and retail, and brings over 20 years of luxury industry experience, including previous roles at Hermès, Loro Piana, Lanvin, Versace, Sergio Rossi, and Etro. The Americas region currently represents 7.6% of Tod's total sales, with revenues of 85 million euros in 2023, up 3.5% from the previous year. Felci's appointment is part of Tod's strategic efforts to strengthen its presence and growth in the Americas market under new group CEO John Galantic.
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Brioni Opens Boutique in Mexico
Italian menswear brand Brioni has expanded its retail presence in Latin America by opening a new boutique inside the Palacio de Hierro department store in Monterrey, Mexico. The opening marks another step in Brioni's international retail strategy, which focuses on selective expansion in markets with growing luxury demand. Mexico, and Monterrey in particular, has emerged as an increasingly important location for global luxury brands, with Palacio de Hierro serving as a key retail partner. This expansion demonstrates Brioni's commitment to accessing new luxury markets in the region as the brand continues its global growth strategy.
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