These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Tuesday.
Nordstrom Names New VP, Fashion Director
Nordstrom has appointed Brooke Bobb as vice president, fashion director, effective August 2026. While reporting to Nordstrom CMO Jamie Nordstrom, Bobb will lead the department store’s fashion direction and bring product inspiration to life across stores, online and in marketing. Bobb hails from the editorial world, as she most recently served as fashion news director at Harper’s Bazaar. {Fashionista inbox}
Zara Pants Go Viral for Causing Injuries
Photo: Courtesy of Zara
Some customers are claiming that Zara’s Flowy Wide Leg Pants ($46) are leading to injuries such as scrapes, cuts and bruises. The baggy, wide-leg pants are causing trips and falls, according to videos shared by shoppers. It’s not the length that’s the problem, but rather the width of the pants that catches the wearer’s feet and causes a fall. {CNN}
The Estée Lauder Cos. Is Keeping Too Faced, Smashbox and Dr.Jart+
Too Faced, Smashbox and Dr. Jart+ will remain at their parent company, the Estée Lauder Cos. Although the company never admitted that the trio was up for sale, it did confirm that it had hired advisers to review the portfolio and multiple sources said these three were on the market. “By adopting the speed, agility and entrepreneurial mindset of successful beauty indies, we are evolving how we operate,” the Estée Lauder Cos. President and CEO Stéphane de La Faverie said in an internal memo. {WWD/paywalled}
Shein Is Reportedly Targeting up to $3 Billion Hong Kong IPO
Shein Global Holdings Ltd. is reportedly seeking to list in Hong Kong as soon as August. The ultra fast-fashion brand may seek to raise about $2 billion to $3 billion in the initial public offering. Shein received approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission for its Hong Kong IPO on Friday. {Bloomberg/paywalled}
Blackstone Divested From Spanx
Private equity firm Blackstone acquired Spanx for $1.2 billion in 2021, but it quietly sold its majority stake to HPS Investment Partners back in June. Since 2021, Spanx has cycled through five CEOs while profits fell by nearly half. “We believe this transaction best positions Spanx and its iconic brand for success moving forward, and continue to believe in the long-term prospects for the business,” a Blackstone spokesperson said in a statement. {Puck}
LVMH and IFM Partner on Research Chair in Science and Creativity
LVMH is partnering with Institut Français de la Mode (IFM) to create a research chair devoted to the relationship between science and creation. The luxury conglomerate, which has promoted the adoption of AI, is now aiming to better understand how creativity engages with technology. The new €150,000 endowment will finance fundamental research to understand creative practices, the impact of new tools and the environments that best support talent development. {WWD/paywalled}
