These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Wednesday.
Rihanna Covers Elle
Photo: Inez & Vinoodh/Courtesy of 'Elle'
Rihanna is the cover star for Elle‘s September 2026 issue. Photographed by Inez & Vinoodh and styled by Jahleel Weaver, she wears Jonathan Anderson‘s Dior on the cover and throughout the photoshoot. Rihanna did not grant an interview, but the accompanying cover story written by Roxane Gay addressed the star’s fashion influence, her Dior J’adore ambassadorship, why fans are so drawn to her and more. {Elle}
Phia Co-Founders Knew the App Was Wrongfully Claiming Sales Credits
Since December 2025, Phia Co-Founders Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni have known the app was wrongfully taking credit and commission on affiliate purchases it did not help drive, according to internal messages shared with Bloomberg. When news of the scandal first broke on July 8, the duo claimed that they had just been made aware of the situation. A Phia spokesperson responded to the new accusations, stating the company has “begun issuing all transaction reversals to brand partners as a result of any misattribution” and will “learn from this [experience].” {Bloomberg/paywalled}
Exemplar Luxury Group’s Chief Buying Officer Exits
Paolo Riva, chief buying officer at the Exemplar Luxury Group (formerly Saks Global), is stepping down, effective Sept. 18, for personal reasons. His successor has not been named. Riva played a key role in repairing vendor relationships during and after the company’s bankruptcy. “[Riva’s] contributions have left a lasting mark on our teams and our business,” Darcy Penick, Exemplar’s president and chief commercial officer, said in a statement. “On behalf of the entire Exemplar Luxury management team, we thank him for all of his contributions and wish him the best.” {WWD/paywalled}
Simon Recovered 1 Million Square Feet of Mall Space Through Saks Off 5th Closings
In Q2 2026, Simon Property Group, the nation’s largest mall owner, reported signing more than 1,200 leases, a 20% increase from the same period last year. The company recovered approximately 1 million square feet of mall space after Saks Off 5th closed 57 units and is re-tenanting the space. While Simon declined to share which new brands signed leases, it said the company is focused on attracting Gen Z teen consumers. {WWD/paywalled}
