These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Monday.
Saks Exits Bankruptcy
On Friday, Saks Global successfully emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, marking the completion of its restructuring process. The company now has significantly reduced debt, the full backing of investors and a stronger financial plan. {Saks Global}
Louis Vuitton Faces Backlash Over Waterfall Runway Show
Parisian locals are bashing Louis Vuitton‘s Spring 2027 show during Paris Fashion Week for wasting water with the giant artificial waterfall used as the backdrop, especially as the French capital is experiencing an extreme heatwave. Louis Vuitton’s parent, LVMH, responded to the criticism, stating that no water was wasted, as it was drawn directly from Paris’ water supply and then entirely redirected back into the city’s sewer via a closed-loop system. {Reuters}
Bethenny Frankel Invests In and Joins DpHue
Bethenny Frankel has acquired an ownership stake in hair-care brand dpHue. She also joined its executive team as Chief Brand Officer. In this newly created role, she will help with product innovation and consumer education. {PR Newswire}
Off-White Introduces Lower-Priced Label
Off-White is launching L/AB c/o Off-White, a lower-priced option for younger consumers who can’t afford the main label’s luxury offerings. The new line is a reimagined concept of the now-retired Off-White For All label. L/AB c/o Off-White’s core merchandise will be sportswear-centered, such as T-shirts, hoodies, tracksuits, sneakers and underwear, with pricing ranging from $45 to $220. {Fashionista inbox}
ERL Parts Ways from Dover Street Market Incubator
ERL is exiting Dover Street Market‘s incubator, which fully developed and operated the brand since its launch. ERL founder and designer Eli Russell Linnetz will now take full control of product development, manufacturing and distribution and is shifting to domestic production. “While it’s an insane honor [to work with Dover Street Market], you start losing control, especially as business grows. Now that everything is in-house, I see every single thing that happens on a daily basis and maintain a connection with my audience without getting lost in an expansion that was getting out of my hands,” Linnetz said in a statement. {Business of Fashion/paywalled}
American Retailers Reflect on the Current Landscape
American retail executives, founders and designers share their advice on ways the U.S. fashion industry can better nurture talent and offer longevity. Key insights on ways brands can build long-lasting loyalty include having a distinct point of view; embracing human touch and connection; having reasonable prices; and prioritizing curation over quantity. {Vogue/paywalled}
