Eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica posted on Thursday a 5.5% increase in revenues in the first quarter, thanks to solid growth in Europe and despite a weak North America performance and a tougher basis of comparison.

Despite a profit warning in January, UK-based eyewear producer/distributor Inspecs was in an upbeat mood Wednesday delivering 2023 results that saw revenues inch up and a marginal return to pre-tax profit.

​UK inflation has continued to fall with the Office for National Statistics saying Wednesday that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.2% in the 12 months to March 2024, down from 3.4% in February.

Danish eyewear brand MessyWeekend has teamed up with Parlez to launch a collaboration of unisex eyewear and headwear, marking a debut accessories entry for the UK-based streetwear label. 

​Valentino has opened the doors of a major new flagship on upscale Sloane Street in London, which it said continues the label’s “evolution towards a more intimate, design-led retail dimension”.

​London-based eyewear brand Cubitts is setting foot outside of its domestic market for the first time in its decade-long history with the opening of a flagship in New York City.

Safilo Group and Marc Jacobs announced on Wednesday the early renewal of their multi-year global licensing agreement for Marc Jacobs branded eyewear. 

Apparel brand CFCL has teamed up with Japanese eyewear brand 999.9 (Four Nines) to launch a debut eyewear line, on April 10.

One key test of an artist or designer is whether they have a powerful signature style, which explains the remarkable longevity of Jean-Charles de Castelbajac who on Wednesday launched a limited edition watch with MB&F.

Bengaluru-based fashion retailer Myntra has acquired the India distribution rights for UK-based fashion brand Next in a deal that pushes Next towards its goal of greater global expansion. 

Shein made more that $2 billion in profits from around $45 billion in gross merchandise value last year. The China-founded but now Singapore-based business had recorded net income of $700 million in 2022.

Eyewear major Lenskart has partnered with French brand ‘Le Petit Lunetier’ for its exclusive launch in the Indian market.

Dior and UNESCO staged their latest Women@Dior & UNESCO Global Conference Thursday, as over 1,000 women gathered to hear speeches and testimonies from luxury executives, mentees, mentors and even a Nobel Prize winner. 

Coach announced on Wednesday the recruitment of American professional basketball player Jayson Tatum as the U.S. luxury brand's new ambassador, coinciding with a new campaign featuring Spring 2024 watches and sunwear.  

Fiscal 2023 was highly positive for the Italian eyewear producer, with net sales of €558.3 million, up by 2% at current exchange rates and by 3.8% at constant rates, while adjusted EBITDA rose by 27.9% to €78.1 million.

M&S will be launching a TV programme early this autumn, searching nationwide for its next in-house fashion designer.