Articles by Rachel Douglass
Rachel has been with FashionUnited since mid-2021. Descending from the UK, she moved to the Netherlands in 2014 to attend Amsterdam Fashion Institute, where she studied a BA in International Fashion and Branding with a specialisation in Journalism.
At FashionUnited, Rachel covers daily news, from store openings to acquisitions, alongside which she focuses on research-based stories, interviews and on-the-ground event reporting. Her topics of interest include digital fashion, independent retail and current trends.
WGSN’s 2028 trend Joyful Audacity: What is it and how can retail leverage it?
In a landscape influenced by financial pressure, uncertainty, and fatigue, shoppers are naturally gravitating toward positivity. Rather than passively seeking it, however, consumers are actively claiming happiness in ways that extend beyond previous fashion industry trends. While dopamine dressing and vibrant campaigns signaled efforts to offset...
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Authentic acquires Drake’s OVO, VNCE to lead global expansion
Authentic Brands Group has snapped up a majority stake in October’s Very Own (OVO, the lifestyle brand founded by rapper Drake. The deal will also see involvement from Vince Holding Corp. (VNCE), which will serve as the core apparel and retail licensee in the deal. As part of the transaction, Authentic will own 51 percent of the business under a...
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David Pemsel to step down from the BFC after 10 years
David Pemsel is stepping down as chair of the British Fashion Council (BFC) and exiting the organisation, bringing to an end a decade-long tenure. Pemsel’s departure is scheduled for September 30 following the anticipated announcement of his successor, the BFC told WWD. He will stay on to oversee the transition period before formally stepping...
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Alo names new director of retail strategy and execution
American activewear brand Alo has appointed Gabriel Paz as its new director of retail strategy and execution, suggesting the rapidly expanding brand is eyeing a build up of its physical retail presence. Paz, who is based in Los Angeles, confirmed his new position on LinkedIn. He joins the company from American Express, where he spent three years...
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Frasers calls for Accent chairman to resign amid takeover battle
British retail giant Frasers Group has escalated its takeover battle with Accent Group by publicly calling for chairman Lawrence Myers to resign, accusing the Australian retailer’s board of governance failures, poor capital allocation and a lack of accountability. In an open letter published on its corporate website, Frasers chief financial...
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Russell & Bromley owes unsecured creditors 37.5 million pounds
British retailer Russell & Bromley owes 37.5 million pounds to unsecured creditors following its collapse into administration in January, according to a progress report from joint administrators Interpath seen by the media. The report, which covers the six months to 20 July, said unsecured creditors may receive a dividend, yet the amount remains...
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Mamas & Papas completes refinancing after record year
British retailer Mamas & Papas has completed a refinancing that it says will strengthen its financial position and support the next stage of its growth strategy, following a record year for the nursery retailer. Existing investor Bluegem Capital Partners has reinvested in the business alongside new investors including alternative investment...
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Beyond vague claims: Oeko-Tex CEO on the importance of evidence-based sustainability
Fashion has spent years promoting sustainability through collections, labels and broad claims, but growing regulatory scrutiny and high-profile greenwashing accusations are now making brands more reluctant to talk publicly about their environmental progress. This phenomenon has been dubbed ‘greenhushing’, a concept that isn’t new, but is...
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CaaStle founder sentenced to five years for securities fraud
Christine Hunsicker, founder and former CEO of fashion-tech company CaaStle, has been sentenced to five years in prison for securities fraud after admitting to a scheme that defrauded hundreds of investors of nearly 300 million dollars. Hunsicker pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of securities fraud. According to the US Attorney’s...
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Shein reportedly delays IPO debut
Chinese fast fashion giant Shein has reportedly delayed its market float following concerns over the listing from investors. According to the South China Morning Post, Shein is now expected to make its Hong Kong debut on September 1, with a lower valuation between 26 to 27 billion dollars. The media outlet said Shein is planning to introduce...
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