Hermès Ups Bag Production and Prices as Chanel Enlists Kendrick Lamar for Eyewear Push in This Week’s Top Fashion News

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This week, high-end fashion brands are introducing innovative strategies to navigate through unpredictable scenarios, while modern designers and brand representatives keep presenting their unique viewpoints in the world of fashion.

Following the announcement of price hikes, Hermès also mentioned plans to expand bag production through the establishment of multiple artisanal factories in France. Meanwhile, another renowned French fashion house, Chanel, is taking a different approach with Kendrick Lamar’s debut campaign for their eyewear line, preceding Matthieu Blazy’s first collection. On the other hand, Gucci, Kering’s leading brand, has been in the news for causing a dip in the conglomerate’s revenue due to a 25% decline in Q1 sales. In the current fashion scene, Jacquemus, a French designer, has launched an LA storefront, and Willy Chavarria introduced his SS25 collection titled “América,” featuring a partnership with the ACLU. Lastly, Lewis Hamilton has revealed a new Dior capsule inspired by Afrofuturism.

This article compiles the most significant fashion news items from the past week, ensuring you’re always informed about the latest developments in the fashion world.

Hermès Will Boost Handbag Production As Sales Flourish Amidst Uncertainty

Despite earlier announcements about price hikes due to US tariffs, Hermès is set to boost its handbag production, as sales have surpassed those of rival brands. Starting from this year up until 2028, Hermès has unveiled plans to expand its production capabilities, opening a Loupes factory next year, a Charleville-Mézières factory in 2027, and a Colombelles workshop specifically for Kelly and Constance bags in 2028. Customers will notice increased production this year with the launch of its Isle d’Espagnac factory in central France. Last week, the high-end French label made headlines by overtaking LVMH as the world’s most valuable luxury stock, reaching a market cap of $276.3 billion USD. In Q1 of this year alone, the company saw a 9% revenue increase, impressing investors with growth in all its operating regions. Its leather goods sector was particularly successful, recording a 10% rise due to new models like the Médor and Mousqueton bags.

Kendrick Lamar Leads Chanel’s SS25 Eyewear Campaign

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my excitement over Kendrick Lamar’s new role as an ambassador for Chanel! In the upcoming Spring/Summer 2025 eyewear campaign, he will grace our screens alongside Lupita Nyong’o, Margaret Qualley, and Nana Komatsu. The maison shared a sneak peek of Kendrick wearing a pair of sunglasses from the collection, intricately adorned with delicate crystal beads. Chanel described his look as a unique interpretation of their allure. Matthieu Blazy, the brand’s new creative director, has also begun his tenure and is set to unveil his first collection for Chanel this summer. What an exciting time for fashion and music!

Gucci Reports 25% Sales Drop

During the middle of the week in 2025, it was announced that luxury fashion company Kering, parent to Gucci among others, saw a 14% decrease in its first-quarter revenue. This mirrors the weak earnings reported by competitors earlier in the month. According to a report from WWD, Kering attributes this decline to reduced foot traffic in stores and underperforming wholesale numbers at Gucci. The flagship brand, which accounted for 63% of Kering’s operating profit in 2024, contributed significantly to the poor performance with a 25% decrease in sales during the first quarter. On a positive note, Saint Laurent saw a 9% drop while other brands like Balenciaga, McQueen, Pomellato, and Brioni experienced an 11% decline. However, Bottega Veneta reported a 4% increase in sales, and Kering’s eyewear division also showed a 3% improvement.

Willy Chavarria’s SS25 “América” Collection Is Here

Willy Chavarria revealed his SS25 collection campaign titled “América,” showcasing his distinctive blend of sporty tailoring. This line was first presented at New York Fashion Week in September and encompasses “Willy Chavarria Fashion Services” work shirts, expansive khaki twill sets. Chavarria shared during the presentation that he drew inspiration from significant movements such as the United Farm Workers Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, and women’s liberation movements of the past that have united people to bring about positive change. He also referenced the everyday man going to work at AT&T, wearing his name badge and keyring on display. Additionally, throughout the collection, you’ll find faded T-shirts and caps bearing “América” lettering, ACLU logos, and illustrations inspired by agricultural products.

Jacquemus Cuts the Ribbon on “The Los Angeles Boutique”

Jacquemus has unveiled “The Los Angeles Boutique,” a fresh retail space in West Hollywood, California, that embodies a charming local countryside residence with a collector’s touch. Upon entering, guests are welcomed by olive trees and lavender bushes, ushering them into the 255 square meter store. The French fashion label likened the Californian outpost to Simon’s office at their Paris headquarters, describing it as “intimate yet generous” in an official statement. The shop’s interior boasts vintage trinkets such as small antique vases, Jean Royére Chaise Croisillons, mid-century candelabras, custom ceramic pieces, Brutalist stools from Spain, and a Frank Lloyd Wright table lamp. To mark the store’s debut, Jacquemus is offering tickets for “Yellow Flower Bouquet” and “Fresh Banana Ice Cream” at a pop-up market within the store, running from April 24 to 27.

Lewis Hamilton’s Latest Dior Capsule Collection Channels Afrofuturism

Delving into Afrofuturistic motifs, Lewis Hamilton unveiled a fresh Dior collection, influenced by his summer expedition to Morocco, Senegal, Mozambique, Benin, and Madagascar. In an interview with WWD, he expressed, “I was captivated by the stories I heard that sparked my imagination about the future of Black culture. The unique way we express ourselves through art, science, and philosophy is truly distinctive. These ideas, brought to life through color and movement, left a lasting impression on me.” The brand notes that a bold leopard-print tweed, featured in relaxed shorts, shirts, a hooded jacket, and a blouson, represents the intersection of Afrofuturism and Dior’s historical aesthetic.

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2025-04-25 22:56