Apparel Magazine | April 2026

LOOKING BEYOND NEW ZEALAND

There is something incredibly important about getting out of your own bubble. Fashion can become very localised when you are constantly designing, producing and selling within the same market. Trends begin to feel familiar, retail patterns become predictable and before long, inspiration starts to recycle itself. That is why experiences like our recent trip to Hong Kong for Fashion InStyle matter so deeply.

In partnership with the Fashion Council of New Zealand and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, we annually take a group of New Zealand designers to experience one of Asia’s most dynamic sourcing and fashion trade events. For many, it was not simply about attending a trade show. It was about reconnecting with possibility. Fashion InStyle sits at the intersection of creativity, manufacturing and innovation. Across the fair, exhibitors showcased everything from advanced textiles and embellishments through to sustainable materials, trims, knitwear solutions and emerging production technologies. The scale alone was enough to shift perspective. Suddenly, the idea that a designer from New Zealand has to work within limitations begins to dissolve.

There is also something energising about seeing how other markets approach the fashion business. Hong Kong moves quickly. It embraces experimentation, collaboration and commercial agility in a way that feels both exciting and confronting. It challenges you to think bigger and sharper about where your brand could go next.

The trip also reinforced something we speak about often within the New Zealand industry. We are incredibly creative, but creativity alone is not enough to sustain a fashion business in 2026. Access to sourcing networks, manufacturing relationships and global industry connections has become just as critical as the design itself.

Watching our designers navigate the fair, exchange ideas and absorb the experience was a reminder that opportunities do not always arrive in the form of immediate orders or instant success. Sometimes the value lies in experience, exposure,and in confidence. In understanding what is possible when you step outside your own backyard.

At a time when many businesses are operating cautiously, investing in experiences that expand thinking feels more important than ever. Because growth rarely happens standing still.

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INVESTS IN 111SKIN

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. announced a minority investment in 111SKIN, a luxury clinical skin care brand founded by renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Yannis Alexandrides.

Founded in 2012, 111SKIN was originally developed by Dr Alexandrides to accelerate his patients’ healing time following procedures. At the heart of the brand is its innovative NAC Y2, a pioneering complex designed to support skin repair and maintain a healthy, radiant and resilient complexion.

READ THE FULL STORY ONLINE

INCLUSIVE OUTDOOR GEAR FOR ALL EXPLORERS

The North Face has announced the launch of its Universal Collection, an all-new offering of camping and outdoor equipment and accessories.

Forged with insights from the adaptive and parasports communities and catering to all explorers, this collection aims to lead the industry towards more inclusive gear.

READ THE FULL STORY ONLINE

MONACO CHRONOGRAPH LAUNCHED BY TAG HEUER

TAG Heuer has reinvented its square icon, introducing the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph, a new chapter for the luxury watchmaker.

In a year celebrating the inseparable relationship between Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer and the chronograph, the moment has arrived for the Maison to reimagine this complication in a way that marks one of the most significant movements in the history of TAG Heuer.

READ THE FULL STORY ONLINE

CHANEL INVESTS IN OTAGO WOOL

The Government has welcomed a new investment by French luxury fashion house Chanel in New Zealand’s premium agricultural sector.

Chanel has invested in a joint venture company to own part of and support Lammermoor Station in the central Otago high country, which produces fine wool for Chanel’s garments.

READ

VISA OPENS THE DOOR TO AI-DRIVEN COMMERCE

Visa has unveiled Intelligent Commerce Connect, a new solution that makes it easier for businesses to connect to and participate in AI-powered commerce.

Make life easier with one integrated software solution to help you manage all the moving parts of your retail business. Purpose-built for the fashion industry, Apparel helps you monitor, manage and find efficiencies to help you grow.

Music sets the tone. A music licence gives peace of mind.

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MATERIAL INNOVATION MOVES FROM CONCEPT TO GARMENT

Material innovation took a more applied direction at Fashion InStyle Hong Kong this year, shifting the focus from technical development to real product outcomes.

Agroup of emerging designers were paired with textile exhibitors, each working directly with a specialised material to develop finished garments.

Mentored by Fashion InStyle ambassador Han Chong of Self Portrait, the initiative placed fabric at the centre of the design process, demonstrating how innovation translates beyond the swatch stage.

Across the showcase, the emphasis was clear. Innovation is no longer about isolated performance claims. It is about how materials function in everyday wear, how they support design, and how they can be scaled commercially.

Advanced polyester development was a key direction, with Textile Library presenting reengineered fabrics that combine visual softness with technical precision. Warp print technology created diffused, ikat-like effects, while crackle finishes added subtle surface texture. These were paired with functional coatings that deliver water resistance and breathability without pushing garments into overt performance territory.

Natural fibres remained foundational. Cotton and wool blends, including SUPIMA cotton, were used as a base before being elevated through technology. H2 membrane integration introduced lightweight protection and water repellency through lamination, allowing fabrics to retain a refined hand feel while adding functionality.

Sustainability also continued to shape development, particularly through the use of mycelium leather. Produced using agricultural waste, the material offers a viable alternative to traditional leather, aligning with growing demand for lower impact solutions.

Suppliers played a central role in enabling this shift. Companies such as Chargeurs PCC and Texwinca highlighted the importance of integrated capabilities, from fabric engineering through to production, as materials become more complex and specialised.

Traditional techniques were also recontextualised, with Song

Brocade demonstrating how heritage craftsmanship can sit alongside modern textile innovation.

What set the showcase apart was how these materials were realised. Under Han Chong’s mentorship, designers worked directly with each textile’s properties, allowing fabric to inform silhouette, construction, and wearability. It reflects a broader shift across the industry. Designers are moving closer to suppliers, engaging earlier in development, and treating material innovation as a core part of the design process rather than a finishing touch.

INNOVATION TAKES SPOTLIGHT AT FASHION INSTYLE

The latest edition of Fashion InStyle has wrapped in Hong Kong, drawing approximately 12,000 buyers from around the world and reaffirming the city’s position as a critical connector between global fashion markets.

Held as part of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s wider portfolio of international trade fairs, Fashion InStyle delivered a focused and commercially driven platform where design, innovation, and sourcing converged. The event attracted buyers from 134 countries and regions, with strong attendance from Asia alongside notable growth from markets including Canada and Türkiye, reflecting a broadening global appetite for crossborder trade.

At the centre of this year’s show was the return of NEXT@Fashion InStyle, a dedicated zone spotlighting material innovation. Featuring more than 60

exhibitors from around the world, the space reinforced a key shift within the industry towards textile-led design and advanced fabrication. From bio-based materials to high-performance textiles, the focus was firmly on solutions that balance creativity with commercial scalability.

The programme extended beyond static exhibition, with emerging designers paired directly with material suppliers to develop original pieces using specialised textiles. Overseen by Han Chong, the initiative offered a practical demonstration of how innovation can translate from concept to finished product, while also fostering meaningful collaboration between designers and manufacturers.

Exhibitors reported strong engagement from international buyers, with many securing earlystage agreements and identifying new market opportunities. Textile innovators showcased developments such as warp-print fabrics and cracklefinish materials, highlighting the growing intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. These advancements drew particular interest from brands seeking differentiation through materiality rather than silhouette alone.

For established fashion groups and retailers, the fair proved equally valuable as a sourcing ground. Buyers connected with suppliers across Europe and Asia, with many expressing

intent to integrate sustainable and high-performance materials into future collections. The presence of global brands, including Karen Walker, underscored the fair’s relevance to both regional and international players navigating evolving consumer expectations.

Beyond individual deals, Fashion InStyle highlighted broader market confidence. Nearly half of surveyed exhibitors and buyers expect sales growth over the next one to two years, signalling cautious optimism despite ongoing global economic pressures. Key growth categories identified within fashion included designer and branded apparel, urban clothing, and womenswear, reinforcing the continued demand for both elevated and everyday fashion segments.

Crucially, the event demonstrated the increasing importance of cross-sector collaboration. By bringing together material developers, manufacturers, designers, and buyers under one roof, Fashion InStyle positioned itself not just as a sourcing fair, but as a catalyst for innovation-led growth.

As the industry continues to navigate supply chain complexity and shifting consumer priorities, Hong Kong’s ability to act as a bridge between markets remains a defining advantage. Fashion InStyle’s latest edition made it clear that the future of fashion lies as much in material innovation and global partnerships as it does in design itself.

FARADAYS TO RE-ESTABLISH

QUEEN STREET AS A LUXURY RETAIL DESTINATION

Auckland’s Queen Street is set to welcome a NZD 30 million property, retail, and architectural project when Faradays opens in mid-2026.

The venture is led by Faraday's CEO Edward von Dadelszen, alongside developer Andrew Krukzeiner and property investor Mark Francis, who will transform the space into a threelevel, 3,000-square-metre store that celebrates both global excellence and local creativity.

“Faradays at 131 Queen St will offer menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, beauty, homeware, streetwear and more, blending globally celebrated luxury brands with elevated everyday essentials,” said von Dadelszen.

“We will provide a platform for emerging local and international brands, as well as being a home for experiential pop-up events and activations.”

The heritage-listed former Milne & Choyce building, home to one of New Zealand’s first department stores, will be redesigned by Fearon Hay Architects.

Revealing the renders, leading architects Fearon Hay said the vision for this extensive offering creates a dynamic tension between the existing and the new, layering distinct experiences across the building’s three levels.

THE FARADAYS EXPERIENCE

The opening of Faradays will mark a significant milestone in the revitalisation of Auckland’s city centre. Alongside global icons such as Cartier and Graff, Faradays will help re-establish Queen Street as New Zealand’s luxury retail destination.

The Faradays experience will provide a seamless duty-free and retail offering across multiple categories, to delight visitors and locals alike.

Announcements regarding the Faradays Queen Street brand lineup are expected to begin soon, while the former Faradays Parnell site will be re-imagined by a new team. The experience will include:

• Three beautifully designed levels of luxury and lifestyle retail

• A refined hospitality concept delivered in partnership with a leading operator

• Valet arrival and concierge service for a premium guest experience

• Extensive selections across womenswear, menswear, streetwear, childrenswear, beauty, fragrance, homeware, and accessories

• Access to globally renowned luxury houses, Faradays’ acclaimed private labels, and emerging Antipodean designers

“City centres are destinations. This development will revitalise and refresh the CBD, cementing Auckland as a thriving international metropolitan hub for Aucklanders and visitors alike,” said Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.

“My family used to enjoy visiting Smith & Caughey’s because it had a wonderful feel about it, so I’m thrilled the establishment of Faradays will bring that vibe back to the heart of the city.”

He added that this expansion will galvanise Queen Street, provide a much-needed boost for retailers and the economy, and deliver an exciting new shopping experience.

CONVENIENCE, FLEXIBILITY & LONG-TERM VALUE

New research from Shark Beauty reveals that convenience, flexibility, and smarter, long-term skincare value are driving New Zealanders’ shift to at-home treatments, as Shark Beauty launches the Shark™ CryoGlow™ Under-Eye Cooling + LED Mask.

As New Zealanders become increasingly intentional about their beauty spend, new national research commissioned by Shark Beauty reveals a growing shift toward at-home skincare solutions, with affordability (41%), convenience (28%), flexibility (27%) and a preference for performing routines at home in private (27%) driving consumers away from professional clinic or spa treatments. The findings reflect an evolving skincare mindset, with New Zealanders seeking solutions that offer long-term value, fit seamlessly into busy routines, and help extend time between costly in-clinic appointments.

CONFIDENCE CONCERNS DRIVING SKINCARE INVESTMENT

As this shift accelerates, nearly three-quarters of New Zealanders (72%) report following some form of skincare routine, spending an average of almost six minutes each day - closely aligning with the four to eight minute treatment modes of Shark Beauty’s newly launched CryoGlow™ Under-Eye Cooling + LED Mask, the #1 Skincare Facial Device in the US1. The research also highlights the strong emotional driver behind the category, with nearly half of New Zealanders (46%) saying under-eye concerns such as puffiness, dark circles and fine lines negatively impact how they feel about their appearance, including 9% who say it

significantly affects their confidence. Women are particularly affected, with 56% saying under-eye concerns affect their confidence, and the impact is even more pronounced among younger audiences: more than half of Gen Z (56%) and Millennials (48%) feel the same. Gen Z are most likely to cite acne and breakouts as their top skincare concerns (53%), reinforcing the growing demand for multi-benefit skincare technology that addresses multiple concerns in a single device.

CONSUMERS SEEKING SMARTER

ALL-IN-ONE

SKINCARE SOLUTIONS

The research reveals a clear preference for streamlined regimes, with nearly seven in ten New Zealanders (69%) favouring one product or device that addresses multiple skin concerns, rather than using several separate products or tools. This growing preference for streamlined, multibenefit skincare routines reflects the broader consumer shift toward smarter beauty investments that work harder, deliver more and fit seamlessly into daily life. Confidence in LED skincare technology is also strong, with 42% of New Zealanders believing LED face masks would be effective for their skincare concerns, rising to 67% among Gen Z and 50% among Millennials. Developed with dermatologists and listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), the Shark™ CryoGlow™ is clinically tested to reduce

fine lines and firm skin in eight weeks3, help reduce acne and achieve a more even complexion in four weeks2, and help tighten under-eyes in one use, delivering multi-benefit results all from the comfort of home.

SKINCARE THAT FITS REAL LIFE

Nearly three in five New Zealanders (57%) admit skincare can feel like a chore, reinforcing growing demand for solutions that simplify routines while still delivering visible results. Shark CryoGlow’s four treatment modesBetter Ageing (6 minutes daily), Skin Clearing (8 minutes daily), Under-Eye Revive (cooling refresh in one use) and Skin Sustain (4 minutes maintenance

mode) - are designed to align seamlessly with Australians' existing skincare behaviours, with women spending just over eight minutes on average, and men almost six minutes on their daily routines. The research also reveals that eight in ten New Zealanders multitask during their skincare routines, often brushing their teeth, watching TV, or scrolling through social media, further highlighting the demand for time-efficient treatments that integrate effortlessly into real life. For Gen Z and Millennials, this multitasking behaviour is even more pronounced, with 94% and 84%, respectively, incorporating skincare into other morning or evening rituals.

SWEET HAIR DAYS WITH GHD

ghd has unveiled its new limited-edition Sweet Hair Days Jelly Collection for Autumn/Winter 2026, reimagining its awardwinning styling tools in a playful, candy-inspired colour palette.

The collection features a seasonal range of sun-kissed peach, jelly mint, sugar pink, candy coral and glazed blue finishes, with each tool paired with a complimentary heat-resistant case. Designed to bring effortless styling to life, the Jelly Collection blends performance with personality, enabling consumers to create everything from beach waves to voluminous blowdries with a fresh, summer-inspired aesthetic.

Limited Edition ghd Duet Blowdry in Sunkissed Peach

The ghd Duet Blowdry, designed to transform hair from wet to blowdried with no heat damage, delivers up to three times more volume and 50 percent more shine in a single tool.

Limited Edition ghd Chronos Styler in Sunkissed Peach

GHD’s Chronos Styler, now available in sunkissed peach, features HD motion-responsive technology for faster one-stroke styling, delivering up to 85 percent more shine and results that last up to 24 hours.

Limited Edition ghd Chronos Max in Jelly Mint

The Chronos Max, with 85 percent larger plates, is tailored for long, thick or curly hair, enabling sleek, glossy results in fewer passes.

Limited Edition ghd Chronos Curve

Max Wand in Candy Coral

For the first time, the Chronos Curve Max Wand has been reimagined in a candy-coated finish, designed to create loose, long-lasting waves.

Limited Edition ghd Gold Styler in Jelly Mint

The ghd Gold Styler, featuring dualzone technology, delivers smoother, sleeker results and enhanced shine for healthier-looking hair.

Whether you’re dreaming of effortless beach waves or voluminous blow-outs, the ghd Jelly Collection brings your hair goals to life, straight from your mood board to your mirror.

NZ BIOACTIVES MEET K-BEAUTY TECH

Following sell-out success in South Korea, Lemon & Beaker has announced the local launch of its viral high-performance Manuka Cleansing Balm.

Launched in late March 2025 in collaboration with a leading South Korean laboratory, the Cleansing Balm generated over a million dollars in sales within hours of launching on major shopping channels.

Designed to go beyond simple makeup removal, the cleansing balm treats cleansing as a treatment step, nourishing skin health from the very first step.

Formulated with a unique fusion of New Zealand bioactives and advanced Korean technology, the formula features:

• Signature VITA12 Complex, a curated blend of twelve essential vitamins (B1, K, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, E, F, H, and A) engineered to brighten, strengthen the barrier, and balance.

• MBTK20+ Bioactive Manuka Extract, sourced from New Zealand's native forests, harnessed to provide antibacterial and antioxidant support to sensitive skin.

Unlike traditional cleansing balms, Lemon & Beaker’s features a tripletexture transformation: dense balm, to silky oil, to a lightweight milky emulsion.

“I developed the Lemon & Beaker

Cleansing Balm in close collaboration with a leading Korean R&D lab, with a real focus on balancing innovation with ingredient integrity,” said Co-Founder Hannah Williamson.

“For me, cleansing is more than just removing makeup; it’s the first step in properly caring for your skin. I really wanted this to feel like a skinconditioning step, with the same level of care as the rest of your routine.”

After validating demand in one of the world’s most discerning beauty markets, the Lemon & Beaker cleansing balm launches locally in New Zealand this month.

THE NEW DENIM CODE

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 X MECCA MAX

MECCA MAX is bringing main character energy to beauty lovers everywhere with the launch of ‘Runway Red’.

Marking MECCA MAX’s firstever collaboration with The Walt Disney Company in Australia and New Zealand, this is a collaboration as iconic as the film itself.

A red lip to the MAX, the Runway Red set features two of MECCA MAX’s most loved lip essentials, Pout Pop Matte Lipstick and Pout Pencil, paired together for maximum colour payoff and statement-making style.

Designed for those who mean business, the duo delivers a timeless red lip that works hard and looks effortless.

INSIDE THE SET, BEAUTY LOVERS WILL FIND:

• Pout Pop Matte Lipstick in ‘Personal Brand’: A pigment-packed matte lipstick delivering high-impact colour with full coverage and fierce staying power.

• Pout Pencil in ‘Stylish’: A creamy lip liner designed to shape, define and lock in colour for a bold, runway-ready finish.

Together, the duo creates a perfectly defined red lip that’s classic and unapologetically confident.

Commenting on the collaboration, MECCAMaginations General Manager Alexandra Bokeyar described it as the meeting of two icons, both known for bold colour, unapologetic confidence, and a flair for the dramatic.

“The Devil Wears Prada 2 is one of the most anticipated films of the year, and the original still defines fearless fashion and iconic beauty," said Bokeyar.

"For MECCA MAX, statement colour is absolutely part of our DNA, so the collaboration with Disney on the Runway Red set feels like a main character moment for us."

The Runway Red set will be available only at MECCA in-store and online from the 28th of April, ahead of the film's release on the 30th of April.

ADIDAS’ LIGHTEST EVER BOOT TO FEATURE AT FIFA WORLD CUP

adidas has launched the latest update to the F50 franchise, the F50 ‘Too Light’ pack, featuring three new speed-focused models.

The hero model, F50 HYPERFAST EVO, has taken lightweight speed boot engineering to the next level, becoming the lightest adidas boot to ever feature at the FIFA World Cup, weighing in at just 130g.

Although the boot weighs only 130g, there is no compromise on performance, with best-in-class technical features combining to provide the ultimate speed boot, including:

• F50 SHELL EVO: An ultra-light, highperformance mesh upper, engineered to reduce the overall weight of the boot, while providing optimum structural support.

• F50 SPEEDSYSTEM EVO: A refined hyper-lightweight soleplate designed with a stiff internal core, acting as a strong and supportive structure to keep the foot secure during sharp movements. It works alongside bladed studs that improve traction, helping players make faster cuts when changing direction.

• F50 CAGE+: An adaptive TPU skin found across the boot’s upper and midsole creates a lightweight, but rigid boot structure that provides a secure anchor for the foot during rapid twists and turns.

• FLOATING TONGUE: A lightweight premium material that wraps seamlessly around the foot for optimal lockdown of the heel and foot, reducing slippage in the boot for better control of your movement.

The F50 HYPERFAST EVO has arrived in a vibrant yellow and orange colourway, complemented by an F50 logo running along the outer side of the

boot. The unmistakable F50 diagonal 3-stripes decorate the full silhouette, beginning at the heel and wrapping around the boot, finished with a clean, shimmering yellow soleplate.

Complementing the hyperlight EVO model within the ‘Too Light’ boot pack are the F50 Elite Laced and Elite Laceless models in the same colourway, weighing in at 179g and 170g respectively. With less focus on overall weight reduction, this model can incorporate additional features to achieve elite ball control at speed.

These include F50 SKIN+, an ultraadaptive, enhanced upper with a precision grip coating for optimum ball control at top speed, and SPRINTWEB+, a high-definition, 3D-textured grip across the boot's upper that improves control by enhancing ball contact when dribbling at high speed.

Additionally, an F50 CAGE+ and THE F50 SPEEDSYSTEM+ provide the support and lockdown required for rapid movements at top speeds, and are complemented by the F50 BELT+ tunnel tongue system with TPU skin, which adapts to the wearer’s foot shape and movement, ensuring lockdown at high speeds.

While the F50 SHELL+ technology, a highperformance mesh found throughout the boot’s upper, is engineered to reduce weight.

The F50 HYPERFAST EVO and F50 HYPERFAST Elite models are available for pre-order and will launch online on the 7th of May.

FIRST LOOK AT H&M X STELLA MCCARTNEY

H&M has revealed all the looks in the upcoming Stella McCartney H&M collection, launching this May.

Twenty years after H&M’s first partnership with the acclaimed designer and campaigner, this new collection was built on legacy. It reflects on highlights of the house’s history and bottling McCartney’s pioneering, rule-breaking vision into a range of apparel and accessories.

The collection unites past and present, combining beloved current signatures, such as oversized shirting, sweeping trenches and sharp tailoring, with playful iconic hits from McCartney’s early archive, including bejewelled prints and slogan tops.

“I see this collection as a journey through my fashion history. It is a true mix of current classics and some of my old favourites that showcase my first forays into fashion and the development of my signatures,” said Stella McCartney.

“It’s playful, strong, sparkling, joyful, refined.”

Other key items in the collection include rib knitted dresses and tops with McCartney’s signature Falabella chain at the neck, and a long white gown with a cape-like sleeve that loops into the hem, giving the look of a sweeping circle of fabric.

Also available are sparkling partywear, separates and denims, as well as mesh dresses and tops in a bold archival cherry-print. Offering an extra dose of nostalgia, a white mini tee is embellished with studs reading ‘Rock Royalty’.

The accessories range is strong and rich in bags, with six styles to choose from, including small, branded shoulder bags, giant totes and a timeless chocolate-toned bag with a chain-detail strap. This is one of several pieces in the collection that incorporate the Falabella chain, including necklaces and earrings,

crafted in recycled metal in mixed tones, and loafers with chain detailing on the front.

The collection is defined by an approach to materials that prioritises recycled content, organic cottons, wool certified to the RWS Standard, and the innovative use of feedstocks for coated materials, such as industrial corn and recycled vegetable oil.

Sam Rock shot the campaign in London, starring Renee Rapp, Angelina Kendall and Adwoa Aboah. The mood is playful yet effortless, nostalgic yet forward-thinking.

Across the campaign, &Stella becomes the tagline for this special collaboration. Reinterpreted in myriad forms, &Here &Now &Me &You, it becomes a message about connection, care, and a way of being that speaks both to this moment and to the past, present, and future.

READY FOR EVERY FLIGHT WITH KATHMANDU

As airlines tighten cabin rules and crack down on oversized carry-ons, Kathmandu Feather Flight has expanded into a full luggage system designed to suit every type of modern traveller.

Originally launched on one of the world’s lightest two-wheeled carry-ons, Kathmandu’s exLIGHT technology has been applied to an expanded Feather Flight range, now in four styles: two check-ins and two carry-ons, in both spinner (4-wheels) and roller (2-wheels) designs.

“Airline rules are changing quickly, and luggage needs to change with it, so we’re designing gear that helps travellers adapt,” said Kathmandu Senior Equipment Designer, Adam Gorrie.

“Expanding Feather Flight into a full system brings our award-winning design across a complete range, delivering durability, manoeuvrability and the flexibility modern travel demands.”

Tested by travellers worldwide, the range uses the same ultra-durable fibre found in personal armour and climbing gear, along with the patent-pending exLIGHT lattice design, which continues to offer outstanding strength-to-weight performance.

The exLIGHT exoskeleton strikes a perfect balance between form and function. It provides strength and protection across the entire range, while still looking and feeling refined.

The new 40L and 80L/90L 4-wheel spinners have a dual-exoskeleton design, with two protective shells that zip together into a full 360° hardshell.

The spinners also feature a Travel Sentry Approved lock, allowing them to be opened and relocked during security inspections without damage.

In addition to the new hardshell, the original Feather Flight 40L carry-on design has been adapted to a new 85L check-in.

The 2-wheel roller styles blend a protective hardshell rear with a flexible soft-side front, giving travellers a lighter alternative to full-hardshell spinners and allowing easy lifting and fast access on the move.

“Modern travellers aren’t one-size-fits-all.”

“Some want the confidence of a hardshell spinner, others prefer the lightweight flexibility of a soft-sided check-in, or the speed of a classic twowheel carry-on,” said Gorrie.

“But no matter their style, travellers all want luggage that moves effortlessly, is built to last, and performs reliably trip after trip.”

By combining award-winning materials with real-world testing, Feather Flight delivers a system built for modern travel pressures.

The expanded Feather Flight range will be available online and in-store from Tuesday, the 14th of April, in Black Stingray and the new Bright Navy. The Original 40L Feather Flight will also be available in two new colours: Magma and Tech Blue.

the

growth categories shaping fashion’s next phase

JEWELRY, WATCHES, AND HANDBAGS

Across the fashion industry, growth is increasingly concentrating in a few high-value accessory categories. While apparel continues to shift with seasonal trends, jewelry, watches, and handbags are emerging as consistent drivers of both revenue and margin.

Consumers are treating these products differently from traditional fashion purchases. Rather than seasonal items, they are often viewed as investment pieces or status purchases that deliver long-term value. This shift is reflected in market forecasts, with several reports projecting that jewelry, watches, and handbags will deliver some of the strongest category growth through 2028.

For brands and retailers, the opportunity is clear. The more important question is how the companies winning in these categories are approaching pricing, assortment, and product strategy.

WHY JEWELRY, WATCHES, AND HANDBAGS ARE OUTPERFORMING

Industry forecasts point to strong momentum in these accessory categories over the next several years.

The global watches and jewelry market is projected to grow from roughly $271 billion in 2023 to nearly $384 billion by 2030, representing a 5.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Jewelry alone is expected to grow at roughly 5–6% annually through 2028, making it one of the fastestgrowing areas in fashion.

Handbags are showing similar strength. The luxury handbag segment is forecast to grow at approximately 7%–8% annually, adding billions in market value over the next several years.

Several factors are driving this momentum.

Accessories allow consumers to refresh their wardrobe without purchasing a full outfit. A new handbag or statement necklace can instantly elevate an existing look, making these items attractive even when discretionary spending is tighter. They also carry strong emotional and symbolic value. Jewelry and watches are frequently purchased to mark milestones or celebrations, while handbags often serve as visible expressions of personal style and brand affinity.

For brands, this creates a powerful combination of repeat demand, strong margins, and brand storytelling opportunities.

WHAT WINNING BRANDS ARE DOING DIFFERENTLY

The brands seeing the strongest performance in these categories are not simply expanding their product lines. They are executing with discipline across pricing and assortment strategy.

One common approach is building a clear pricing architecture. Leading brands typically structure their assortment across three tiers: an accessible entry point, a core mid-tier range, and a premium offering that reinforces brand equity. This allows brands to attract new consumers while maintaining strong margins on higherend products.

Another important strategy is focusing on hero products rather than broad collections. Many successful handbag brands build momentum around a single silhouette, expanding it through new materials, sizes, and seasonal colorways. Jewelry brands often follow a similar model by evolving signature designs into multiple collections.

Finally, scarcity and storytelling play an increasingly important role. Limited releases, capsule collections, and collaborations help create demand while reinforcing a brand’s distinct identity. In categories where emotional appeal matters as much as functionality, this narrative can significantly influence purchasing behavior.

These strategies help brands maintain pricing power while continuing to drive excitement around the category.

WHERE THE NEXT OPPORTUNITIES ARE EMERGING

While the categories themselves are growing, the biggest opportunities lie within specific segments.

One of the fastest-growing areas is branded jewelry, which has been expanding at roughly 8% annually in

recent years, significantly outpacing unbranded products. Consumers are increasingly drawn to recognizable design signatures and brand heritage when making jewelry purchases.

Another opportunity lies in accessible luxury handbags, where brands offer high-quality products at price points that appeal to aspirational consumers. This segment continues to attract younger shoppers who want the prestige of luxury without the highest price tiers. There is also increasing momentum around trend-driven subcategories, including distinctive chain jewelry, statement earrings, sculptural handbag shapes, and unique materials. Brands that identify these trends early are often able to capture demand before the market becomes saturated.

Understanding where competitors are investing, how pricing strategies are evolving, and which product segments are gaining traction is becoming critical for brands looking to expand in these categories.

HOW EDITED CAN HELP

As jewelry, watches, and handbags become increasingly important growth categories, brands need deeper visibility into how the market is evolving.

Retail intelligence allows brands to monitor competitor assortments, track pricing architecture across markets, and identify emerging trends before they reach saturation. This insight helps brands refine their category strategies, balance entry and premium price tiers, and identify product opportunities aligned with market demand. By combining creative direction with real-time market data, brands can approach these accessory categories with greater confidence, positioning them not simply as product extensions but as long-term growth drivers.