CAUTION OR CONVICTION
tension play out in real time. On one hand, stores are closing their doors, brands are stepping back, and longstanding names are quietly exiting the market. On the other, a new wave of energy pushing through, driven by those willing to back themselves despite the uncertainty.
The headlines have been relentless. Rising fuel prices, tightening margins, and a growing list of closures that once felt unthinkable. For many in our industry, the past few months have not just been challenging, they have been defining.
The truth is, we have not really had a break since COVID. It has been hit after hit. Supply chain disruption, rising costs, shifting consumer behaviour, and now a fuel crisis that is compounding everything at once. There is a sense across the industry that everyone is holding their breath, waiting for things to ease, waiting for better days to arrive.
But at some point, you have to inhale.
You have to make a call, take a risk, and hope like hell it pays off.
We are seeing both sides of that
Ahua Fashion Week is one of the clearest examples of that right now. Run by hundreds of volunteers and powered by graduates and emerging designers, it strips fashion back to its essence. An empty space, rows of chairs, hired equipment. As they say, run on the smell of an oily rag. No excess, no unnecessary layers, just a determination to make something happen.
It is not polished, and that is precisely the point.
There is grit in building something from nothing. In choosing to go ahead when conditions are far from ideal. In refusing to wait for the perfect moment, because the perfect moment is not coming.
This is where the industry finds itself. Between caution and conviction. Between holding back and pushing forward.
Retailers are becoming sharper and more considered in how they operate. Designers are tightening their collections, questioning volume, and focusing on what truly resonates. There is a shift away from excess and towards intention, driven not just by necessity, but by a clearer understanding of value.
What emerges from sustained pressure like this is resilience. Not the kind that looks comfortable, but the kind that endures.
Because while the closures are real, so too is the determination to keep going. To keep creating. To keep showing up. This year will not be defined by ease. It will be defined by the moment you stop holding your breath and decide to move anyway.
On the cover:
TWENTY-SEVEN NAMES NOW AT THE SHELTER
Kiwi label twenty-seven names has found its next chapter, joining The Shelter in Auckland following the closure of its Newmarket store earlier this year.
The move signals a growing shift within New Zealand fashion retail, where independent brands are rethinking traditional standalone stores in favour of collaborative environments that offer both visibility and sustainability.
Founded by Anjali Burnett and Rachel Easting, twenty-seven names has built a loyal following through its intelligent approach to womenswear, balancing humour, print and nostalgia with considered tailoring and everyday wearability. While the brand has stepped away from operating its own retail space in Auckland, its presence at The Shelter ensures continued access for its local customer base..
READ THE FULL STORY ONLINE
VON DUTCH REEMERGES UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
Von Dutch has officially reestablished its presence in the United States following its acquisition by WSG Brands, led and founded by entrepreneur Jack Cheika.
Prior to its acquisition in 2024, Von Dutch had largely faded from the U.S. market, with significant declines in consumer engagement and retail presence.
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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES TO ACQUIRE REMAINING SHARES IN FOREST ESSENTIALS
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. has agreed, subject to regulatory approvals, to acquire the remaining interests in Forest Essentials.
Building on a trusted 18-year partnership, this milestone celebrates The Estée Lauder Companies’ long-term commitment to nurturing and growing this extraordinary Indian brand and expanding its global consumer reach.
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KIWI KATE HAWLEY WINS OSCAR
Kiwi costume designer Kate Hawley has won her first Oscar, nominated for her work in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein. The talents of New Zealanders have shone brightly on the global stage once again, as Kate Hawley won the Oscar for Best Costume Design at the 98th Academy Awards for her work on the film “Frankenstein”.
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PUMA X SHINCELL DEVELOP NEXT-GEN RUNNING FOAM TECH
PUMA has signed an agreement with Chinese company Shincell New Materials Co., Ltd. to research and develop the next generation of NITRO, an industry-leading running technology.
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.
From the moment your customers walk in, music sets the tone. It creates energy, reflects your brand. When you play music in your store, a OneMusic licence ensures you’re doing it the right way - simply, legally, and fairly.
ESSENTIAL FOR FASHION RETAILERS, BOUTIQUES
& APPAREL STORES
Playing music in a business is different from listening at home. A OneMusic licence covers the rights you need to play music across your premises - helping you avoid compliance risks while supporting the artists who make the music you and your customers love.
Create atmosphere
Define the vibe and energise the shopping experience. Music makes spaces feel welcoming, vibrant, and memorable.
Stay compliant
Avoid legal risks and protect your brand with the permissions to play music in public spaces. No guesswork, no gaps.
Support artists
Your licence helps ensure songwriters, composers, and recording artists are paid for their work. Royalties. That’s what we do.
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Scan the QR code for more info or visit:
AFC X R.M. WILLIAMS BOOST AUSTRALIAN TEXTILES
The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) and R.M.Williams have launched the National Manufacturing Strategy for Australian Fashion and Textiles 2026 - 2036 at Parliament House.
This is the first coordinated national roadmap to rebuild targeted domestic manufacturing capability across Australia's textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) sector.
The ten-year Strategy is the result of almost a year of industry consultation led by the AFC and R.M.Williams, including 14 national consultations with manufacturers, brands, educators and policymakers across the country.
More than 300 stakeholders contributed to the process, generating over 1,000 proposed initiatives and nearly 900 votes on strategic priorities to shape the sector’s long-term manufacturing future.
The Strategy comes at a critical time for the industry. With 97 percent of Australia’s clothing and textile products manufactured offshore, the sector remains vulnerable to ongoing global supply disruptions and trade volatility.
Rather than compete with highvolume offshore manufacturing markets, the Strategy is focused on closing structural gaps and accelerating advanced manufacturing to scale the sector’s comparative advantage, aiming to position Australia to compete globally in premium, technologyenabled, and traceable production built on the country’s natural fibre strengths.
Independent modelling by RMIT University and RPS projects that full implementation of the Strategy's coordinated policy platform will grow
TCF manufacturing value added from AUD 2.6 billion to AUD 2.9 billion by 2030/31, delivering a cumulative AUD 1.4 billion economic dividend over five years.
The Strategy is also projected to create more than 1,000 new skilled jobs and AUD 864 million in additional wages, with approximately half of those jobs projected to be filled by women.
“This Strategy sets out a clear roadmap for rebuilding a globally competitive Australian fashion and textile manufacturing sector. Australia already has exceptional design talent, advanced manufacturing capability and globally recognised brands,” said Marianne Perkovic, Executive Chair, Australian Fashion Council.
“With the right coordination across industry, skills and procurement policy, we have a real opportunity to strengthen sovereign capability, create skilled jobs and position Australia as a leader in premium manufacturing.”
The AFC and R.M.Williams also produced a short film titled ‘Made Here, Worn Everywhere’ profiling AFC members, including Australian Defence Apparel, The Social Outfit, Maara Collective, Citizen Wolf, Waverley Mills and Silver Fleece, highlighting the diversity of manufacturing already taking place across Australia.
The Strategy will be led by the Australian Fashion Council, the sector's peak body. Progress will be measured through a two-stage assessment framework.
BADBO 1.0 RETURNS
Following the groundbreaking global debut of the BadBo 1.0 in White during the Super Bowl LX halftime performance, adidas Originals and Bad Bunny have continued their creative partnership.
BadBo 1.0 - the first-ever signature adidas silhouette from Bad Bunny came from the culmination of a fiveyear-long partnership with the brand. It captivated audiences worldwide in its debut Brown iteration and subsequent White release.
The new Beige and Black iteration has delivered the same unapologetic confidence and bold aesthetic, crafted with premium nubuck and hairy teasel suede uppers, an EVA midsole, and translucent rubber outsole.
At the heart of the shoe remains the iconic BadBo signature logo - a star drawing direct inspiration from the Puerto Rican flag, symbolising origin, joy, and the limitless possibilities that come from staying true to where you're from.
adidas Originals and Bad Bunny have also introduced an accompanying full
BadBo apparel capsule. Inspired by his personal style outside the spotlight, the lifestyle collection offers pieces designed for comfort without compromising on quality or design integrity.
The assortment features track jackets, track pants, sweatshirts, hats, and a standout heavyweight sweat suit, crafted from high-quality French terry cotton, all embodying the same premium approach that defines the BadBo silhouette.
Like the footwear that started it all, the apparel collection represents those who move forward without a single defined path and who understand that there are no final destinations, only parts of the same journey.
adidas para Bad Bunny BadBo 1.0 in Beige/Black, and the accompanying apparel collection will be available later this month.
DESIGN MEETS PLAY IN THE NIKE AIR MAX 95 X LEGO
COLLECTION
Nike and the LEGO Group have unveiled the Nike Air Max 95 x LEGO collection, bringing together the Air Max 95 Big Bubble sneaker with a separate LEGO brick set.
Rooted in the belief that kids perform best when imagination leads, the latest collection blends Nike's sneaker heritage with hands-on creative LEGO play.
Launching on the heels of Air Max Day, the pairing shows off the classic sneaker in a whole new way.
"The Nike Air Max 95 x LEGO partnership creates a fresh opportunity for kids to experience the energy and imagination at the heart of both Nike and The LEGO Group," said Ailsa Gilroy, VP/GM, Global Kids, Nike, Inc.
"Bringing the Air Max 95 Big Bubble to life in this way invites kids to join the celebration of sport and Air Max Month, letting them explore sport and style through their own lens."
The collection includes an Air Max 95 Big Bubble sneaker in kids' sizing, alongside a 1,213-piece LEGO brick set version of Nike's legendary sneaker. This
merging of sport, style and creativity turns Air Max into a buildable, wearable statement of personal style, comfort and expression.
The Air Max 95 Big Bubble mixes a breathable mesh upper with durable, synthetic leather. The visible Max Air unit provides lightweight cushioning for comfort as kids move, imagine and play.
The updated design features a unique technique that makes flat, twodimensional elements appear threedimensional, creating a playful optical illusion that tricks the eye and adds visual depth to the shoe.
The Nike Air Max 95 x LEGO set captures the essence of Nike heritage and LEGO creativity. Designed for kids that let movement guide their next move, the LEGO brick set lets kids and Nike fans create a classic sneaker and express their individual style.
True to the original design, the Nike
sneaker comes in muted shades of black and light graphite, with bold Volt accents.
The set includes a display stand, a bubble logo, and a customisable minifigure that dons its own pair of Air Max 95 sneakers. A hidden drawer in the base of the model is a fun detail for storing trinkets. With vibrant colours and dynamic design, the set is more than just footwear; it's a catalyst to spark young imaginations.
"The Air Max 95 is a symbol of innovation and cultural significance, a staple in streetwear and a canvas for self-expression," said Federico Begher, SVP, Product Group, New Businesses, LEGO Group.
"Our new Nike Air Max 95 x LEGO collection honours this legacy, inviting kids to explore its timeless appeal through creative and active play and encouraging them to express themselves in every way possible."
EPSON SUPPORTS YUIMA NAKAZATO AT PARIS HAUTE COUTURE WEEK
At Paris Haute Couture Week, Yuima Nakazato unveiled its latest couture Spring/Summer 2026 collection “SILENT", with Epson providing technical support for the collection.
Through garments printed with Epson’s digital textile printing technology, as well as ceramic pieces individually crafted over more than 1,500 hours of clay work, designer Yuima Nakazato expressed the timeless beauty of nature in Yakushima, Japan.
By printing transparent ink onto white silk organdy, Epson and Nakazato discovered that natural fibre fabrics fray minimally when cut, opening up
new possibilities in garment assembly. This approach simplified edge finishing while accentuating the fabric’s delicate texture and sharp visual aesthetic, resulting in an unprecedented form of expression.
The collection also explored a new approach to heel shoes: using Dry Fibre Technology (DFT), recycled non-woven fabric sheets made from used garments and mill ends were finished with Urushi lacquer, a traditional Japanese craft and tin powder to achieve a unique texture.
The technology used to produce this collection is also cleaner than traditional textile printing because it uses less water, generates less waste, and allows production of only the volume of items needed. Moreover, the pigment inks used do not require steaming or washing treatments after printing.
Nakazato and Epson entered into a partnership in 2022 and have continued to collaborate, exploring new possibilities in sustainable fashion by combining creativity with environmental responsibility.
While Nakazato aims to bring the joy of one-of-a-kind garments to people around the world, Epson aims to reduce the environmental impact of clothing production by transforming the value chain through more efficient technologies, workflow innovations, and technical research, and by implementing an optimal mode of production that can deliver more personalised designs than the conventional method of massproducing the same designs.
CRAFT, IDENTITY & EXPRESSION
Founded in 2023 by designer Amanda Cheng, ARCUS Paris is an independent eyewear brand redefining sunglasses at the intersection of fashion, jewellery and art.
As a graduate of Istituto Marangoni (2019), Cheng developed her creative practice across fashion, design, and fine craftsmanship, and has approached design through a lens of artistry, emotion, and precision.
Raised in a traditional environment where appearance and restraint were emphasised, Cheng sought ways to express individuality without irreversible change. The concept for ARCUS originated from a personal and symbolic moment, a dream in which she pierced her own eyebrow.
Pierced sunglasses became her medium to convey boldness while maintaining flexibility and control. Each design reflects a balance between refinement and experimentation, embracing imperfection as a form of beauty.
Cheng maintains a hands-on approach across all aspects of the brand, from design and production to communication and visual storytelling, ensuring a cohesive and deeply personal vision.
Each pair of ARCUS sunglasses is handcrafted and hand-pierced, designed to be more than accessories.
All pieces are made-to-order, with a production timeline of 15 to 20 days, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Frames are sourced from highquality deadstock originally produced for luxury houses and finished with stainless-steel piercings, and all designs meet European sun protection standards.
With new styles released monthly online, ARCUS Paris has continued to evolve as a contemporary design label that merges artistry with technical precision.
OSTERIA FIORI DI MARIMEKKO BLOOMS AT MILAN DESIGN WEEK
For Milan Design Week 2026, Finnish design house Marimekko presented Osteria Fiori di Marimekko, a holistic lifestyle activation that blends design, gastronomy and culture into a joyful exploration of the Art of Flowers.
The playful activation invited visitors to immerse themselves in the creative lifestyle universe of Marimekko, where the idea of flowers stretches from literal to abstract and where the optimistic Marimekko way of life comes to full bloom.
Marimekko’s Creative Director, Rebekka Bay, said that the company has always existed at the intersection of art, design, fashion, and architecture. For Milan Design Week 2026, the team built an even deeper meeting of creative disciplines, creating a holistic exploration of the Art of Flowers.
“Osteria Fiori di Marimekko is an engaging dialogue between the abstract and the literal nature of flowers, and an ode to florals as an ever-evolving subject in Marimekko’s
art of printmaking,” she said.
“With this concept, we apply flowers to stimulate all our senses and showcase the Marimekko way of life in full bloom.”
INTRODUCING KUKASTA KUKKAAN
BY ERJA HIRVI
The activation featured iconic Marimekko floral designs spanning decades, from Maija Isola’s playful abstractions and Fujiwo Ishimoto’s captivating interpretations to Antti Kekki's improvised floral designs.
Each designer’s work exemplified Marimekko’s unique approach to capturing the Art of Flowers through the science of printmaking.
One of the focal points at Osteria Fiori di Marimekko is the new Kukasta kukkaan print by Erja Hirvi. The hand-painted
flower pattern depicts a joyful ensemble of hand-painted blossoms, and its name translates to “from flower to flower”, a nod to the playful flit of bumblebees.
Osteria Fiori di Marimekko has showcased the print through bold textile installations, varied fabric elements, and limited-edition tableware, ranging from small plates and espresso cups to playful 3D plates featuring individual shapes of the Kukasta kukkaan print.
Visitors at the activation can purchase an exclusive edition of ceramics on-site, a perfect souvenir for aperitivo hour as part of everyday life outside Milan Design Week.
Osteria Fiori di Marimekko will celebrate its soft opening on Sunday, the 19th of April, and is officially open for visitors from the 20th to the 22nd of April.
WOOL SOURCE X KATHMANDU DRIVE SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION
Wool has been used in clothing for centuries, with strong wool now being used as a pigment in screen printing for a new clothing range.
Christchurch-based Wool Source, an ingredients manufacturer transforming wool into new applications, has developed a world-leading, patented technology to convert strong wool into a colourant for use in screenprinting inks.
Wool Source pigments are ethically sourced, renewable, and traceable pigments with 97 to 98 percent biobased carbon content, meaning the product's carbon is almost entirely derived from a renewable biological source. The pigments are mixed with liquids to form screen printing inks, offering an alternative to synthetic and fossil-fuel-derived pigments.
Kathmandu has applied the innovation in a recently released graphic t-shirt made of 100 percent merino and inspired by Canterbury’s braided river systems, a uniquely local landscape that ties the product back to its natural origins, printed with Wool Source Pigments.
“Innovation should do more than reduce harm.”
“This is a real example of how innovation and sustainability can complement each other, and the industry as a whole, and now we’ve helped unlock new value for New
Zealand's strong wool,” said Kathmandu Head of Product Innovation and Product Sustainability Manu Rastogi.
He added that with March marking B Corp Month, it made sense to unveil the tees at a time when sustainability and responsible business practices are in focus.
For Wool Source Chief Executive Tom Hooper, partnering with a New Zealand brand like Kathmandu was a significant step and demonstrated that Wool Source pigments can be incorporated into traditional commercial processes at scale, delivering a high-quality final product using more environmentally friendly materials.
The development work was built on years of scientific research through the “New Uses for Strong Wool” programme led by the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand and supported by scientists at Lincoln Agritech, wool growers, the wider wool supply chain, the Ministry of Business and Innovation and Employment and the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund.
The t-shirts are available online in New Zealand and Australia, and are now being rolled out across New Zealand stores.
BALMAIN BEAUTY INTRODUCES DESTIN DE BALMAIN
Balmain Beauty has unveiled Destin de Balmain, its debut prestige fragrance.
The new feminine fragrance is a bold, floral, fruity eau de parfum that has captured the unstoppable energy of the Balmain woman: independent, youthful, and unapologetic.
THE STORY: LIVE YOUR DESTINY
Destin de Balmain is destiny you hold in your hands, a journey of optimism and infinite possibilities. The refillable fragrance unites those who express themselves without rules or expectations. Inspired by the Parisian House’s savoir-faire and modern pulse, the daring fragrance celebrates the choice to follow your path and live your destiny.
“Destin de Balmain features a joyful, optimistic spark of ripe strawberry,” said Quentin Bisch, Perfumer.
“The fruit’s juicy vivacity brings bright, elevated sweetness to the composition. Notes of peony further convey the feeling of rosy fullness, and notes of creamy sandalwood anchor the fragrance in strength and luminosity. It has an irresistible electric energy.”
THE FRAGRANCE: A BOLD, FLORAL FRUITY SCENT
Destin de Balmain has captured the thrill of new beginnings with radiant, ripe strawberry notes, notes of rosy
peony, and creamy sandalwood.
The vibrant burst of neon-saturated, naturally-sourced strawberry playfully contrasts with the spicy pepper notes of baies rose. Notes of peony reveal unexpected creamy lychee facets.
The fragrance’s floralcy deepens with a lily accord. Its delicate green note and the intense spice of Akigalawood come together, intermingling with a sandalwood accord and smooth patchouli for a radiant woody effect. The brilliant, musky second-skin scent of Ambrexolide grounds the composition in an unforgettable, sensual warmth.
THE BOTTLE: INSPIRED BY THE ICONIC BALMAIN LABYRINTH
The fragrance is contained in a precious, refillable glass cube, capped with signature golden striations. The PB monogram runs across every face, carving the House’s iconic Labyrinth motif into three-dimensional pathways. Clear and gold, and full of spark, it encapsulates the undeniable spirit of the scent.
Destin de Balmain is available worldwide in Balmain boutiques, online, and at select fashion and beauty destinations. The fragrance comes in a 10 ml travel spray and 30 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, and 150 ml bottles.
from vendor to trusted partner:
HOW MANUFACTURERS CAN WIN WITH RETAIL INTELLIGENCE
BUILDING CREDIBILITY WITH DATA-BACKED INSIGHTS
Manufacturers earn trust when they provide insights that help retailers make informed decisions. Retail intelligence allows you to support recommendations with actual data, showing buyers that your expertise is grounded in market realities. Why it matters: Data builds confidence. Retailers rely on evidencebased guidance to make assortment and pricing decisions. Manufacturers who provide this gain credibility and strengthen their role at the table.
How retail intelligence helps:
• Benchmark competitor product performance and pricing to justify recommendations
• Quantify category trends to demonstrate understanding of market dynamics
• Provide historical sell-through and trend momentum to validate buy recommendations
• Offer insights that help retailers make smarter, faster decisions
ANTICIPATING NEEDS AND GUIDING RETAILERS
A trusted manufacturer doesn’t wait for retailers to ask for guidance — they anticipate gaps, suggest product opportunities, and highlight where additional assortment could drive revenue. This consultative approach shifts conversations from reactive orders to strategic planning.
Why it matters: Anticipating needs signals that you’re invested in the retailer’s success, not just your own. This strengthens relationships and increases loyalty.
How retail intelligence helps:
• Identify areas where retailers are underrepresented compared to competitors
• Provide trend insights that inform new product concepts before the market catches on
• Use data to support premium or tiered product strategies that maximize revenue potential
TURNING INSIGHTS INTO STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Manufacturers who consistently provide actionable insights become trusted advisors. This trust creates opportunities for larger, more confident orders, repeat business, and long-term growth. Retailers start to see your team as a partner in strategy, not just a vendor fulfilling orders.
Why it matters: Strategic partnerships unlock bigger opportunities and ensure manufacturers are involved in decisionmaking earlier, leading to stronger influence and increased business impact.
How retail intelligence helps:
Enable data-driven conversations that move beyond product features
Demonstrate ROI and growth potential from proposed assortment or pricing strategies
Build a repeatable process for using data to guide retailer decisions
CONCLUSION
Becoming a trusted partner requires more than great products — it requires insight, foresight, and credibility. Retail intelligence gives manufacturers the tools to provide evidence-backed guidance, anticipate retailer needs, and shape decisions strategically.
With EDITED’s platform, manufacturers can access real-time market data, trend insights, and competitive benchmarking in one place, helping them move from reactive selling to proactive partnership.
