Highlights from 2025: Interviews with Key Fashion Industry Leaders

**Priya Downes, Founder and CEO of Nudea**

Five years ago, Priya Downes set out to reform the underwear industry by addressing the lack of practical yet stylish lingerie for women undergoing significant life changes. She transitioned from a career in luxury fashion to pursue this new venture.

**Stéphane Rolland, Designer**

Since 2007, the Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture house has successfully balanced production growth and maintaining a loyal client base. In addition to Haute Couture, directors Pierre Martinez and Stéphane Rolland have expanded into bridal, jewelry, and ready-to-wear collections.

**Stavros Karelis, Founder of Machine-A**

Machine-A emerged from the desire to provide a platform for emerging designers. Founded 12 years ago, the concept addresses the gap for young designers in London’s retail landscape.

**Sandra Sándor and Peter Baldaszti, Co-founders of Nanushka**

Nanushka, based in Hungary, has successfully reached global markets through its unique lifestyle branding that appeals to metropolitan women in cities like London and New York.

**Lorenzo Boglione, Vice President of BasicNet**

K-Way, a French outerwear brand under BasicNet, has returned to the UK with a new flagship store in London, marking its commitment to the British market in its 60th anniversary year.

**Elisa Jansen, Co-founder of Lena the Fashion Library**

Facing a challenging market, the Netherlands-based Lena has thrived in the clothing rental sector, finding a sustainable business model after five years of development.

**Sharon Tsai, Buyer at Onefifteen**

Onefifteen’s flagship store in Taipei is designed as a luxurious floral haven in the bustling city, reflecting the retailer’s commitment to creating a lifestyle-driven shopping experience.

**Kara Lacayo, VP of Design at Yitty**

Founded in 2022 by Lizzo and Fabletics, Yitty has evolved from a shapewear line focused on body diversity to a broader lifestyle brand including lingerie and swimwear.

**Angelique de Rond and Various CEOs**

In light of economic uncertainties and sustainability demands, four CEOs discuss the common misconceptions of fashion leadership, their lessons learned, and effective decision-making strategies.

**Simon Peyronnaud and Mathieu Khouri, Co-founders of Losanje**

Laureates of the ANDAM 2025 Fashion Innovation Award, Losanje specializes in textile upcycling by turning proprietary technology into an economically viable business model.

**Bitten Stetter, Founder of Finally.**

The Swiss start-up Finally. focuses on fashion for sensitive periods of life, creating products in collaboration with patients and healthcare staff to break taboos around the subject.

**Robbi Hicks, Head of Visual Development at Moss**

Moss Bros has streamlined its branding to simply "Moss," focusing on modern menswear while retaining a connection to its heritage.

**Akin Onal, Founder and CEO of Mori**

Celebrating its 10th year, Mori is expanding beyond babywear by acquiring Kidly and opening new retail locations in the UK.

**Anders Rahr, CEO of NN.07**

NN.07 reported record growth in 2024 and continues to expand thoughtfully in global markets in 2025.

**Fashion Design Students at Mod'Art International Paris**

Four recent graduates share their aspirations and challenges as they enter the competitive fashion industry, emphasizing the need for ecological awareness.

**Steven Bethell, Co-founder of Beyond Retro**

Once a small boutique, Beyond Retro has grown into a prominent retailer in vintage fashion, promoting sustainable consumption.

**Giuseppe Nugnes, Director of Nugnes**

Nugnes, an Italian retail hybrid, has expanded its offerings by acquiring the luxury retailer Mimma Ninni.

**Simardev Gulati, Founder of Everbloom**

Everbloom has launched innovative fiber made from protein waste, successfully raising $8 million to facilitate its entry into the luxury market.

**Jason McNary, CEO of PdPaola North America**

As PdPaola nears its 10th anniversary, it focuses on premiumization and expansion in the North American market under McNary’s leadership.

**Amelia Hornblow, Chief Product Officer at Finisterre**

Finisterre has launched a limited-edition womenswear collection in collaboration with designer Amy Powney to enhance its sustainable offerings.

**Christina Dean, Founder of Redress; Rod Henderson, TAL President**

With new eco-design laws on the horizon, the industry grappled with readiness. The Redress x TAL Ecodesign Challenge highlights the pressing need for education and compliance.

**Chris Blakeslee and Beth Esponnette, Founders of Unspun**

Unspun aims to enhance its global presence with a focus on low-waste technology and sustainable practices.

**Morgan Ginn, Program Manager at The Footwear Collective**

The Footwear Collective is addressing the challenge of circularity in footwear through innovative new programs.

**Aza Ziegler, Founder of Calle Del Mar**

Calle Del Mar is positioning itself in the European luxury market by emphasizing craftsmanship over speed in its offerings.

**Elin Alemdar, CEO of Stylein**

Since its establishment in New York, Stylein has developed into a sought-after international brand under Alemdar’s guidance.

**Gemma Keenor, Country Manager for Newbie UK**

Newbie is executing an ambitious growth strategy in Europe and the UK, recently opening its 11th store in the UK.

**John Higginson, CEO of Eco Age**

As sustainability demands intensify, Eco Age is advising brands on compliance and transparency in their environmental practices.

**Raechel Temily, Founder and Creative Director of Temily**

After years in brand development, Temily launched her own luxury label in 2025, focused on reestablishing the emotional core of design.

**Jessica Alsing, CEO of Toms**

Earlier this year, Toms appointed Jessica Alsing, marking a new phase emphasizing growth and innovation while honoring the brand’s philanthropic heritage.

**Hannah Dawson, Founder of Stple**

Entering the British market, Stple aims to redefine modern luxury ready-to-wear through a blend of minimalism and sophistication.

**Jane Boddy, Creative Director at Pantone**

Pantone has announced its first white ‘Colour of the Year,’ named ‘Cloud Dancer,’ following a history of color selections that began in 2000.

**Nicolas Bargi, CEO of Save The Duck**

Save The Duck continues to balance ethical production with high-performance outerwear, preparing for upcoming store expansions.