Photo&col;Courtesy of Valentino Beauty
The stories made headlines in the fashion world on Friday.
Charli XCX is the face of Valentino Beauty
Charli XCX is now a Valentino US beauty ambassador. The collaboration began with the launch of Spike Valentino Buttery Matte Lip Color, which the artist is currently wearing on the Sweat tour. {Fashionista Inbox}
Photo&col;Courtesy of The Estée Lauder Companies
Estée Lauder announces Catalyst Grant winners
Etia London, Loverboy Beauty and Ruka are the inaugural winners of The Catalysts, a funding program founded by New Incubation Ventures of The Estée Lauder Companies and launched in partnership with TikTok. Each winner will receive up to $250,000 in financial support, mentorship and project assistance. {Fashionista Inbox}
Why LVMH sold Off-White to Blue Star Alliance
Puck’s Lauren Sherman writes that the sale of Off-White to Blue Star Alliance “marks the end of an era” for LVMH, an era in which the business appears to be recovering from the death of Virgil Abloh. An executive who spoke on condition of anonymity said LVMH’s decision to sell Off-White could mean the beginning of the end for the brand. Sources call Bluestar a “bargain hunter” and predict it will lead Off-White into mass-market memory. {Hockey/Paywall}
Gab Waller launches artificial intelligence platform for fashion purchasing
Known as the fashion sourcing magician, Gab Waller provides customers with unparalleled access to the industry’s most coveted merchandise. After Waller’s business grew 152% in 2022, she turned to artificial intelligence to meet demand. Two years later, her new AI platform, Sourced By, is in development, which manages product requests, inventory and payments. Waller is raising her first round this month, and when her $1 million funding goal is reached, she plans to expand the platform and increase its order capacity. {Fashion Commercial/paid}
Barbie chooses Anita Dongre to create Diwali doll
Anita Dongre designed the Diwali doll for Barbie, making her the first Indian designer to create a doll for the brand. Anita Dongre Barbie Diwali doll wears a modern interpretation of the robe decorated with dahlia, jasmine and lotus flowers, paired with a Rajasthani koti jacket and traditional Indian accessories. The doll costs $40 and can be purchased through Target, Amazon, Walmart and Mattel retail channels. {WWD/paywall}
Should fashion companies still allow employees to move around?
In a post-pandemic world, perceptions of in-person working and employee mobility vary widely. Foot Locker recently moved its headquarters from New York City to Florida but is not requiring employees to relocate. Meanwhile, The North Face is looking for a Denver-based creative director. While face-to-face collaboration can benefit those in creative fields, the requirement to travel away from home is increasingly uncommon and a difficult sell. Sheena Butler-Young discusses these negotiations fashion business. {fashion business/paywall}
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