Virtua

New chapter for a luxury market veteran Gucci has appointed Dario Gargiulo as Chief Client, Marketing and Commercial Officer, reporting directly to CEO Francesca Bellettini. The role, based at Gucci, brings together retail, digital business, client services, marketing, wholesale and licensing under a single client focused leadership agenda. Gargiulo joins from Bottega Veneta, where he served as CEO Greater China, following earlier senior marketing roles at Diesel and Heineken. His arrival signals Gucci’s commitment to unifying brand heat, customer insight and commercial performance as the house enters its next phase of global growth. Follow Virtua for more industry updates.

On Holding posts record-breaking Q3 with CHF 794.4 million in net sales On Holding AG delivered a standout third quarter for 2025, reporting net sales up 24.9 % year-on-year to CHF 794.4 million and up 34.5 % on a constant-currency basis. Direct-to-consumer sales grew 27.6 % (37.5 % cc), and wholesale rose 23.3 % (32.5 % cc). Apparel surged 86.9 % (100.2 % cc) and accessories soared 145.3 % (160.8 % cc). The Asia-Pacific region posted a remarkable 109.2 % increase in constant currency. Gross margin climbed to 65.7 % (up 510 bps) and adjusted EBITDA margin reached 22.6 %. The company subsequently raised its full-year guidance to ~34 % sales growth and adjusted EBITDA margin above 18 %. Follow Virtua for more industry updates.

Zara confirms fashion house strategy through collaboration with Ludovic de Saint Sernin ZARA has partnered with designer Ludovic de Saint Sernin on a capsule collection including ready to wear, footwear and accessories launching on 17 November. The collaboration combines the designer’s signature sensual minimalism with Zara’s global reach, reinforcing the retailer’s ambition to evolve from high street fashion into a full fashion house. This partnership highlights Zara’s continued push into elevated design and limited edition collaborations, blurring the lines between luxury creativity and large scale accessibility. Follow Virtua for more industry updates.

SKIMS hits US$5 billion valuation after fresh US$225 million raise SKIMS has secured a US$225 million funding round which lifts the brand’s valuation to US$5 billion. Activity is being driven by its ambitious move beyond shapewear into apparel and activewear, new retail openings and a pivot toward omnichannel growth. Founded in 2019 by Kim Kardashian and Jens Grede, SKIMS is projected to exceed US$1 billion in net sales this year. The raise and valuation highlight investor confidence in her celebrity-founded brand transforming into a serious global consumer business. ------------------------------- Follow Virtua for more industry updates.

Ciele Athletics appoints Corey Stecker as Global Head of Sales Performance running brand Ciele Athletics Inc./Ciele Athlétique Inc. has named Corey Stecker as its new Global Head of Sales. Stecker brings extensive experience from leadership roles at Altra and The North Face, and joins with a strong commercial background shaped within the VF Corp network. Based in Montreal, he will lead Ciele’s global sales strategy and expansion across wholesale, direct to consumer and international markets. His appointment reflects the brand’s ambition to grow beyond its niche running roots into a broader lifestyle positioning. For leaders in sportswear and active lifestyle, this reinforces a key message: scaling specialist brands requires experienced commercial leadership and cultural understanding. ------------------------------- Follow Virtua for more industry updates.

Moose Knuckles ushers in new era of creative leadership Canadian luxury outerwear and lifestyle brand Moose Knuckles Canada has appointed Ludovico Bruno as Global Creative Director and Raif Adelberg as Design Director. Bruno will oversee creative direction, campaigns and brand narrative, while Adelberg focuses on product design, materials and craftsmanship. This move marks Moose Knuckles’ evolution from niche extreme weather gear to a broader global lifestyle brand. The appointments reflect the company’s ambition to merge its bold Canadian DNA with refined luxury sensibilities, supporting its next phase of international growth. Follow Virtua for more industry updates.

Puma streamlines North America distribution through exclusive licensing model PUMA Group is reshaping its North American strategy by converting its joint venture with United Legwear & Apparel Co. into a full licensing agreement. From 1 November 2025, United Legwear will manage the manufacturing, sales and distribution of Puma’s socks, underwear, children’s apparel and accessories across the US and Canada. Previously, Puma held a majority stake in the joint venture known as Puma United, which generated significant revenues in 2024. The move marks a broader regional reset aimed at reducing operational complexity, focusing on core business areas and aligning with licensing models typical for the North American market. For leaders in sportswear and consumer goods, the message is clear: global brands are adapting region by region to protect brand equity, streamline margins and scale more efficiently in mature markets. ------------------------------- Follow Virtua for more industry updates.

BasicNet acquires Woolrich Europe operations for €40 million Italian outerwear group BasicNet SpA has agreed to acquire the European rights and 100% of Woolrich Europe S.p.A., the company that manages the brand’s distribution and retail across the region. The initial consideration stands at €40 million, which includes €12 million paid via 1.2 million BasicNet shares. Founded in 1830 and known for its Buffalo Check and Arctic Parka heritage, Woolrich adds premium outdoor credibility to BasicNet’s portfolio of brands including K-Way, Superga and Sebago. The move positions BasicNet to relaunch Woolrich across key European markets leveraging its strong commercial and distribution engine. Follow Virtua for more industry updates.

AllSaints appoints Sean Trend as Chief Financial Officer AllSaints has named Sean Trend, formerly of ASOS where he held senior strategic and regional finance roles, as its new Chief Financial Officer effective February 2026. He succeeds Elaine Deste, who is retiring after a decade with the company. The appointment follows a record year for AllSaints, with EBITDA reaching £69.5 million and profit before tax up 55 percent. Under CEO Peter Wood, the brand has returned to strong growth, driven by international expansion and renewed product focus. For leaders in fashion and retail, this highlights the importance of financial stewardship in sustaining momentum after a successful turnaround. ------------------------------- Follow Virtua for more industry updates.

ASICS EMEA reports double digit growth across categories and channels ASICS EMEA has reported a 17.7 percent year on year revenue increase in the third quarter of 2025, driven by broad based growth across key markets. Wholesale revenue rose 22.5 percent, with North East Europe up 31.9 percent, North West Europe up 28.1 percent and France up 19.7 percent. SportStyle led category growth with a 41.8 percent increase, followed by Apparel at 25.8 percent, while performance segments including running, tennis, indoor and padel all delivered strong gains. For senior leaders in sports, outdoor and performance footwear, this result highlights how established technical brands can scale when they balance channel expansion with lifestyle relevance. ------------------------------- Follow Virtua for more industry updates.