These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Wednesday.Gucci Beats Forecasts, Lifting Kering SharesKering shares jumped 10% on Tuesday after Gucci’s second-quarter comparable sales fell just 2%, beating analyst projections of roughly a 3.3% decline and fueling hope that the label’s recovery is taking hold. Kering CEO Luca de Meo — who took over in September 2025 — has cut debt by selling Kering’s beauty unit to L’Oréal, trimming staff and closing underperforming stores. “We are also advancing the rollout of our Group platforms, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, strengthen client engagement and support stronger execution across our Houses,” Meo said in a statement. {Kering}U.S. and European Tourism Drive Hermès Sales Hermès reported its second-quarter sales reached €4.1 billion ($4.67 billion), up 6.7%, as strong U.S. demand and a rebound in European tourism offset weaker conditions earlier in the year tied to unrest in the Middle East. The company’s leather goods division — its largest by revenue — grew 10% during the period. The results, in line with analyst expectations, come as rival LVMH posted softer numbers, underscoring Hermès’ position in a prolonged luxury slowdown. {Hermès}ESW Beauty Names First Creator Equity PartnersESW Beauty has named content creators Katie Fang and Aliya Rachinski as its first creator equity partners, giving both an ownership stake in the company rather than a traditional paid sponsorship. As equity partners, Fang and Rachinski will help with product development, campaign strategy, future launches and content creation. “[ESW Beauty will] be built by creators who genuinely use the products, believe in the mission and have a real seat at the table. We wanted Katie and Aliya to become builders alongside us — not just spokespeople,” ESW Beauty CEO Elina Sofia Wang said in a statement. {Fashionista inbox}Shein Faces FTC Investigation Ahead of Hong Kong IPOShein disclosed that its U.S. operations are under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission and could face significant fines. The company said it is cooperating but did not specify the probe’s focus. The disclosure adds to a string of legal troubles for Shein, including past child labor findings, a shipping delay settlement and an ongoing Texas investigation. {Reuters/paywalled}CFDA and Informa Partner to Boost U.S. ManufacturingFashion by Informa and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) are teaming up to support domestic fashion production, with the partnership debuting in September at Sourcing by Informa in New York. Organizers plan to bring CFDA-curated local manufacturers and educational sessions to the Javits Center show floor, linking New York production partners with an international network of brands and buyers. A second round of programming is set for next February. {Fashionista inbox}British Fashion Council Moves to Decentralize IndustryThe British Fashion Council launched Fashion Britain, a nationwide initiative aimed at expanding fashion investment and opportunity beyond London to cities across the UK. “If we are truly Britain’s fashion council, then our responsibility is to champion creativity wherever it exists, create opportunity, inspire ambition and ensure more people can see themselves in our industry, regardless of where they live,” said Laura Weir, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, in a statement. Fashion Britain will debut this September across London, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol and Edinburgh. The schedule will feature public events, designer conversations and retail experiences tailored to each location. {Fashionista inbox}Do you have an emerging brand you want to share with Fashionista readers? Jumpstart your business with our affordable digital offerings.
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