Photo: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Wednesday.Retailers question how to respond to ICE agentsIn the wake of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s violent presence in Minnesota, employees and consumers are pressuring retailers to take a public stance against the situation. Company executives, including incoming Target CEO Michael Fiddelke and Best Buy CEO Corie Barry, signed a letter calling for “an immediate descalation of tensions,” Modern Retail reported. But many retail leaders still refuse to condemn the Trump administration outright or name it, out of fear of federal retaliation. Experts advise business owners to start locking their doors and study their rights on how much (or little) access they have to give ICE agents. {Modern Retail}M.ph Beauty by Mary Phillips names new CEOM.ph Beauty by Mary Phillips has appointed Hannah Beals as its new CEO. Previously, she worked at Ouai, where she climbed the ranks to the Chief Executive Officer role. Now at the helm of M.ph Beauty, she’ll be responsible for leading the brand into further growth. {Fashionista inbox}Phia raises $35 million in fundingPhia, the AI-powered shopping agent founded by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, raised $35 million in Series A funding at a $185 million valuation. The investment will help advance its core AI capabilities. {Fashionista inbox}Grace Van Patten and Jackson White cover Teen Vogue
Photo: Andy Jackson/Courtesy of Teen Vogue
“Tell Me Lies” costars Grace Van Patten and Jackson White front Teen Vogue’s January 2026 cover. Photographed by Andy Jackson and styled by Cornelius Lafayette, White poses in Calvin Klein and Jacquemus, while Van Patten wears Bode and Uniqulo. In the accompanying cover story, the couple discusses mental health, their relationship and their first chemistry read. {Teen Vogue}LVMH sales drop in Q4LVMH reported a 5% drop in sales for Q4 2025, due to weak demand in Europe and Japan. For 2025 as a whole, it generated €80.8 billion (approximately $96.5 billion) in revenue, a 1% decline from 2024, when sales were €84.7 billion (approximately $101.1 billion). CEO Bernard Arnault stated in a press call that he’s cautious about 2026’s prospects and doesn’t expect it to be an easy year. {WWD/paywalled}How AI impacts early career fashion professionalsCurrent and aspiring fashion professionals are concerned about how AI will affect their career prospects, according to a Vogue Business survey. In response, fashion educators are evolving their courses to adapt to the technological changes while also encouraging students to channel their fear into curiosity. Lecturers want students to engage critically with AI, questioning how to use the technology as an efficiency tool. “The new reality is roles will be constantly changing, so it’s all about plasticity and being adaptable with how you create your work and what mediums and ideas are worth investigating,” Margarita Louca, digital lead for the Fashion program at London’s Central Saint Martins (CSM), told Vogue Business. {Vogue Business/paywalled}H&M brings back its Design AwardH&M is bringing back its Design Award, an initiative that rewards emerging design talent. The winner will receive a €150,000 endowment, a year-long tailored mentorship and their collection will be produced and sold in select H&M stores worldwide and online. The award is also broadening its candidate pool, now accepting applications from BA and MA students from more than 60 participating schools from 25 countries. Applications for the H&M Design Award will open starting Jan. 29 on designaward.hm.com.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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