Tech

Days after his debut for Dior, the designer speaks exclusively to Tim Blanks about rebooting the JW Anderson label with a supremely idiosyncratic cabinet of curiosities, from coffee cups to garden tools to diamonds.

WUKA, the British B Corp behind some of the UK’s most innovative period products, has launched the UK’s first-ever leak-proof Tennis Skort. The skort blends performance, style and period protection in a single piece of activewear designed to help women feel confident and comfortable. Timed to coincide with Wimbledon, the WUKA Tennis Skort takes direct aim at the outdated dress codes and stigmas that have long plagued women’s sports, while offering a functional solution to the very real challenges of menstruating while training or competing. Featuring the brand’s signature Stretch Technology, the skort is designed to expand across three sizes and offer a sleek, sculpting fit. Inside, discreet absorbent layers provide up to 12 hours of leak protection. According to WUKA, one skort can replace the need for up to 200 disposable products, making it not just a practical choice but a sustainable one too. Ruby Raut, CEO and founder of WUKA, said: “We designed this skort so girls can serve, sprint, and ace it on their periods without ever stressing about a leak or a lineup change. It’s time period products move as boldly as the girls who wear them.” Since its founding in 2017, WUKA has developed an extensive range of reusable period underwear, swimwear and accessories, and became the first brand in the UK to create period pants for heavy flow and multi-size fits. The Tennis Skort also builds on the brand’s wider activism. Following its successful campaign to scrap VAT on period underwear in 2024, WUKA is now calling for the removal of VAT on period sportswear. Through its #PeriodsAreNotAPenalty campaign, the brand is urging the UK government to recognise that period protection is not a luxury item and that girls and women should not have to pay more to participate in sport simply because they menstruate. Available in black and navy, in sizes ranging from Teen 2XS to S and XS to M, the WUKA Tennis Skort is now available online, retailing at £49.99.

The sector is facing double-digit sales declines and a crisis of relevance. ‘A watch has become a cultural object of sophistication… but culture has to constantly reinvent, otherwise it can disappear,’ said former Cartier boss Cyrille Vigneron.

The technology company’s recent white paper ‘Meeting the Moment’ unpacks the macro-shifts challenging fashion businesses, and focuses on addressing technological advancements, streamlining supply chains and reprioritising the sustainability agenda for long-term success. Discover insights from the report, alongside BoF analysis.

Victoria Beckham has signed a 10-year global licensing agreement for eyewear collections with Safilo Group, a key player in the design, manufacturing and distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses. The deal sees the founder and Creative Director of her eponymous brand join husband David Beckham in Safio Group’s portfolio of license agreements for eyewear, which also includes BOSS, Dsquared2, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Kate Spade New York, Pierre Cardin and Tommy Hilfiger. Victoria Beckham said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Safilo to take Victoria Beckham Eyewear to the next level. Their expertise in the field is unparalleled, with a long-standing reputation for exceptional quality and craftsmanship. “With their global reach and industry leading capabilities, I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and can’t wait to bring our shared vision to life.” Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group, commented: “We are excited to welcome to our portfolio one of the industry’s most iconic creative directors. “Together, we aim to strengthen the brand’s position as a global eyewear reference in women’s fashion, offering uniquely designed and beautifully crafted pieces that stand out for their attention to detail, minimal design and sophisticated aesthetics. “It’s a luxury proposition empowered by the influence and legacy of Victoria Beckham, who has successfully built and affirmed her brand within the fashion industry. “This collaboration will further enhance the women’s portfolio within Safilo’s brand architecture and strengthen our presence in the luxury segment.” Safilo Group’s portfolio also encompasses own brands including Carrera, Polaroid, Smith, Blenders, Privé Revaux and Seventh Street. The first full Victoria Beckham Eyewear range (both optical and sun) under the Safilo Group will be unveiled for SS26, hitting the market in January 2026.

With the rise of AI, Silicon Valley is going all in on a new generation of startups that promise to radically change how products are made and sold. This time, they’re backing founders with tech chops and are more patient in helping them grow.

The Ordinary, Deciem’s flagship brand, went from disruptor to industry giant. Co-founder Nicola Kilner shares how the company stays true to its founding ethos, even after an acquisition and amid growing competition, for The State of Fashion: Beauty Volume 2.