Tech

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.

The British luxury lifestyle brand, known for its leather handbags, notebooks, homeware and other accessories, will look to accelerate its growth and expand internationally.

Olympic diving champion and entrepreneur Tom Daley has teamed up with Woolmark as its newest ambassador to launch a wool knit kit, which includes three exclusive knitting patterns for a jumper, a vest and a hat. Daley first took up knitting in 2020, “to channel his energy” during the Tokyo Olympics. Following the support he found in the knitting community, Daley then founded Made With Love, “a knitting and crocheting movement”. That sparked a fresh wave of wool enthusiasts to embrace craft and pick up knitting needles. Over the past six months, Daley and the Made With Love team have been working with UK-based yarn manufacturer, Laxtons, to test and trial Merino wool yarns. That has evolved into the Woolmark-certified knit kit, which features colours including lilac, lemon, lime, peach, candy pink and natural cream. Daley said: “The knit kit brings some of my favourite pieces to life using 100% Merino wool. The wool fibre’s natural properties make it perfect for comfort, breathability and warmth. “It’s a natural, renewable fibre I’ve always trusted and loved, and I can’t wait to see how it inspires others on their knitting journey.” The Made With Love x Woolmark knit kits are now available on the Made With Love website, as well as through select retailers across the UK, US, Europe and Asia in the coming months. When Daley won his first gold at Tokyo 2020, images of him knitting poolside circulated the globe, with his dedicated knitting Instagram account, @Madewithlovebytomdaley, gaining a million followers overnight.

AllSaints has partnered with Atlassian Williams Racing, one of the most successful names in Formula 1, on a new nine-piece limited-edition collection “that embodies both style and performance”. Drawing inspiration from racing suits from the Williams F1 archive, mixed with a typically AllSaints aesthetic, the collection features dual-branded black leather jackets, oversized statement graphic T-shirts and accessories. Catherine Jobling, COO at AllSaints, said: “We have brought together two worlds that thrive on edge, performance and identity. The AllSaints aesthetic has always been about rebellion and individuality and pairing that with the determination and dynamism of Atlassian Williams Racing was a natural evolution. “The collaboration captures the intensity of Formula 1 and translates it into something wearable. Not just merchandise, but real design. We wanted the pieces to feel like the final lap, charged, focused and impossible to ignore.” Luke Timmins, Merchandise and Licensing Director at Atlassian Williams Racing, added: “Atlassian Williams Racing is delighted to be teaming up with AllSaints for this collection, which perfectly embodies the relentless determination and innovation of the team as we battle back to the front of the grid. “F1 is increasingly at the intersection between sport and fashion, and with this AllSaints X Atlassian Williams Racing edit we look forward to showcasing this powerful blend of style, spirit and performance.” The AllSaints X Atlassian Williams Racing edit will be available on the AllSaints website and in its UK stores, as well as at Williams’ e-commerce and pop-up shops, from 1 July.