Joan Kennedy
Editorial Associate

Joan Kennedy is Editorial Associate at The Business of Fashion (BoF). She is based in New York and covers beauty and marketing. She has a bachelors in English and Philosophy with high honours from Boston College.

Marketing

Why Banal Is Big in Fashion’s Latest Campaigns

Following a year where surrealist stunts were fashion’s biggest marketing trend, voyeuristic campaigns that centre reality — and the often boring moments of the everyday — are gaining steam.

Luxury

Thom Browne to Curate Sotheby’s ‘Visions of America’ Auction Series

The designer and CFDA chairman will front the auction house’s January sale of American paintings, furniture, ceramics and other objects, including a fashion selection in partnership with the CFDA, meant to hammer home the idea of American fashion as art, said Browne.

Beauty

Gen-Z Is Already Worried About Looking Old

Despite being known for their body positivity, young people are buying into anti-ageing products and procedures more than ever and earlier than ever. How will they grow old?

Luxury

Luxury Market to Grow 4 Percent This Year

As consumer confidence waivers and economic and geopolitical tensions persist, luxury brands are reporting polarised performance, consultancy Bain said.

Entrepreneurship

How War Changed Ukrainian Brand Sleeper

When Russia invaded early last year, the Kyiv-based brand — known for its viral feathered party pyjamas — was forced into survival mode. Now, founders Asya Varetsa and Kate Zubarieva are ready to speed up growth and introduce a new Sleeper, starting with a fresh logo.

Media

Ivan Bart, IMG Models President Who Pushed for Diversity, Has Died

The executive helped steer the careers of some of fashion’s most recognisable faces and pushed for a more inclusive modelling industry.

Workplace & Talent

Fashion’s Craftsmanship Challenge

Facing mass retirement from their ageing artisanal workforce, fashion brands and makers are working to gain — and hold — the attention of the next generation of pattern makers, tailors and more.

Marketing

The Meteoric Rise of the Tabi, Explained

Thanks to the viral “Tabi Swiper,” Maison Margiela’s iconic split-toe shoe shot to the centre of online conversation. But, the style has been on the rise for years, and may see more mainstreaming in the months to come.

Fashion Week

How Small Brands Fund Fashion Shows on a Budget

For emerging designers, fashion shows are a rite of passage, and a means of building both media buzz and relationships with buyers. But even a basic show can cost up to $300,000.

Fashion Week

At New York Fashion Week, a Big Return and a Big Debut

New York Fashion Week kicks off on Friday, bringing the return of Ralph Lauren and Peter Do’s first collection for Helmut Lang. Plus, what else to watch for this week.

Beauty

Why the Business of Beauty Ingredients Is So Hard to Crack

Calls for more sustainable alternatives have created opportunities for makers, but the capital-intensive, often lengthy process of bringing new materials to market represents a huge challenge — especially when consumer-facing brand ambitions are involved.

Marketing

How Luxury Finally Cracked TikTok

Higher-end fashion labels have become more prolific on the short-form video app in 2023. BoF unpacks how brands are growing buzz on TikTok.

The News in Brief

Melitta Baumeister Wins CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund

The Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue presented New York-based German designer Melitta Baumeister, known for her innovative, often voluptuous silhouettes, with the 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award.

Oddity Expects Third Quarter Results to Surpass Guidance

In a statement ahead of its third quarter earnings call on Oct. 3, Oddity Tech — the parent of makeup brand Il Makiage and skin care line Spoiled Child, which started trading on the Nasdaq in July — said it expects revenue for the third quarter ended Sept. 30 to rise 29 to 31 percent year-over-year, up from initial guidance of 18 to 23 percent.

Kate Lewis Departs Hearst Magazines, Lucy Kaylin Named Editorial Director

Chief content officer Kate Lewis is departing Hearst Magazines after 10 years at the company. Lucy Kaylin, most recently senior vice president of content, has been promoted to editorial director. Kaylin will report to chief executive Steven R. Swartz and president Debi Chirichella.

Coty Lists on Euronext Paris

The New York-based parent of CoverGirl and Kylie Cosmetics made its debut on the Paris Stock Exchange today, offering 33 million common shares at €10.28 ($10.80).

Christian Cowan to Stage Paris Show Featuring Sam Smith

Christian Cowan, the British-born, New York-based designer whose bright, voluptuous gowns have been worn by celebrities including Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Cardi B and Lil Nas X, will put on a show during Paris Fashion Week, featuring a performance by singer Sam Smith.

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