Articles by Rachel Douglass
Rachel has been with FashionUnited since mid-2021. Descending from the UK, she moved to the Netherlands in 2014 to attend Amsterdam Fashion Institute, where she studied a BA in International Fashion and Branding with a specialisation in Journalism.
At FashionUnited, Rachel covers daily news, from store openings to acquisitions, alongside which she focuses on research-based stories, interviews and on-the-ground event reporting. Her topics of interest include digital fashion, independent retail and current trends.
Make it British founder talks the fair's return and UK manufacturing challenges
Make it British Live! is set to return to the UK trade fair calendar in January 2027, seven years after its last planned edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But for founder Kate Hills, the timing is about more than bringing back an established industry event. It reflects a growing need to reconnect brands with a UK manufacturing...
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Tala to open first store outside London in Edinburgh
UK activewear brand Tala is set to open its first store outside London at Westfield St James Quarter in Edinburgh in November 2026, marking its third UK retail location. Founded by entrepreneur Grace Beverley in 2019, Tala entered physical retail in May 2025 with its Carnaby Street store, followed by a second location at Westfield London in...
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In Pictures: Christopher Kane unveils his vision for Mulberry
Amid a resurgence of distinctly British names on the London Fashion Week schedule, Mulberry made its return to the event with a refreshed identity. The heritage label is now under the creative direction of Christopher Kane, who debuted a vision that combined his fervour for experimentation with Mulberry’s playful take on British tropes....
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Fashion industry linked to almost a third of global farmland, report finds
The fashion industry influences almost a third of the world’s agricultural land when leather and wool are included alongside textile crops, according to a new report from researchers at the University of Oxford’s Smith School of Enterprise and Environment and DIRT Charity. The report suggests that fashion has influence over 30 percent of global...
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Clothing and footwear sales rise in August as online spending falls
Sales at textile, clothing and footwear stores rose in August, despite online sales in the category declining, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Overall sales at textile, clothing and footwear stores increased 1.1 percent month-on-month in August and rose 0.6 percent over the three months to August,...
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What to know: UKFT Sustainability Conference 2026
The UK Fashion and Textile Association’s (UKFT) Sustainability Conference returns to London on September 23, where fashion and textile businesses, innovators and sustainability specialists will convene to examine how new technologies can move from development into commercial use. This year’s theme, 'Progress in Practice', focuses on a key...
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eBay offers 200,000 pounds in grants to support young entrepreneurs
eBay's UK arm is offering up to 200,000 pounds in grants to support young entrepreneurs and help established sellers create opportunities for young people. The second edition of its Up & Running Grants programme will provide up to 20 businesses with 10,000 pounds each. The scheme is open to entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 building businesses on...
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The role of Manchester Fashion Week in building a modern regional fashion ecosystem
While globally renowned fashion weeks kick off their SS27 showcases, regional UK events are turning the spotlight toward local issues. Manchester Fashion Week (MFW) is leading this effort. Originally launched in 2011, the event went on a decade-long hiatus before returning under new ownership in 2025. Its most ambitious iteration yet took place...
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Tesco expands F&F online with 400 new styles
British supermarket giant Tesco is expanding its F&F fashion offer online, adding 400 new styles, more sizes and online-exclusive ranges to build on the performance of its recently launched digital platform. The refreshed F&F website and app will also introduce improved search tools, curated styling inspiration and a dedicated wishlist,...
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Mango expands loyalty programme into six European markets
Spanish retail giant Mango is expanding its refreshed loyalty programme, Mango Style Club, into six European markets including the UK amid efforts to build closer relations with consumers during ongoing international growth. The programme is now available to UK customers through Mango.com and the retailer's app, alongside launches in Ireland,...
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