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.
Kearney Report: Luxury sector shifts to stabilisation, not decline
Kearney’s latest '2026 Global Luxury Industry Outlook' report suggests the global luxury sector is moving into a period of stabilisation instead of a decline, as brands address slower growth, shifting consumer expectations and continued economic uncertainty. The consultancy firm forecasts luxury market growth of 2 to 4 percent in 2026, below...
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Scoop partners with Italian Trade Agency to expand presence of Italian designers
UK fashion trade show Scoop is partnering with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) to introduce 32 contemporary Italian designers to its July 2026 edition, set to take place at Olympia National Kensington in London from July 19 to 21. The partnership marks a significant push to strengthen Italian fashion’s presence in the UK market. The curated...
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AI styling platform Vêtir raises 5.5 million dollars in Series A funding
Vêtir has secured 5.5 million dollars in a first close of its Series A funding round, giving the business a valuation of 150 million dollars as it expands its AI-powered wardrobe and styling platform. The round was backed by investors including Laidlaw & Company, alongside luxury-focused family offices and strategic partners. Former Mytheresa...
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From regenerative futures to wool innovation: Great British Wool Revival wraps up inaugural summit
When establishing the Great British Wool Revival, founder and CEO of Fashion Roundtable Tamara Cincik sought to restore the connection between farming and design. The launch of an associated summit looked to boost this mission, which Cincik felt had been achieved over the duration of the two-day event. The inaugural edition took place between...
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BFC announces recipients of 2026/27 NewGen programme
The British Fashion Council (BFC) has unveiled the 2026/27 cohort of NewGen participants alongside a renewed commitment to the initiative through an extended partnership with Pull&Bear. New designers selected for this edition include Francesca Lake, Gui Rosa and Petra Fagerström. They will join existing NewGen talent: A Letter, Charlie...
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Quiz administrators confirm phased store closures as three locations shutter
Administrators for Quiz have confirmed further details of a phased closure plan for the company’s retail network, with all stores now expected to shutter by the end of June 2026. Locations in Castlecourt, Leeds and Romford have already closed, while the remaining 37 sites remain in operation. Interpath, who was appointed to oversee the process...
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UK clothing sales fall in April as shoppers cut discretionary spending
UK clothing retailers faced weaker trading in April as changing weather conditions and cautious consumer spending weighed on demand, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Clothing store sales volumes fell 2.4 percent month-on-month in April, reaching their lowest level since June 2025. Retailers cited variable...
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Ponda co-founder Julian Ellis-Brown talks wetland regeneration, BioPuff growth and fashion industry adoption
As fashion continues to search for lower-impact material alternatives, scaling innovations beyond niche applications remains a significant challenge. For UK startup Ponda, the answer lies not only in developing a new insulation material, but in rethinking the agricultural systems behind them. Founded around the concept of paludiculture, Ponda...
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Frasers Group names Andy Brown chief people and brand officer
British multibrand giant Frasers Group has appointed Andy Brown as chief people and brand officer, according to a LinkedIn post confirming his promotion within the business. The move expands his overview after several senior HR roles within the group over the past five years, most recently serving as chief people officer since August 2024. Prior...
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Kontoor strikes one billion dollar deal to sell Lee to Authentic Brands Group
US denim specialist Lee Jeans is set to change hands. Parent company Kontoor Brands has confirmed it has signed an agreement with Authentic Brands Group to sell the business for up to one billion dollars. The definitive deal, which has been approved by Kontoor’s board of directors, includes an initial transaction value of 750 million dollars and...
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