Top Fashion News: February 20

• Brendon Babenzien exits J.Crew, while debut campaigns from Pierpaolo Piccioli (Balenciaga) and McCollough & Hernandez (Loewe) signal new aesthetic eras.

• Jack Carlson leans into “Ivy” history at J.Press, and Bode opens a nostalgic flagship store in Tokyo.

• eBay acquires Depop for $1.2B to dominate the Gen Z secondhand market.

Brendon Babenzien to Exit J.Crew as Men’s Creative Director

After a transformative four-year tenure, Brendon Babenzien is stepping down as the Men’s Creative Director of J.Crew. Since joining in 2021, the Noah co-founder has been credited with a successful “neo-prep” turnaround, reviving the brand’s 1990s archival aesthetic and reintroducing the iconic physical catalog. Under his direction, the label moved away from slim-fit trends toward relaxed silhouettes like the “Giant Fit” chino. While J.Crew has yet to name a successor, Babenzien will now shift his full focus back to his independent label, Noah.

What Depop’s $1B USD eBay Merge Means for Resale

The resale landscape is shifting toward “megaplatforms” following eBay’s $1.2 billion USD acquisition of Depop. This major deal underscores the explosive growth of the secondhand market, which is projected to reach $367 billion by 2029. By acquiring the Gen Z-favorite app, eBay taps into Depop’s younger demographic that prioritizes quality and “repeatable staples” over fast-fashion cycles. As consolidation continues, the move raises questions about whether more brands will eventually outsource their in-house resale operations to these tech giants.

Jack Carlson Is J. Press’s In-House Ivy Archaeologist

Jack Carlson brought a scholarly touch to New York Fashion Week with his sophomore collection for J. Press. Staged at the New York Historical Society, the SS26 range serves as a tribute to the 1965 cult-classic book Take Ivy. Carlson, who holds a PhD in archaeology, approaches the heritage brand as a “steward” of authentic American Ivy style rather than chasing mass-market trends. The collection emphasizes traditional craftsmanship, featuring three-button sport coats and Shaggy Dog sweaters that honor the brand’s 123-year history.

Pierpaolo Piccioli Unveils First Balenciaga Campaign “Heart and Body”

Marking a new era for Balenciaga, Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli has released his debut campaign, “Heart and Body.” Lensed by David Sims in a Parisian artist’s atelier, the campaign features a star-studded cast including Winona Ryder, Harris Dickinson, and Hudson Williams. Moving away from eccentric personas, Piccioli’s vision focuses on “individuals, not characters,” emphasizing humanity and self-confidence. The imagery showcases a blend of modern silhouettes and classic techniques, defining a more intimate visual language for the storied House.

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez Unveil Their First Loewe Campaign for Spring/Summer 2026

Creative duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have officially signaled their arrival at LOEWE with their first full SS26 campaign. Shot by Talia Chetrit, the sun-drenched visuals trade traditional luxury tropes for a “carnal tension” defined by wet textures and sculptural forms. Tapping a cast of rising actors like Talia Ryder and Isla Johnston, the campaign highlights the brand’s 180th anniversary with the new Amazona 180 bag. The collection, which features shredded leather and fluid dresses, lands in boutiques on February 26.

Bode Opens First Tokyo Flagship in Yoyogi-Uehara

Emily Adams Bode Aujla has expanded her craft-focused universe to Japan with the opening of Bode’s first Tokyo flagship. Located in the quiet, artisanal neighborhood of Yoyogi-Uehara, the store avoids traditional commercial hubs in favor of a lived-in, domestic atmosphere. Designed alongside Green River Project, the interior features warm woodwork and Shaker-inspired details that complement the brand’s signature upcycled textiles. The space serves as a permanent community hub for a Japanese market that has long championed Bode’s unique historical storytelling.