Top Fashion News: April 3

Summary

•  LVMH sees record stock drops while L’Oréal executes a multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Kering Beauté.

• Courrèges appoints Drew Henry as Artistic Director, and JiyongKim is named Pitti Uomo guest.

• GOAT Group launches Sneakers.com, and Margiela debuts a Shanghai exhibition.

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LVMH Shares Fall 28% in Worst Q1 Ever

Luxury titan LVMH had a challenging start to 2026, with shares falling 28% in the first quarter of 2026. This dip marks the group’s worst first-quarter performance on record, signaling a possible downturn in the global luxury goods market this year. Financial analysts point toward shifting consumer habits in key regions and a normalization of the post-pandemic luxury boom as primary drivers for the decline. Despite new creative leads, rising costs, and declining alcohol sales among youth are placing increased pressure on the luxury conglomerate, which owns Louis Vuitton, Dior, Loewe, Fendi, and more.

Drew Henry Named Artistic Director of Courrèges

A new era begins at Courrèges with the appointment of Drew Henry as the house’s new Artistic Director. Henry, known for his sharp tailoring and modern sensibilities, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the historic French label. The brand, which helped define Space Age fashion, is looking to Henry, a protege of Phoebe Philo, to bridge the gap between its heritage silhouettes and contemporary streetwear influences. Industry insiders are eager to see how Henry’s vision will manifest on the runway, as Courrèges continues to solidify its resurgence.

Sneakers.com Launches as GOAT Group’s Discount Shoe Platform

GOAT Group is expanding its reach in the footwear market with the official launch of Sneakers.com. Positioned as a dedicated destination for discount footwear, the new platform aims to provide consumers with accessible pricing on a wide range of brands. By leveraging GOAT Group’s existing supply chain and authentication expertise, Sneakers.com offers a “budget-friendly” alternative to the high-stakes resale market. The move is seen as a strategic play to capture the value-driven consumer segment, ensuring that the group maintains a dominant presence across both luxury secondary markets and everyday retail.

Maison Margiela Opens “Artisanal: Our Creative Laboratory” Exhibition in Shanghai

Maison Margiela has landed in Shanghai with a stunning new exhibition titled “Artisanal: Our Creative Laboratory.” The showcase offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the house’s haute couture processes. Centered around four codes, visitors of the multi-part exhibition can explore the technical mastery and avant-garde concepts that define the “Artisanal” collections. By highlighting the craftsmanship and experimental nature of the laboratory, Margiela continues to engage its Asian audience with a deep dive into the brand’s intellectual and deconstructivist DNA, reinforcing its position as a leader in fashion-as-art in the region.

L’Oréal Acquires Kering Beauté in $4.6 Billion USD Deal

In a massive consolidation of the beauty and luxury sectors, L’Oréal has officially acquired Kering Beauté for a staggering $4.6 billion USD. This strategic acquisition grants L’Oréal control over the beauty and fragrance licenses for several high-profile luxury houses under the Kering umbrella. For Kering, the deal provides a significant capital injection, while L’Oréal further cements its status as the world’s leading beauty conglomerate. The industry is watching closely to see how L’Oréal will integrate these prestige labels into its portfolio and whether this will lead to a new wave of luxury fragrance innovations.

JiyongKim Named Special Guest for Pitti Uomo 110

Rising design star JiyongKim has been announced as the Special Guest for the upcoming Pitti Uomo 110 in Florence. Known for his signature sun-bleaching technique and commitment to sustainable, weather-driven aesthetics, Kim represents the vanguard of modern menswear. His invitation to the prestigious trade show highlights the industry’s growing interest in independent designers who prioritize artisanal production and unique material treatments. Joining guests Kei Ninomiya of Noir and DSM, and Irish designer Simone Rocha, JiyongKim’s showcase at Pitti Uomo is expected to be a highlight of the season, drawing global attention to his innovative approach to color and texture.