It is widespread knowledge that fashion is cyclical, but it is less known that its trends can be linked to the ups and downs of the economy. With TikTok flooded by recession-core, dupe culture, and the return of early-2000s model-off-duty dressing, one has to wonder: can our wardrobes really predict a downturn? With that question and a fear of skinny jeans returning, let’s look more closely at the myths behind fashion recession indicators.  Looks from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1960s Perhaps the most well-known concept connecting recession with apparel is the Hemline Index, a theory that is often (mistakenly) credited to Wharton economist George Taylor, who studied the hosiery boom of…

On June 26, 2025, the fashion world witnessed the end of an era. Anna Wintour, the iconic editor whose sunglasses became as synonymous with Vogue as its masthead, officially stepped down as Editor-in-Chief of U.S. Vogue. She did so after an unprecedented 37-year reign. Following her announcement, headlines screamed retirement. Yet, this is not quite a farewell. Wintour remains Global Editorial Director of Vogue and Global Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast—two roles that ensure she still holds the brand’s highest reins. Her decision is less about leaving, more about repositioning. It is a strategic move that signals Vogue’s global rebranding. Since 1988, Wintour has not simply run Vogue—she defined…

For its 78th edition, the famous Cannes Film Festival took place on the French Riviera from the 13th of May to the 24th of May. In addition to its memorable screenings, the many red carpets were expected to set the stage for iconic fashion moments. However, an unexpected dress code was put forth the night before the event’s start, creating a new barrier to artistic freedom. This announcement ignited both applause and outrage, altering the galas, which are as integral to Cannes as the films themselves. Published on the festival’s website, it appeared, “For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet,” with a ban on “voluminous outfits, in…

What we choose to carry says more about us than what we wear. Our luggage is a reflection of who we are, or who we want to be when we arrive. The Louis Vuitton trunk was once a symbol of this philosophy: built to serve a life in motion, not just a life on display. Each compartment, each drawer, every detail was tailored to its owner’s life. It was slow fashion in the truest sense: deliberate, lived-in, and lasting. Today, the world of luxury looks different. But the desire that trunk represented – a desire for meaningful, personal luxury – has never really disappeared. It has simply evolved. Before Louis…

Fashion has always claimed to be about creativity, freedom, and self-expression. But for a long time, those ideals were only available to a very specific group of people; mainly thin, white, able-bodied individuals who fit into narrow, traditional standards of beauty. Recently, though, the industry has been making a lot of noise about becoming more inclusive. We’ve seen more diverse models on runways, more representation in ad campaigns, and more designers talking about body positivity, racial diversity, and even gender fluidity. And while that seems like progress on the surface, I can’t help but question how deep it actually goes. Is this a genuine shift toward meaningful change, or is…

Key insights to reestablish solid and forward-looking luxury brands Introduction Several components of the luxury industry are changing, opening a new road that executives must identify and undertake to stay competitive. In 2024, the sector’s expansion has interrupted for the first time in five years (excluding 2020). Various macroeconomic events, from the crisis in China to Trump’s tariffs, led to a negative shock in demand. Meanwhile, customers’ changing interests and engagement with products are adding complexity to the industry. However, as highlighted by McKinsey, luxury woes are partially self-inflicted and are closely related to the strategic approach adopted during the growth period. The brands’ overexposure damaged the intrinsic exclusivity of…

In 2012, the world witnessed Hedi Slimane’s daring entrance into Yves Saint Laurent as he dropped the “Yves”, rebranding it as simply “Saint Laurent”. The new creative director didn’t only change the name, he completely redefined the energy of the brand, making this moment the most significant turning point in its history. Slimane’s fearless entrance perfectly matched his rebellious designs and the rockstar energy brought to the runways. Since it was a drastic change from Yves Saint Laurent’s original vision, the shift was subject of lots of debates.  In an industry that requires constant innovation, could Saint Laurent adapt without compromising its entire identity? Is this considered a visionary shift…

Backstage at BERGIE by GIORGIANDREAZZA’s Fall/Winter presentation, a team of students from Bocconi Students for Fashion and Luxury worked quickly behind the scenes to bring the show together. The result was a fascinating look behind-the-scenes for one of Italy’s most exciting new luxury brands. BERGIE was born in the midst of Andreazza graduating from an honors degree in fashion at NABA in 2018. Andreazza started her eponymous label to stay richly connected to her heritage and culture whilst crafting futuristic clothing, pushing the limits of sustainable fashion. Hailing from Bassano del Grappa, a small Venetian town where her parents own a textile shop, Andreazza sources all her brand’s materials from…