Must Read: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Private Equity, Alexa Chung Collaborates with Barbour
Plus, new rental platforms are catering to the streetwear crowd.
These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Monday.
The advantages and disadvantages of private equity
The case of debt-ridden and near-bankrupt Roberto Cavalli demonstrates how private equity investment can sometimes go very wrong. But the case of French fashion group SMCP, which owns Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot, shows how partnering with a private equity firm can drive impressive results. "Success in private equity very much depends on achieving a certain alchemy that blends ambition, scalability and dedication on both sides," writes Lauren Sherman for Business of Fashion in a piece that explores the pros and cons of private equity. {Business of Fashion}
Alexa Chung collaborates with Barbour
Alexa Chung designed a capsule collection for Barbour that will be available online and in stores in early June. The collection — the first in a two-year, four-season deal with Chung's brand — includes seven pieces of outerwear, three tote bags and a bucket hat. Chung put her own spin on the classic khaki countrywear by incorporating cropped sleeves, crisp collars and more fitted, youthful silhouettes. {WWD}
New rental platforms are catering to the streetwear crowd
The resale market is filled with streetwear-dedicated platforms, but the rental space is severely lacking. This is mainly due to the fact that drops from Nike or Supreme are notorious for being difficult to acquire, and by the time sneakers make their way through a couple of rental cycles, some of their luster would likely wear off. The Mercer Club, a rental service that launched Monday, is hoping to change that and overcome the challenges posed by the rapid speed of streetwear cycles by making many of its products available for rent on the same day they drop. {Glossy}
Keanu Reeves covers the May issue of GQ
"The Matrix" is having a major fashion moment: The Fall 2019 runways were filled with long leather coats, chunky, lug-sole boots and tiny '90s sunglasses. Coincidentally, the star of the late '90s film, Keanu Reeves, is also having a moment. Reeves sat down with GQ to discuss his new movie, how he became a meme and what it was like to star in "The Matrix" trilogy. The visuals that accompany the interview feature Reeves in a series of sleek black looks. {GQ}
Fashion businesses should move faster to remain competitive
According to a report by lead analysts at the investment banking firm Cowen & Co., speed is the essential catalyst of market value, meaning fashion businesses need to move faster to remain competitive. Speed, which refers to the "reduction of uncertainty, high forecast accuracy and neutral or negative working capital" coupled with data science "enables opportunity across each tier and partner of the supply chain," the report says. "The financial value created by speed should be invested, in part, in social impact initiatives for sustainability, transparency and worker well-being. {Business of Fashion}
H&M and Post-it drop neon collaboration
H&M's latest collaboration is with Post-it Notes, the infamous stationery brand that broke up with Carrie Bradshaw and was falsely founded by Romy and Michele. Available for men and women, the wallet-friendly collection boasts a range of fluorescent T-shirts, shorts and long-sleeve shirts carrying the Post-it logo, alongside polo shirts featuring the logo as an allover print. Also dropping is a range of accessories including caps, socks, a cardholder and a pair of sneakers. {Highsnobiety}
