April 2025 has marked a pivotal month in the fashion industry, characterized by landmark acquisitions, strategic brand expansions, key leadership appointments, and notable retail developments across luxury and high street sectors.

One of the most significant business moves was Prada’s acquisition of Versace for $1.375 billion (£1.06 billion), marking a major consolidation in the luxury fashion sector. In addition, LVMH’s chairman Bernard Arnault announced that Jonathan Anderson, formerly of Loewe, will take over as Creative Director at Dior Men. Anderson is set to present his inaugural collection during Paris Fashion Week in June, signalling a new creative era for the prestigious menswear line. Meanwhile, Jean Paul Gaultier named Dutch designer Duran Lantink as its first permanent Creative Director since the founder’s 2020 departure, entrusting him to lead both couture and ready-to-wear collections.

LVMH also made internal executive promotions, appointing Ramon Ros as CEO of Fendi effective 1 July and Charlotte Coupé as CEO of Kenzo from 1 May. Kontoor Brands, owner of Wrangler and Lee, appointed Jamie Givens as Managing Director for EMEA to drive growth in the region. Victoria’s Secret named Adam Selman, formerly Chief Design Officer at Savage X Fenty, as Senior Vice President and Executive Creative Director amid a continued brand rebrand.

Retail movements have been a highlight of the month as well. Dries Van Noten opened its first standalone store in London’s Hanover Square, housed in a former bank transformed into a two-floor retail space blending historical and modern design elements. French Connection expanded its outlet presence with a new store in Scotland’s Caledonia Park, featuring a minimalist design showcasing women’s wear and accessories. New Balance relaunched its Oxford Street flagship with an immersive retail concept focusing on community and storytelling.

Other retail openings include British lifestyle brand FatFace unveiling a new outlet on the Isle of Man, Anya Hindmarch launching a seaside-themed pop-up called “Anya’s Dive Shop” in Chelsea, and Monica Vinader opening its first UK boutique in Manchester on King Street from 2 May. Pull&Bear relocated and expanded its Oxford Street flagship to a 14,972 sq ft site, presenting a digitized and minimalist store environment. Activewear brand TALA entered Chelsea for the first time with a four-week pop-up at Anthropologie on King’s Road.

In addition to these openings, T.M. Lewin made a significant return to the high street after a five-year absence, following financial difficulties. The menswear brand expressed optimism on social media: “We cannot wait to welcome you to our first retail store after a challenging 5 years. The best is yet to come…”

On the corporate side, Mytheresa completed its acquisition of parent company YOOX NET-A-PORTER Group (YNAP), creating a new global online fashion powerhouse called LuxExperience. As part of this restructuring, Mr Porter’s founding team, including Toby Bateman and Jeremy Langmead, have reunited to bolster the menswear platform. The John Lewis Partnership also confirmed Andy Mounsey as CFO on a permanent basis after serving in an interim capacity since autumn 2024.

TheIndustry.fashion also provided insights through interviews and features this month, including discussions on Topshop’s revival strategy, Gymshark’s retail expansion, the future of sustainable fashion, and the impact of geopolitical conflicts on the industry.

In summary, April 2025 has been marked by transformative acquisitions, new creative leadership, exciting retail expansions, and strategic appointments that signal evolving priorities and renewed growth ambitions in the global fashion landscape.

Source: Noah Wire Services