Chanel Launches Recycling Business and France Targets Fast Fashion in This Week's Top Fashion News

Summary

• The fashion industry continues to reckon with the environmental impacts of mass consumption as France passes new legislation targeting "ultra" fast fashion and luxury leaders like Chanel accelerate recycling programs.
• Athletic gear and performance wear continues to make its mark on today's fashion scene as Louis Vuitton unveils an official partnership with Spain's Real Madrid football club and American label Rowing Blazers teams up with Tracksmith for a sport-inspired collection
• As the hubs of luxury continue to evolve, Zegna took its show outside of Italy for the first time to present a laid-back SS26 collection in Dubai. In Paris, next-gen luxury label Casablanca expanded its footprint, opening its first-ever boutique in its home city.

Chanel Is Entering the Recycling Business

Chanel has launched a new business called Nevold, which focuses on creating recycled materials from textile waste like fabric scraps and unsold items. This initiative, led by Sophie Brocart, aims to address resource scarcity, as climate change impacts luxury textiles like cashmere and silk — and the fashion industry's broader waste problem, extending beyond fast fashion to luxury conglomerates holding billions in unsold inventory.

Nevold will operate as a business-to-business platform and encompasses three key entities: L’Atelier des Matières (Chanel's textile recycling company), Filatures du Parc (a wool spinning mill specializing in recycled yarns), and Authentic Material (a leather recycling firm). Chanel's goal is for Nevold to be a transformative force, fostering a more circular economy by developing new materials from waste, not just for Chanel's own use, but for other companies as well.

Can France’s Fast Fashion Law Cure Shein's Ills?

France's Senate recently approved a revised bill to regulate fast fashion, aiming to curb its environmental damage. This legislation could ban advertising for ultra-cheap online retailers like Shein and Temu, which are criticized for promoting excessive consumption of disposable clothing. The updated bill, passed almost unanimously, imposes stricter penalties on fast fashion companies that don't meet environmental standards, including potential fees per item.

While European brands like Zara face lighter restrictions, the move reflects a broader European push for waste management reform in the textile industry. However, the true test will be whether these measures can alter consumer behavior and demand for inexpensive, trendy attire

Real Madrid Celebrates Victory in Style With Louis Vuitton Partnership

Louis Vuitton has forged a multi-year partnership with Real Madrid, becoming the official formal and travel wear supplier for their football and basketball teams. This unprecedented collaboration unites two global powerhouses, emphasizing shared values of excellence, legacy, and innovation.

Designed by Pharrell, the exclusive wardrobe includes bespoke suits, ready-to-wear, and accessories for official appearances and travel. A custom travel line features iconic Louis Vuitton luggage adorned with Real Madrid's white-and-gold accents and "RM" initials, created exclusively for the teams. This alliance extends Louis Vuitton's growing influence in elite sports, aiming to inspire by dressing the world's most decorated club in unparalleled style.

Casablanca's First-Ever Store Is a Colorful Parisian Boutique

Luxury label Casablanca has launched its first physical store in Paris, located on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The 5,000-square-foot boutique, spanning three levels, features a colorful design inspired by a deconstructed tennis court and draws on diverse influences from North African heritage to Japanese and Greek aesthetics.

The vibrant space includes Carrara marble mosaic floors, an illuminated ceiling, and velvet finishes. Its lower level boasts plush green carpeting and modern transparent product displays. This opening marks a significant step for the 2018-born brand, which plans to expand with a Beverly Hills store in August, followed by locations in New York, Miami, London, Milan, and Dubai.

Zegna SS26 Is Laid-Back Luxury At its Finest

For the first time, Zegna presented its SS26 collection outside Milan, choosing Dubai for a more relaxed and vibrant runway show. Accompanied by James Blake's performance, the collection opened with lightweight, pre-wrinkled fabrics in desert hues, styled for a vacation mood with popped collars and sandals.

The collection then transitioned to a "verdant oasis" of greens, featuring tailored pieces in linens, wools, and silks with utility pockets and unique collars. The show concluded with a "saturated sunset" palette of pinks, corals, and deep reds, showcasing Zegna's more expressive and youthful side, catering to Gen Z's preferences. Dubai was chosen as a key market, reflecting the region's growing luxury clientele and Zegna's significant sales in the EMEA region.

Rowing Blazers and Tracksmith Reunite for Preppy Athletic Capsule

Rowing Blazers and Tracksmith have re-teamed for a second limited-edition capsule collection inspired by running and rowing. The new line features tops, bottoms, and accessories that blend both brands' aesthetics.

Key items include color-blocked rugby shirts with Tracksmith's hare motif, and racing singlets featuring Rowing Blazers' croquet stripe. The collection also offers cotton crewneck sweaters, canvas duffel bags with dual branding, and a reimagined version of Tracksmith's Eliot Runner shoe, incorporating Rowing Blazers' signature stripe and materials inspired by New England landscapes.

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