Gucci Appoints Lee Know, Ralph Lauren Expands in Marbella, and Louis Vuitton Innovates With Cruise-Shaped Retail Experience

From strategic celebrity endorsements in luxury fashion to innovative retail openings and significant investment moves, today’s fashion and luxury news highlight the industry’s ongoing evolution. Gucci taps K-pop sensation Lee Know as global ambassador, Ralph Lauren takes luxury retail to Spain’s chic southern coast, Louis Vuitton unveils a unique cruise-shaped store, while investment fund Parvus heightens its stakes in luxury giant Kering. Meanwhile, men’s fashion garners praise at Paris Fashion Week, spotlighting Dior, Junya Watanabe, Saint Laurent, and Lemaire.

Harrods’ Top Buyer Praises Dior, Watanabe, Saint Laurent, and Lemaire at Paris Menswear Shows

Simon Longland, Harrods’ renowned fashion buying director, shared his insights from Paris Fashion Week’s menswear showcases, pinpointing collections from Dior, Junya Watanabe, Saint Laurent, and Lemaire as standout presentations. Longland noted an extraordinary consistency and optimism throughout the collections, praising the designers’ ability to balance beauty with practicality, creating garments that are both visually striking and deeply wearable.

This season emphasized clothing meticulously designed for real-life wear, resonating with contemporary needs and lifestyles. Designers managed to capture elegance and desirability while ensuring their creations remained grounded and accessible, reinforcing the relevance of menswear that seamlessly combines aesthetics and utility.

Gucci Names Stray Kids’ Lee Know Global Ambassador

Luxury fashion giant Gucci announced an exciting new partnership, officially naming Lee Know from the globally celebrated K-pop group Stray Kids as its latest global ambassador. This collaboration builds on Lee Know’s ongoing engagement with the brand after the star made headlines with a striking appearance in Gucci’s monogram suit at the Cruise 2025 show held by London’s River Thames.

Gucci celebrated Lee Know’s youthful charisma, sophisticated style, and artistic versatility, aligning perfectly with the vision of the brand under the creative direction of Sabato De Sarno. As part of this ambassadorship, Lee Know is set to prominently feature in Gucci’s upcoming global campaigns, events, and fashion shows, amplifying the house’s appeal among international youth and K-pop enthusiasts.

Ralph Lauren Bets on Southern Spain with New Marbella Boutique

Strengthening its presence in key luxury markets, Ralph Lauren has launched a beautiful boutique in Puerto Banús, Marbella, an elite Spanish destination known for upscale tourism and luxury shopping. Situated strategically at muelle Benabola, the store offers both Polo Ralph Lauren classics and the luxurious Purple Label along with the women’s Ralph Lauren Collection.

The boutique’s interior harmonizes the spirit of southern Spanish elegance with Ralph Lauren’s hallmark American heritage style. Hand-painted tiles, terracotta floors, vintage furniture, and antique bronze finishes are just a few of the bespoke elements that enhance the unique shopping experience, capturing the luxury lifestyle synonymous with Marbella’s high-end clientele.

Louis Vuitton just opened its only cruise-shaped store

In its latest bold innovation in retail design, global fashion powerhouse Louis Vuitton has unveiled a striking cruise-shaped store. This unique retail destination surprises and delights consumers, cementing the brand’s ongoing commitment to redefining luxury retail experiences.

Louis Vuitton’s decision to create a store modelled after the exclusive aesthetics of a cruise vessel is a testament to the desire for creativity and novelty in luxury retail. As part of its continued global expansion, this one-of-a-kind store concept aims to become a new sensation, providing shoppers an immersive, unparalleled luxury shopping experience.

Parvus Asset Management Increases Stake in Kering to 5%

London-based hedge fund Parvus Asset Management has significantly increased its stake in Kering, now holding approximately 5% of the luxury conglomerate’s equity. This move comes amidst ongoing market challenges facing Kering, highlighted by declining stock performance and leadership transitions within its signature Gucci label.

The investment from Parvus, known for its activist approach in managing assets, introduces additional strategic pressure and public scrutiny on Kering’s leadership, particularly as new CEO Luca de Meo is set to assume office this September. Market watchers consider this heightened investment as a potentially influential factor in driving change and strategy re-evaluation within the company.