Converse is facing a reported 44% decline in demand, fueling concerns about the brand’s deteriorating performance and speculation that Nike could sell it.
6:32 AMFortune30 stories from 3 sources
Fashion's market splits widen as Nike stumbles and Adidas accelerates
Day’s Recap
Supporting Articles
Converse sales fell 28% in the latest quarter, adding to concerns that Nike's turnaround is losing momentum. The decline has also prompted speculation about whether CEO Elliott Hill will retain responsibility for the brand.
3:00 AMFortune
Adidas says preliminary third-quarter results will deliver its highest revenue ever. The company is also raising its full-year operating profit outlook.
1:11 PMWWDFerragamo reported weak third-quarter performance as demand softened across Asia, especially in China. Direct-to-consumer sales grew in Europe and the United States.
2:19 PMWWDVF Corp., Olam Agri and Reo Eco are pursuing longer-term strategies to strengthen fashion supply chains as geopolitical conflict and climate risks intensify. Their approaches focus on resilience rather than short-term responses to individual disruptions.
7:43 PMWWDYKK’s FY2025 report shows that sustainable products now account for the majority of its sales, marking progress toward its Sustainability Vision 2050.
8:00 AMWWDZane Li won the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award, with Emily Dawn Long and Aisling Camps named as runners-up.
8:20 PMWWDBarbara Palvin returned to the Victoria’s Secret runway six weeks after giving birth, prompting debate about postpartum recovery and the pressure placed on new mothers to resume normal life quickly. The moment puts fashion’s expectations around bodies and timelines under scrutiny.
12:28 PMWWDChanel executive Bruno Pavlovsky has been named co-chair of The Fashion Pact. He will join the initiative’s steering committee alongside Inditex chief executive Óscar García Maceiras and cofounder Paul Polman.
1:00 AMWWD6:32 AMFortune
‘We’ve never seen a 44% decline in demand for a brand’: Converse is in free fall and some suspect Nike may sell it
Summary
Converse is facing a reported 44% decline in demand, fueling concerns about the brand’s deteriorating performance and speculation that Nike could sell it.
A decline of this scale turns Converse from a weak spot into a strategic problem
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Converse’s collapse could force Nike to reconsider how it manages smaller brands in a more selective consumer market.
3:00 AMFortune
Nike’s turnaround is stalling, and its Converse brand is a big reason why
Summary
Converse sales fell 28% in the latest quarter, adding to concerns that Nike's turnaround is losing momentum. The decline has also prompted speculation about whether CEO Elliott Hill will retain responsibility for the brand.
Converse has shifted from a potential recovery asset to a clear drag on Nike's performance,
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Converse's collapse is making Nike's recovery more dependent on difficult brand and management decisions.
1:11 PMWWD
Adidas Will Achieve ‘Highest Revenue Ever’ in Q3, Preliminary Results Reveal
Summary
Adidas says preliminary third-quarter results will deliver its highest revenue ever. The company is also raising its full-year operating profit outlook.
Adidas is gaining enough momentum to improve both its near-term sales record and full-year earnings
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Adidas is turning a strong quarter into a broader test of whether its recovery can last.
2:19 PMWWD
Ferragamo Reports Weak Q3, but DTC Growth in Europe, U.S.
Summary
Ferragamo reported weak third-quarter performance as demand softened across Asia, especially in China. Direct-to-consumer sales grew in Europe and the United States.
China remains the central drag on Ferragamo, outweighing healthier direct-to-consumer momentum in Western markets. The
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Ferragamo’s results underline the uneven geography of the luxury slowdown.
7:43 PMWWD
Fashion Can’t Keep Reacting to the Next Crisis
Summary
VF Corp., Olam Agri and Reo Eco are pursuing longer-term strategies to strengthen fashion supply chains as geopolitical conflict and climate risks intensify. Their approaches focus on resilience rather than short-term responses to individual disruptions.
Supply-chain resilience is shifting from crisis management to core business planning. Brands and suppliers that
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Fashion companies increasingly need to treat geopolitical and climate risk as permanent operating conditions, not temporary disruptions.
8:00 AMWWD
YKK’s Sales Are Now Dominated by Its Sustainable Product Line
Summary
YKK’s FY2025 report shows that sustainable products now account for the majority of its sales, marking progress toward its Sustainability Vision 2050.
Sustainability has shifted from a long-term target to a central commercial driver for YKK. The
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YKK’s sales mix suggests sustainable materials are becoming mainstream in the fashion supply chain.
8:20 PMWWD
Zane Li Wins 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award
Summary
Zane Li won the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award, with Emily Dawn Long and Aisling Camps named as runners-up.
The award gives Li the leading position among this year's emerging American designers, while Long
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The awards establish the year's most closely watched emerging designer cohort and can accelerate their commercial growth.
12:28 PMWWD
Barbara Palvin’s Victoria’s Secret Comeback Raises a Bigger Question About the Pressure to ‘Bounce Back’ After Pregnancy
Summary
Barbara Palvin returned to the Victoria’s Secret runway six weeks after giving birth, prompting debate about postpartum recovery and the pressure placed on new mothers to resume normal life quickly. The moment puts fashion’s expectations around bodies and timelines under scrutiny.
The six-week return treats an unusually rapid postpartum comeback as visible evidence of professional readiness,
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Fashion’s celebration of rapid postpartum returns can reinforce an unrealistic timetable for recovery.
1:00 AMWWD
EXCLUSIVE: Chanel’s Bruno Pavlovsky Named Co-Chair of The Fashion Pact
Summary
Chanel executive Bruno Pavlovsky has been named co-chair of The Fashion Pact. He will join the initiative’s steering committee alongside Inditex chief executive Óscar García Maceiras and cofounder Paul Polman.
The appointment puts a major luxury executive alongside leaders from mass-market retail and sustainability advocacy.
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The group’s leadership now spans luxury, fast fashion and climate advocacy, strengthening its influence over sector-wide sustainability standards.
Other Developments
A curated list of other prominent stories from this day.
Christina Nadin discusses preparing for her Victoria’s Secret runway debut, including her fitness and beauty routines and her experience backstage. The account offers a personal view of the work and pressure surrounding a major fashion-show appearance.
5:46 PMWWDDeckers, the parent of Ugg and Hoka, is set to report second-quarter earnings Thursday as some Wall Street analysts voice concerns.
4:32 PMWWDHarper’s Bazaar Middle East has appointed Lebanese editor Lara Akkari as editor in chief across the region’s Bazaar editions. Akkari brings 16 years of experience in brand building.
4:18 PMWWDNike will release a premium winter pack featuring the Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble and Air Max 90. The designs add iced-out details and Swoosh charms to the classic silhouettes.
4:02 PMWWDSean Wotherspoon is collaborating with Mizuno for the first time on two limited-edition sneakers. One of the releases will be exclusive to Japan.
3:06 PMWWDNike will commemorate Kobe Bryant with a Kobe 3 Low Protro tied to Día de los Muertos. The shoe features the phrase “Mamba Eterno.”
1:08 PMWWDNike’s Halloween Air Force 1 ’01, called “Nightmare,” draws unofficial inspiration from the horror franchise “Hellraiser.” Its design connects the classic sneaker to the visual language of horror.
12:51 PMWWDDua Lipa wore new Ferragamo Spring 2027 mules featuring jeweled detailing in New York. She paired the shoes with a sequined dress, reinforcing the look’s high-shine styling.
12:21 PMWWDFashion brands are rushing to adopt AI, but one major household name began using the technology before it became an industry priority. The contrast raises questions about what meaningful AI maturity looks like in fashion.
11:00 AMWWDWilly Chavarria is taking on a broader role at Adidas and helped develop AdiSignature, an apparel line inspired by 1980s sportswear. The collection includes colorful hoodies, sweatpants, T-shirts and track pants.
10:55 AMWWDKartik Research will present as a guest designer at Pitti Uomo in January 2027, joining Dunhill at the menswear fair. The Indian brand is known for South Asian references and an artisanal approach.
10:50 AMWWDKingpins Amsterdam showcased the denim industry’s strong reliance on collaboration as a source of innovation and creativity. The event positioned partnerships as a central way for companies to develop new ideas.
10:00 AMWWDNike and Hoka designers told FN that wider toe boxes offer benefits beyond simply creating more room in the front of the shoe. The shift reflects a broader focus on how toe shape affects running performance and comfort.
9:00 AMWWDThe work boot market is experiencing an unusual burst of change in 2026. The article identifies three forces behind the category’s acceleration, despite work footwear’s traditionally steady pace of evolution.
9:00 AMWWDGap and Victoria Beckham have released their second collaboration, a 37-piece Fall/Winter 2026 collection combining Gap’s American sportswear codes with Beckham’s more refined approach.
7:00 AMWWDSwiss watch exports increased in September, extending the industry’s growth streak to four consecutive months.
4:43 AMWWDMe+Em reported a 29% increase in sales and higher profits for fiscal 2025, alongside strong trouser demand. Its principal backer, Highland Europe, also increased its stake in the brand.
4:18 AMWWDHiroshi Fujiwara is the guest editor of the 30th edition of A Magazine Curated By, offering a view into his broad creative interests. Limited-edition copies will include a vinyl record featuring two newly remixed tracks.
1:00 AMWWDNicole Miller is marking 45 years in fashion, from designing dresses to building a business spanning 38 licensed categories. She will celebrate the anniversary with a spring 2027 presentation at The Piano Room at the Hotel Chelsea.
12:01 AMWWD
Louis Vuitton, Hermès and other luxury retailers were looted during riots in France. Authorities are working with online marketplaces including Vinted, Amazon and eBay to prevent stolen goods from being resold.
12:00 AMFinancial TimesThe Attico is marking its 10th anniversary with a new collection from founders Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini. The brand is also opening a temporary store in Milan.
12:00 AMWWD5:46 PMWWD
EXCLUSIVE: Christina Nadin Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Her Victoria’s Secret Runway Debut
Summary
Christina Nadin discusses preparing for her Victoria’s Secret runway debut, including her fitness and beauty routines and her experience backstage. The account offers a personal view of the work and pressure surrounding a major fashion-show appearance.
Nadin’s debut turns runway preparation into part of the story, showing how models now build
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Major runway debuts now function as both career milestones and highly managed personal-brand launches.
4:32 PMWWD
Could Deckers’ Second Quarter Earnings Report Bring Surprises?
Summary
Deckers, the parent of Ugg and Hoka, is set to report second-quarter earnings Thursday as some Wall Street analysts voice concerns.
Investor scrutiny is rising ahead of the report, putting performance at both Ugg and Hoka
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The report may reset expectations for two of fashion’s strongest footwear businesses.
4:18 PMWWD
Harper’s Bazaar Middle East Names Lara Akkari Editor in Chief
Summary
Harper’s Bazaar Middle East has appointed Lebanese editor Lara Akkari as editor in chief across the region’s Bazaar editions. Akkari brings 16 years of experience in brand building.
The appointment puts regional leadership in the hands of an editor with a brand-focused background
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The change signals the growing importance of locally informed leadership in luxury media.
4:02 PMWWD
Nike’s Classic Air Maxes Are Getting New Releases With Iced-out Details and Swoosh Charms for Winter
Summary
Nike will release a premium winter pack featuring the Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble and Air Max 90. The designs add iced-out details and Swoosh charms to the classic silhouettes.
Nike is using limited-edition embellishment to push familiar Air Max models into a more premium,
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The pack shows how Nike can refresh heritage products without changing their core design language.
3:06 PMWWD
Sean Wotherspoon Has a New Limited-Edition Sneaker Collaboration Coming Out This Month
Summary
Sean Wotherspoon is collaborating with Mizuno for the first time on two limited-edition sneakers. One of the releases will be exclusive to Japan.
The partnership brings Wotherspoon’s vintage-driven credibility to Mizuno while giving the brand access to his
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The deal extends Wotherspoon’s influence beyond his established brand partners and into Mizuno’s retro-running business.
1:08 PMWWD
Nike Will Honor Kobe Bryant Through Day of the Dead Sneaker
Summary
Nike will commemorate Kobe Bryant with a Kobe 3 Low Protro tied to Día de los Muertos. The shoe features the phrase “Mamba Eterno.”
Nike is using a culturally specific release and Bryant’s enduring identity to extend the commercial
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The release shows how Nike continues to turn Bryant’s legacy into a recurring product platform.
12:51 PMWWD
Nike’s New Halloween Air Force 1 Is Inspired by One of the Most Iconic Horror Franchises
Summary
Nike’s Halloween Air Force 1 ’01, called “Nightmare,” draws unofficial inspiration from the horror franchise “Hellraiser.” Its design connects the classic sneaker to the visual language of horror.
Nike is broadening seasonal sneaker demand by applying a recognizable horror aesthetic to one of
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The shoe shows how cultural references can refresh heritage products for limited seasonal demand.
12:21 PMWWD
Dua Lipa Embraces the Jeweled Shoe Trend in Brand New Ferragamo Spring 2027 Mules in New York
Summary
Dua Lipa wore new Ferragamo Spring 2027 mules featuring jeweled detailing in New York. She paired the shoes with a sequined dress, reinforcing the look’s high-shine styling.
The pairing positions embellished footwear as a focal point rather than a finishing detail, with
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The appearance gives Ferragamo an early test of whether maximalist footwear can drive attention for its next season.
11:00 AMWWD
How ‘Mature’ Does AI Need to Be For Fashion?
Summary
Fashion brands are rushing to adopt AI, but one major household name began using the technology before it became an industry priority. The contrast raises questions about what meaningful AI maturity looks like in fashion.
The decisive shift is from AI experimentation to judging whether brands have built durable capabilities
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Fashion’s AI gap will increasingly reflect execution and accumulated learning, not access to the technology itself.
10:55 AMWWD
Willy Chavarria Expands Role at Adidas, Helps Develop New AdiSignature Apparel Line Inspired by the ‘80s
Summary
Willy Chavarria is taking on a broader role at Adidas and helped develop AdiSignature, an apparel line inspired by 1980s sportswear. The collection includes colorful hoodies, sweatpants, T-shirts and track pants.
Adidas is extending Chavarria’s influence beyond a limited collaboration into a broader product platform. The
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The partnership shows how major sportswear brands are using designers to add cultural relevance to core apparel.
10:50 AMWWD
Kartik Research Heads to Pitti Uomo as Guest Designer in January 2027
Summary
Kartik Research will present as a guest designer at Pitti Uomo in January 2027, joining Dunhill at the menswear fair. The Indian brand is known for South Asian references and an artisanal approach.
Pitti’s selection puts Indian design and craft at the center of the global menswear calendar.
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The invitation signals a broader menswear market that is looking beyond established European design codes.
10:00 AMWWD
Kingpins Amsterdam: Denim Collaborations Drive Innovation and Creativity
Summary
Kingpins Amsterdam showcased the denim industry’s strong reliance on collaboration as a source of innovation and creativity. The event positioned partnerships as a central way for companies to develop new ideas.
Collaboration has become a practical response to denim’s need for newness across materials, processes and
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Denim innovation is increasingly being built through industry partnerships rather than isolated brand development.
9:00 AMWWD
Why Making a Wider Toe Box Is a New Focus for Running Brands
Summary
Nike and Hoka designers told FN that wider toe boxes offer benefits beyond simply creating more room in the front of the shoe. The shift reflects a broader focus on how toe shape affects running performance and comfort.
Running brands are treating toe-box design as a functional variable rather than a fit adjustment.
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Changes to toe-box geometry could reshape mainstream running-shoe design and consumers’ expectations of fit.
9:00 AMWWD
3 Reasons the Work Boot Market Has Been Supercharged in 2026
Summary
The work boot market is experiencing an unusual burst of change in 2026. The article identifies three forces behind the category’s acceleration, despite work footwear’s traditionally steady pace of evolution.
The key shift is that work boots are no longer operating as a static product
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
A newly competitive work boot market could pull more innovation and attention into one of footwear’s most traditionally conservative segments.
7:00 AMWWD
Gap x Victoria Beckham Releases Sophomore Collection for Fall/Winter 2026
Summary
Gap and Victoria Beckham have released their second collaboration, a 37-piece Fall/Winter 2026 collection combining Gap’s American sportswear codes with Beckham’s more refined approach.
The second collection indicates that the partnership has moved beyond a one-off marketing event toward
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The collaboration shows how mass retailers are using designer partnerships to refresh their brand without abandoning volume.
4:43 AMWWD
Swiss Watch Exports Rise in September
Summary
Swiss watch exports increased in September, extending the industry’s growth streak to four consecutive months.
Four straight months of growth point to a meaningful improvement in export momentum, although the
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Sustained export growth would provide an important signal that luxury watch demand is stabilizing.
4:18 AMWWD
Sales at Me+Em Surge 29% in Fiscal 2025, with the Brand Selling a Pair of Trousers Every Minute
Summary
Me+Em reported a 29% increase in sales and higher profits for fiscal 2025, alongside strong trouser demand. Its principal backer, Highland Europe, also increased its stake in the brand.
Me+Em is converting demand into both revenue growth and stronger profitability, while Highland Europe's larger
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Me+Em is emerging as a fast-growing, investor-backed challenger in the premium fashion market.
1:00 AMWWD
EXCLUSIVE: Hiroshi Fujiwara Is the Guest Editor of 30th A Magazine Curated By
Summary
Hiroshi Fujiwara is the guest editor of the 30th edition of A Magazine Curated By, offering a view into his broad creative interests. Limited-edition copies will include a vinyl record featuring two newly remixed tracks.
Fujiwara’s involvement extends the project beyond conventional fashion publishing into music and collectible culture. The
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The collaboration shows how fashion media is using cultural crossovers and limited editions to create value beyond editorial content.
12:01 AMWWD
Nicole Miller Reflects on 45 Years in Fashion: From Designing Dresses to Working With 38 Licensed Categories
Summary
Nicole Miller is marking 45 years in fashion, from designing dresses to building a business spanning 38 licensed categories. She will celebrate the anniversary with a spring 2027 presentation at The Piano Room at the Hotel Chelsea.
Miller’s career illustrates how a designer brand can scale through licensing rather than relying only
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The business reflects a durable path for independent fashion labels that diversify revenue across products and licensing.
12:00 AMFinancial Times
Louis Vuitton and Hermès among luxury retailers looted in French riots
Summary
Louis Vuitton, Hermès and other luxury retailers were looted during riots in France. Authorities are working with online marketplaces including Vinted, Amazon and eBay to prevent stolen goods from being resold.
The thefts have shifted the problem from physical store security to digital resale enforcement. Luxury
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Online resale channels could extend the financial and reputational damage from the riots well beyond the original break-ins.
12:00 AMWWD
First Look at The Attico’s 10th Anniversary Collection
Summary
The Attico is marking its 10th anniversary with a new collection from founders Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini. The brand is also opening a temporary store in Milan.
The anniversary combines product release with a physical retail activation, giving The Attico a way
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The strategy pairs cultural momentum with a low-risk retail experiment as The Attico enters its second decade.
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