NEWS
HOKA announces new London flagship store – the brand’s first retail location in Europe P
erformance footwear and apparel brand, HOKA, has launched its first ever retail location in Europe – in Covent Garden in London. The 1,750sq ft flagship store showcases the full line of footwear, apparel and accessories under one roof for the first time.
“London is arguably the most influential athletic lifestyle footwear market in the world and is a critically important market for us,” said Stefano Caroti, Chief Commercial Officer, Deckers Brands (which owns the HOKA brand). “It is imperative that we double down in London and develop marketplace strategy across performance and lifestyle to strengthen our
all athletes to act fearlessly and creatively, to drive forward with purpose and passion. With an “always-on” mindset for innovation and thinking outside the box, HOKA crafts bold and unexpected new solutions for athletes of all types.
presence in this key city.” Launched in 2009, HOKA aims to empower
JCA London Fashion Academy presents its second MA cohort collections at London Frieze Week
J
CA London Fashion Academy, the pioneering fashion school and professional incubator founded by Prof. Jimmy Choo OBE and Stephen Smith, hosted its second MA showcase during London Frieze Week earlier this month. Attendees included Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Amelia Windsor, Gemma Owen, Lady Victoria Hervey, and Jeff Banks.
Following their participation at the THIS IS ICON Gala in September, where each designer previewed one look, the MA Graduates-Entrepreneurs were able to showcase their final collection, each occupying their own dedicated room to display their work. The event led on to a cocktail reception for VIPs and friends of the JCA.
The MA Fashion Entrepreneurship in Design and Brand Innovation has been designed with enterprise creation as a central distinctive feature. Students on the course establish themselves as freelancers or micro-SMEs and they are encouraged to develop a commercial enterprise from the outset.
This year’s JCA MA Graduates who presented their collections are: Olivia Black – focusing on genderless design; Polly McKevitt – retro silhouettes crafted from 100 per cent deadstock materials; Yasmin – streetwear that fuses contemporary and modesty fashion; Icela Berra – bridal, ceremonial garment brand, focused on stylised unconventional statement pieces; AAIYMA creative studio – combining geometric shapes and three-dimensionality; Location-em – occasion wear dresses that prioritise modesty; and UNBD – a fusion of athleisure and self-expression.
6 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • OCTOBER 2023
The Covent Garden store unveils the brand’s new design concept for the first time. The store features interactive displays that tap into the brand’s ethos of joyful movement, while the dedicated community area on the lower ground floor will allow customers to connect with HOKA ambassadors, elite athletes, and product experts, as well as take advantage of HOKA events and services.
33 Joints transforms into Chapters Brand Group
3
3 Joints has announced its rebrand to Chapters Brand Group. The company said this transformation signifies an important milestone for its Directors, Antony Nathan and Graeme Nichol. The pair introduced their refreshed brand identity, “Chapters”, marking the seamless integration of 33 Joints and Blue Sole, a respected sourcing and production company led by Mr Nichol, a former Director of 33 Joints. At the core of this transformation is a strategic investment from Kolektive Ventures in India, aimed at catalysing growth in various aspects of the business. This expansion includes the establishment of a European division and an exciting venture into apparel and accessories. Mr Nathan commented: “I am genuinely excited about this new chapter. We are privileged to seize acquisition opportunities even in a challenging market environment. I have unwavering faith that Chapters Brand Group will emerge as a leading player in this sector in the foreseeable future.” Mr Nichol added: “This investment from Kolektive Ventures is truly exciting. It empowers us to explore substantial opportunities with the confidence that the resources for expansion are within our reach.” Building on its existing portfolio of esteemed brands, including Osprey London, Nine West, Scholl, Elle, O’Neill, Wrangler, Original Penguin, and Lambretta, Chapters Brand Group is poised for “remarkable” growth and innovation, the pair said.
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