Must Read: Schiaparelli Names Daniel Roseberry as Creative Director, Rent the Runway Is Going Global
Plus, inside the nation's largest jewelry retailer, where unequal pay and harassment went unchecked for decades.
These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Tuesday.
Schiaparelli names Daniel Roseberry as creative director
Schiaparelli has hired Daniel Roseberry as its new artistic director. Roseberry, a 33-year-old Texan, succeeds Bertrand Guyon and will be in charge of all collections, projects and image at the Place Vendôme house. Most recently, Roseberry served as the design director of men's and women's collections at Thom Browne. {WWD}
Rent the Runway is going global
Rent the Runway has selected Galaway, Ireland for its first-ever international technology office. The company plans to hire 150 engineers and tech developers over the next three years to tackle core technology challenges. "We are thrilled to open our first-ever international office in Galway, where we've had overwhelming support from the Irish Government and the IDA," says Rent the Runway Chief Technology Officer, Josh Builder in an official press statement. "There's an incredible opportunity to tap into the growing STEM talent in the region, and we're eager to begin establishing our Irish footprint." {Fashionista inbox}
Inside the nation's largest jewelry retailer, where unequal pay and harassment went unchecked for decades
In 2005, female employees of Sterling Jeweler, the company that owns Kay Jewelers, Jared, Zales and more, filed a lawsuit alleging sex discrimination in pay and promotions. Shortly after, numerous instances of sexual degradation and rape at the mall jewelers were added to the case: According to one of the claimants' expert reports, in 2006 alone, there were 19,321 calls, of which 11,851 involved discrimination complaints; 1,519 were about sexual harassment. The lawsuit, which has grown to include nearly 70,000 women, still remains unresolved and the details of the case have remained a secret, despite the company's size and the fact that it's publicly traded. {The New York Times}
How to create Gen Z-focused in-store shopping experiences
Since most Gen Zers prefer to do their beauty shopping IRL, Business of Fashion came up with a handy guide designed to help brick-and-mortar retailers appeal to legions of mobile-addicted teens. To start, stores should offer a selection of products that can't be found anywhere else. They should also create an open selling space where consumers can easily explore the assortment on their own and play with the products, as well as offer discount codes or other incentives along with makeup samples. {Business of Fashion}
Serena Williams on her new self-funded brand
In her first in-depth interview since launching her new direct-to-consumer label, Serena Williams opens up about her interest in fashion — on and off the court — and her entrepreneurial challenges. She also discusses why her new brand, S by Serena, is focused on accessibly priced and inclusive fashion basics and has nothing to do with sports or athleisure. {Business of Fashion}
Can fashion companies realistically balance sustainability with growth?
The fashion industry is inundated with stuff, yet companies continue to push more product out into the world. In an Earth Day-focused piece for WWD, Bridget Foley questions whether the purveyors of said stuff must limit their massive quantities in order to save the planet. Foley turns to leaders in fashion's sustainability efforts, from stalwart designer-advocates to the heads of sustainability at Kering, Tapestry, PVH, Ralph Lauren and LVMH, to get answers. {WWD}
Coachella is still a big marketing opportunity for brands
Coachella was named the best outdoor music festival in North America in 2018, and according to Launchmetrics, last year's festival and cursory activities yielded 460,000 social media posts — an estimated value of more than $116 million in exposure. This explains why fashion companies see a huge marketing opportunity in the Indio-based gathering and why invitation-only activations from brands and retailers like Levi's and Revolve are growing and becoming just as much of an attraction as the headlining musicians. {Footwear News}
