{
  "id": 15559218,
  "title": "Fashion industry in 'precarious moment', says Vivienne Westwood supremo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/fashion-industry-in-precarious-moment-says-vivienne-westwood-supremo",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-19T04:50:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/flair/2026/10/1558790/fashion-industry-precarious-moment-says-vivienne-westwood-supremo"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Vivienne Westwood's creative director, Andreas Kronthaler, has expressed that the fashion industry is currently in a precarious moment. This assessment comes as he introduced his latest Spring-Summer collection for the British label at Paris Fashion Week. Inspired by African fabrics and his fondness for nightgowns, the SS27 collection, titled 'Body and Soul,' features designs that are typically whimsical.\n\nKronthaler's personal experience with an African fabric purchased at Paris's Barbes market and his regular use of a nightgown in the heat served as significant influences for the collection. He candidly shared how he wore the garment while riding his bicycle and shopping, garnering positive reactions from the public. He remarked, \"I just lived my life in it, and I went on my bicycle and shopping and what not. And people really liked it, that's nice, my life shirt.\"\n\nThe creative director also acknowledged the challenging commercial environment for fashion labels, with many creative directors facing pressure. He stated, \"We are independent, and there are good sides to this, and of course, there are hard sides to this. But it's okay, we are living in a very precarious moment because things are not so secure in fashion.\"\n\nSeveral prominent designers, including Anthony Vaccarello of Saint Laurent, Pierpaolo Piccioli of Balenciaga, and Chemena Kamali of Chloe, have reportedly faced discussions about leaving their respective positions, though no public statements have been made by the labels. Meanwhile, Hermes showcased its women's collection in Paris, using the zip as a recurring theme and incorporating the ultra-fine strap as an accessory. The company, known for its Kelly bag that generates nearly half of its sales, is currently experiencing a rough patch, with its share price plummeting by 11% following the release of its half-year results and a 39% decrease since the beginning of the year. Hermes will unveil its first haute couture collection in January, with chief womenswear designer Nadege Vanhee presenting designs and Grace Wales Bonner set to make her runway debut as artistic director of Hermes menswear.",
  "summary": "VIVIENNE Westwood creative director Andreas Kronthaler says the fashion industry is in a “precarious moment” as he unveiled his latest Spring-Summer collection for the British house at Paris Fashion Week.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "The instability facing major creative directors and declining market performance for heritage brands signals a period of deep commercial uncertainty for even the most established luxury fashion houses.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}