These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Monday.

How fashion brands are staying dedicated to inclusivity

Five years after the fashion industry pledged new commitments to inclusivity following the Black Lives Matter movement, some brands are now quietly regressing. Others, however, are strengthening their commitment, even amid the far-right’s attack on DEI initiatives. For brands that want to stay the course in celebrating inclusivity, focusing on internal DEI work, creating a diverse workforce and establishing resources for BIPOC designers are all ways to support DEI in more subtle — yet still impactful —ways. {Business of Fashion/paywalled}

Aurora James on five years after George Floyd

Aurora James, founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, has observed that, five years after George Floyd, many brands are abandoning their performative activism amid this conservative era. And while those who remain serious about DEI initiatives are a smaller group, they are stronger. Plus, they’re reaping the benefits: They are seeing increased profits, customer loyalty and consumer trust. “Supporting diverse small businesses is not simply a moral argument; it’s a business case. […] We know Gen Z and millennial consumers are shopping their values, and we know Black consumers’ collective buying power is expected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2030. The data is undeniable: equity sells,” James wrote for Fast Company. {Fast Company}

Kering names new CEO, Luca de Meo

Confirming earlier reports (which sent company shares up 5%), Kering’s board of directors has officially appointed former Renault CEO Luca de Meo to take over as chief executive of the luxury conglomerate. De Meo is expected to take office on Sept. 15, 2025, succeeding Francois-Henri Pinault, who will maintain the newly separated role of chairman of the board of directors. “After twenty years of transforming Kering into a major global luxury player, the Group is ready for a new stage in its development,” Pinault said in a statement. “From 2023, I launched a reflection on the evolution of the Group’s governance. It was in this context that I met Luca de Meo. His experience at the helm of an international listed group, his sharp understanding of brands, and his sense of a strong and respectful corporate culture convinced me that he is the leader I was looking for to bring a new vision and steer this chapter in our Group’s history.” {Kering}

Leonard A. Lauder passed away

On Saturday, Leonard A. Lauder passed away at age 92. He was the oldest son of Estée and Joseph H. Lauder, the founders of The Estée Lauder Companies. He joined the family business in 1958, working at the company for over six decades. Throughout his tenure, he served as the President, CEO and retired as Chairman. {The Estée Lauder Companies}

David Thielebeule becomes both men’s and women’s fashion director at Bloomingdale’s

Bloomingdale’s has expanded David Thielebeule’s role to both men’s and women’s fashion director, effectively replacing Janelle Lloyd, who has overseen women’s since last February. His promotion is part of the company’s integrated marketing team strategy to streamline its “connection between merchandise storytelling, brand discovery and customer engagement across all touch points,” WWD‘s Lisa Lockwood reported. Marissa Galante Frank remains as accessories and beauty fashion director, and Kelley Carter will still serve as home fashion director. {WWD/paywalled}

How buyers are cashing in on the Labubu boom

Labuba dolls are all the rage, and merchants are cashing in on the viral sensation: Secondhand sellers and third-party marketplaces are snagging the wide-smiled gremlins to resell. However, the high demand has started to cause problems for consumers, due to unreasonable resale prices and an increase in dupes. {Modern Retail}

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