These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Wednesday.

How shoppers are handling fashion’s creative director changes

The New York Times interviewed various luxury shoppers during Milan Fashion Week to gauge whether or not the designers behind the big houses influence their buying decisions. Some customers admitted to not knowing or caring about the artistic directors who design the clothes. Others, however, do (or don’t) make purchases based on the switch-ups: Some expressed concern that pieces may become too trendy and lack longevity, while others are skeptical about whether there will be too big a brand identity shift (think: Demna-era Gucci versus Sabato de Sarno’s run). {The New York Times/paywalled}

The EU greenlights Versace’s acquisition

The European Commission has approved Prada Group’s acquisition of Versace. The company agreed to buy Versace from Capri Holdings for $1.83 billion. {Reuters}

American Eagle CEO responds to Sydney Sweeney controversy

American Eagle CEO Jay Schottenstein firmly stood behind the controversial Sydney Sweeney ad. “You can’t run from fear,” he told The Wall Street Journal. “We stand behind what we did.” He further shared that as an Orthodox Jew, he didn’t take the racism allegations lightly and wouldn’t have greenlit the campaign if it was offensive. Despite the backlash, the company saw an uptick in sales. {The Wall Street Journal/paywalled}

Italy’s struggling luxury supply chain reputation

Italy’s luxury supply chain is struggling to clean up its reputation following a slew of worker exploitation allegations, to the point that it was a main conversation topic among Milan Fashion Week showgoers. Carlo Capasa, president of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, believes that acknowledging there’s room to improve the supply chain industry — while not blaming specific brands or factories — paves a path forward for redemption. He’s also advocating for a “legally binding, third-party certification system to ensure compliance with labour and ethical standards,” Vogue Business reported. {Vogue Business/paywalled}

Why fashion can’t keep settling on nostalgia

New York Times fashion critic Vanessa Friedman argued that luxury brands are leaning too heavily into nostalgia, making it seem stale and archaic. She acknowledged it’s tempting to find comfort in historical references amid a polarizing social climate, but the result still felt disconnected. Friedman highlighted the aspirational feeling and lively atmosphere of the new “Virgil Abloh: The Codes” exhibition as an example of how to get people excited about the “transformative potential of clothes” again. {The New York Times/paywalled}

The Empowered Vision Award returns for its second edition

The Frazier Family Foundation and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have brought back the Empowered Vision Award for its second edition. The award was established to support emerging Black designers and is presented to creatives who offer cultural significance and embody an innovative, entrepreneurial spirit. The recipient receives a $100,000 financial grant, tailored mentorship and lots of visibility. The 2025 Empowered Vision Award application is now open through Nov. 2. {WWD/paywalled}

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