These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Wednesday.

Kering partners with Google on smart glasses

Kering Eyewear is partnering with Google to develop AI-powered smart glasses with Android XR. Combining Kering’s design with Google’s technology, the eyewear will feature personalized, AI-driven functions for users to “engage with their environment in new and meaningful ways.” “Together, we are shaping a product that people will want to wear: a pair of masterfully designed, high-quality, stylish glasses that unlock the potential of artificial intelligence, while redefining the way of interacting with both the real and virtual worlds,” Founder, President and CEO of Kering Eyewear Roberto Vedovotto said in a statement. {Fashionista inbox}

Chanel pulls back on price hikes as sales fall

Chanel’s annual revenues have dropped for the first time since 2020, falling 4.3% to $18.7 billion last year. With major luxury markets like China, Europe and the U.S. under pressure, Chanel is working to expand in new countries including Mexico, India and Canada. While many handbags have become more expensive, Chanel’s price hikes have been particularly steep as its Flap and 2.55 handbags passed $11,000 early last year. The company has since pulled back on price increases, and is working to reinforce the value proposition of its leather goods through splashy marketing, novelty and revamped design. {Business of Fashion/paywalled}

Bethann Hardison launches foundation to advance young talent

Bethann Hardison is creating the Bethann Hardison Foundation to familiarize young talent with how the industry works. Hardison built her career as a model, agency owner, activist, adviser and documentarian, and co-founded the Black Girls Coalition in 1988 and set up the Designers Hub to empower Black designers in 2018. To build the foundation’s strategy, Hardison tapped brand consultant Lisa Metcalfe, brand strategist Len Peltier, former Gucci executive Susan Chokachi, Jamestown Hudson’s Tom Mendenhall, journalist Alina Cho, designers Todd Oldham, Norma Kamali and Marc Jacobs, Google’s Stephanie Horton, tech executive Celestine Maddy and Sole Folks owner Akil West. {WWD/paywalled}

NYFW applications are now open

The Council of Fashion Designers of America has opened applications to be on the official New York Fashion Week schedule for September 2025. The Spring 2026 NYFW season will take place from Sept. 11 through Sept. 16, 2025. Applications are now open and will close on June 11, 2025. Applications are available here. {Instagram}

Sofia Coppola covers i-D

Sofia Coppola is i-D‘s latest digital cover star. Photographed by Dick Page and James Gibbs and styled by Spencer Singer, Coppola wears a Hysteric Glamour top, Chanel sweater and Cartier earrings on the cover. In an interview with i-D Global Editorial Director Steff Yotka, Coppola shares what she learned from making “The Virgin Suicides,” how she stays in touch with her inner teenage girl and her experience working on her upcoming book of the history of Chanel Couture. Read the full cover story here. {Fashionista inbox}

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