Dario Vitale Named Creative Director for Emporio Armani

The Armani Group has appointed Dario Vitale as the new creative director for Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani Accessories. This represents the first external design leader hired for a primary line since founder Giorgio Armani passed away in September 2025.

Vitale brings 14 years of experience shaping the ready-to-wear direction at Miu Miu, along with a brief stint at Versace. He steps into the dual role immediately, with his first runway collection for the Fall/Winter 2027 season set to follow the final co-ed presentation by Silvana Armani and Leo Dell'Orco on September 24.

Gap and A.P.C. Launch Collaborative Capsule

Gap and A.P.C. Have merged classic American sportswear with Parisian refinement for a new 37-piece capsule collection. The assortment, which ranges in price from $28 to $328 USD, launched today across retail channels.

The collection highlights premium Japanese denim, including men's relaxed jeans and women's sculptural jackets lined with archival graphics. It also features tailored outerwear, cashmere knitwear, corduroy sets, and reworked hoodies. These hoodies sport Gap's arch logo rendered in A.P.C.'s signature typography. A campaign film shot in Montmartre supports the launch.

Kith Documents Footwear History with Assouline

Kith has partnered with luxury publisher Assouline to release Kith: The Footwear Archive, a 444-page book celebrating the brand's 15th anniversary. The volume documents founder Ronnie Fieg's design history through photography by Tyler Mansour.

The book shows over 1,800 released models and unreleased developmental prototypes from major brand partnerships. It releases on September 30 in two editions: a Classic edition and a 300-unit Ultimate Edition. The Ultimate Edition is signed by Fieg and housed in a monogrammed leather clamshell. Ahead of the release, Kith will display all 1,800 pairs at a public exhibition in Brooklyn from September 25 to 27.

VILLAGE PM Enters US Market with New Sneaker

Paris-based skate brand VILLAGE PM is officially entering the US market for the FW26 season. Founded last year by Basile Lapray and Bram De Cleen, the label is known for applying high-performance climbing shoe mechanisms to skate designs.

The expansion is marked by the debut of a new sneaker silhouette called the 2PM. This model evolves the brand's formula with a more structured, lower-to-the-ground profile. It maintains the signature asymmetrical fit and sticky rubber wrap. The US rollout includes a domestic webstore and availability at retailers such as MAXFIELD, Dover Street Market, and UNION.

Other Industry Movements

Digital creator Kai Cenat presented his first clothing collection for his label VIVET at New York Fashion Week. The Spring/Summer 2027 show, held on September 12, spanned three acts and shifted from raw hoodies to structured suiting. The brand emphasizes luxury leather goods and heavyweight outerwear, with select debut pieces now available online.

Meanwhile, the NikeSKIMS joint venture is pushing into Greater China with a dedicated collection launching September 29. The offering includes performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. A physical pop-up at Shanghai's HKRI Taikoo Hui will support the launch, offering services like custom hemming through February 2027.