Hermès vs Kering

Inditex expands US presence, overtakes Hermès in market value

Spanish fashion giant Inditex, parent of Zara, Bershka, and Massimo Dutti, is aggressively expanding in the US market. CEO Oscar Garcia Maceiras stated that the US is a key growth market due to its population and importance. The company plans new stores in Denver, Phoenix, and Pittsburgh, and will introduce Massimo Dutti and Bershka to New York following a Miami launch. Inditex employs a selective growth strategy, testing demand via online orders before opening physical stores, targeting 20 projects in the US by end of 2027. The company has also surpassed Hermès in market value, reaching around €170 billion, as consumers trade down from luxury brands to more affordable options. Inditex is also competing with Shein through its Lefties brand, benefiting from the EU's removal of the customs duty exemption for non-EU parcels.

• Inditex plans to open new stores in Denver, Phoenix, and Pittsburgh, and introduce Massimo Dutti and Bershka to New York.
• Inditex's market value reached €170 billion, surpassing Hermès.
• Hermès shares fell 34% and LVMH shares fell 37% in the current year.

Study: Why German Brands Aren't Seen as Luxury

Strategy consultancy Sasserath Now published a study examining why German brands are not commonly associated with luxury. The article notes that while “Made in Germany” evokes quality and engineering, it rarely evokes luxury — with French houses like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès more readily identified as luxury brands. Sasserath Now identifies underlying reasons and argues that German brands already satisfy several prerequisites that could help strengthen a luxury image, but still face perception gaps. The piece was published by HORIZONT and written by Svenja Fennel on August 22, 2026.

• Strategy consultancy Sasserath Now conducted a study on why German brands are not perceived as luxury.
• The article states that 'Made in Germany' is associated with quality and engineering but not typically with luxury.
• French fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès are cited as commonly perceived luxury brands.

Marketers Misunderstand Luxury, Not Price

An opinion piece by Pum Lefebure published on Ad Age on July 13, 2026 argues that modern marketing confuses luxury with volume and trends. The article claims true luxury is about intentional, singular creation rather than price tags or algorithm-driven mass production, using the Hermès Birkin (credit: Sotheby’s) as an exemplar. The piece criticizes the industry’s focus on more content, impressions, and speed, suggesting luxury brands suffer when marketing chases quantity over craft and meaning.

• Pum Lefebure authored an opinion article on Ad Age published July 13, 2026.
• The article's central claim: luxury is not defined by price but by singular, intentional creation.
• The Hermès Birkin is cited as an example; Sotheby’s is credited in the image caption.

Kering launches its Kering Generation Award in India

Kering launches its Kering Generation Award in India, published on 09/07/2026. Also new: Kering Jewelry appointments, Sabina Belli appointed President of Kering Italia, and 2026 first half results.

Football Stars Boost Luxury Handbag Demand

Male professional footballers — notably Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé — are increasingly photographed carrying high-end designer handbags, giving luxury houses extra visibility as sales soften in key markets. LVMH and Kering each reported roughly 3% year‑on‑year revenue declines in the first half, with Kering group revenue at €7.2bn from January–June and Gucci contributing about €2.8bn (down ~9%). Brands are leveraging players’ global reach and ambassador roles to push a growing 'man‑bag' segment: Haaland’s Birkin collection is estimated at €1.1m, and players often appear with Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana pieces. Industry analysis (via Bloomberg/Bain & Co.) estimates only about a quarter of the luxury‑handbag market is male, indicating significant room to expand demand through these celebrity-driven channels.

• LVMH reported a 3% year‑on‑year revenue decline in the first half; its share recently hit a six‑year low and is down roughly 26% year‑to‑date.
• Kering reported a 3% revenue decline for the first half; group revenue January–June was €7.2bn, with Gucci contributing about €2.8bn (down ~9% versus the prior half-year).
• Erling Haaland’s collection of Birkin bags is estimated at €1.1m; he and other players have been photographed with Hermès and Dolce & Gabbana pieces.

L'Oréal grows and posts record margin in H1 2026

L’Oréal confirmed strong growth in the first half of 2026, reporting revenue of €23.77 billion (up 5.8%; like‑for‑like growth 6.8%, adjusted 6.5%). E‑commerce and innovation were cited as primary growth drivers. The group achieved a new operating‑margin high of 21.3% and a gross margin of 74.8%. Operating profit rose to €5.06 billion and adjusted net profit was nearly €4.0 billion, up 4.7%. All divisions and regions contributed, with particularly dynamic performance in Professional Products and Dermatological Beauty, strength in SAPMENA‑SSA and North America, and continued recovery in North Asia. Management highlighted increased marketing investment, use of artificial intelligence in product development and marketing, a long‑term licensing agreement with Kering for Gucci, and planned investments in growth markets such as India. The article was published 2026‑07‑30.

• L’Oréal H1 2026 revenue: €23.77 billion, +5.8% (like‑for‑like +6.8%, adjusted +6.5%).
• Gross margin: 74.8%; operating margin reached a record 21.3%.
• Operating profit: €5.06 billion; adjusted net profit: ~€4.0 billion, +4.7%.