These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Wednesday.
Theory Names James Kelly Global CEO
Theory has named James Kelly as global CEO, the New York-based fashion brand announced Wednesday. Kelly, previously Theory’s global co-chief operating officer and CFO, will oversee global operations and growth for Theory and Helmut Lang. Kelly succeeds Dinesh Tandon, who will transition from Theory’s global CEO to global co-chief operating officer, while also returning to his role as CEO of Theory China. {Fashionista inbox}
Belle Brands Acquires Vegamour
Belle Brands, the beauty platform owned by Windsong Global, has acquired premium hair-care brand Vegamour through foreclosure. Known for its Gro Hair Serum, Vegamour raised $80 million from General Atlantic in 2021 but saw several leadership changes before founder Daniel Hodgdon returned as CEO in late 2025. Belle Brands, which has also acquired JVN, Pipette, KVD Beauty and Versed, plans to stabilize the brand and deepen its Sephora partnership. {Business of Fashion/paywalled}
Inditex Q2 Profit Falls Short Despite Strong Sales
Inditex reported second-quarter profit below expectations on Wednesday, sending shares down 3%, as costs grew due to conflict in the Middle East. The Zara owner posted €11 billion ($12.8 billion) in sales with a 56.7% gross profit margin, slightly below analysts’ forecasts, citing higher transport and input costs. Inditex also announced €200 million ($233 million) in additional capital spending for office upgrades as it continues shrinking its store count in favor of larger flagships. {Inditex; Reuters/paywalled}
WGSN Launches New AI Tool
Photo: Courtesy of WGSN
WGSN has launched the Catwalks AI Dashboard, a data platform letting designers, buyers and trend teams analyze live runway data up to 24 hours post-show. The tool lets users filter by market and season, and compare product, color, material and design details across brands and cities. It complements WGSN’s existing human-led Catwalks coverage, adding a self-serve, interactive layer for building presentation-ready reports. The Dashboard covers fashion weeks beyond the “big four,” including Shanghai, Madrid, Copenhagen and Rio. {Fashionista inbox}
J. Press Launches Women’s Collection
Photo: Courtesy of J.Press
J. Press is releasing its first women’s capsule collection in nearly 50 years. Under Creative Director and President Jack Carlson, the line reimagines signature pieces like Shaggy Dog sweaters, Oxford shirts and tweed blazers for women. The capsule also includes collaborations with Gloverall, Alex Mill, Paraboot and Steven Stolman. With prices ranging from $195 to $895, the collection is available now at jpress.com and the brand’s New York, New Haven and Washington, D.C. flagships. {Fashionista inbox}
Caleres Beats Earnings Guidance in Q2
Caleres shares jumped more than 6% on Wednesday after the footwear company topped its second-quarter earnings guidance, beating expectations. The company reported a 5.6% bump in Q2 net sales to $695.5 million. Growth in the brand portfolio division, lifted by Stuart Weitzman, offset a sales decline at Famous Footwear amid a delayed back-to-school season and weaker demand for lifestyle athletic shoes. Caleres narrowed its full-year earnings guidance to $1.50–$1.65 per share. {Caleres; Footwear News}
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