FROM OUR FEBRUARY ISSUE: EDITOR’S LETTER | PREPARING FOR A NEW WORLD ORDER
The entire MR team proudly presents our February 2025 issue. If you haven’t received a hard copy, please page through our digital version, and we’ll continue to post individual stories here on MR-mag.com. If you haven’t been getting MR in print, be sure that you are on our mailing list for future issues by completing this form.
Sitting in on MR’s recent CEO Exchange between Mark Weber (former CEO of PVH and Donna Karan, now radio host of the Always in Fashion podcast) and Jamie Salter, founder, chairman, and CEO of Authentic Brands, I found it fascinating to watch these two experienced CEOs talk business. Their upward ascent from humble beginnings, the comradery and respect between them, their shared history in licensing, their intrinsic understanding of the fashion industry, and their willingness to divulge success secrets made for fascinating verbal debate and discourse. I couldn’t help but be impressed by the ever-growing $30+ billion company that Salter has created over the past decade and some of the unconventional ways he’s gone about building his empire.
A few of his success secrets: He never spends money that he doesn’t have. He has a saying at ABG: “Tell everybody everything. There are no secrets here.” When it comes to licensing, he produces nothing but controls everything. He hires and promotes smart young people, helping them move up the corporate ladder.
Congrats to Salter and his ABG team for their work ethic, their impressive acquisitions (now at 50+ brands), and the $30+ billion company that continues to expand worldwide. And a big thanks to Mark Weber for a great interview!
Also, in this issue, our legal expert, Doug Hand, tackles three timely topics: Trump’s tariffs, due to take effect on January 20th, our government’s new anti-trust concerns, and fashion’s impact on the environment and global labor. In today’s unpredictable environment, Hand suggests fashion companies revisit their sourcing and manufacturing partners, building price flexibility into all new contracts. They should also consider near-shoring, often easier to manage than documenting supply chain transparency long distance.
More essential reading, our Vendor Crystal Ball feature in which menswear manufacturers face a precarious future and possible tariffs. Contributing writer Eric Jennings, former men’s fashion director at Saks Fifth Ave, speaks with top merchants on how new definitions of sportswear will change the future of men’s fashion. In our Women to Watch series, Bugatchi’s Cecile Revah shares secrets on building a dynamic brand, and ITA trade commissioner Erica Di Giancarlo discusses new opportunities as Italian brands look to partner with U.S. retailers. Always a must-read, Peerless Clothing president Dan Orwig shares company plans as the largest clothing manufacturer in North America deals with the prospect of tariffs. And as shown in our fabulous fashion pages, relaxed luxe tailoring is clearly the way to go for fall/holiday 2025!
Finally, we couldn’t resist sharing two very personal stories. Tie designer Lee Allison tells a harrowing tale of a recent motorcycle accident that almost did him in, and star salesman Jim Hines from Rodes in Louisville talks about rising above racism to hit the million-dollar mark at age 80. Two talented gentlemen with two different stories, both overcoming big challenges, both thankful for the support of the special people in our kind and compassionate menswear industry.
\We hope you enjoy these and all the other features in this issue of MR. Hoping to see many of you in New York City, and at the upcoming, always inspiring Chicago Collective. John and Charles look forward to greeting you in Dallas.
With best wishes for some exciting fall 2025 shopping ahead!
Karen, Lizette, John & Charles