Must Read: The Estée Lauder Cos., Puig End Merger Talks, War in Iran Is Straining Beauty Indies and Conglomerates
These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Friday.
The Estée Lauder Cos. and Puig End Merger Talks
The Estée Lauder Companies and Puig confirmed they were in discussions regarding a potential merger, but they have now terminated thoe talks. "Today, we are reiterating our confidence in the power of our incredible brands, our talented teams and our strength as a standalone company," Stéphane de La Faverie, president and CEO of The Estée Lauder Cos., said in a statement. {The Estée Lauder Cos.}
War in Iran Is Straining Beauty Indies and Conglomerates
The war in Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have caused shipping delays as well as rising freight, fuel and oil costs. This is inflating the cost of everything from plastic pumps to ingredient sourcing for both independent beauty brands and conglomerates. For example, Korean skin-care brand Then I Met You has had to push back its launch timelines and product seeding efforts, while E.l.f. Beauty is projecting a $15 million to $20 million hit from surging freight and oil prices. {Beauty Independent}
Alphalyr Wins 2026 ANDAM Innovation Award
Paris-based data analytics company Alphalyr won the 2026 ANDAM Innovation Award. Alphalyr uses AI to help the fashion industry produce right, sell better, waste less and understand consumers' complete journey. Its clients include Ami Paris, Balmain, Galeries Lafayette and the SMCP group. The company was awarded a grant of €100,000 and access to ANDAM's networking opportunities. {WWD/paywalled}
Missoni Group Finalizes Ownership Restructure
Italian equity firm FSI will become the controlling shareholder of the Missoni Group as the Missoni family sells its equity stake. FSI previously held a 41.2% stake in Missoni and now has become the majority shareholder at 73%. Bogner owner Katjes Quiet Luxury, the subsidiary of German brand group Katjes International, has taken the remaining 27% stake. {Vogue Business/paywalled}
How Weird Shoes Are Sparking Sales
Brands are increasingly emphasizing innovation in their footwear designs to drum up excitement and sales. Chanel unveiled a soleless sandal at its Cruise show that only covered models' heels, Maison Margiela's Tabi has gone mainstream and sneakerinas are all the rage. "People are tired of perfection and obviousness and are drawn to things that feel unexpected. Shoes can have that tension," Tory Burch told Business of Fashion. {Business of Fashion/paywalled}
Oura Files Confidentially for IPO
Smart ring company Oura Health Oy filed confidentially for a U.S. initial public offering (IPO). The number of shares and the price range have yet to be determined. The company is working with Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Allen & Co. and Jefferies Financial Group Inc. on the IPO. Oura plans to go public later this year. {Bloomberg/paywalled}
* This article was originally published here