The Loop Issue Twenty-Nine
Letter from the Editor
One thing about the fashion industry that proves itself true time and time again: reinvention will never stop. This week’s edition of The Loop captures just that.
From Gap moving into the beauty space, to a sneaker-less sneaker trend, we’re seeing bold redirections in almost every branch of retail, design, and even media. Brands, and people, are working harder than ever to stay in the conversation, blending fashion with traditional heritage–like Demna with Gucci–while also merging aesthetics.
As style expands in how its expressed and shared, consumers are craving niche communities and authenticity. The week’s MFMS picks highlight our current favorite Substack authors, whose perspectives on trends and personal style feel like a big sister’s advice.
I can confidently say that new foundations for fashion are forming, and The Loop ensures you won’t miss a beat.
With Love,
IN THE NEWS:
Gap Beauty?!: The Only Brand With Non-Stop Growth
This fall, beauty retail is heating up on two very different fronts. Sephora is staging its most ambitious merchandising moment ever, as they roll out 16 new brands into stores worldwide. This jump raises their 2025 portfolio by a staggering 30% compared to previous years. Meanwhile, Gap Inc. is making a bold push into the beauty and accessories sectors under CEO Richard Dickson. The retailer aims to reposition Gap and Old Navy as cross-category lifestyle destinations. However, while handbags and accessories seem like a natural addition, entering the crowded beauty space will test Gap’s ability to translate recent cultural buzz into sustainable sales.
Demna’s First Collection With Gucci
Photo Courtesy of WWD
All eyes are on Gucci, as Demna debuted his first collection as artistic director of the luxury fashion house. Referred to as “baby steps,” the Spring 2026 collection signals both a reverence for Gucci’s heritage and a thirst for new creative beginnings. The collection was shaped around a constellation of characters, conceived as part of “La Famiglia,” with each character embodying a different aspect of what Gucci means to Deemna. “From its archive to the many identities it embodies, I gathered an imaginary family to carry the story,” shared Demna in an interview with WWD. By revisiting house staples like the bamboo bag and Flora print, whilst experimenting with pared-back silhouettes, Demna reframes Gucci as both a canvas of history and a clean slate for reinvention.
NYFW Was Obsessed With What?
Another September, another NYFW debuting Spring 2026 collections from both beloved brands and the hottest upcoming designers. There seemed to be a common thread woven through every collection theme, signaling a broader cultural trend. The collections from Alice + Olivia, Veronica Beard, and Dennis Basso all centered around the classical ideas of femininity and womanhood. Think lace, florals, pleated skirts, delicate fabrics, and a “classic” aesthetic. It feels as though these collections are tapping into traditional gender ideas–a theme we’ve seen present in other spaces since the start of the year. We’re interested to see how this broader cultural moment continues to manifest in fashion.
Photo Courtesy of WWD
TREND WATCH:
As Hannah Lizzy has noted, we’re in a sneaker slump. Everyone is getting sick of their Sambas, opting for more elevated footwear. In its place, we’re seeing lots of loafers, boat shoes, ballet flats, and even casual boots. Our favorites have been the Sperry x Aritzia boat shoe and Camel Toe Flats. Moreover, designers are reimagining the traditional sneaker, keeping its foundations while incorporating innovative design shifts like a Mary Jane buckle, dainty ballet silhouettes, and even open-back slip-on elements.
EVENTS:
Amazon Prime Day
Two full days of fashion, beauty, and home deals– we’ll be keeping an eye on the designer sales and beauty exclusives. Shop special deals on October 7-8th.
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025
The iconic runway returns with a new creative era; expect bold performances and high-fashion wings. Watch the show on Nov. 12th through Prime Video.
STYLE SPOTLIGHT: Allina Ai
Photo Courtesy of Allina Ai
Blending fashion as a form of expression, and style attainability, Allina Ai’s rock’n’roll chic style makes us reflect on our sense of personal style. She bridges the gap between grit and glamour, all while offering up trusted Amazon fashion picks. From sequins to studs, and ruffly chiffon to structured leather, we’re taking notes on how to encapsulate that Isabel Marant, Zadig Voltaire aesthetic on a budget.
MFMS PICKS: Substack Edition!
Meet our newest obsession: Substack. From style advice, to trend cycles, to what you need to buy to build the perfect capsule wardrobe–these authors have you covered. Unlike Vogue or Cosmo, these creators feel like trusted friends, offering unfiltered fashion takes and sharing personal style tid-bits that feel authentic. Here are a few of our faves:
WHY:
To inspire and educate the next generation of fashion industry leaders by connecting them to creative and professional opportunities across the retail world. The Michigan Fashion Media Summit is the premier platform for college students and industry professionals to collaborate and shape the future fabric of fashion.
