In the ever-changing world of fashion, late December 2025 has proven to be a period of dramatic shifts, bold debuts, and extravagant statements. Whether it’s billion-euro deals, avant-garde sneaker launches, or the humble glove’s rise to stardom, the industry seems determined to end the year with a bang—and perhaps a few gasps of disbelief.
Arguably the biggest headline comes from Italy, where Golden Goose, the luxury sneaker brand known for its “perfectly imperfect” aesthetic, has entered a new era. According to Hypebeast, the Chinese private equity fund HSG has snapped up a majority stake in Golden Goose for a staggering 2.5 billion euros. The deal, which also includes minority investments from Singapore’s Temasek and True Light Capital, marks a strategic pivot for the brand, steering it toward what insiders are calling a “next-generation luxury” model. While rumors of a public offering had swirled for months, this private acquisition signals a clear commitment to rapid, global expansion.
Despite the change in ownership, stability seems to be the mantra at Golden Goose. Silvio Campara will stay on as CEO, and in a move that has industry watchers buzzing, Marco Bizzarri—formerly the head of Gucci—has been named non-executive chairman. The numbers tell a story of momentum: revenues have soared from 266 million euros in 2020 to a projected 655 million euros for 2024. The brand is doubling down on its artisanal Italian roots and signature distressed look, betting that these qualities will continue to fuel its international growth.
But Golden Goose isn’t the only brand making waves. Over in Japan, a powerhouse collaboration is reshaping the sneaker landscape. ASICS and Miyake Design Studio have joined forces for the “ISSEY MIYAKE FOOT” project, which Hypebeast describes as a “radical reimagining” of the relationship between foot and footwear. The showpiece? The HYPER TAPING sneaker, set to drop on January 5, 2026. Inspired by athletic taping, the shoe features thick elastic bands that wrap the foot for stability, a wrestling-inspired outsole, and a responsive SPEVA midsole. Originally previewed at the IM MEN Spring/Summer 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week, this collaboration fuses ASICS’ technical know-how with Issey Miyake’s experimental, body-centric design philosophy. The sneaker will be available in Green, Black, and Grey, and is already being hailed as a new benchmark in avant-garde footwear.
Meanwhile, in the rarefied world of luxury streetwear, rapper Drake is pushing boundaries—and price tags. On December 26, 2025, Drake unveiled an ultra-exclusive Nike NOCTA x Chrome Hearts collection, the highlight of which is a camo “Realtree” puffer jacket retailing at an eye-watering $39,000. As Hypebeast reports, this isn’t just any outerwear: the jacket is meticulously crafted from premium Italian leather, adorned with Chrome Hearts’ iconic crosses, and finished with sterling silver dagger zippers. The drop was handled with extreme exclusivity, available only through private “friends and family” channels and select Chrome Hearts flagship stores. The collection also includes more “accessible” t-shirts and crewnecks, but the sheer scarcity and craftsmanship of the puffer have already made it a holy grail among high-end collectors.
Architectural innovation is also taking center stage, particularly in Seoul’s vibrant Itaewon district. WOOYOUNGMI, the Korean fashion label, has opened its second flagship store, designed by the Swiss-Italian firm Stocker Lee Architetti. The building, described by Hypebeast as a “discreet urban monolith,” features a striking duality of materials: a base of textured, vitrified concrete topped by luminous glass blocks that transform the store into a glowing lantern at night. Inside, the multi-level layout follows the site’s natural slope, creating what’s been called a “silently cinematic” retail experience. The design eschews overt branding, instead focusing on spatial clarity and a tactile palette of stone, steel, and wood—an homage to the brand’s devotion to materiality.
Not to be outdone, Saint Laurent has made a bold leap into Asia with the opening of its “Rive Droite” flagship in Sanlitun, Beijing. Under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello, the three-story space is more than just a store—it’s a multidisciplinary cultural hub where high fashion, contemporary art, and collectible design intersect. The exterior boasts a ribbed velvet-effect concrete façade, while the interiors are punctuated by softly lit panels and curated furniture from design legends like Charlotte Perriand and Frank Lloyd Wright. To celebrate the launch, Saint Laurent introduced the “Rive Droite Snow Edition,” a debut collection of high-performance ski gear and winter essentials. Following the success of its Paris and Los Angeles locations, the Beijing flagship promises ongoing artistic collaborations and exclusive cultural programming, further blurring the lines between commerce and culture.
On the big screen, the A24 film Marty Supreme is shaking up the world of cinematic merchandising. Starring Timothée Chalamet, the film has turned the actor into a “living billboard,” as Hypebeast puts it, frequently spotted in various colorways of a Nahmias windbreaker retailing for $250. But here’s the twist: instead of flooding the market with mass-produced merchandise, the campaign adopted a slow-release, high-profile approach, targeting celebrities like the Jenner sisters and Tom Brady. This selectivity has sent demand soaring, with the windbreakers already fetching over $1,000 on the secondary market. By partnering with emerging labels such as Nahmias and Golf Wang, A24 has demonstrated that the most effective movie marketing happens when it sparks organic cultural conversations, rather than relying on saturation.
While the headlines are dominated by big deals and high-concept launches, the quieter trends of the season shouldn’t be overlooked. According to Harper’s BAZAAR, gloves have become the essential accessory for winter 2026—not just for warmth, but as a key element in completing any cold-weather ensemble. From knit to technical, fingerless to mittens, this year’s gloves are being coordinated with coats, scarves, hats, and even turtlenecks. Fashion houses are having fun with the trend, reinterpreting glove designs through both contemporary and retro lenses, and focusing on ultra-soft materials and a wide variety of styles. The message is clear: in 2026, even the most practical items can be a canvas for personal expression.
As the fashion world looks ahead to 2026, it’s clear that the industry is embracing both spectacle and substance. Whether it’s a billion-euro acquisition, a sneaker that redefines the foot-shoe relationship, or a pair of gloves that completes a winter look, innovation and exclusivity are the name of the game. In this landscape, brands that blend heritage with bold new ideas—and a touch of high drama—are the ones setting the pace.
