The Indicator | January 23rd, 2026

By Sonal Gandhi
The Lead

In this week’s news, Kenneth Cole embarks on a major international expansion, H&M collaborates with E.l.f and Brunello Cucinelli launches an AI-powered e-commerce platform. Meanwhile, Tom Holland’s NA Beer BERO gets private-equity backing. 

'INNOVATION MOVES'

  • Kenneth Cole is launching a major international expansion into 30 countries, with Europe as a key growth engine, starting with Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This includes a new Dusseldorf showroom and the launch of kennethcole.eu and kennethcole.co.uk e-commerce. The brand is using a flexible hybrid business model with a strategic operating partner alongside wholesale and franchise relationships. (WWD

  • Brunello Cucinelli launched an AI-powered e-commerce platform, “Callimacus,” developed by Solomei AI, available now in Italy, the U.S., and the U.K., with a global rollout planned. This evolution of the 2024 site uses “human artificial intelligence” to offer a personalized experience by interpreting user intent without conventional pages. (WWD)

  • E.l.f. is entering the fragrance market with a limited-time global collaboration with H&M, “Make It Make Scents.” The partnership offers three perfumes inspired by E.l.f.’s popular products (Power Grip, Halo Glow, Camo Blend), available online and in select H&M stores worldwide. This is E.l.f.’s first global fashion collaboration and H&M’s first beauty partnership, reflecting their shared values of creativity, accessibility, and inclusivity. (WWD)

  • Levi Strauss & Co. launched the Levi’s Wear Longer Project in partnership with Discovery Education, providing free resources to teach high school students how to repair and refresh their clothing. The initiative began with a workshop at Levi’s Eureka Innovation Lab for San Francisco students, with future workshops planned throughout the year, including during Super Bowl weekend in February. (Retail Dive

  • Hiya launched Kids Daily Fiber+ a standalone, high-potency powder designed specifically for kids to meaningfully support pediatric gut health. Hiya uses a blend of Organic Inulin, Resistant Vegetable Fiber, Psyllium Husk, and Dragon Fruit to cover every aspect of digestion. 

  • Dick’s Sporting Goods is now shipping 80% of online orders from its ~900 stores, up from 70% in 2021. This degree of omnichannel fulfillment requires thoughtful labor scheduling and having the right people, right roles in stores to successfully fulfill online promises. (Retail Brew)

'Financial Moves'

  • BERO (NA Beer by actor Tom Holland and Foremost 50 Brand of 2026) secured a private-equity backing from Paine Schwartz Partners.

  • Ex Nihilo (luxury perfume) sold a minority stake to L Catterton.

  • Evergreen Waffles (health frozen breakfast/Foremost 50 Brand) raised capital from Next Ventures.

Financial Moves Powered by MMG Advisors

'Career Moves'

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