Nila Kartika Wati
The Business of Fashion (BoF) is proud to announce that BoF VOICES 2026, its annual flagship gathering for the global fashion community’s most influential thinkers, will convene from December 1st to December 4th, 2026, at a prestigious venue in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. This year’s edition will feature an unparalleled lineup of industry titans, including Luca de Meo, CEO of Kering; Sidney Toledano, CEO of LVMH Fashion Group; Michelle Gass, CEO of Levi Strauss & Co.; Joanne Crevoiserat, CEO of Tapestry, Inc.; and Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of Saks Global. These esteemed leaders are set to share their strategic visions and insights into navigating the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of the fashion industry.
The annual BoF VOICES summit has, since its inception, established itself as a pivotal platform for high-level discourse, fostering innovation and driving forward critical conversations that shape the future of fashion. Held against the backdrop of a world grappling with significant economic shifts, technological advancements, and evolving consumer expectations, BoF VOICES 2026 arrives at a crucial juncture. The discussions anticipated at this year’s event will undoubtedly delve into the perennial challenges of sustainability, digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and the imperative for inclusivity and diversity within the sector.
A Legacy of Influence and Insight
BoF VOICES, a cornerstone event in the fashion calendar, is renowned for bringing together the brightest minds to dissect pressing issues and forge collaborative solutions. Over the years, the summit has hosted an array of influential figures, from brand magnates and design luminaries to technology innovators and sustainability advocates. The event’s curated format, often held in inspiring and intimate settings, facilitates deep engagement and meaningful connections, moving beyond superficial pronouncements to foster genuine dialogue and strategic foresight. Past editions have seen landmark discussions on topics such as the metaverse’s impact on luxury, the circular economy’s practical implementation, and the future of retail in an omnichannel world. The choice of Oxfordshire for BoF VOICES 2026, a region known for its academic excellence and serene, conducive environment for contemplation, suggests a focus on in-depth strategic planning and forward-thinking discussions.
Key Figures and Their Strategic Mandates
The roster of speakers for BoF VOICES 2026 represents a formidable collective of leadership experience across diverse segments of the fashion industry, from the pinnacle of luxury to the heart of accessible apparel and iconic heritage brands.
Luca de Meo, CEO of Kering: Kering, a global leader in luxury goods, oversees a portfolio of renowned houses including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga. De Meo’s participation signals a critical opportunity to gain insights into Kering’s strategies for maintaining brand desirability, navigating the complexities of the Chinese market, and its ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation within the ultra-luxury segment. Kering has been a vocal proponent of environmental responsibility, with ambitious targets for reducing its ecological footprint. Discussions at VOICES are likely to explore how Kering is integrating these principles into its core business operations and brand narratives.
Sidney Toledano, CEO of LVMH Fashion Group: As head of LVMH’s extensive fashion division, which encompasses brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Fendi, Toledano holds immense influence. His presence at BoF VOICES suggests a focus on LVMH’s unparalleled ability to manage a diverse stable of iconic luxury brands, its approach to digital engagement, and its long-term vision for growth in a dynamic global market. LVMH has consistently demonstrated a mastery of brand heritage combined with forward-looking innovation, making Toledano’s perspective on sustaining such a powerful empire particularly valuable.
Michelle Gass, CEO of Levi Strauss & Co.: Gass leads one of the world’s most recognizable apparel brands, synonymous with denim and enduring style. Her insights will likely address the challenges and opportunities facing a heritage brand in the contemporary market, including strategies for product innovation, direct-to-consumer (DTC) expansion, and maintaining relevance across generations. Levi’s has also been increasingly focused on sustainability, particularly in water usage and material innovation, aspects that will likely be a key part of her address.
Joanne Crevoiserat, CEO of Tapestry, Inc.: Tapestry, the parent company of Coach, Kate Spade New York, and Stuart Weitzman, operates in the accessible luxury space. Crevoiserat’s insights will be crucial for understanding strategies in brand revitalization, multi-brand portfolio management, and tapping into evolving consumer desires for value and style. Tapestry has been actively pursuing a digital-first approach and focusing on customer-centricity, themes that are central to current retail strategies.
Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of Saks Global: Van Raemdonck leads Saks Fifth Avenue, a renowned luxury retailer. His perspective will offer a critical view from the retail side of the industry, focusing on how luxury retailers are adapting to changing shopping habits, the integration of online and offline experiences, and the curation of exclusive offerings. Saks’ recent strategic moves, including its focus on digital transformation and enhancing the customer experience, will undoubtedly be central to his discussions.
Anticipated Themes and Strategic Imperatives
The confluence of these industry leaders at BoF VOICES 2026 is expected to generate robust discussions around several critical themes that are defining the current and future trajectory of the fashion industry:
- The Future of Luxury: With Kering and LVMH represented, the summit will likely delve into how the ultra-luxury sector is adapting to changing consumer demographics, the rise of new markets, and the perpetual quest for exclusivity and craftsmanship in an increasingly digitized world. This includes exploring the role of NFTs, the metaverse, and digital identity in luxury consumption.
- Sustainability as a Business Imperative: Fashion’s environmental and social impact remains a paramount concern. Leaders from Levi’s and Tapestry, alongside luxury conglomerates, will likely address practical strategies for implementing circular business models, reducing waste, improving supply chain transparency, and meeting consumer demand for ethically produced goods. Data consistently shows that consumers, particularly younger demographics, are increasingly prioritizing brands with strong sustainability credentials. For instance, a recent report by the Global Fashion Agenda indicated that over 60% of consumers consider sustainability when making fashion purchases.
- Digital Transformation and Omnichannel Retail: The pandemic accelerated the shift towards online shopping, and brands are now grappling with how to create seamless, engaging experiences that bridge the physical and digital realms. Speakers will likely share their approaches to e-commerce, social commerce, AI-driven personalization, and the evolving role of physical retail spaces. The success of DTC models and the integration of immersive digital experiences will be key discussion points.
- Brand Resilience and Adaptability: In an era of unpredictable global events, economic volatility, and shifting consumer preferences, the ability of brands to remain agile and resilient is crucial. The leaders will likely share their strategies for navigating supply chain disruptions, geopolitical uncertainties, and the imperative to consistently innovate while staying true to brand DNA.
- Inclusivity and Diversity: The fashion industry is under increasing scrutiny to reflect the diversity of its global customer base. Discussions are anticipated to cover strategies for fostering more inclusive brand messaging, diversifying design teams and leadership, and creating products that resonate with a broader range of consumers.
Broader Impact and Implications
The insights and strategies shared at BoF VOICES 2026 will have far-reaching implications for the global fashion ecosystem. For emerging designers and smaller brands, the summit offers a unique opportunity to learn from the best and understand the strategic frameworks that drive success at the highest levels. For investors and financial analysts, the discussions will provide valuable intelligence on market trends, competitive landscapes, and the long-term viability of different business models. Furthermore, for policymakers and industry organizations, the conversations will inform ongoing efforts to address systemic challenges related to sustainability, labor practices, and market regulation.
The Business of Fashion has consistently positioned itself as a vital conduit for knowledge exchange and strategic dialogue within the fashion industry. BoF VOICES 2026, with its distinguished lineup and timely focus, promises to be another landmark event, offering a critical lens through which to understand and shape the future of fashion in a rapidly changing world. The discussions held in Oxfordshire are expected to resonate throughout the industry, influencing business strategies, consumer perceptions, and the very definition of success in the fashion sector for years to come.
The event’s timing, set for the first week of December 2026, places it at a pivotal moment, allowing leaders to reflect on the year’s performance and strategize for the upcoming fiscal year. This period often sees significant shifts in market sentiment and consumer spending patterns, making the strategic foresight shared at VOICES particularly relevant. The ongoing evolution of artificial intelligence, the increasing demand for personalization, and the persistent drive towards a more circular economy will undoubtedly be at the forefront of these high-level exchanges. The presence of CEOs from both powerhouse luxury conglomerates and leading accessible brands, alongside an iconic denim company and a prominent luxury retailer, ensures a comprehensive spectrum of perspectives, covering the entire value chain and diverse market segments.
BoF VOICES 2026 is poised to be an essential gathering, offering a crucial roadmap for the industry’s navigation of the complex challenges and exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
