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event February 2025 Barclays Fireside Chat
In a conference call with Matt Clements and Sarah Roberts from Barclays Equity Research, Achim Berg discusses the state of the European fashion industry, exploring key challenges and future opportunities.
event January 2025 Barcelona Fashion Summit 2025
Achim Berg holds the opening keynote at the Barcelona Fashion Summit 2025, Spain’s largest fashion business event. Under the theme "Revolution: Breaking Fashion Paradigms", it will gather industry leaders to discuss transformative trends shaping fashion's future.
press October 2024 “Size is not in itself a guarantee for success”
Modaes.com by Pilar RiañoIn an interview with Pilar Riaño from Modaes, Achim delves into the future of the fashion industry.
He explains how SHEIN is disrupting fashion, similar to Inditex in the past, shaking up established business models. He also highlights the urgent need for regulators to step up, enforce sustainability standards and create a framework that holds fast fashion players accountable. He goes on to emphasize the importance of technological advances to make circularity a viable reality for the industry. Further, Achim addresses the growing polarization within the sector, where size increasingly matters and small brands are struggling to compete. Amidst this, he asserts that novelty and creativity remain crucial, ensuring cultural relevance and connecting brands with evolving consumer desires.
press August 2024 Scandinavian MIND Transformation conference Copenhagen 2024
scandinavianmind.comA fireside chat with Achim and Konrad Olsson at the Scandinavian MIND Transformation conference in Copenhagen.
Achim Berg reflects on the current state of the fashion industry, including the post-COVID boom and the industry's hard landing in the face of multiple global crises, a challenging macro economic environment, and weakening consumer demand. He also reflects on his personal career, the lessons learned at McKinsey, and provides insight into the plans for his new company.
linkedin Interview #24 - Caroline Pill, Global Sector Leader Fashion,...
Who’s Rising - and How? Cracking the Code of Success in Fashion and Luxury This was a central question in my recent conversation with Caroline Pill Global Sector Leader for Fashion, Luxury, and Beauty at Heidrick & Struggles. Caroline plays a key role in placing top-tier executives at leading global fashion, luxury and hashtag#beauty brands. Her work goes beyond traditional talent acquisition – it includes executive coaching and strategic leadership development, with a focus on building teams that combine cultural sensitivity with strategic vision. With more than 15 years of remarkable global experience (New York, Shanghai, London) in executive search, Caroline is the ideal expert to discuss how hashtag#leadership skill sets have evolved, what value formal education plays versus a person’s practical experience, and to hear her thoughts on gender hashtag#diversity in executive roles – particularly her passionate advocacy for hashtag#empowering hashtag#women in hiring practices. Thank you again, Caroline for sharing your valuable insights with the FashionSIGHTS community - I really enjoyed our conversation in London. This interview is part of my series for my upcoming book on The Future of Fashion.
press May 2024 Lemonade is made with lemons and how Shein snuck into the Su...
Modeas.com by Pilar RiañoAchim speaks about circular business models, emphasizing the need to make these models more profitable in order to achieve sustainable growth.
The second day of the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen focused on sustainability, circular business models, and overproduction, with critiques of the fashion industry's current practices, including Shein's business model. Speakers emphasized the need for transformative change in the industry, highlighting circularity, creativity, and new regulations, while acknowledging challenges like reduced margins and increased complexity. The French government’s anti-Shein law, aimed at fast fashion regulation, and the call for companies to adapt to new market trends, were key topics discussed.
linkedin The 2025 Forbes Billionaires List is out - and it’s clear: F...
The combined net worth of fashion and luxury billionaires in the Forbes Top 200 fell to $522bn, down 16% from $617bn in 2024. That decline is mirrored in the number of fashion/luxury figures in the Top 200: just 10 in 2025, compared to 14 last year. Notable drop-offs include: • Giorgio Armani now ranked #208 with $11.8bn • Sky Xu (Shein Shein) now #323, net worth down by $2bn • Michael Rubin (Fanatics slipped to #248 • Nicolas Puech (Hermès heir, 5% stake): dropped entirely Last year, Bernard Arnault (LVMH) briefly claimed the top spot as the world’s richest. But tech is back on top: Elon Musk has reclaimed #1 with a net worth of $342bn (as of March), while Arnault fell to #5, with his fortune down to $178bn (from $233bn). ...
press February 2025 Achim Berg Launches FashionSights, an Independent Think Tank
WWD.com by Evan ClarkWWD provides exclusive coverage of Achim’s vision for FashionSIGHTS, a day before its official business launch.
In an exclusive press release, Achim is quoted on his idea behind founding FashionSIGHTS to provide in-depth insights and advise fashion and luxury decision-makers in an increasingly complex landscape. The article highlights FashionSIGHTS' unique proprietary insights engine and the four core pillars upon which the think tank is built. Achim's ongoing influence in shaping fashion's future is underscored by his recent co-edited report with WWD which analyzes the wealth creation of fashion and luxury billionaires on the Forbes 200 list over the past 24 years.
press February 2025 Achim Berg Launches an independent Think Tank dedicated to t...
Modaes.comModaes reports on Achim’s newly launched corporate think tank FashionSights.
The leading Spanish industry publication describes FashionSIGHTS as the start of a new chapter that allows Achim to follow his passion for the fashion industry by providing strategic guidance to decision-makers, supported by in-depth research on the industry’s past, present and future. This approach sets FashionSIGHTS apart from traditional consulting firms, offering long-term advice rather than just project-based advisory. Modaes also highlights Achim’s continued impact on the Spanish market, including his keynote to open the Modaes Fashion Business Summit earlier this month and his advisory mandate for Mango.
linkedin July 2025 Interview #33 - Lauren Sherman, Fashion Correspondent, PUCK
Why luxury is like toothpaste: squeezed out and consumed, often without much thought. My latest interview with Lauren, fashion correspondent at Puck and host of the podcast #Fashion #People, was a real standout. Lauren brings sharp insight and unfiltered commentary to the world of fashion and luxury. In our conversation, we unpacked how luxury became mainstream, the unexpected role of digital music, the pandemic’s accelerant effect - and why luxury now finds itself in a moment of crisis. It was pointed, thought-provoking, and thoroughly entertaining: just like her podcast, which I highly recommend. Lauren and I first connected years ago when she was with The Business of Fashion and I was co-editing the State of Fashion report. Reconnecting and diving into the fashion landscape - candidly and without hesitation - was a real pleasure. This conversation is part of my ongoing interview series for my upcoming book on the Future of Fashion.
linkedin Interview #36 - Sima Ved, Founder & Chairwoman, Apparel Grou...
Why #Dubai Is Emerging as the New #Gateway for #Fashion in the GCC and Beyond That was at the heart of my conversation with Sima Ganwani Ved, Founder and Chairwoman of Apparel Group, during my recent visit to Dubai. We spoke about the region’s remarkable economic resilience, its smart and decisive handling of the pandemic, and the bold ambitions shaping both Dubai’s growth and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Together, these forces have transformed Dubai into not just a #magnet for #tourism, but also a hub for #talent, #innovation, and high-net-worth individuals. But what stood out most in our conversation was Sima’s perspective on Dubai’s evolving role as a #launchpad for #fashion retail, not only across the GCC but also into India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. I left our meeting at her beautiful home in Emirates Hills truly inspired - by the opportunities ahead for the region and by the drive of local entrepreneurs. Sima is a widely respected business leader, and I’m grateful she took the time to share her insights with me. This conversation is part of the interview series for my upcoming book about the Future of Fashion.
linkedin July 2025 Interview #35 - Claus-Dietrich Lahrs, Former CEO Hugo Boss &...
Why the #luxury industry must #prioritize #resilience and #desirability over high-risk expansion Claus-Dietrich and I first met around 15 years ago when he was leading the repositioning and internationalization of BOSS. Over the years, he has held senior leadership roles at iconic brands such as Cartier (part of Richemont), Christian Dior Couture (part of LVMH) and Bottega Veneta (part of Kering) giving him a rare, insider perspective on the inner workings of the world’s leading luxury groups. He is also one of the few Germans to have worked at such a high level in this global industry. Our conversation began with the meaning of luxury, the pivotal role Japan played in its global expansion, and how the industry broadened its appeal beyond its traditional clientele. We also explored how luxury lifestyles have become more refined and exclusive - and how sustainability and desirability will shape what’s next. It was a real pleasure to host Claus-Dietrich for lunch at our Wiesbaden office and to reflect together on both the hindsight and foresight shaping luxury today. This conversation is part of my interview series for my upcoming book on the future of fashion.
linkedin July 2025 What have I learned from 33 #interviews about the #Future of...
Since October last year, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing 33 inspiring individuals across the fashion industry: #CEOs, #editors, hashtag#entrepreneurs, #creatives, #sustainability #advocates, #headhunters, and #startup #founders. From discount to luxury, New York to Stockholm to London, RTW to FTW: each conversation offered a unique lens on the past 15 years of fashion and insightful perspectives on where we’re headed next. Three key takeaways so far: 1. To predict the future, we must understand the past. #HindSIGHT is essential to develop true #ForeSIGHT. 2. We are often #too #focused on the #short #term. While current business pressures are real, meaningful strategy demands a longer-term view. 3. #People are incredibly #open and #generous with their time. What started as conversations with friends has turned into a broad dialogue. Most doors I knock on open - and it’s a privilege to spend 90 minutes learning from such brilliant minds. Talk more, share more. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has shared their thoughts so far - and to those featured in my sneak peeks: Vanessa Friedman, Claus P. Fischer, Michael Werner, Hermann Haraldsson, Stefania Lazzaroni, Jörgen Andersson, Thomas Tochtermann, Maximilian Bittner, Caroline Pill, James Fallon, Mats Klingberg, Helena Helmersson, Colin Browne, Eric Liu At least 66 more conversations are planned, and I can’t wait to continue this journey. The book will be published in 2026: stay tuned!
press April 2025 Why “Creative Director” is Fashion’s Favorite Job Title
WWD by Miles SochaAchim comments on why high street brands are beginning to bring in creative directors.
Luxury’s ongoing game of musical chairs started to influence the mid- and premium-priced segments, with a growing number of fashion chains recently appointing their first creative directors. Achim describes this trend as a form of “marketing” - a strategic move for brands looking to elevate their image and move further into premium. While many already have creative teams in place, formalizing the role and putting a face to it adds a personal touch that signals a new chapter for the brand and solidifies a clearer brand vision. Achim draws a parallel to European heritage houses, where a visionary creative lead helped define a renewed purpose and recognizable aesthetic.
press April 2025 Show goes on for Ralph Lauren as fashion reels from Trump ta...
The Guardian by Chloe Mac DonnellAchim shares his view on navigating uncertainty and brand priorities.
Fashion and luxury brands are particularly vulnerable to Trump’s newly imposed tariffs on imported goods, due to the industry’s heavy reliance on Asia-centric supply chains. With ongoing confusion around the scope and timing of these measures, many brands remain unsure of the actual impact. Yet Achim emphasizes that moments of uncertainty are exactly when brands should reassess what they do. He highlights the importance of leaning into marketing and brand events to strengthen emotional connections and reinforce brand positioning. Ralph Lauren embraces this mindset, going ahead with his show despite the volatility triggered by Trump.
press June 2025 A50 – The list of the 50 most important Germans in fashion
Achtung & FAZ magazine by Alfons Kaiser, Jennifer Wiebking, Markus Ebner, Alex Rottenmanner, Nicole Urbschat, Silke WichertAchim ranks No.10 on Achtung magazine’s annual “A50” list acknowledging his lasting industry influence and founding of FashionSIGHTS.
For the first time, FashionSIGHTS founder and managing director Dr. Achim Berg has landed on Achtung magazine’s annual “A50” list - a ranking that spotlights influential German individuals shaping the global fashion landscape. He debuts at No.10, just behind Mytheresa CEO Michael Kliger and Chloé creative director Chemena Kamali.
The magazine highlights Achim’s lasting influence on the industry, citing his role in establishing McKinsey’s global Fashion & Luxury practice and his standing as one of the most quoted business voices in the field. His founding of FashionSIGHTS is recognized as a timely and strategic move, that unites data-based hindsight and foresight with deep industry expertise at a time of fundamental industry transformation.