Hermès Ups Bag Production and Prices as Chanel Enlists Kendrick Lamar for Eyewear Push in This Week's Top Fashion News

In this week's top fashion news, luxury houses roll out new strategies to weather uncertain conditions, and contemporary designers and ambassadors continue to push their fresh perspectives.

After sharing that its prices would increase, Hermès has also added that it will boost bag production with the opening of several new artisanal factories in France. Another iconic French label, Chanel, is making different moves as it unveiled Kendrick Lamar's first campaign, promoting the brand's eyewear ahead of Matthieu Blazy's debut. Elsewhere, Kering's flagship brand Gucci is making headlines for dragging the conglomerate's revenue down with a 25% drop in sales in Q1. In the contemporary landscape, French designer Jacquemus has opened an LA outpost, and Willy Chavarria dropped his SS25 collection "América," which includes an ACLU partnership. Finally, F1 champion Lewis Hamilton unveiled a new capsule with Dior inspired by the aesthetics of Afrofuturism.

Below, Hypebeast has rounded up the top fashion stories of the week so you can stay up to date on trends in the industry.

Hermès Will Boost Handbag Production As Sales Flourish Amidst Uncertainty

Following an earlier announcement that handbag prices would be raised in light of US tariffs, Hermès will continue to increase handbag production as its sales outperform those of its competitors. From now until 2028, Hermès has revealed a plan to progressively strengthen its production capacities, opening a Loupes factory next year, a Charleville-Mézières factory in 2027, and a Colombelles workshop for its Kelly and Constance bags in 2028. However, customers will already see production increase this year as the label plants the opening of its Isle d’Espagnac factory in central France. Last week, the exclusive French label made headlines for replacing LVMH as the world’s most valuable luxury stock as it reached a market cap of $276.3 billion USD. Achieving 9% revenue increase in Q1 of this year, the company wowed investors with growth across all regions where it operates. Its leather goods performed particularly well, showing a 10% rise driven by new models like the Médor and Mousqueton bags.

Kendrick Lamar Leads Chanel's SS25 Eyewear Campaign

Following the official announcement of Kendrick Lamar's ambassadorship with Chanel, the rapper inaugurated his debut campaign as the face of its eyewear division. Starring in the Chanel Spring/Summer 2025 eyewear campaign Lamar is pictured in frames with fellow ambassadors Lupita Nyong’o, Margaret Qualley and Nana Komatsu. "Musician and House ambassador Kendrick Lamar shares his own take on the allure of CHANEL, sporting a pair of sunglasses from the CHANEL Spring-Summer 2025 eyewear collection, adorned with delicate crystal beads," the maison said in an Instagram post. Designer Matthieu Blazy also began his official role as creative director at Chanel in April and is set to debut his first collection for the historic fashion label this summer.

Gucci Reports 25% Sales Drop

Midweek, Gucci-parent Kering reported that its revenue fell by 14% first quarter of 2025, echoing weak results reported by competitors earlier in the month. According to a report from WWD, Kering cited weak store traffic and weak wholesale numbers at Gucci as drivers of the low performance. Kering's flagship Gucci, which made 63% of its operating profit in 2024, added a heavy burden to the report with a 25% drop in sales in the first quarter. Elsewhere, Saint Laurent fell 9% while “other houses” (Balenciaga, McQueen, Pomellato and Brioni) dropped by 11%. However, sales at Bottega Veneta increased by 4% and the eyewear division of Kering reported a 3% pickup.

Willy Chavarria's SS25 "América" Collection Is Here

Willy Chavarria has unveiled the campaign for his SS25 collection “América," featuring his signature sporty tailoring. Debuted at New York Fashion Week last September, the collection includes "Willy Chavarria Fashion Services” work shirts, oversized khaki twill sets. I got a lot of inspiration from the United Farm Workers Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, the women’s liberation movements of the past that have truly brought people together to create change,” Chavarria said at the show. “But also the guy going to work at AT&T with his name on his shirt and his keyring hanging from his pocket because he’s about to open the store.” Elsewhere, washed T-shirts and caps boast “América” lettering, the ACLU logo, and produce-inspired illustrations.

Jacquemus Cuts the Ribbon on "The Los Angeles Boutique"

Jacquemus has opened “The Los Angeles Boutique,” a brand-new shop in the SoCal city’s West Hollywood neighborhood, evoking a local rustic home with a collector’s spirit. At the entrance,e olive trees and lavender bushes greet guests to the 255 square meter boutique. The French label compared the California outpost to Simon’s office at the brand’s Paris headquarters, calling it “intimate and generous," in an official release. The interiors are decorated with small antique vases, Jean Royére Chaise Croisillons, mid-century candelabras, specially-commissioned ceramic pieces, Brutalist stools from Spain, and a Frank Lloyd Wright table lamp. To celebrate the store’s opening, Jacquemus is also selling “Yellow Flower Bouquet” and “Fresh Banana Ice Cream” tickets to a pop-up market at the store, which will be open from April 24 to 27.⁠

Lewis Hamilton's Latest Dior Capsule Collection Channels Afrofuturism

Exploring themes in Afrofuturism, Lewis Hamilton has returned with a new Dior capsule inspired by his trip to Morocco, Senegal, Mozambique, Benin, and Madagascar last summer. In a statement shared with WWD he said, “I heard so many incredible stories that inspired me to imagine the future of Black culture. The way we tell stories through art, science,e and philosophy is really special. Seeing these ideas brought to life through color and movement inspired me.” A striking leopard-print tweed is used for relaxed shorts, shirts, a hooded jacket, and a blouson, symbolizing “where afrofuturism and Dior historicism ultimately meet,” according to the brand.

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