Editors' Top Reads: News from Sephora, Liberty, Celine and more...
Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.beauty team.
Sephora continues UK retail roll-out with new store in Newcastle
Sephora has revealed the location of its fourth UK store this week. Following openings at the two London Westfields and the announcement that it will be heading to Manchester this summer, the retailer's next location will be Eldon Square in Newcastle.
Eldon Square is set for a major revamp, turning it into a leading retail and leisure destination in the UK. And, what’s more, a new NEXT department store, which will feature its home and beauty concept, is also on the way, which will make it a leading beauty destination too.
Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief
Here's everything you need to know about Liberty's new luxury fragrance lounge
If you haven't visited already, get yourself over to Liberty London to check out its new scent-sational fragrance lounge. Can't wait until then? Read our rundown on the destination and what it has to offer here.
Situated on the lower ground floor, The Fragrance Lounge encourages shoppers to indulge, linger and explore in a beautifully designed space that oozes elegance and luxury. The area is defined by a unique concierge service for guests to discover fragrances based on olfactory family rather than brand, alongside a number of dedicated counters from a mix of renowned and disruptive brands, including Liberty’s own LBTY, which debuted in October last year. I particularly love the playful art installation by artist Tasha Marks, which displays 3D-scanned noses of customers, perfumers, and those behind the brand - how fun!
The launch marks a significant investment in the beauty category by Liberty and only further enhances its fragrance offer on the back of exclusive launches like BIBBI Parfum and LBTY last year. Once launched, fragrance sales are expected to increase by 35% - if this is the case, it seems to be a smart investment from the iconic department store.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
Celine is the latest luxury brand to branch into beauty
This week, LVMH-owned Celine teased the launch of its debut cosmetics line. The brand revealed the launch by posting the "LA COLLECTION DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE" film on Instagram to mark "the first cosmetics line in the house’s history".
Though a double 'C' stamped lipstick promises to become a standout on my vanity, this collection signals more than just new products entering an oversaturated market. It points to a wider trend of luxury brands harnessing the power of beauty and its profitability.
Celine isn't the first luxury fashion brand to expand into the world of colour cosmetics. In fact, it may be one of the last. Kering's Dolce & Gabbana took its beauty brand in-house last year, and if Victoria Beckham has taught us anything, it's that beauty is bringing in the big bucks.
Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.
Djerf Avenue expands into beauty with new styling duo
Swedish fashion brand Djerf Avenue is entering the beauty category for the first time with two new haircare products. The new category will launch on 27 March with a volume spray and multi-use styling gel, each inspired by founder Matilda Djerf's signature hair looks (a bouncy blowout and perfect slicked-back bun).
Established in Sweden in 2019, Djerf Avenue has experienced rapid growth on the back of its existing clothing, accessories and homeware lines. So, will Matilda and her eponymous label find success in beauty too? I'd say likely, and I look forward to seeing how it develops following this initial launch too.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
