Saks Global, Inditex's fast fashion play, Richemont's success — and golf fashion with Malbon's founders
The Glossy Podcast · with Stephen and Erica Malbon · July 18, 2025 · 48 min
Summary
This episode provides a comprehensive look at the strategic moves and financial health of major players in the fashion industry. It covers Saks Global's financial scrutiny and new CFO appointment, Richemont's strong luxury market performance, and Inditex's expansion of Lefties to compete with Shein. The episode also features an interview with Malbon Golf founders on disrupting traditional golf attire and building a modern brand.
Key takeaways
Saks Global is undergoing significant financial scrutiny, indicated by their new CFO appointment, signaling potential operational shifts.
Richemont’s better-than-expected earnings suggest a robust luxury market, offering insights into high-end consumer spending resilience.
Inditex’s strategic expansion of Lefties into new markets directly targets Shein, intensifying competition in the ultra-low-priced fast fashion segment.
Malbon Golf successfully leverages unconventional marketing, like the Jason Day vest incident, to build brand awareness and challenge traditional sports apparel norms.
Founders can learn from Malbon Golf’s approach to brand building by blending edgy aesthetics with traditional markets to attract a new demographic and create a unique brand identity.
The episode highlights the importance of adapting to market changes and consumer demands, whether through financial adjustments, strategic expansions, or innovative product offerings.
On the Glossy Podcast, senior fashion reporter Danny Parisi and international reporter Zofia Zwieglinska break down some of the biggest fashion news of the week. This week, we discuss the current state of Saks Global, including the appointment of a new CFO at a time when the company’s finances are under increased scrutiny. We also talk about Richemont’s better-than-expected earnings and what they indicate for the state of the luxury industry. And finally, we break down Inditex’s decision to expand its ultra-low-priced fashion brand Lefties into new markets to compete more broadly with Shein. Later in the episode, we speak with Stephen and Erica Malbon, the co-founders of Malbon Golf. Malbon is known for its edgy, irreverent takes on traditional golf attire at a time when the sport is more popular than ever. Last year, one of Malbon’s athletes, Jason Day, was asked to change his Malbon vest on the course because it was too distracting, a fortuitous moment for a brand that’s intentionally trying to push the envelope of what golf attire can look like. Below are a few highlights from the conversation, lightly edited for clarity.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Saks Global is undergoing significant financial scrutiny, indicated by their new CFO appointment, signaling potential operational shifts.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Richemont’s better-than-expected earnings suggest a robust luxury market, offering insights into high-end consumer spending resilience.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Inditex’s strategic expansion of Lefties into new markets directly targets Shein, intensifying competition in the ultra-low-priced fast fashion segment.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Malbon Golf successfully leverages unconventional marketing, like the Jason Day vest incident, to build brand awareness and challenge traditional sports apparel norms.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Founders can learn from Malbon Golf’s approach to brand building by blending edgy aesthetics with traditional markets to attract a new demographic and create a unique brand identity.
