DTC Dispatch #048

LATEST NEWS

Kate Spade launches plus size apparel collab

Kate Spade is partnering with plus-size DTC brand Eloquii for a new holiday collection, according to a Thursday press release.

The 11-piece collection, described as "modern and feminine," includes bow-accented dresses, polka dot skirts, pink cocktail dresses, blazers, and blouses. Available in sizes 14 to 28, the collection is priced between $99 and $499 and is sold exclusively on Eloquii’s website.

Yesenia Leigh, Eloquii's VP of design, said the collaboration blends Eloquii’s expert fit with Kate Spade’s playful style, creating a collection that combines timeless elegance with modern fun.

Eloquii, now owned by FullBeauty Brands, has had several ownership changes, including being bought by Walmart in 2018 and later acquired by FullBeauty in 2023. Kate Spade, owned by Tapestry Inc., recently appointed a new president, Eva Erdmann, to boost the brand's growth.

Our take: Kate Spade's collaboration with Eloquii signals a thoughtful and timely shift in fashion, embracing inclusivity while blending high-end style with expert fit. With this 11-piece holiday collection, both brands are catering to the growing demand for fashionable options in extended sizes, which have long been underserved in the industry. By offering pieces ranging from size 14 to 28, the collection ensures that plus-size shoppers don’t have to compromise between fit and fashion.

What makes this partnership especially exciting is the balance between Kate Spade’s signature playful designs and Eloquii’s reputation for delivering impeccable fit. It’s a smart fusion of style and practicality, showing that modern, trend-forward fashion can be both size-inclusive and fun. The holiday focus also adds a layer of excitement, with pieces like bow-accented dresses and polka dot skirts designed to shine at seasonal events.

This collaboration is more than just a strategic business move for both companies—it's a celebration of body diversity. As more brands recognize the value in extending their size ranges, partnerships like this one set a new standard in the fashion industry. The key will be to see if such efforts continue beyond limited collections, helping to truly transform fashion into a space where everyone can find both style and fit.

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Holiday Inn Express is making clothing with a ‘hidden warming pocket’ for pancakes

If you missed out on the Hot Pocket cargo shorts in 2022—the ones with a special pocket for keeping your snack warm—you’ll want to jump on Holiday Inn Express’s latest quirky release: the Pancakesuit.

This cozy sweatsuit, available in adult and kid sizes, features a hoodie with a “hidden warming pocket” lined with heat-reflecting fabric to keep pancakes warm.

Known for its self-serve pancake machines, the hotel chain claims to serve 28 million pancakes annually across the U.S. and Canada. The Pancakesuits, adorned with embroidered pancakes, blueberries, and syrup, cost $99 for adults and $50 for kids.

This fun project is in collaboration with New Orleans streetwear brand Mr. Eatwell, known for their slogan, "Comfortable clothes for uncomfortable people."

Our take: Holiday Inn Express's Pancakesuit is a playful yet unconventional take on the intersection of fashion and food. Following the quirky trend set by Hot Pocket’s cargo shorts, the Pancakesuit takes it a step further with a hidden pocket designed to keep pancakes warm. While it may sound gimmicky, there's something irresistibly fun about a product that doesn't take itself too seriously.

What makes this collaboration particularly interesting is its partnership with Mr. Eatwell, a streetwear brand known for embracing comfort and eccentricity. The Pancakesuit isn't just an odd novelty—it taps into a growing market for casual wear that’s both cozy and boldly different. In a time when athleisure dominates, why not add a dash of humor and practicality (if you often need warm pancakes on the go)?

More than a marketing stunt, this product speaks to a broader cultural moment where fashion is increasingly becoming a canvas for self-expression, fun, and nostalgia. The Pancakesuit is a conversation piece that brings together the comfort of home and the spirit of the whimsical, making it a unique addition to anyone’s wardrobe—especially those who love to embrace the bizarre with a side of pancakes.

Pop Superstar Sabrina Carpenter Partners with Prada Beauty

Sabrina Carpenter, a longtime fan of Prada Beauty, is now officially the brand's latest partner. As she prepares for her sold-out fall tour, Carpenter, the seventh most-streamed artist globally, is a perfect fit with her signature dewy makeup looks.

"I’ve been a fan of Prada for years," Carpenter said, adding she’s excited for the brand’s upcoming releases.

Prada Beauty, launched in 2023, combines skincare-focused formulas with minimal packaging and bold color payoff, quickly gaining popularity. To explore their products, including those used by Carpenter, visit the brand's website.

Our take: Sabrina Carpenter’s partnership with Prada Beauty feels like a natural and exciting collaboration. As a rising pop star with a well-documented love for beauty and fashion, Carpenter’s signature dewy, radiant makeup looks have become as iconic as her music. Her ability to seamlessly blend artistry and style makes her a fitting ambassador for Prada Beauty.

Prada’s decision to partner with Carpenter, especially ahead of her sold-out fall tour, signals their intent to stay relevant with a younger, fashion-forward audience. Carpenter's global reach and status as one of the most-streamed artists align perfectly with Prada’s modern, minimalist approach to beauty. By embracing a star like Carpenter, who embodies both elegance and relatability, Prada Beauty is positioning itself as both aspirational and accessible.

The brand’s emphasis on skincare-forward formulas and eco-conscious packaging further resonates with today’s beauty consumers, who prioritize both results and sustainability. With Carpenter on board, Prada Beauty not only gains a devoted fan but also taps into a broader audience that values both performance and style. Ultimately, this collaboration reinforces Prada’s place in the beauty industry as a forward-thinking and influential brand.

How DTC brands can best approach retailers and win on-shelf

In today’s omnichannel landscape, digitally native natural product brands are increasingly moving into brick-and-mortar retail to boost awareness, drive product trials, and increase overall sales. Many have successfully transitioned from niche DTC labels to popular retail lines, achieving these objectives and more.

At the same time, retailers are actively seeking partnerships with innovative CPG brands to enhance their product offerings and attract more customers. This includes natural retailers, who have long supported emerging natural, organic, and local brands. Now, both small independent stores and larger chains like Whole Foods and Sprouts are intensifying their efforts to collaborate with standout digitally native brands.

Our take: The shift of digitally native natural product brands into brick-and-mortar retail marks a strategic evolution in today’s omnichannel landscape. By transitioning from niche DTC labels to physical stores, these brands can reach a wider audience, encourage product trials, and boost sales, blending the personalization of e-commerce with the credibility of established retailers.

For retailers, partnering with innovative CPG brands is equally advantageous. It helps attract health-conscious consumers and keeps them aligned with market trends. Natural retailers like Whole Foods and Sprouts are intensifying efforts to collaborate with standout digital brands, enhancing their reputations as curators of cutting-edge products.

This trend reflects a broader transformation in brand-retailer interactions, where online and in-store strategies create a more dynamic consumer experience.

Why linen has become a luxury fashion staple

While summer may be fading, linen is still very much in vogue. Known for its lightweight and breathable quality, this luxurious fabric has traditionally been favored by the affluent, often seen in smart-casual shirts and trousers. However, in recent years, linen has emerged as a fashion staple, dominating runways and wardrobes alike.

This summer, stylish shorts-and-shirt co-ord sets became essential holiday outfits, offering a range of options from bold prints to elegant monochromes. Its natural look and breathability make it ideal for warmer months, but its popularity shows no signs of waning. So, what accounts for linen's remarkable rise?

With its eco-friendly production and effortlessly chic appeal, linen aligns perfectly with the growing emphasis on sustainability and timeless design among leading fashion houses. Here, we explore why linen remains a luxury trend that is here to stay.

Our take: Linen's enduring appeal, especially as summer fades, speaks volumes about its versatility and timeless elegance. Traditionally associated with luxury and worn by the affluent, this fabric has gracefully transitioned into a fashion staple embraced by a broader audience. Its lightweight and breathable nature makes it perfect for warm weather, and the recent surge in stylish co-ord sets showcases its adaptability—from bold prints to sophisticated monochromes.

What’s particularly noteworthy is how linen’s rise reflects a larger trend in the fashion industry toward sustainability. As more consumers prioritize eco-friendly choices, linen stands out not only for its natural aesthetic but also for its environmentally responsible production methods. This alignment with sustainability enhances its status, making it a go-to choice for those who want to look good while being conscious of their environmental impact.

Moreover, the chic yet relaxed vibe of linen outfits resonates with today's desire for effortless style. As the fashion world shifts toward comfort without compromising on elegance, linen checks all the boxes. It’s exciting to see how this fabric, once reserved for high-end occasions, is now a staple in everyday wardrobes.

As we move forward, linen's blend of luxury, sustainability, and style ensures that it will continue to thrive in the fashion landscape. This isn’t just a passing trend; it's a fabric that has truly earned its place in our closets for years to come.