Jenni Baden HowardIn breaking executive news this morning, Coty has tapped Beatrice Ballini as its new Lead Independent Director. The announcement follows the resignation of Johannes Huth from the Coty board. Ballini has served as a board member, and Chair of Coty’s Remuneration and Nomination Committee.
Making headlines in fragrance, TSG Consumer, a leading private equity firm specializing in consumer brands, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire PHLUR, a modern fragrance brand recognized for its emotion-led storytelling and accessible positioning. Chriselle Lim, Creative Director, will continue in her role and retain a meaningful stake alongside Ben Bennett’s The Center, a renowned beauty accelerator that partnered with PHLUR in 2021. Prelude Growth Partners will exit its investment in PHLUR as part of the transaction. Also in fragrance news, Interparfums SA has unveiled its first own, in-house perfume brand: Solférino Paris. The new range pays homage to the company’s landmark Paris headquarters, in the 7th arrondissement, which it acquired in 2021. Speaking of scent, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, creator of Baccarat Rouge, has cut the ribbon on a new, immersive boutique within Harrods in London, marking “a significant milestone” according to a brand statement.
Here at CEW, we go turn the spotlight on Odele, the hair care brand which has seen a consistent, double-digit growth year over year since launching in January 2020, with an impressive 60% growth in 2024. “To capitalize on this momentum and accelerate the next chapter of brand development, Odele recently announced the appointment of Zach Rieken as CEO, as well as a second round of funding from Stride Consumer Partners,” writes CEW reporter Paige Herman-Axel, who sat down with Rieken for our special report. “Beauty veteran Nicole Fourgoux joined Stride four years ago and now serves as a member of Odele’s board of directors.”
Also at CEW, we unpack the latest research from WSL Strategic Retail which shows how beauty is breaking boundaries, and firmly embedding in the lifestyle arena. According to WSL, the smartest retailers are getting on board with the trend, and creatively showing up in less traditional spaces. Meanwhile, Beauty Packaging reveals that “comfort capital” is a trend to watch over the next 18 to 24 months, Stateside and internationally. “By leaning into emotions like nostalgia, comfort, and playfulness, brands can build deeper connections with their audiences,” it reports.
In product innovation, Estée Lauder has launched the latest addition to its Advanced Night Repair line-up: Eye Lift + Sculpt, a dermatologist’s office-inspired formula containing its exclusive ANR Night Peptide and hyaluronic acid.
Catch up on these and other news stories by clicking on the links below.
Coty Appoints Beatrice Ballini As Lead Independent Director. “Johannes Huth stepped down as Director and Vice Chair of the Board after serving on the Audit and Finance Committee and as Lead Independent Director,” reports Global Cosmetics News. “Coty stated that his resignation was not due to any disagreement with the company. The changes were disclosed in an SEC filing.” (GLOBAL COSMETICS NEWS)
TSG Consumer to Acquire PHLUR. The brand will continue its work with The Center, as well as with TSG Consumer. (Business Wire)
Interparfums SA Debuts Its Own Fragrance Brand. With Solférino Paris, “we wanted to create a new niche perfume brand and got inspired by this amazing building, which is full of history,” said Victoria Scalia, marketing director of Solférino Paris. (WWD)
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Opens Boutique In Harrods. “We are very proud to strengthen our relationship with Harrods and open this new exceptional boutique which will showcase our extraordinary expertise, creativity and customer journey,” said Marc Chaya, President and co-founder of Maison Francis Kurkdjian. (COSMETICS BUSINESS)
The Secret Of Odele’s Success. “Today, with new leadership and an investment partner, the brand is focused on growth, community building, and being in one out of every 10 bathrooms in the United States,” writes CEW reporter, Paige Herman-Axel. (CEW)
WSL Reveals Beauty’s Breakthrough Into Lifestyle. Among the strategies smart retailers are employing are “Merchandising That Moves With You” — for example, Anthropologie cross-merchandises sunscreen with swimsuits, and more. (CEW)
Why Brands Are Leaning Into Comfort Capital. For example, “Urban Decay relaunched its iconic 2010s Naked Eyeshadow Palette for a limited time, featuring classic shades but with an updated formula and brush, appealing to the 66% of U.S. consumers who say they enjoy products that remind them of the past,” Beauty Packaging reports. (BEAUTY PACKAGING)
Estée Lauder Drops Advanced Night Repair Eye Lift + Sculpt. The formula targets dynamic and static lines in two key eye zones. (HAPPI)
What Does The Closure Of Ami Colé Mean For Black-Owned Beauty? N’Diaye-Mbaye, was one of the few Black women to raise more than $1 million in venture capital, reports People Of Colour In Tech (POCIT). (POCIT)
