Akio Mori
Senior Editor, The Tech Edit
Akio Mori leads coverage on fashion's technological frontier as the Senior Editor for The Tech Edit. His work demystifies complex topics, from AI-driven design to the burgeoning market for lab-grown textiles. He brings a rigorous, analytical approach honed during his decade at 'Business Forward,' where his award-winning column 'The Digital Loom' became essential reading for industry executives. Akio's reporting often takes him from Silicon Valley boardrooms to material science labs, providing readers with a global perspective on the innovations shaping how we produce, purchase, and interact with apparel.
Expertise
Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
Nike Preps $100 Flyknit Runner for Spring 2027 Release
Nike is already planning its Spring 2027 lineup, with a new Flyknit Runner model set to debut at an accessible $100 price point, according to WWD .
Jun 7, 2026 · 2 min read
Kendall Jenner becomes Anua's first global ambassador
Kendall Jenner, known for her high-fashion runway presence, appeared at a K-Beauty pop-up in SoHo wearing $895 Jimmy Choo sandals, marking her new role as Anua's first global ambassador, according to
Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Lizzo's metallic gold mule shoes spark immediate fashion impact
Just hours after Lizzo appeared in New York City wearing metallic gold mule shoes for an album promotion, a similar style from a different brand, priced at $119, completely sold out.
Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read
US fuel costs surge, squeezing truck delivery prices nationwide
Filling an over-the-road tractor-trailer now costs up to $1,500, a 66% increase from $900 at the beginning of the year.
Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read
LoveShackFancy Opens First Tampa Bay Boutique This Summer
This summer, a 1,040-square-foot boutique designed with blush grasscloth walls and crystal chandeliers will open in Tampa's Hyde Park Village, marking LoveShackFancy's first dedicated storefront in th
Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read
Caliray Appoints William Smolen as New CEO for Expansion
Caliray, a beauty brand already in 800 Sephora at Kohl's locations, has just named William Smolen as CEO to spearhead its 'next phase of growth'.
Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read
Loro Piana partners with Galleria Borghese for three-year art initiative
Loro Piana, a brand recognized for its exquisite cashmere and high-end textiles, has committed to a three-year partnership with Rome's prestigious Galleria Borghese.
Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read
Bloomingdale's Opens Boss Soccer Pop-Up for Fans
Bloomingdale's has transformed its Carousel pop-up into a 'Game Day with Boss' destination, featuring 70 exclusive items, including the U.
Jun 4, 2026 · 2 min read
Scotch & Soda Launches Royal Delft Heritage Collection for 2026
A new 24-piece collection, blending centuries-old Dutch artistry with contemporary fashion, offers items like a Printed Rib Racer Tank for just €39.
Jun 4, 2026 · 2 min read
Swiss Watch Exports to US Plummet 56% in April, MoM Growth Seen
Swiss watch exports to the United States plummeted by a staggering 56.4% in April, yet showed signs of stabilization.
Jun 2, 2026 · 2 min read
Manufacturers Invest in Worker Hardship Programs
In a sector grappling with over 400,000 unfilled positions, a median emergency grant of just $938 can prevent a $10,000 employee turnover cost for manufacturers, according to WWD .
Jun 2, 2026 · 2 min read
Marine Serre and Under Armour Unveil Limited-Edition Collection
For the first time since the late 2000s, Under Armour reissues its Proto Speed II sneaker, not for a retro sports campaign, but as a limited-edition capsule with avant-garde designer Marine Serre.
Jun 2, 2026 · 2 min read
Piaget and Wristcheck Unveil Limited-Edition Altiplano Ultimate Automatic Watch
At just 4.3 millimeters thick, the new Piaget x Wristcheck Altiplano Ultimate Automatic is so slender it is almost imperceptible, yet it commands a 45,000 euro price tag for one of only 30 pieces worl
Jun 1, 2026 · 3 min read
100Hands to Open First London Store on Savile Row
Luxury shirtmaker 100Hands will open its first retail store this fall at 36 Savile Row in London, with an expected opening in October.
Jun 1, 2026 · 2 min read
Lisa Eldridge Opens First U.S. Pop-Up in New York's SoHo
At 119 Spring Street in SoHo, the UK's online-first makeup sensation Lisa Eldridge has opened its first U.S. pop-up.
May 31, 2026 · 3 min read
Humanoid Robots Are Now Making Clothes and Are Fashion Muses
At Figure AI, a humanoid robot named Figure 03 isn't just a piece of hardware; it's a canvas for designers like Janis Sne, who crafted its specialized textile outer layer.
May 29, 2026 · 5 min read
Vestiaire Collective partners with Zalando to expand luxury resale
For the first time in its history, e-commerce giant Zalando is opening its pre-owned category to an external partner, Vestiaire Collective.
May 28, 2026 · 2 min read
Gruppo Florence Names Fabrizio Ciafrei as New CEO
Gruppo Florence, a luxury production hub with over €600 million in 2022 revenue, is executing a significant executive leadership reshuffle for 2026.
May 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Riachuelo Launches Pool Loop Jeans Using Recycled Cotton and Sugarcane
In a significant commercial milestone for sustainable denim, Riachuelo launched over 10,000 pieces of denim in Brazil.
May 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Fish shaped bags swim into fashion trend
The first drop of Tonset Road Fish Bags sold out in one day, according to Whowhatwear .
May 25, 2026 · 3 min read