Klarna, DVF Leader Discusses the Future of Fashion – WWD

Sebastian Siemiatkowski, chief executive officer and co-founder of Klarna, sees a new future for fashion after a global pandemic that has changed how, why and where consumers shop. It is the future that is being forged right now as shoppers release pent-up demand after not shopping and traveling during the peak period of the pandemic.

And the luxury segment, in particular, is well positioned to be the key to this consumer spending trend.

Next week, during the WWD Apparel & CEO Summit, titled, “The New Future: Roaring in the 20s,” Siemiątkowski will be joining Gabby Hirata, president of DVF, to discuss these and other trends. The session, “Fashion Forward: Creating a New Future,” will be moderated by Evan Clark, deputy managing editor of WWD.

The theme of the session will also cover how accelerated digitization is reshaping the market, and how live streaming is going beyond testing and experimentation outside of China to become a profit center for brands and merchants. Siemiatkowski and Hirata will also discuss how brand and product curation is evolving — online and in physical stores. The two will also share insights on how data is used not only to inform product development and merchandising, but also to see trends and broader consumer insights.

Hirata joined DVF in January 2020. Previously, he served as chief strategy officer of Jill Stuart and as managing director of Adeam, a New York-based Japanese luxury brand. Hirata also works in product development and supply chain at Ralph Lauren, where he manages Blue Label’s global sourcing and launch of Polo for Women.

Siemiatkowski founded Klarna in 2005. As CEO of Klarna, he oversees the company’s rapid global growth. Klarna offers buyers and merchants flexible payment options, social shopping and personal finance solutions. The company has more than 250,000 retail partners, which include brands such as H&M, IKEA, Expedia Group, Samsung, ASOS, Peloton, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nike, and AliExpress, among many others. The solution is available for digital retailers as well as for in-store.

Klarna is the sponsor of the event. For more information about the WWD Apparel & CEO Summit or to attend this session, CLICK HERE.