Women’s Wear Daily (WWD)

Summary

For more than 100 years, WWD has been the media of record — and the industry voice of authority — for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities and the consumer media that cover the market. WWD delivers information and intelligence on changing trends and breaking news in the men and women’s fashion, beauty and retail industries with a readership composed largely of retailers, designers, manufacturers, marketers, financiers, media executives, advertising agencies, socialites and trend makers. The final newsprint edition of WWD was printed on April 24, 2015 as the paper switched to a digital daily format and a weekly print edition was launched on April 29, 2015.

History

WWD was founded by Edmund Fairchild on July 13, 1910 as part of menswear journal Daily News Record. The publication quickly acquired recognition in New York’s A-list fashion set.

John B. Fairchild- who became the European bureau chief of Fairchild Publications in 1955 and the publisher of WWD in 1960- improved WWD’s standing by focusing on the human side of fashion. He turned his newspaper’s attention to the social scene of fashion designers and their clients, and helped manufacture a “cult of celebrity” around fashion designers. After two couturiers forbade press coverage until a month after buyers had viewed their collections, Fairchild published photographs and sketches anyway and even sent press reporters to fashion houses disguised as messengers!! Coverage was necessary by whatever means.

When a fashion designer’s statements or collection did not meet with Fairchild’s approval he would retaliate. The newspaper sparred with Hubert de Givenchy, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Azzedine Alaia, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Bill Blass among others. In response, some of the fashion designers forbade their representatives from speaking to WWD and chose not to invite the publication to their showings.

In 1999, Fairchild Publications was sold by Walt Disney Company to Advance Publications – the parent company of Condé Nast Publications. As a result, Fairchild Publications became a unit of Condé Nast though WWD was technically operated separately from Condé Nast’s publications such as Vogue and Glamour. In November 2010, WWD celebrated its 100th anniversary in New York with some of the fashion industry’s iconic designers Alber Elbaz, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors in attendance.

On August 19, 2014 Conde Nast sold Women’s Wear Daily to Penske Media Corporation. The acquisition included WWD’s sister publications Footwear News, Menswear, M Magazine, and Beauty Inc as well as Fairchild’s events business for a sale price estimated at $100 million. The following year WWD announced on their website that they would launch a weekly print format from April 23 onward. A daily digital edition of WWD is also available to subscribers.

On July 20, 2015, Penske Media Corporation and Tribune Publishing Company announced that WWD would appear on LATimes.com and would also be distributed to select Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, Chicago Tribune and Sun-Sentinel subscribers twelve times per year. The publication still commands respect and recognition. in the fashion industry.

Vision

Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), often called “the fashion bible,” envisions itself as the premier source for credible and timely business news in the fashion industry. Its mission is to provide an in-depth analysis that not only informs but also influences the strategies and decisions of key players across the global fashion landscape. This includes a diverse readership encompassing retailers, designers, manufacturers, and marketers who rely on WWD for critical insights that shape their approaches in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.

WWD’s vision extends beyond just reporting fashion trends; it aims to be an essential resource for understanding the intersection of fashion and business. By covering everything from economic shifts to consumer behavior and brand strategies, WWD provides the kind of comprehensive analysis that financiers, Wall Street analysts, international business moguls, and media executives need. Its blend of authoritative reporting and trend forecasting makes it a trusted guide for decision-makers and influencers who shape the future of fashion and its related industries.

In addition to business-focused content, WWD strives to keep its readership engaged with a pulse on emerging trends and cultural movements. By delivering timely fashion news alongside key trend analysis, the publication positions itself as indispensable not only for industry insiders but also for ad agencies, socialites, and trendsetters who drive public interest and brand success. This holistic vision ensures that WWD remains a leading voice that bridges fashion and business, keeping its dedicated audience informed and inspired.

Mission Statement

The mission of Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) is to serve as the go-to source for comprehensive information and competitive intelligence in the fashion industry. In an increasingly complex marketplace, WWD stands out by providing its audience with frequent updates that cover both established and emerging facets of the fashion business. This dedication to timely reporting ensures that professionals, from retailers and designers to investors and trendsetters, stay informed and ahead of the competition.

WWD is committed to delivering content with integrity and independence, upholding a long-standing tradition of journalistic excellence. The publication prides itself on accurate and spirited coverage, ensuring that its stories are well-researched and reliably sourced. This steadfast commitment means that WWD’s team of journalists is not only focused on getting the facts right but also being the first to break significant news, setting a standard for speed and accuracy that readers have come to rely on.

The core mission of WWD reflects a legacy of trust, where each report enhances the credibility that the publication has built over the years. By prioritizing thorough, unbiased journalism, WWD ensures that its audience receives content that is both informative and insightful. This dedication allows industry professionals to make better decisions, stay updated on market dynamics, and understand the implications of new developments in the fashion and business world.

Products And Services

Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) offers a suite of services designed to keep its readership well-informed and competitive in the fashion industry. Central to its offerings is comprehensive daily reporting that covers business news, fashion trends, market analysis, and industry insights. WWD provides its audience with up-to-the-minute news, feature stories, and in-depth analyses, catering to the needs of retailers, designers, investors, and other key players who rely on timely and reliable information to navigate the complexities of the market.

Beyond its reporting, WWD extends its services through exclusive digital content, print publications, and industry events that foster networking and knowledge sharing. The brand also delivers special reports, trend forecasts, and expert opinions that offer strategic insights into the direction of the fashion industry. These services support decision-making and keep readers informed of innovations, cultural shifts, and strategic developments that can impact their businesses and careers.

Key People

Editorial

• James Fallon, Editorial Director
• Miles Socha, Editor in Chief
• Bridget Foley, Executive Editor
• Booth Moore, Executive Editor, West Coast
• Jenny B. Fine, Executive Editor, Beauty
• Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Executive Editor, Strategic Content Development
• Peter Sadera, Managing Editor
• Evan Clark, Deputy Managing Editor
• Lisa Lockwood, News Director
• Alex Badia, Style Director

Design Department

• Jessica Sarro, Art Director
• Lidia Moore, Designer
• Tess Donlevie, Digital Daily Designer

Photography

• Ash Barhamand, Visual Media Director
• Jenna Greene, Deputy Photo Director

Advertising & Marketing

• Paul Jowdy, Chief Business Officer and Publisher, WWD & Fairchild Live
• Stephanie Siegel, Vice President, Sales and Marketing
• Renee Moskowitz, International Fashion Director, RMM Media
• Jennifer Petersen, American Fashion & Luxury Director
• Rachael DeSantis, Beauty Director
• Samantha Hartje, Account Director

Recognition and Awards

Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) has garnered significant awards and recognition throughout its history, solidifying its status as a respected leader in fashion journalism. Its dedication to excellence in reporting has been acknowledged by various industry accolades that highlight its influential role in covering the fashion and business sectors. The publication’s reputation as “the fashion bible” is a testament to its impact, earned through decades of credible, in-depth, and timely reporting.

WWD’s recognition extends to its contributions to shaping industry standards and trends. Its authoritative voice has not only earned the respect of readers but has also made it a reference point for other media outlets and industry professionals. The publication’s coverage of key events, influential personalities, and groundbreaking fashion developments continues to set it apart as a trusted source, which has helped it maintain a prominent position in both the fashion and media industries.

References

• Official website WWD
• Letter From the Editor: Turning the Page WWD
• Fashion Magazine Industry Consolidates With a Big Deal NY Times
• Twitter page of WWD Twitter
• Instagram page of WWD Instagram
• Women’s Wear Daily Scales Back Print Editions and Cuts Staff AdWeek
• Condé Nast sells Women’s Wear Daily, others to Penske Media USA Today
• WWD celebrates 100 years Ageless
• Youtube page of WWD Youtube
• Facebook page of WWD Facebook
• Feuds in fashion NY Times
• Advertising on WWD WWD
• Then And Now: A History of Designers From The WWD Archives WWD
• LinkedIn page of WWD LinkedIn
• Wikipedia page of WWD Wikipedia
• Breaking Fashion News With a Provocative Edge NY Times
• From Pauline Trigere, a Dressing Down NY Times
• Digital Daily FAQ WWD