Fashion's funding frenzy: quince soars, saks gets lifeline

The investment landscape in fashion and beauty is shifting dramatically, with recent deals signaling both resilience and a reckoning for established players. From burgeoning direct-to-consumer giants to legacy brands scrambling for stability, the March and February 2026 funding rounds offer a snapshot of an industry recalibrating for a new era.

Salt & stone acquired by advent international

Former professional snowboarder Nima Jalali’s Los Angeles-based body care brand, Salt & Stone, has been snapped up by Advent International in a majority stake acquisition. While terms remain undisclosed, the move underlines the continued appetite for premium wellness brands with a loyal following. Advent cited Salt & Stone's “authentic purpose that resonates with today’s consumer” as a key factor, highlighting a demand for brands with demonstrable values.

Hello klean secures brita investment

Water filtration brand Hello Klean, known for its detachable shower heads, has secured a minority investment from Brita, with an option for a majority stake acquisition down the line. Generating $14.7 million in revenue in 2025 and projecting $27 million for 2026, Hello Klean represents a strategic play for Brita, tapping into the growing consumer interest in sustainable home solutions. The infusion of capital will fuel further product development, signaling a broader trend toward integrating technology and wellness in the home environment.

Saks global bolsters liquidity with $300 million injection

Facing headwinds, Saks Global has secured access to an additional $300 million from its $1.75 billion committed capital, providing a much-needed lifeline for operations. The approval of a five-year Business plan by senior secured bondholders demonstrates a commitment to the retailer’s turnaround strategy, though the long-term viability of traditional department stores remains a key question.

Quince's $500 million valuation: a direct-to-consumer powerhouse

The biggest news of the quarter? Quince, the direct-to-consumer brand lauded for its accessible luxury, has closed a staggering $500 million Series E funding round, catapulting its post-money valuation to $10.1 billion. Backed by ICONIQ and a consortium of investors, Quince’s success underscores the power of the manufacturer-to-consumer (M2C) model, demonstrating how streamlining supply chains and cutting out traditional retail markups can resonate with consumers seeking value without sacrificing quality. Yoonkee Sull of ICONIQ emphasized Quince's “hyperefficient infrastructure,” a clear indication of the brand’s disruptive potential.

Estée lauder completes forest essentials acquisition

Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has finalized its acquisition of Forest Essentials, a move signaling a deeper commitment to Ayurvedic beauty. Having previously held a minority stake, ELC now owns the brand outright, a strategic play to capitalize on the rising demand for natural and traditional skincare solutions. De La Faverie, CEO of ELC, lauded Forest Essentials’ founder, Mira Kulkarni, drawing parallels to the legacy of Estée Lauder herself—both women sharing a vision for authenticity and purpose in the beauty industry.

Ma+group joins the independents network

In a move to expand its reach, artist management and production agency MA+Group has joined The Independents network, a collective of specialist agencies. This collaboration will broaden MA+Group’s geographical scope and client base, reflecting a growing trend toward collaborative networks within the creative industries.

Eight sleep secures $50 million for sleep tech innovation

Sleep tech company Eight Sleep, known for its temperature-regulating mattresses, has secured a $50 million strategic round led by Tether Ventures, bringing its valuation to $1.5 billion. The funding will fuel significant investment in R&D, with a focus on predictive model development and clinical trials, positioning Eight Sleep to leverage AI for personalized sleep optimization.

Ras luxury skincare attracts dabur and unilever investment

Indian premium skincare brand RAS Luxury Skincare has secured $7.5 million in a Series B round led by Dabur Ventures and Unilever Ventures. The investment will support expansion efforts, team growth, and further R&D, marking a significant step for the brand as it aims to capture the burgeoning premium beauty market in India.

Glo skin beauty acquired by kyt group

Private equity firm KYT Group has acquired Glo Skin Beauty, a skincare brand specializing in clinical-grade products targeted toward the Gen X demographic. Kurt Kober, KYT’s co-founder and incoming CEO of Glo Skin Beauty, emphasized a focus on “professional expertise” as the key to unlocking the brand’s future growth.

Aritzia acquires iconic californian brand fred segal

Canada-based Aritzia has acquired Fred Segal, the iconic Los Angeles boutique known for its Californian aesthetic and pop culture references. The acquisition represents a strategic move for Aritzia to expand its presence on the West Coast and tap into the brand's enduring cultural cachet.

Ace & tate acquires spanish eyewear brand project lobster

Amsterdam-based eyewear brand Ace & Tate is expanding its European footprint with the acquisition of Spanish eyewear brand Project Lobster. This move allows Ace & Tate to strengthen its position in the Spanish market and leverage Project Lobster’s modern design aesthetic.

Lanvin divests caruso to mondevita

Lanvin has sold Italian menswear manufacturer Caruso to Mondevo Group, the luxury division of UAE-based Mondevo Group. This divestiture marks a shift for Lanvin as it focuses on its core brand, while Mondevo Group expands its portfolio of luxury investments.

Sparxell secures funding for bio-based colorant tech

Cambridge-based startup Sparxell, a pioneer in plant-based colorant technologies, has secured $5 million in Pre-Series A funding. The funding will support the transition from pilot production to commercial-scale manufacturing, enabling brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Loewe to dye fabrics sustainably. Mélanie Le Guen of Blue Ocean strategy highlighted Sparxell’s potential to “reinvent color” through a bio-based approach.

Veradermics goes public, raising $256 million

Biopharmaceutical company Veradermics, developing solutions for aesthetic conditions, has successfully completed an initial public offering (IPO), raising $256 million. The move signals growing investor interest in the intersection of beauty and biotechnology.

Colorescience acquired by roundtable healthcare partners

Private equity firm Roundtable Healthcare Partners has acquired Colorescience, a mineral-based sunscreen and SPF makeup brand. The acquisition is expected to drive further growth and expansion for Colorescience, capitalizing on its strong consumer advocacy and differentiated product portfolio.

The flurry of activity underscores a pivotal moment for the industry: established brands are seeking stability, while agile disruptors are seizing opportunities to redefine the future of fashion and beauty.