By Licence Magazine | Fashion Business

A new chapter is taking shape for @donatella_versace.

The legendary Italian designer is joining forces with @revolve, bringing together decades of creative authority and a platform deeply connected to the next generation of fashion, beauty and culture.

More than a traditional fashion collaboration, the partnership signals a broader conversation about how fashion is created, communicated and experienced today.

For Donatella, creativity has always been rooted in movement. Her vision for this new chapter is centered on a generation shaped not only by fashion, but also by music, film, art, beauty and digital culture.

“I believe creativity should be fearless, inclusive and alive in the world.”

That philosophy sits at the heart of the partnership with REVOLVE. The company’s digital infrastructure, global reach and connection to emerging communities offer Donatella a new environment in which to develop her creative vision beyond the traditional fashion system.

For Mike Karanikolas, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of REVOLVE Group, the partnership represents an opportunity to build something from the ground up by combining Donatella’s creative authority with REVOLVE’s technology and global infrastructure.

Raissa Gerona, President of Brand and Partnerships at REVOLVE Group, similarly points to Donatella’s ability to understand and connect with the next generation as a defining element of the collaboration.

Beyond the runway

What makes this partnership significant is the cultural space surrounding it.

Today, fashion does not live exclusively on the runway or inside traditional fashion houses. It moves through social platforms, music, celebrity, beauty, creators and communities. The boundaries between fashion and wider popular culture continue to evolve.

Donatella Versace has spent decades operating at the center of that conversation. REVOLVE represents a digital-first generation that experiences fashion through a different ecosystem.

Their partnership brings those two worlds together.

A new language for a new generation

For Licence, the most interesting part of this new chapter is not simply the names attached to the collaboration, but the question it raises: what happens when an established creative legacy is given a new cultural and digital vocabulary?

The answer will unfold through the work itself.

But one thing is clear: Donatella Versace and REVOLVE are positioning this partnership around connection, creativity and the next generation — three forces increasingly shaping the future of fashion.

Licence Point of View

Fashion is no longer defined by a single runway, season or institution. Its influence travels across culture. This partnership places Donatella Versace’s creative legacy inside that evolving landscape, creating a space where heritage meets digital culture and where fashion becomes part of a much larger conversation.

The post Donatella Versace x REVOLVE: A New Era Begins appeared first on Licence Magazine.

On August 29, Michael Jackson would have turned 68.

Few artists have left such a profound mark on global culture. From his early years with the Jackson 5 to his extraordinary solo career, Michael Jackson continuously reinvented the possibilities of music and performance.

With albums such as Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad, he transformed pop music into a global visual experience. His music videos became cultural events, while his signature silhouettes, sequined jackets, military-inspired looks and iconic accessories helped redefine the relationship between fashion and performance.

But Jackson’s influence extended far beyond music. His choreography, stage presence and visual storytelling inspired generations of musicians, dancers, designers and filmmakers. He understood that an artist could become not only a performer, but an entire world of images, sounds and ideas.

More than 17 years after his passing, his presence remains deeply embedded in popular culture. His songs continue to be discovered by new generations, his style continues to inspire, and his artistic vision remains a reference point.

Michael Jackson was not simply the King of Pop. He was one of the defining cultural figures of his generation — and his legacy continues to speak.

The post Michael Jackson: The Legacy of an Icon appeared first on Licence Magazine.

On September 5, 2026, Kinshasa will host the first Creative Currencies Panel Talk, a new platform created to foster meaningful conversations, connections and opportunities within the Congolese creative ecosystem.

For its inaugural edition, Creative Currencies presents a timely theme: “THE BUSINESS OF FASHION: When Creativity Becomes an Economic Force.”

Beyond fashion itself, the panel will explore how creativity can be transformed into sustainable careers, businesses, opportunities and economic value.

A Creative Industry Ready for the Next Step

The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to an extraordinary generation of designers, stylists, photographers, models, artists, creative directors, entrepreneurs and other emerging talents.

But talent alone is no longer enough.

Professionalization, access to opportunities, business knowledge, investment, networking and stronger industry structures are essential to help creative talents build sustainable careers and position Kinshasa as a stronger force within the African and global creative economy.

These are some of the key questions that Creative Currencies aims to bring to the table.

IB Kamara as Guest of Honor

For its first edition, Creative Currencies will welcome IB Kamara as its guest of honor.

Recognized internationally for his work across fashion and creative direction, Kamara represents a generation of African creative voices that have successfully translated vision, identity and creativity into global influence.

His participation brings an international perspective to a conversation that remains deeply connected to the ambitions of Congo’s creative community.

More Than a Panel — A Space for Connection

The event is designed not only as a conversation, but also as an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, ask questions and build meaningful connections.

Whether already working in the creative industry or aspiring to turn a passion into a profession, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with professionals and other members of the creative community.

At a time when Africa’s creative industries are gaining increasing international attention, conversations like these are essential to understanding how local talent can become sustainable economic power.

LICENCE SAYS

For Licence Magazine, supporting initiatives that give visibility, structure and momentum to Africa’s creative talents is essential.

LICENCE SAYS: Supporting the vision, amplifying creative voices and giving strength to a new generation shaping the future of Congo’s creative industry.

The talent is already here. Now, it is time to build the structures, opportunities and platforms that allow it to become a true economic force.

CREATIVE CURRENCIES — THE BUSINESS OF FASHION

The post Creative Currencies Brings Kinshasa Into the Conversation on the Business of Fashion appeared first on Licence Magazine.

Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Ima

Perspective At Licence Magazine, we see Tracee Ellis Ross’s latest appearance as a reminder that modern luxury is increasingly driven by confidence rather than convention. An open handbag may seem like an oversight, but in today’s fashion landscape, it becomes a deliberate styling choice that challenges traditional expectations.More than a trend, this moment reflects the growing influence of personal expression over rigid fashion rules. Tracee Ellis Ross once again proves that true style isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention, individuality, and the confidence to redefine what luxury looks like.

The post Tracee Ellis Ross Proves That Even an Open Handbag Can Be a Fashion Statement appeared first on Licence Magazine.

Emma Grede has established herself as one of the defining forces behind the evolution of modern fashion entrepreneurship, operating at the intersection of culture, commerce, and digital consumer behavior. Her influence is not limited to brand visibility or celebrity association; it is embedded in the operational architecture of how some of today’s most successful direct-to-consumer companies are built, scaled, and sustained.

In an industry historically driven by exclusivity, seasonal cycles, and legacy gatekeeping, Grede represents a different model of leadership one shaped by accessibility, data-informed decision-making, and a sharp understanding of contemporary identity. Her work reflects a consistent mission: to build brands that respond to real human needs while challenging outdated standards of representation and size inclusivity.

Redefining Fashion Through Structure and Inclusion

Emma Grede: The discreet architect who is redefining the power of modern fashion

As co-founder and CEO of , Emma Grede helped introduce a structural shift in the denim and ready-to-wear category. Rather than treating inclusivity as an extension of existing sizing systems, Good American was built from the ground up to prioritize it as a core business principle. This foundational decision influenced everything from product development to marketing language and retail positioning.

The result was not only cultural resonance but also commercial performance that challenged long-standing assumptions in the fashion industry. By designing collections that span a wide range of body types without compromising aesthetic direction, Good American positioned itself as both a lifestyle brand and a case study in inclusive scalability.

This approach reflects one of Grede’s central business beliefs: that modern consumers do not separate values from purchasing decisions. Instead, authenticity, representation, and functionality are intertwined factors that directly shape brand loyalty.

SKIMS and the Architecture of Modern Consumer Brands

Grede’s role as a founding partner of further solidified her position within the global fashion ecosystem. SKIMS emerged in a highly competitive category—shapewear and foundational garments—yet quickly became a dominant force due to its clarity of positioning and rapid response to consumer demand.

While much public attention focuses on its cultural visibility, the underlying success of SKIMS is deeply rooted in operational discipline. The brand leverages direct-to-consumer infrastructure, iterative product development, and tight feedback loops between audience engagement and product refinement. This allows SKIMS to function less like a traditional fashion house and more like a responsive consumer-tech hybrid.

Grede’s contribution to this model reflects her broader philosophy: brands must be built as systems, not just collections. In this system, speed, precision, and cultural awareness are not separate priorities—they are interdependent elements of growth.

Leadership Beyond Fashion: Voice, Narrative, and Influence

Beyond her roles in brand development, Emma Grede has also positioned herself as a voice in entrepreneurship and leadership discourse. Through her podcast , she engages in conversations that explore discipline, mindset, resilience, and the realities of building and sustaining companies.

Unlike traditional business commentary that often emphasizes success in retrospect, her narrative focuses on process—highlighting uncertainty, decision-making under pressure, and the psychological demands of leadership. Her recurring philosophy, “Start With Yourself,” reflects a framework centered on personal accountability. It suggests that sustainable success begins not with external validation, but with internal clarity and execution.

This perspective has resonated strongly with emerging entrepreneurs, particularly those navigating industries where representation and access have historically been limited. Grede’s message reframes entrepreneurship as a practice of discipline rather than inspiration alone.

Philanthropy and Institutional Engagement

Grede’s influence also extends into philanthropic and civic spaces. Her involvement with reflects a commitment to addressing child poverty and providing essential resources to families in need. The organization focuses on delivering basic necessities such as diapers, clothing, and hygiene products to children living in poverty, particularly across the United States.

In parallel, her engagement with the connects her work to broader initiatives centered on leadership development and civic engagement. These roles reflect a belief that entrepreneurship and social responsibility are not separate domains, but interconnected areas of long-term impact.

Through these commitments, Grede extends her influence beyond commercial success into systems that support community development and leadership cultivation.

A Modern Model of Entrepreneurship

What distinguishes Emma Grede within today’s business landscape is not simply her involvement in successful companies, but the consistency of her strategic framework across different ventures. Whether building fashion brands or contributing to philanthropic initiatives, her approach remains grounded in structure, clarity, and execution.

She operates with a systems-oriented mindset—treating brands not as static identities but as evolving infrastructures that must adapt to cultural and technological shifts. This perspective aligns closely with the realities of modern consumer behavior, where audiences expect immediacy, authenticity, and responsiveness from the brands they support.

In this context, Grede’s work can be understood as part of a larger transformation in how value is created in fashion and lifestyle industries. The traditional boundaries between marketing, product development, and cultural storytelling are increasingly blurred, and her career reflects a mastery of navigating that convergence.

Influence, Legacy, and the Future of Brand Building

Emma Grede’s trajectory signals a broader shift in what leadership looks like in the 21st-century fashion economy. Influence is no longer measured solely by aesthetic direction or editorial presence; it is measured by the ability to build systems that scale, endure, and remain relevant across shifting cultural landscapes.

At Licence Magazine, her work represents a new definition of legacy—one rooted not only in visibility but in structural impact. Through , , and her broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, she continues to shape how modern brands are conceptualized and executed.

Ultimately, Grede’s philosophy reinforces a fundamental principle that resonates across industries: success is not an isolated moment, but a continuous process of building, refining, and aligning vision with execution. In an era defined by rapid change, her work stands as an example of consistency as strategy and discipline as design.

The post Emma Grede: The discreet architect who is redefining the power of modern fashion appeared first on Licence Magazine.

I arrive to a studio that is industrial, yet so refined and lived in that it’s more cozy than cold. Donovon is sitting in the makeup chair with a distant, yet determined stare. The crew is all doing their due diligence, getting to what needs to be done. I sit and observe a bit more as the shoot begins to unfold. CJ Robinson is alchemizing the backdrop and it’s starting to come together, and the conceptual mood board is becoming realized. I’m in awe–this man knows what he’s doing. Before my excitement spills out on the studio floor–I throw myself into the hustle and bustle too. There’s an array of tights and pointe shoes on the table before me. As he’s getting dressed, Donovon shares his inspiration behind today’s photoshoot. It is the wee hours of the night, Donovon is as young as 11 practicing and honing the grace and athleticism of ballet poses in the mirror. Practicing the placement of his hands, the pointe of his feet, and the intensity of his face so long he’d miss sleep, constantly being greeted by his alarm for school. Back to present day on set, the red painted across his face, the leotard, tights and shoes—this is a ballerina that has scars, but the beauty and grace to float through it all. The outfit is donned, the lights come on, and the camera is up–Donovon is on. After the freshly wrapped shoot, we sit down and talk a bit.

Mo: You’re looking good–you looked amazing! How are you feeling?

Donovon: I feel good, I was nervous at first. I felt like this was me getting my feet wet–it’s been a while, but I feel good. I feel accomplished…I feel fulfilled. I think this is definitely something that I needed because this is also a part of my healing. I feel really good.

Mo: Speaking of healing, what pushed you to create this shoot? I mean you came up with this concept, then watching the execution…where was your head at?

Donovon: So I believe this shoot was like three years in the making. I unfortunately had to step away for a little while–even though it was unintentionally and unwillingly. I was really just going through life, and I was in a situation that was not pouring into me–and it wasn’t prosperous. But, being in the thick of that relationship caused me to focus on other things, ultimately separating me from my art. Stepping away from my art is something that was challenging because it’s the way that I express myself–it fuels my soul. It fuels who I am as a person. Like I am truly an artist to my core. Over the past few months of me being isolated and being alone, I’ve really been able to process all that I’ve been through over these past three years.

This shoot was three years in the making.”- Donovon Alexander

Donovon: And it’s like damn boy, you’ve been through a lot! You need to heal, but you also need to really address certain things. So speaking on the headspace that I’m in and the headspace leading up to this–it was more so praying that this would be a release more than anything. Me just putting it all on the table, putting it on the floor–that’s what it was about.

Mo: That’s beautiful, and it felt beautiful to be apart of that release too. I seen in the beginning when you started the poses were a little bit more restricted, or structured. But as the shoot progressed you begin to flow and move more. I can totally see why this is the avenue for you, one–but two, how it can be so free and healing.

Donovon: It’s interesting that you say that because that naturally happened, but it was a originally a thought of mine when conceptualizing my mood board for people to actually see it. When I connected with Aana, the photographer, and was explaining to her the concept–I remember telling her think of a fetus growing. That’s why I wanted to do some of those poses in that fetal position. Kind of hiding, or like a newborn–or like that energy of not necessarily blossoming just yet. I wanted to continuously grow throughout the shoot to truly capture my rebirth.

Mo: I love that, and I do believe this is a rebirth. With this shoot being the start and catalyst, where do you feel like you wanna go next–creatively, or simply with how you go about expressing yourself? How do you wanna express yourself in this new era, this release, this blossoming–what’s next?

Donovon: What do I wanna do next? I was just telling Sam, the makeup artist, that during the pandemic and a little after I was heavily creating. I was shooting out concepts left and right–it was my happy place. It was where I felt most comfortable, that’s my element. So I want to tap back into that.

Donovon: I want to tap back into that, continue to create. Continue to pour into myself, and give myself all that love and energy that I have given to others–and other situations. I really wanna grow in my creativity and as a business man.

Mo: Yes! I love that, so you’re saying that creating is a form of self-love and self healing?

Donovon: For me it is.

Mo: What are some other ways that you like to express or go about showing self-love? What are some things you like to do for yourself?

Donovon: Honestly, lately over like the last year–I’ve been practicing being gentle with myself. I feel like that is a really important key element to self-love–giving yourself grace. Being gentle, and really showing up for yourself in the ways that you show up for other people. Especially if you’re an empathetic person. I think being someone who is extremely empathetic–I’m always on call for my people, my friends, my family–and not taking anything away from them. Creating some type of balance and structure to where I am able to pour into myself.

Mo: And I feel that, because a lot of times when you are a giver, you find that it’s constant extracting, extracting, extracting. Then it’s like when you go home what do you have left? How are you pouring into yourself?

Donovon: Exactly.

Mo: I love that–that’s something I need to keep in mind for myself. I think being gentle to yourself is important. Is it just gentle self-talk, or is it being like everything–

Donovon: Everything doesn’t have to be done so anxiously. But it’s also that gentle self-talk. You know, I am someone who is extremely hard on myself–I’m very “Type A” in many different ways. I’m learning to be like you know what baby boy, it’s okay.

Mo: Yeah.

Everything doesn’t have to be done so anxiously. It’s okay baby boy.” – Donovon Alexander

Mo: Within that gentleness, finding self-love–this rebirthing process, what are you aiming for in the end? What does happiness and freedom look like after this process?

Donovon: I don’t believe there’s an “after this process,” honestly–I feel like it’s an ever evolving journey. I’m in my journey of giving the world my work. I have really big dreams and really big goals, and I look at this like it’s the groundwork to achieve certain things that I do see for myself. So yeah, it’s not like an after–it’s moreso ever evolving. The continuation of the legacy of Donovon Alexander.

Mo: And with that continuation of legacy and evolution, who do you want the world to know about Donovon Alexander. Who is Donovon Alexander?

Donovon: Donovon Alexander is really like this quirky, sometimes a little nerdy, silly, and goofy as hell person. The closest people to me know I’m like a mini Jim Carrey.

Mo: The faces and all?!

[Laughter]

Donovon: Yeah, I want the world to know me as someone who has had so much adversity and so many things put on me and against me–and I just continue to fight through it all. Being Black and queer and from Chicago–I grew up on the Southside of Chicago. It wasn’t an easy thing.

Mo: Yeah.

Donovon: I had to suppress a lot, I had to learn how to survive at a very early and tender age. Which is crazy because now growing, being older, and being an adult now–I find myself in a lot of situations realizing that certain lessons that people are learning in their 20s, I learned that shit at like 11/12.

Donovon: So it’s like being an adult now, being able to recognize just how harsh that is–I want to heal that. And, that goes back again to that healing journey. But as far as who I want the world to know me as, I’d like people to know me as someone who really just didn’t fold. Like I didn’t tap out. I continued to push, I continued to fight. I’m a lover, but I’m also a fighter as well. That I fight for the shit that I love and the shit that I believe in. I fight for me, I’ve always had to fight for myself–even when I didn’t want to.

Mo: I kinda wanna tap into that a bit, and you can tell me if I’m projecting or not. But, it seems like we’re talking about survival, and going from survival mode and into more peaceful times?

Donovon: Yes, for sure.

Mo: With that, how do you feel Chicago has shaped your perspective in the way that you go about creating art, or even the way you go about chasing your dreams in New York?

Donovon: I feel Chicago has shaped my perspective in many different ways. Anyone who’s met me knows that I am extremely business oriented. I believe in over-communicating, I’d rather be safe than sorry. I am someone that doesn’t take lightly to bullshit, which I feel is definitely like core Chicago.

Mo: No, really.

Donovon: It’s a no bullshit type of energy and presence that I know that I hold and I have. I’m understanding that this can be intimidating in certain rooms, and to certain people, but it’s me—it’s who I am. It comes from a place of wanting to protect myself, but also it’s like take me serious—or Imma have to show you I’m serious. As an artist I am extremely intentional, thorough, and I’m accurate.

Mo: Yeah.

Donovan: You know? I believe in quality. I don’t just wanna just have an idea and throw some bullshit out there. I believe in actually pouring into my ideas and visions.

As an artist I am extremely intentional, thorough, and I’m accurate.” – Donovon Alexander

Mo: And that intentionality is so obviously reflected in your art. Having the ability and privilege to watch you on set was amazing. Now there’s a lot of people out here calling themselves models, but to see you work it was like “on” as soon as the lights and camera came on! I think that it was beautiful, so I can definitely tell you are intentional about what you do. With rebuilding and rebirth, we begin to rebuild around us—what does your ideal found family within this process look like?

Donovon: People who show up for themselves and are able to show up for others. I tell my friends this all the time, I am truly blessed because I’m not someone who has to look far for inspiration. Like, my friends are so inspiring—even though we are in different fields. The way my friends show up and do their shit…

Mo: Yeah.

Donovon: …It’s like when it comes down to my family, my chosen family, that’s what I like to have around me. You know I run a tight ship!

Mo: What?! [laughs]

Donovon: [Laughing] I am not someone who is just like extremely open to just having any and everyone be behind and all around me.

Mo: Yeah, I can see that.

Donovon: And some people may feel a type of way about that—but again at the end of the day that’s how I protect myself and my energy. But, it’s also because there’s a lot of weird shit out here.

Mo: Oh yeah.

Donovon: And a lot of weird people! I’m a good person, my friends are good people. We pour into each other, we believe in God. And, I’m not saying if you don’t believe in God you’re a bad person, everyone has their own prerogative and perspective. But, you know, I love Jesus and I love the fact that I’m surround by like-minded people. Not like-minded people in the way of “yes men,” like-minded people in the way that we all have really big goals and really big dreams—and we do what it takes to achieve them. So my chosen family looks like that. And if you’re someone, like a newer person I end up connecting with, I’m open to it! But just understand that this isn’t a bullshit type of friendship. It’s like, I don’t have negative people around me. I don’t have people who are lazy around me. If you gone be my friend and be in my circle, I need to know what the fuck you want out of life! I need to see you pushing forward.

Mo: For sure.

Donovon: Because birds of a feather flock together, and I can’t have no weak links around me.

Mo: I feel that! Iron definitely sharpens iron. If you have people around you not pushing you to do something…

Donovon: Exactly!

Mo: …It’s easy to fall off.

Donovon: So easy.

Mo: So easy to fall off. I loved this. I just wanna wish you the best of luck in all of your endeavors, and what you continue to do. What you’re working on is beautiful. Being able to witness it was beautiful. You are beautiful! This whole thing is beautiful. Thank you so much for allowing me to do this with you, and be apart of it.

Donovon: Thank you!

Mo: Of course! I appreciate you!

Donovon: Give me a hug! I appreciate that. Thank you so much.

The post A Rebirth – In Conversation with Donovon Alexander appeared first on Licence Magazine.

As we continue to evolve across Paris, New York, and Dubai, we are opening our doors to a new generation of storytellers. Writers, photographers, and creatives with a distinct point of view are invited to become part of this expanding editorial universe. What matters most is not where you come from, but how you see the world and how you choose to express it.

We are actively seeking original work that challenges perspective, pushes aesthetic boundaries, and contributes to contemporary culture in meaningful ways. Whether through words or imagery, we are looking for voices that feel urgent, authentic, and unapologetically individual.

If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you.

You can submit your work directly at submit@licencemag.com, or connect with our US Creative Director, Amadeus Purcell, at amadeuspurcell@licencemag.com for editorial opportunities and collaborations.

This is more than a call for submissions it is an invitation to shape the next era of Licence Magazine.

“The future of culture is written by those who create it.”

Licence Magazine
Paris. New York. Dubai.

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For more than six decades, Cher has embodied a rare kind of timelessness. A multi-dimensional artist, she has influenced generations through music, cinema, fashion, and unapologetic self-expression. Few cultural figures have managed to dominate so many worlds while continuously reinventing themselves and remaining at the center of global pop culture.
First rising to fame in the 1960s as part of Sonny & Cher, she quickly established herself as a force of her own thanks to her unmistakable voice, magnetic presence, and fearless creativity. Songs like Believe, Strong Enough, and If I Could Turn Back Time became global anthems that continue to inspire artists and audiences around the world.
Beyond music, Cher transformed fashion into a form of artistic rebellion and glamour. Her legendary collaboration with Bob Mackie produced some of the most unforgettable looks in entertainment history — daring silhouettes, sheer gowns, dramatic feathers, sequins, and iconic stage costumes that forever changed red carpet culture. Through every appearance, Cher redefined confidence, individuality, and star power.
Her influence also extends to cinema, where she delivered critically acclaimed performances, most notably in Moonstruck, a role that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her career stands as proof that true icons are not limited to one industry — they shape culture itself.
Today, Cher remains an enduring symbol of freedom, reinvention, and creative fearlessness. Her legacy can be seen across modern fashion, music, performance art, and entertainment. She is more than an artist — she is an era, a vision, and a cultural phenomenon.
A legend. A vision. A timeless force.
What’s your favorite Cher song?

The post Cher: The Timeless Icon Who Continues to Define Pop Culture appeared first on Licence Magazine.