Fashion’s funding frenzy: quince soars, advent bets on body care

The investment landscape in fashion and beauty continues to shift at a breakneck pace, with a flurry of deals reshaping the sectors' dynamics. From direct-to-consumer disruptors securing massive rounds to established luxury conglomerates making strategic acquisitions, March and February 2026 witnessed significant activity. Vogue Business’s Funding Tracker provides a running tally of the most intriguing moves—and the implications for the industry as a whole.

Salt & stone acquired by advent international

Nima Jalali’s Los Angeles-based body care brand, Salt & Stone, has been acquired by Advent International in a majority stake deal, terms of which remain undisclosed. Founded in 2017, Salt & Stone rapidly gained traction with its minimalist aesthetic and a product range spanning deodorants to candles, cultivating a loyal consumer base and securing partnerships with retailers like Sephora and Space NK. David Paresky, a director at Advent, lauded the acquisition, emphasizing the brand’s “deep consumer loyalty, outstanding products, and an authentic purpose.” The acquisition underscores Advent’s confidence in the premium wellness sector and its ability to scale brands with demonstrable consumer appeal.

Hello klean secures brita investment

Water filtration brand Hello Klean, known for its detachable showerheads, is poised for expansion following a minority investment from Brita. Generating $14.7 million in revenue in 2025 and projecting $27 million for 2026, Hello Klean's appeal clearly resonated with the filtration giant. Brita, whose portfolio includes Vivreau and Larq, retains the option to acquire a majority stake, signaling a strategic interest in the burgeoning home water purification market. The influx of capital will fuel further product development, solidifying Hello Klean’s position.

Saks global bolsters liquidity with $300 million

Amidst ongoing restructuring efforts, Saks Global has secured access to an additional $300 million of its $1.75 billion committed capital, providing vital liquidity to support operations. This move reflects a cautious optimism regarding the department store’s turnaround strategy and its ability to navigate a challenging retail environment. The access to funds is contingent upon approval of a five-year Business plan by senior secured bondholders, underscoring the stringent financial oversight the company operates under.

Quince reaches $10.1 billion valuation in series e

The direct-to-consumer darling, Quince, has announced a staggering $500 million Series E funding round, catapulting its post-money valuation to $10.1 billion. ICONIQ, leading the round with participation from Baillie Gifford and DST Global, believes Quince’s “hyperefficient infrastructure” and “M2C operating system” are correcting fundamental inefficiencies in the retail sector. Yoonkee Sull of ICONIQ noted the company’s ability to “compress traditional retail cycle times and reduce waste,” a testament to Quince’s disruptive model.

Estée lauder completes takeover of forest essentials

Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has finalized its acquisition of Forest Essentials, bringing the Indian ayurvedic brand fully under its umbrella. Having initially invested in 2008 and increasing its stake to 49% in 2020, ELC’s move marks the first acquisition under CEO Stéphane de La Faverie and signals a continued focus on expanding its presence in the globally relevant wellness market. De La Faverie celebrated the acquisition, highlighting Forest Essentials' founder Mira Kulkarni’s vision and the brand's commitment to “authenticity and purpose.”

Ma+group joins the independents network

Artist management and production agency MA+Group has joined The Independents, a global network of specialized agencies. Founded in 1999, MA+Group’s expansion into The Independents’ fold allows for a broader geographical reach and access to a wider client base. Isabelle Chouvet, co-founder and CEO of The Independents, emphasized the “immediate and natural synergies” created by the partnership, positioning the group to capitalize on growing demand for “new content and entertainment formats.”

Eight sleep secures $50 million for sleep tech advancement

Sleep tech company Eight Sleep, known for its temperature-controlling mattress covers, has secured a $50 million strategic round led by Tether Ventures, valuing the company at $1.5 billion. The investment will fuel ambitious plans to scale research and development, accelerate predictive model development, and expand clinical trials. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, expressed excitement about Eight Sleep’s potential to “define the future of health tech” by harnessing AI to improve sleep, recovery, and long-term health.

Ras luxury skincare receives dabur ventures backing

Indian premium skincare brand RAS Luxury Skincare has secured $7.5 million in a Series B round led by Dabur Ventures, alongside continued support from Unilever Ventures. The funding will be used to expand the brand’s omnichannel presence, grow its team, and invest in research and development, further capitalizing on the burgeoning demand for premium Indian beauty products.

Kyt group acquires glo skin beauty

Consumer-focused investment firm KYT Group has acquired skincare brand Glo Skin Beauty, known for its clinical-grade products targeting the Gen X demographic. Kurt Kober, KYT’s co-founder and incoming CEO of Glo Skin Beauty, plans to “sharpen the brand’s strengths” and invest in areas where Glo holds “real authority,” emphasizing professional expertise as a key differentiator in the increasingly crowded beauty market.

Aritzia acquires fred segal, reinforcing californian cool

Canada-based womenswear brand Aritzia has acquired the iconic Fred Segal, solidifying its presence in the Los Angeles market. The acquisition brings Aritzia ownership of Fred Segal’s Melrose Avenue flagship boutique, a cultural touchstone referenced in numerous films and television shows. Jennifer Wong, CEO of Aritzia, expressed pride in stewarding “this iconic brand for a new generation,” promising an elevated experience aligned with Aritzia’s brand identity.

Ace & tate acquires project lobster for spanish expansion

Amsterdam-based eyewear brand Ace & Tate has acquired Spanish eyewear brand Project Lobster, marking a significant step in the former’s European expansion strategy. The acquisition provides Ace & Tate with a strong foothold in the Spanish market, leveraging Project Lobster’s existing teams and store network.

Lanvin sells caruso to mondevo group

Lanvin has sold Italian menswear manufacturer Caruso to Mondevo Group, the luxury division of UAE-based Mondevo Group. Lanvin had been steadily increasing its investment in Caruso since 2013. The move reflects a broader shift in Lanvin’s strategic priorities.

Sparxell secures $5 million for bio-based colorant tech

Cambridge-based startup Sparxell, developing plant-based colorant technologies, has raised $5 million in a Pre-Series A round. The funding, led by Swen Capital Partners’ Blue Ocean 2 fund, will enable Sparxell to scale manufacturing and transition from pilot projects with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior to commercial production.

Veradermics goes public, raising $256 million

Biopharmaceutical company Veradermics, developing solutions for aesthetic and dermatological conditions, initiated an IPO, selling over 15 million shares at $17 per share and raising $256 million. The move signals growing investor interest in the intersection of beauty and biotech.

Colorescience acquired by roundtable healthcare partners

Private equity firm Roundtable Healthcare Partners has acquired suncare brand Colorescience from 1315 Capital. The acquisition will see Colorescience continue to carve out its brand and capitalize on its current momentum in the mineral sunscreen market.