Modes names Simon Whitehouse CEO, announces London boutique

Italian omnichannel fashion retailer Modes has some big news at the moment with a new high highly-regarded CEO and plans for a London store.

Simon Whitehouse has joined the firm in the top job while the new London flagship will open in the second half of the year.

The company currently has a webstore and over 20 physical stores, including multibrand Modes concept boutiques, multibrand MiniModes kidswear stores, and monobrand franchised stores. Locations include Milan and Paris, as well as resort destinations across Italy, France and Switzerland.

The new exec at the top has a strong track record covering 25+ years in the international fashion, luxury and creative sectors. He’s been CEO at JW Anderson, Art Partner, Eco-Age and most recently Reference Studios, as well as having prior leadership roles at Diesel, Matthew Williamson and Donna Karan.

Modes said he’s “an open advocate for a more sustainable fashion industry”, having founded EBITTM — or Enjoy Being in Transition — a “purpose-driven brand progressing the dialogue on mental health in the fashion community”, and which Modes launched exclusively for SS24. He’ll continue to grow EBITTM in tandem with his new role. 

He said of all this: “I am invigorated and thankful to Aldo Carpinteri and the whole team at Modes for the opportunity to join this visionary company. An exciting multibrand concept store omnichannel operation, with a refreshing blend of established luxury brands and emerging creative talent, [its] network is unparalleled in its ability to curate and provide a platform to its brand partners. 

“The imminent London store will create a unique axis of concept stores across the key international fashion capitals of Milan, Paris and London. Modes is a journey, with incredible destinations.”

Aldo Carpinteri now moves into the role of Founder & President at the 53-year-old business. There have been other recent leadership developments too with Caterina Ercoli having become Chief Commercial Officer in December 2023. Ercoli was formerly Buying Director of Antonioli, Milan and in the last three years at Level Shoes, Dubai as Head of Buying. 

As for the London store, it will be on Conduit Street — the long thoroughfare that runs between Regent Street and New Bond Street that’s a strong luxury destination. Other stores on the street include Vivienne Westwood, John Varvatos, Yohji Yamamoto, Yves Salomon, MCM, Moschino, Berluti, Lalique, Rodd & Gunn, and MM6 Maison Margiela.

The London location will be the sixth store to have been realised in collaboration with Berlin-based architecture studio Gonzalez Haase – AAS, which previously worked on the boutiques in Paris, Milan, Porto Cervo, Forte Dei Marmi, and Cagliari.