Lupo Explores the Evolving Landscape of Fashion Law

Tony discussed what it means to represent fashion and luxury goods companies across their businesses as the industry navigates geopolitical uncertainty, bankruptcies, and regulatory and business shifts, including the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI). 

The conversation explored how fashion law extends well beyond intellectual property and trademark protection to encompass corporate matters, real estate, labor and employment, international trade, and a wide range of regulatory issues.

“When most people think of fashion law, they think of trademark, but it’s very limiting,” Tony said. 

Anthony also reflected on his path into fashion law, including how representing Steve Jobs and Apple ultimately led to his first fashion client and helped pave the way for what would become ArentFox Schiff’s Fashion & Retail practice. 

Looking ahead, Anthony discussed how AI is reshaping the fashion industry, from design and product development to logistics, inventory management, and other business operations. He noted that these tools may be particularly transformative for emerging designers that have traditionally operated with fewer resources. 

“If you’re a young designer, you have an arsenal behind you that you never had before at a fraction of the price,” Anthony said. 

The conversation also touched on the changing retail landscape, including the impact of the Saks Global bankruptcy on independent brands and designers, wholesale relationships, data privacy, international trade, and shifting consumer behavior. 

Anthony concluded with advice for law students interested in building a career in fashion law, encouraging them to focus not just on where they start, but on the experiences and skills they can build along the way.

“A lot of people chase the money. You chase the opportunity,” Anthony said. “What is this gonna get me? What am I gonna train in?”

Listen to the full episode on Spotify here.