• Andreea Melinti
  • Andreea Melinti

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My editorial journey: Storytelling at the intersection of fashion, business, and technology

Illustration of a bird flying.

About me

I’m an editor, writer, and creative director specialized in the intersection of business, fashion, and technology. My experience spans investigative reporting, editorial leadership, and SEO-driven storytelling, covering fashion, digital transformation, and finance. Beyond journalism, my background in theatre design and creative direction earned me a nomination for Best Theatre Costume Designer and defined my approach to storytelling and aesthetics. Fluent in multiple languages and at home in international settings, I bring a global perspective to my work. Whether covering emerging tech in luxury or moderating industry discussions, I thrive in crafting narratives that inform and inspire.


Portfolio

NEWS

  • Dexelance acquires 65% stake in Mohd as Made in Italy Fund exits in high-return deal
    BUSINESS, LUXURY, NEWS

    Dexelance acquires 65% stake in Mohd as Made in Italy Fund exits in high-return deal

    Dexelance has acquired a 65% stake in Mohd, a leading Italian high-end furniture e-commerce and retail business, from Made in Italy Fund and the Mollura family. The Mollura family will reinvest in the business and…

    Read more: Dexelance acquires 65% stake in Mohd as Made in Italy Fund exits in high-return deal
    July 14, 2025
  • Ulta Beauty takes UK leap with Space NK acquisition from Manzanita Capital
    BEAUTY, BUSINESS, NEWS

    Ulta Beauty takes UK leap with Space NK acquisition from Manzanita Capital

    Ulta Beauty has acquired British beauty retailer Space NK from private equity firm Manzanita Capital, in a strategic move to accelerate its international expansion efforts. Founded in 1993, Space NK currently operates 83 stores across…

    Read more: Ulta Beauty takes UK leap with Space NK acquisition from Manzanita Capital
    July 10, 2025
  • Canada Goose’s future in flux as Bain weighs stake divestment
    BUSINESS, FASHION, NEWS

    Canada Goose’s future in flux as Bain weighs stake divestment

    Bain Capital is reportedly weighing the sale of part or all of its controlling stake in luxury outerwear brand Canada Goose Holdings Inc., according to sources cited by Bloomberg. The private equity firm is said…

    Read more: Canada Goose’s future in flux as Bain weighs stake divestment
    July 10, 2025
  • Windsong gives JVN Hair new life with nationwide Ulta Beauty debut
    BEAUTY, BUSINESS, NEWS

    Windsong gives JVN Hair new life with nationwide Ulta Beauty debut

    Windsong Global’s portfolio company JVN Hair is set to launch across 700 Ulta Beauty stores and online on 20 July, marking a major milestone for the brand just 19 months after its acquisition, according to…

    Read more: Windsong gives JVN Hair new life with nationwide Ulta Beauty debut
    July 8, 2025
  • K-beauty prize in play: Anchor Equity and Taekwang advance in $441m Aekyung pursuit
    BEAUTY, BUSINESS, NEWS

    K-beauty prize in play: Anchor Equity and Taekwang advance in $441m Aekyung pursuit

    Anchor Equity Partners and Taekwang Industrial have emerged as leading contenders in the race to acquire a controlling 63% stake in South Korea’s Aekyung Industrial. The deal is expected to be valued at approximately ₩600bn…

    Read more: K-beauty prize in play: Anchor Equity and Taekwang advance in $441m Aekyung pursuit
    July 2, 2025
  • Blackstone sharpens its focus on beauty with $590m Juno Hair deal
    BEAUTY, BUSINESS, NEWS

    Blackstone sharpens its focus on beauty with $590m Juno Hair deal

    Blackstone is in advanced discussions to acquire Juno Hair, South Korea’s largest premium salon group, in a transaction valued at $590m. According to sources cited by KED Global, the deal would mark one of the…

    Read more: Blackstone sharpens its focus on beauty with $590m Juno Hair deal
    July 2, 2025
  • Oakley Capital acquires heritage British brand Smythson in multi-brand expansion deal
    BUSINESS, FASHION, LUXURY, NEWS

    Oakley Capital acquires heritage British brand Smythson in multi-brand expansion deal

    Oakley Capital has acquired heritage British luxury label Smythson as part of a broader investment in iconic European brands. The deal, executed through Oakley’s investment vehicle Iconic BrandCo, also includes the acquisitions of Italian home…

    Read more: Oakley Capital acquires heritage British brand Smythson in multi-brand expansion deal
    July 1, 2025
  • Oakley Capital acquires majority stake in iconic Italian design house Fornasetti
    BUSINESS, LUXURY, NEWS

    Oakley Capital acquires majority stake in iconic Italian design house Fornasetti

    Oakley Capital has acquired a 60% stake in Immaginazione Srl, the holding company behind luxury Italian design brand Fornasetti, in a deal aimed at scaling the historic firm into a global lifestyle business. Founded by…

    Read more: Oakley Capital acquires majority stake in iconic Italian design house Fornasetti
    June 18, 2025
  • Inflexion exits control of Medik8 as L’Oréal deepens premium skincare push
    BEAUTY, BUSINESS, LUXURY, NEWS

    Inflexion exits control of Medik8 as L’Oréal deepens premium skincare push

    L’Oréal has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Medik8, the British premium skincare brand, in a move that strengthens its Luxe Division’s portfolio and underscores continued private equity interest in the high-growth beauty segment.…

    Read more: Inflexion exits control of Medik8 as L’Oréal deepens premium skincare push
    June 9, 2025
  • Renaissance-backed Rino Mastrotto brings Prada on board with 10% stake sale
    BUSINESS, FASHION, LUXURY, NEWS

    Renaissance-backed Rino Mastrotto brings Prada on board with 10% stake sale

    Private equity-backed leather group Rino Mastrotto has sold a 10% stake to luxury fashion house Prada, marking a strategic partnership in the high-end leather supply chain. The deal, supported by Renaissance Partners, includes a cash…

    Read more: Renaissance-backed Rino Mastrotto brings Prada on board with 10% stake sale
    June 5, 2025
  • Huda Beauty founder buys back equity stake from TSG Consumer, regaining full ownership
    BEAUTY, BUSINESS, NEWS

    Huda Beauty founder buys back equity stake from TSG Consumer, regaining full ownership

    Huda Beauty has returned to full independence following the conclusion of its eight-year partnership with TSG Consumer Partners. Huda Kattan, founder and co-CEO of the global beauty brand, has bought back TSG’s minority stake, regaining…

    Read more: Huda Beauty founder buys back equity stake from TSG Consumer, regaining full ownership
    June 3, 2025
  • MidEuropa hands off Optegra to EssilorLuxottica, fuelling European eye care ambitions
    BUSINESS, LUXURY, NEWS

    MidEuropa hands off Optegra to EssilorLuxottica, fuelling European eye care ambitions

    MidEuropa has agreed to sell Optegra, a leading European ophthalmology platform, to EssilorLuxottica. The deal, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close later this year. Optegra operates over 70 eye hospitals and diagnostic centres…

    Read more: MidEuropa hands off Optegra to EssilorLuxottica, fuelling European eye care ambitions
    June 2, 2025
  • Goldman Sachs backs Prada’s bold $2.77bn move to revive Versace legacy
    BUSINESS, FASHION, LUXURY, NEWS

    Goldman Sachs backs Prada’s bold $2.77bn move to revive Versace legacy

    Goldman Sachs is spearheading a $2.77bn financing package to support Prada’s proposed acquisition of Versace, according to a report from Italian daily MF.  The investment bank is leading a consortium to provide €2.5bn in funding,…

    Read more: Goldman Sachs backs Prada’s bold $2.77bn move to revive Versace legacy
    April 4, 2025
  • $1bn Color Wow sale draws private equity interest as beauty sector dealflow accelerates
    BEAUTY, BUSINESS, NEWS

    $1bn Color Wow sale draws private equity interest as beauty sector dealflow accelerates

    Color Wow, the fast-growing haircare brand founded by Gail Federici, is exploring a sale that could fetch a valuation of approximately $1bn, according to Reuters. Boutique advisory firm Houlihan Lokey is running the process, which…

    Read more: $1bn Color Wow sale draws private equity interest as beauty sector dealflow accelerates
    April 2, 2025
  • K-beauty boom fuels $1.6bn deal spree as private equity chases South Korea’s rising stars
    BEAUTY, BUSINESS, NEWS

    K-beauty boom fuels $1.6bn deal spree as private equity chases South Korea’s rising stars

    South Korea’s booming cosmetics sector has captured the attention of private equity firms, with 18 deals totalling KRW2.3tn ($1.6bn) recorded in 2024, according to Bloomberg.  The sharp rise in M&A activity comes as the country…

    Read more: K-beauty boom fuels $1.6bn deal spree as private equity chases South Korea’s rising stars
    April 2, 2025
  • Prada nears landmark Versace acquisition in a €1.5bn power play
    BUSINESS, FASHION, LUXURY, NEWS

    Prada nears landmark Versace acquisition in a €1.5bn power play

    Prada is nearing a deal to acquire Versace for nearly €1.5b, in what could be one of the biggest shake-ups in Italian luxury. According to sources close to the negotiations, Prada and Capri Holdings –…

    Read more: Prada nears landmark Versace acquisition in a €1.5bn power play
    March 4, 2025
  • L Catterton-backed Birkenstock faces legal hurdle in design protection effort
    BUSINESS, FASHION, NEWS

    L Catterton-backed Birkenstock faces legal hurdle in design protection effort

    Birkenstock, the German footwear brand backed by private equity firm L Catterton, lost a key legal battle as Germany’s highest civil court ruled that its sandals do not qualify as copyrighted works of art.  The…

    Read more: L Catterton-backed Birkenstock faces legal hurdle in design protection effort
    February 20, 2025
  • 1686 Partners invests in luxury eyewear brand Ahlem to drive global expansion
    BUSINESS, LUXURY, NEWS

    1686 Partners invests in luxury eyewear brand Ahlem to drive global expansion

    Ahlem, the Los Angeles-based luxury eyewear brand, has secured its first external investment from Luxembourg-based private equity firm 1686 Partners.  The firm, which specializes in purpose-driven lifestyle companies, will support Ahlem’s global growth by enhancing…

    Read more: 1686 Partners invests in luxury eyewear brand Ahlem to drive global expansion
    February 19, 2025
  • Huda Beauty reclaims independence as Mona Kattan and General Atlantic take over KAYALI
    BEAUTY, BUSINESS, NEWS

    Huda Beauty reclaims independence as Mona Kattan and General Atlantic take over KAYALI

    Huda Beauty is redefining its future with the sale of its fragrance brand, KAYALI, to co-founder Mona Kattan and private equity firm General Atlantic. This strategic move paves the way for Huda Beauty to regain…

    Read more: Huda Beauty reclaims independence as Mona Kattan and General Atlantic take over KAYALI
    February 17, 2025
  • Steve Madden expands global portfolio with £289m Kurt Geiger acquisition
    BUSINESS, FASHION, NEWS

    Steve Madden expands global portfolio with £289m Kurt Geiger acquisition

    Steve Madden has announced its acquisition of UK-based footwear and accessories brand Kurt Geiger in a deal valued at approximately £289m. The transaction sees the US fashion powerhouse acquire the British brand from private equity firm…

    Read more: Steve Madden expands global portfolio with £289m Kurt Geiger acquisition
    February 13, 2025
  • All eyes on Versace: Gucci Ex-CEO joins high-stakes bid for iconic fashion house
    BUSINESS, FASHION, NEWS

    All eyes on Versace: Gucci Ex-CEO joins high-stakes bid for iconic fashion house

    Former Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri is reportedly pursuing an acquisition of Versace through his investment firm, Nessifashion. The $6bn sale of the iconic Italian brand, owned by Capri Holdings, has attracted high-profile bidders, including Prada…

    Read more: All eyes on Versace: Gucci Ex-CEO joins high-stakes bid for iconic fashion house
    January 28, 2025
  • Golden Goose gains strategic investment from Blue Pool Capital
    BUSINESS, FASHION, NEWS

    Golden Goose gains strategic investment from Blue Pool Capital

    Golden Goose, the Italian luxury sneakers and apparel brand, has secured a 12% minority investment from Blue Pool Capital, a Hong Kong-based investment firm. The deal, completed after Golden Goose postponed its planned IPO in…

    Read more: Golden Goose gains strategic investment from Blue Pool Capital
    January 28, 2025
  • HongShan Capital nears $1.1bn acquisition of iconic audio brand Marshall
    BUSINESS, NEWS, TECH

    HongShan Capital nears $1.1bn acquisition of iconic audio brand Marshall

    HongShan Capital Group, the private equity firm previously known as Sequoia China, is in advanced talks to acquire Marshall Group, the iconic audio equipment maker, for $1.1bn. The Stockholm-based company is famous for its guitar…

    Read more: HongShan Capital nears $1.1bn acquisition of iconic audio brand Marshall
    January 23, 2025
  • Kim Kardashian’s Skky Partners acquires minority stake in UK-based skincare brand
    BUSINESS, FASHION, NEWS

    Kim Kardashian’s Skky Partners acquires minority stake in UK-based skincare brand

    SKKY Partners, the consumer-focused private equity firm co-founded by Kim Kardashian and Jay Sammons, made a “significant” minority investment in luxury skincare brand 111Skin. This investment aims to support 111Skin’s expansion of its direct-to-consumer operations.…

    Read more: Kim Kardashian’s Skky Partners acquires minority stake in UK-based skincare brand
    January 23, 2025
  • Gucci owner sells €837m stakes in Paris properties to private equity firm Ardian
    BUSINESS, FASHION, NEWS

    Gucci owner sells €837m stakes in Paris properties to private equity firm Ardian

    Kering, the luxury group behind Gucci and Saint Laurent, has sold 60% of its stakes in three prime Paris properties to French private equity firm Ardian for €837m. The properties, located in Place Vendôme and…

    Read more: Gucci owner sells €837m stakes in Paris properties to private equity firm Ardian
    January 15, 2025
  • Prada explores acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings
    BUSINESS, FASHION, NEWS

    Prada explores acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings

    Prada is evaluating a potential acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings, with Citi acting as its adviser. Capri Holdings has engaged Barclays to identify potential buyers for Versace, attracting interest from private equity funds and…

    Read more: Prada explores acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings
    January 10, 2025
  • Fashion brand True Religion acquired by Acon Investments
    BUSINESS, FASHION, NEWS

    Fashion brand True Religion acquired by Acon Investments

    True Religion announced on Tuesday that private equity firm Acon Investments has acquired a majority stake in the company. SB360 Capital Partners, chaired by American Eagle’s CEO Jay Schottenstein, also took part in the deal.…

    Read more: Fashion brand True Religion acquired by Acon Investments
    January 9, 2025

FEATURES

  • Editorial: The Deals, Disruptions, and Power Shifts Shaping Luxury
    BUSINESS, EDITORIALS, FASHION

    Editorial: The Deals, Disruptions, and Power Shifts Shaping Luxury

    Luxury fashion is no longer just about the clothes. I hasn’t been for a long time now. It’s an intricate chessboard where billion-dollar gambits, power struggles, and seismic creative shifts determine who reigns supreme. The…

    Read more: Editorial: The Deals, Disruptions, and Power Shifts Shaping Luxury
    February 16, 2025
  • Editor’s Letter – Fashion’s Next Act: A Tale of Reinvention
    BUSINESS, EDITORIALS, FASHION

    Editor’s Letter – Fashion’s Next Act: A Tale of Reinvention

    Fashion has always been embedded in transformation – of materials into garments, of trends into cultural markers, of businesses into empires. But today, the industry’s evolution feels particularly cinematic. Private equity titans, together with legacy…

    Read more: Editor’s Letter – Fashion’s Next Act: A Tale of Reinvention
    February 5, 2025
  • The Business of Skincare: Inside Beauty’s Investment Boom and Changing Consumer Trends
    BUSINESS, EDITORIALS

    The Business of Skincare: Inside Beauty’s Investment Boom and Changing Consumer Trends

    In my early twenties, I experienced two difficult bouts of acne. This came very unexpectedly, given that as a teenager, I was blessed with clear, blemish-free skin. Each time, I scoured the internet for solutions,…

    Read more: The Business of Skincare: Inside Beauty’s Investment Boom and Changing Consumer Trends
    February 5, 2025

EXCLUSIVES

  • Exclusive Interview: Andrei Gemeneanu on building Romania’s private equity future
    BUSINESS, SPECIAL

    Exclusive Interview: Andrei Gemeneanu on building Romania’s private equity future

    Andrei Gemeneanu, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Morphosis Capital, is on a mission to put Romania firmly on the private equity map. In this candid conversation with Private Equity Insights at CEE’s Largest PE Conference, he…

    Read more: Exclusive Interview: Andrei Gemeneanu on building Romania’s private equity future
    June 6, 2025
  • Exclusive Interview: Torge Barkholtz is rethinking SME succession through operator-led investing
    BUSINESS, SPECIAL

    Exclusive Interview: Torge Barkholtz is rethinking SME succession through operator-led investing

    Torge Barkholtz doesn’t deal in jargon. Nor does he try to dress up succession investing with flashy growth projections or hollow promises. What he’s building at Novastone Partners is far subtler and, arguably, far more…

    Read more: Exclusive Interview: Torge Barkholtz is rethinking SME succession through operator-led investing
    May 29, 2025
  • Exclusive: Interview with Forbes Romania’s “30 Under 30” Ion Orins 
    BUSINESS, SPECIAL, TECH

    Exclusive: Interview with Forbes Romania’s “30 Under 30” Ion Orins 

    Shaping the Future: The Developer Redefining Fintech and Blockchain at 18 At only 18 years old, Ion Orins landed a full-time role at Modex, a fintech and blockchain company, after impressing executives at a hackathon.…

    Read more: Exclusive: Interview with Forbes Romania’s “30 Under 30” Ion Orins 
    September 4, 2024

Achievements

Scenes from the play “Story of a Beautiful People” by Valeriu Butulescu, directed by Boris Melinti for which I received a nomination for Best Theatre Costume Designer at the UNITEM Gala Awards 2024.

Contact

andreeamelinti@gmail.com

UK: 07873611272

Int: (+40) 720781940

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