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Category: Fashion

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest Fashion news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • DFS Group Announces Exclusive New Bvlgari Collection

    DFS Group Announces Exclusive New Bvlgari Collection

    DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer and the magnificent Italian High Jeweler, BVLGARI, are delighted to introduce the new Serpenti Passion Red collection, available exclusively at DFS airport stores and T Gallerias from January 1, 2018.

    This exclusive collection introduces four new brilliant BVLGARI pieces, immediately recognizable by their
    unmistakable Italian design reflecting 2,700 years of Roman history, and embracing stylistic audacity and a
    penchant for rich, vibrant colour.

    The collection features two Serpenti Twist Your Time watches with interchangeable straps crafted in calf and
    Karung leather in pink and red or burgundy and black, a Serpenti Seduttori pendant with a ruby eye, and a
    Serpenti Forever ruby red handbag in brushed metallic calf leather with a red and white Serpenti head and onyx
    eyes.

    Christophe Chaix, DFS Group Senior Vice President Fashion, Watches, Jewelry and Accessories said the introduction of the new collection symbolizes DFS Group’s appreciation of BVLGARI’s unrivalled commitment to high-end quality.

    “We are delighted to continue our unique partnership with BVLGARI, whose name is synonymous with a luxurious lifestyle,” said Christophe. “These stunning new designs are a perfect complement to DFS’ belief that
    life should be lived beautifully. We are sure our discerning traveling customers will be thrilled to find Serpenti
    and Seduttori in our collection of fine watches and jewelry.”

    Lelio Gavazza, Executive Vice President Sales and Retail BVLGARI, said the new collection signifies what
    BVLGARI is and has always been about; homage to legacy, and the grace of uniquely designed jewelry,
    watches and bags.

    “BVLGARI is pleased to present this exclusive capsule collection to DFS. This premium network represents the
    ultimate luxury retail shopping experience in travel retail channel. With BVLGARI‘s unique products combined
    with DFS expertise in delivering customized customer experience, we are certain to satisfy various travelers’
    needs, especially during the coming Chinese New Year holiday. ”

    DFS brings BVLGARI’S new Serpenti Passion Red range to global travelers, luxury shoppers and particularly
    to customers in Hong Kong, China, Macau and Japan who value high-quality luxury fashion and jewelry.
    BVLGARI’sSerpenti Passion Red will be available for purchase at T Galleria by DFS stores worldwide until 31
    December 2018.

    Details of the new BVLGARI Serpenti and Seduttori range:

    • BVLGARI Serpenti Twist Your Time 27mm Watch with Pink and Red Interchangeable Straps in calf and Karung leather: Watch size 27 mm in steel case, Mother of Pearl dial sourced from Australia and Indonesia, pink bracelet calf with two loops, hour/minute display, quartz stones, waterproof up to 30 metres and Crown with Rubellite

    • BVLGARI Serpenti Twist Your Time 27mm Watch with Burgundy Red and Black Interchangeable Straps in calf and Karung leather: Watch size 27 mm in steel case, red dial, bordeaux bracelet calf with two loops, hour/minute display, quartz stones, waterproof up to 30 metres and Crown with Rubellite

    • BVLGARI Seduttori Pink Gold Pendant with Ruby: Pink gold necklace with .24 ct pear ruby in a round mounted setting

    • BVLGARI Serpenti Forever Nappa Handbag Ruby Red Limited Edition: Flap Cover, Serpenti Forever
    Accessories, brushed metallic calf leather in ruby red and light gold with 100% Nappa Ruby Red lining.

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  • Prada’s new concept Spirit pop-up Bar in Macau Galaxy Mall

    Prada’s new concept Spirit pop-up Bar in Macau Galaxy Mall

    Just in time for the Lunar New Year, Galaxy Macau and Italian fashion house Prada have introduced the Prada Spirit retail project, running until the end of next month.

    Following the success of the Prada Station pop-up with it railway theme, the project offers exclusive products in a concept location, allowing shoppers to socialise in a relaxed, luxurious atmosphere.

    Premiering at The Promenade Shops of the Galaxy Macau, Prada Spirit will later travel to other major cities in Asia including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore and Seoul.

    With a setting inspired by traditional Italian cafes, it displays an exclusive collection of leather bags and accessories. Lounge corners feature red velvet sofas and small black tables. A central, squared counter is lined with display cases, while a wall-chandelier with multi-faceted Perspex blades makes a contrast with the black-and-white marble checkered flooring. High wooden stools complete the space.

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  • Nike, Sony and NBA collaborate for PlayStation sneakers

    Nike, Sony and NBA collaborate for PlayStation sneakers

    Nike and Sony Playstation are set to introduce a signature shoe with NBA superstar Paul George.

    Both Nike and Sony have released a teaser video showcasing the sneakers, expected to be released in limited quantities on February 10.

    Capturing the spirit of PlayStation, the footwear features LED logos on the tongue that light up either on static mode or pulse.

    The midsole also takes on PlayStation’s galaxy theme, echoing the PlayStation 2 start-up screen.
    The eyelets on the shoes also feature the classic PlayStation button colours of pastel green, red, pink and blue.

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  • Michael Hill to step out from US market

    Michael Hill to step out from US market

    New Zealand jeweller Michael Hill is to close down its US operations following a strategic review.

    The complete exit of its loss-making retail operations in the US comes after continued poor performance saw same-store sales drop a further 10 per cent in the retailer’s most recent trading update.

    Since launching in the US in 2008, the Michael Hill US business has struggled to provide a return for the group despite significant investment into developing a viable business model.

    “Our time in the highly competitive US jewellery market taught us a lot and helped to strengthen our core business including the development of our bridal collection strategy and the development of our professional care plan,” said Taylor.

    “However, our US operations have not gained sufficient traction in recent years and the level of capital required to scale-up the business is not warranted under current trading conditions.”

    After the US closures are finalised, Michael Hill will continue to operate more than 300 stores globally, including 172 in Australia, 53 in New Zealand and 83 in Canada.

    The company said it continues to see significant long-term value in its Australia, New Zealand and Canada businesses. which continue to perform strongly. During the first half of the current year, those stores accounted for 95 per cent of total group revenue and recorded same-store sales and total revenue growth of 1 per cent and 5 per cent respectively.

  • 2nd STREET USA to Launch Its First US Store

    2nd STREET USA to Launch Its First US Store

    Japanese used-clothing market 2nd Street USA has set up shop in the US.

    A subsidiary of Tokyo-based GEO Holdings, 2nd Street USA has opened on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Selling and buying goods, it offers men’s and women’s clothing as well as accessories.

    Among the assortment are designer labels like Burberry, MCM and Supreme, along with “big-in-Japan” brands A Bathing Ape, Comme des Garçons and Porter. There is also Kurofine, a clothing line produced by Kyoto Montsuki which recycles used clothing items with a special dyeing process.

    It is 2nd Street’s first venture outside of Japan, where it has 578 stores. The company plans two more stores for California by March next year, and aims to expand to 10 stores in the US by 2020.

    CEO Masahiro Kikuchi says all goods are carefully chosen for quality, and the store offers attentive service.

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  • Affinity Equity to bid on Stylenanda

    Affinity Equity to bid on Stylenanda

    Hong Kong’s Affinity Equity Partners has joined a bidding scramble for Korean budget fashion and cosmetics brand Stylenanda.

    Also in the race are LVMH-backed L Catterton, L’Oreal and Shiseido, with the bid worth up to KW500 billion (US$467 million), insiders say.

    Parent company Nanda has received letters of intent from potential bidders, including a local department-store chain, to sell a stake of up to 70 per cent.

    Launched in 2005, Stylenanda saw its sales soar to KW170 billion last year. While it started as a fashion brand, it has lately been focusing more on its cosmetics business. Now more than half of its sales come from its budget cosmetics brand 3CE.

    For its fashion business, the firm is focusing more on upscale boutique shops.

    CEO Kim So-hee, who owns the company outright, in 2016 sought to sell a sizeable portion along with management rights. There were negotiations with such candidates as Hyundai Department Store and TPG, but these collapsed.

    Meanwhile, L Catterton has been buying stakes in Korean companies in recent years, including US$80 million in YG Entertainment, $50 million in cosmetics maker Clio, and US$230 million in eyewear brand Gentle Monster.

    Affinity has also been buying into Korean firms. In August it bought plastic container company Lock&Lock for KW629.3 billion.

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  • China leads for L’Occitane International

    China leads for L’Occitane International

    China and Hong Kong, along with Brazil, had the highest sales growth in local currencies for French cosmetics company L’Occitane International for the nine months to the end of December.

    China sales grew 23.4 per cent in local currency, with same-store sales up 17.4 per cent.

    Hong Kong had 9.7 per cent growth at constant exchange rates, thanks to strong travel-retail sales in Asia, particularly Greater China, Korea and Japan.

    The group’s net sales reached €1 billion (US$1.2 billion), or 3 per cent growth at constant rates for the period. Unfavourable foreign-exchange rates knocked down sales at reported rates by 0.6 per cent.

    Same-store sales growth for the nine months further improved to 1.4 per cent from a 0.1 per cent drop for the six months to September 30. The improvement was mainly contributed by holiday offerings in the third quarter that fueled same-store sales growth in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Russia and other key markets.

    Sell-out sales accounted for 74.1 per cent of net sales, amounting to €741.9 million, down 1.4 per cent at reported rates but up 2.5 per cent at constant rates. This growth was primarily from positive same-store growth as well as non-comparable stores and other sales, including new and renovated stores, marketplaces and spa businesses.

    Web sell-out channels (own e-commerce and marketplaces) delivered encouraging growth of 21.2 per cent to reach 14.3 per cent of total sell-out sales.

    Sell-in sales accounted for 25.9 per cent of the group’s total sales, amounting to €259 million and an increase of 4.4 per cent at constant exchange rates. Like-for-like growth was 8.2 per cent.

    The increase was primarily driven by travel retail, distribution, B2B and web-partner channels of the L’Occitane en Provence brand. The emerging brands Erborian and Melvita continued double-digit growth.

    The group opened 16 stores and renovated 118 during the nine months, compared to 56 store openings and 79 renovations for the same period a year earlier.

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  • John Lobb expands into Philippines market

    John Lobb expands into Philippines market

    Historic British footwear brand John Lobb Bootmaker has stepped into the Philippines with a store beside Hermes at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City, Manila.

    Founded in Basingstoke in 1849 and opening a store on London’s Regent Street in 1866, the brand is known for its bespoke services and patronage from the aristocracy as well as the social, political and business elite.

    John Lobb branched out being solely bespoke to enter the ready-to-wear world in the 1980s.

    “Going into retail was a natural progression for the brand,” says regional director Nicholas Holt. “The stores have grown organically; we have 24 all over the world, targeting key cities such as Manila.

    “We open stores only in strategic locations – it is not all a matter of how many doors we can open.”

    While it makes shoes and boots mainly for men, John Lobb also caters for women. The store also sells leather goods such as wallets and belts.

    John Lobb, now owned by Hermes, has stores in China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

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  • Korean duty-free store sales record in December

    Sales to foreigners at South Korean duty-free stores reached a record high in December, industry data shows.

    But that comes despite a sharp drop in the number of tourists, following a diplomatic spat between Seoul and Beijing over a US anti-missile system.

    Sales to foreigners at local duty-free shops came to US$939 million last month, up 28 per cent from a year earlier, according to data compiled by the Korea Duty Free Shops Association. The figure is up 0.1 per cent from the previous high of $983 million, set in November.

    However the number of foreign visitors to local duty-free shops plunged 11.3 per cent on-year to 1.42 million last month, mainly due to Beijing’s ban on selling Korea-bound package tours in apparent retaliation over the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in South Korea.

    The number of Chinese nationals who visited South Korea last year stood at 4.16 million, down 48.3 per cent from the 8 million of the previous year, according to separate government data. Chinese nationals accounted for nearly half of the 17 million foreigners who visited South Korea in 2016.

    After months of dispute, the two countries agreed in October to normalise their bilateral relations, although Chinese tourists are yet to come back in volumes.

    Industry watchers say the latest increase in duty-free sales is attributable to small-scale Chinese traders.

    According to customs data, sales at South Korean duty-free stores reached a historic high of 14.5 trillion won last year, up 17.9 per cent from the previous year.

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  • Korea’s Handsome to offer home-trial service

    Korean apparel retailer Handsome is launching a service for customers to have their selected clothes delivered and tried on at home before deciding whether to buy.

    Online shoppers can pick up to three pieces of clothing marked as available for the service and have them delivered to their residence during a time slot of their choice. Handsome employees will deliver the clothing in branded vehicles.

    Some 1300 clothing items from 21 of Handsome’s brands will be open to the “at Home” service that will first be offered to Handsome’s VIP and frequent online shoppers in some Seoul suburbs. The list of available products and suburbs served will gradually be expanded afterward, the company says.

    Customers will have two days to decide whether they want to make any purchases or they can return all items without extra cost.

    Handsome has been focusing on the online-to-offline business, allowing customers to buy online and pick up at offline locations and providing curation services to recommend items based on collected data on clients’ preferences. The company claimed the home-fitting service is the first in Korea’s fashion-retail industry.

    “Amazon started its fitting service Prime Wardrobe last year for up to 15 items for a Prime member,” a company spokesperson said. “We will establish a differentiated shopping service that offers a wide range of information on fashion and communicates with customers.”

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  • King Power Group to relaunch Bangkok complex

    King Power Group to relaunch Bangkok complex

    After a revamp, Thailand travel retailer King Power Group has staged a grand re-opening of its Bangkok duty-free shopping and lifestyle complex King Power Rangnam.

    Redeveloped at a cost of THB2.5 billion (US$74 million), the 22,000sqm landmark offers luxury brands, beauty products, watches, sunglasses and souvenirs. Local specialty products showcase Thailand’s One Tambon [district], One Product (Otop) community program, including handicrafts, food, cotton and silk garments, pottery, fashion accessories and household items.

     

    There is also a street-food showcase as well as international restaurants, while there are venues for conferences and events.

    Thai celebrities attending the grand opening ceremony including King Power’s new global ambassador, Chinese actress Fan Bingbing. Features of the event included a flying acrobatic balloon show from the UK and a multimedia theatrical, art, light, sound and special effects spectacular by Thai choreographer Professor Joe–Sutheesak Bhakdidheva.

    Officiating guests at the opening ceremony of King Power Rangnam were Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr Somkid Jatusripitak, CEO of King Power Group, Mr Aiyawatt Sriwaddhanaprabha, Global Ambassador, Ms Fan Bingbing & guests.
    King Power’s new Global Ambassador, Chinese actress Fan Bingbing.

    “The re-opening of King Power Rangnam will herald a new era for Thailand’s duty-free business,” says King Power Group CEO Aiyawatt Sriwaddhanaprabha.

     

  • Audemars Piguet to try secondhand market

    Audemars Piguet to try secondhand market

    Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet is planning to launch its own shop for used watches.

    It is believed to be the first major watch brand to break into the growing market for secondhand luxury timepieces.

    Audemars Piguet (AP) says it has had a “test run” at a Geneva store and intends to expand its secondhand business to other Swiss locations. Initially it is treating customer trade-ins as partial exchanges, later aiming to sell the pieces.

    “Secondhand is the next big thing in the watch industry,” says AP chief executive Francois-Henry Bennahmias. “At the moment, we leave it to what I call the ‘dark side’ to deal with demand for pre-owned pieces.”

    Smaller-scale watch brands such as H.Moser & Cie and MB&F will join AP in expanding to the secondary high-end goods market later this year.

    “It is important to control the sale of secondhand watches to protect owners and the value of watches already in the market,” says H.Moser & Cie’s Edouard Meylan.

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  • Budget fashion star Primark boasts record Christmas sales

    Budget fashion star Primark boasts record Christmas sales

    UK fast-fashion retailer Primark has reported record Christmas sales, largely due to the addition of a massive 300,000sqft of retail selling space.

    In its home market, Primark opened five stores during the 16-weeks to January 6 and during the whole year added 1.1 million sqft of space. By the end of the period the company, a subsidiary of Associated British Foods, operated 350 stores and 14.2 million sqft of trading space.

    Total retail sales rose 7 per cent year-on-year on a constant currency basis.

    “The UK continued to perform well with strong like-for-like sales, a consequent strong increase in share of the total market, and trading which reflected the breadth of our consumer offering,” the company said in a statement.

    Figures for Europe were less inspiring, due to warm weather in October reducing demand for winter clothing.

    The company said its operating margins in the first half year are now expected to be close to those in the same period last year with better buying almost offsetting the adverse effect of the weaker exchange rate between the pound and the US dollar.

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  • Takashimaya Singapore to sell Hera soon

    Takashimaya Singapore to sell Hera soon

    Korean beauty company Amore Pacific is to introduce its makeup and skincare brand Hera in Singapore with a counter at Takashimaya.

    Launching in April, the counter will offer not only Hera’s full range, but also its Homme line.

    Hera has been one of the main sponsors for Seoul Fashion Week in the past few years, and is fronted by Korean actress Gianna Jun of My Sassy Girl.

    Singapore is only the second country outside Korea after China to have Hera, as reported, , and a standalone store is planned for the third quarter of this year.

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  • Louis Vuitton Ginzato move to new location

    Louis Vuitton Ginzato move to new location

    The Louis Vuitton Ginza Namikidōri Store has a new design and a new home, moving to the new Tokyo Ginza Asahi Building.

    The move is a result of its former location being closed for rebuilding.

    Now covering two storeys, the store features a modern façade inspired by pieces from its Objets Nomades collection, incorporating ideas from in-house artisans and famous designers. The interior is immersed in soft, natural light.

    On offer are the brand’s latest women’s and men’s collections including Capucines handbags (exclusive here for Japan), suitcases, leather accessories, ready-to-wear, shoes, watches and fine jewellery.

     

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