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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.

  • Prada reports China sales growing at a fast pace

    Prada reports China sales growing at a fast pace

    Sales of luxury Prada items in China have exceeded last year’s levels since the brand’s physical stores reopened following the coronavirus pandemic.

    The Chinese appetite for luxury items has rebounded strongly despite the impact of Covid-19, even as global sales are hit with a decline of 35 percent.

    “To date, the Prada Group’s sales in China have already largely exceeded the levels of 2019, showing double-digit growth since the beginning of the year,” said Prada CEO Patrizio Bertelli.

    Prada’s growth within China has exceeded more than 60 percent since March, with a sales record hit on August 25, this year’s Chinese Valentine’s Day.

    The firm’s projections suggest the trend will continue in the coming months, according to Bertelli.

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  • Alexander McQueen opens Tokyo flagship store

    Alexander McQueen opens Tokyo flagship store

    British fashion label Alexander McQueen has opened a flagship store at Omotesando, Tokyo.

    Located in the shopping complex Oak Omotesando, the store occupies a 253sqm space and spans two stories. The first floor houses women’s clothes and accessories while the second floor features apparel and accessories for men.

    The Alexander McQueen Omotesando concept is a result of the collaboration between creative director Sarah Burton and architect Smiljan Radic. The store exterior features glass floor-to-ceiling doors and windows with grey metal frames, allowing customers to see into the store from the outside. The interior uses woods such as oak or walnut as the main material, creating a warm ambiance.

    The storehouses four fitting rooms designed in a glass cylinder shape with butterfly-patterned curtains. The patterns were previously featured in the brand’s Fall/Winter 2018 and 2019 Collection.

  • Skechers opening more outlets in Singapore

    Skechers opening more outlets in Singapore

    Skechers Singapore has accelerated its expansion plan in the city despite the Covid-19 situation.

    Since July, the footwear brand has rolled out five new stores in the territory, taking its store count to 30, employing 40 additional staff to man them.

    While many retailers are struggling to remain commercially viable during the Covid-19 crisis, and some closing stores, Skechers’ is bucking the trend. One of the latest victims of Covid-19 in Singapore is fashion retailer Topshop which has announced it will quit all its physical stores in the city and move entirely online.

    “It is without a doubt (that) in the retail industry, it is quite challenging,” VP at Skechers Southeast Asia, Zann Lee, told Channel News Asia. “This is a good time for us to actually enter into a market with good locations.”

    Besides expanding its physical presence, the brand is also developing its own online store as shoppers are shifting to online shopping. Although opening its own e-commerce store may seem like a late response to Covid-19, Skechers is already selling its products online via third parties such as Shopee or Lazada.

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  • Topshop, Topman leaving Singapore

    Topshop, Topman leaving Singapore

    Topshop and Topman Singapore are to close its last store in VivoCity and move online this Thursday (September 17).

    Topshop and Topman brand manager Wing Tai Retail told The Straits Times that the brands will focus on an omnichannel retail strategy to suit consumer preferences, maintaining a presence on its own online store as well as on Zalora.

    Last week, the brands ran a ‘limited time’ sale promotion where customers could get one free item for every two bought at its VivoCity store, to help reduce stock levels. A sign displayed in the store said it is moving out on September 17.

    Topshop’s exit from Singapore follows the announcement of the closure of its 14,000sqft store in Hong Kong’s Central next month to move online, after seven years in the city.

    Topshop and Topman entered Singapore with the first store at Orchard Road in 2000. The brands are managed by Wing Tai Retail, which also manages other international brands including Adidas, G2000, Dorothy Perkins, and Uniqlo.

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  • Previous Starbucks executive taking over as Sephora CEO

    Previous Starbucks executive taking over as Sephora CEO

    LVMH has appointed ex Starbuck executive Martin Brok as president and CEO of Sephora. Brok will start his new role on Monday, succeeding Chris de la Puente. Chris will remain a member of the LVMH executive committee and “take on additional responsibilities at a later date.”

    Under Chris’ leadership, Sephora wholesales have tripled and achieved a strong omnichannel presence, according to the company.

    “The appointment of Martin Brok marks a new era for the company as a period of transformation begins for the beauty retail industry, in particular with the rise of online sales.”

    Brok had worked at Starbucks Corporation as president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa since 2016, after holding general management roles at Nike.

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  • Burberry launches global Animal Kingdom popups

    Burberry launches global Animal Kingdom popups

    Luxury fashion house Burberry is launching Animal Kingdom popups globally to celebrate its signature bags and accessories.

    The pop-ups will feature large-scale sculptures of monkeys, gorillas, and birds of paradise inspired by “the power and symbolism of animals” according to the label’s chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci.

    The product range features exclusive editions of signature Burberry leather goods, including the Pocket Bag and the TB Bag with a distinctive clasp featuring his initials. The exclusive pieces also include silk scarves, card cases, and jewelry.

    To celebrate the launch, Burberry has teamed with Snapchat to introduce an in-store gamified experience. Users will experience Burberry’s Animal Kingdom world by scanning the Snapcodes embedded in the pop-ups.

    Burberry has also partnered with Wildlife Works to make the pop-ups carbon neutral.

    “Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, the initiative focuses on agroforestry, sustainable farming, and conservation techniques to relieve deforestation,” the company said in a statement.

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  • LVMH whitdrawing Tiffany deal

    LVMH whitdrawing Tiffany deal

    French luxury-goods group LVMH has dropped its plan to take over Tiffany & Co, prompting the  New York jeweler to announce it will file a lawsuit to enforce the deal.

    The US$16.2 billion takeovers was agreed to before the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic and the jeweler’s share price had dropped well below the price LVMH had agreed to pay.

    However, LVMH’s board is using geopolitical and taxation factors to defend its position with the board issuing a brief statement late Wednesday Asian time after a board meeting confirming it would “not be able to complete the acquisition of Tiffany & Co”.

    The statement referred to a letter from the French European and Foreign Affairs Minister which directed LVMH to “differ” (sic) – thought to mean defer – the acquisition until after January 6 next year in “reaction to the threat of taxes on French products by the US”.

    Tiffany & Co had earlier requested LVMH to extend the closing date for the deal from the current expiry date of November 24 to December 31.

    LVMH’s board, having taken legal advice from advisors to its teams, said it resolved to comply with the merger agreement signed by the two companies in November last year, which stipulated the November 2020 closing date.

    “As it stands, the Group LVMH will therefore not be able to complete the acquisition of Tiffany & Co.”

    Tiffany & Co meanwhile, is alleging that LVMH has deliberately stalled the takeover to force a renegotiation of the price.

    The company will file a lawsuit with the Delaware Court of Chancery Wednesday US time seeking to force LVMH to close the transaction by the November deadline.

    “Tiffany alleges that LVMH has delayed the EU regulatory process to avoid closing before a mandated deadline, and threatened to walk away from the takeover unless the price tag is reduced,” the FT reported, citing “people briefed about the matter”.

    The Tiffany & Co sale has been the subject of considerable ongoing speculation since the impact of Covid-19 on luxury retailing and international travel.

    At one point, analysts were speculating that LVMH might begin acquiring shares on the open market at a price lower than the company had agreed to pay under the merger agreement. However, after a board meeting in June, LVMH issued a statement reiterating it would not buy shares on the market and was sticking to the deal.

    Reuters reported back then, however, that LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault was exploring ways to reopen negotiations in an attempt to reduce the price.

    “While Arnault now has concerns about overpaying for Tiffany, he still believes in the deal’s strategic rationale, according to the sources,” reported Reuters. “Tiffany will give LVMH a bigger share of the lucrative US market and expand its offerings in jewelry, the fastest-growing sector in the luxury goods industry.”

  • Hermes re-opens renovated and extended retail space in Sendai

    Hermes re-opens renovated and extended retail space in Sendai

    Luxury Maison Hermes has unveiled its refurbished store in the Fujisaki Department Store in Sendai, Japan.

    “This reopening marks a new chapter for Hermes in this Northern city of Japan, where it has been present since 2004,” the company said in a statement.

    The store’s new design is inspired by Sendai’s natural environment – the city is known as “The City of Trees” – and the floor space has been expanded to 144sqm.

    The store’s facade features floor-to-ceiling glass windows and copper-colored steel, offering a clear view of the interior from the outside.

    Designed by Parisian architecture agency RDAI, the interior was divided into two open-plan spaces. At the entrance, the floor features mosaic tiles “in subdued Havana-and chocolate-brown hues, complete with iridescent cabochons”.

    Hermes Fujisaki offers a wide selection of products, including silk collections, fragrances, and fashion accessories. The collections for the home, featuring homeware and tableware, including the new Hermes Passifolia service, complete the displays in this initial area. The store also houses a VIP lounge for “enhanced privacy”.

    “While the entrance area is characterized by mineral, airy and bright accents, the second section creates a more muted atmosphere with carefully selected fabrics and carpets,” the company said.

    “This renovated address showcases the house’s craftsmanship and freedom of creation through its exceptional objects and the enhanced experience it offers its customers and new visitors

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  • Vietnamese, Argentinian designers top latest Redress Design Awards

    Vietnamese, Argentinian designers top latest Redress Design Awards

    Circular fashion environmental charity Redress has awarded two designers with collaboration prizes for their entries in the Redress Design Awards for 2020. The Redress Design Award 2020 Grand Final saw awards presented to menswear designer Le Ngoc Ha Thu from Vietnam and womenswear designer Juliana Garcia Bello of Argentina, who won design collaboration prizes with VF Corporation’s Timberland and upcycling brand The R Collective, respectively.

    A runner-up award was given to Sri Lankan designer Ruth Weerasinghe. The award for the best Hong Kong designer went to Grace Lant. The competition cycle, sponsored by local government body Create Hong Kong, has served to draw attention to the issue of waste in the fashion industry that has intensified under the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

    “Fashion’s waste crisis can’t be swept under the carpet any longer,” said Redress and The R Collective founder Christina Dean. “Covid-19’s retail and supply chain disruptions have stranded materials in warehouses, factories and stores globally. Now is the time to catalyze the circular economy – and this is Redress’ focus. The Redress Design Award has for 10 years educated designers about circular design. The industry must not waste the opportunities that Covid-19’s crisis is offering.”

    “The Redress Design Award has established as a recognized brand in the sustainable fashion design community over the past years by educating emerging fashion designers in order to drive growth towards a circular fashion system”, said Create Hong Kong head Victor Tsang.

    Over the past fortnight, 10 finalists in the competition were subjected to a tough series of virtual design and business challenges focused on real-life sustainability business cases.

    VF’s executive VP & group president Asia Pacific region and emerging brands Kevin Bailey, one of the judges, said the company’s collaboration with Redress over the past two years has connected it with talented, emerging designers “who are passionate about creating fashionable, compelling designs with environmental responsibility in mind”.

    “We are constantly inspired by their commitment to circular design and creativity. These are the future leaders who are going to help drive lasting and positive change throughout our global industry and we are proud to be part of their journey.”

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  • Maison Kitsune makes Thai debut at Bangkok’s EmQuartier

    Maison Kitsune makes Thai debut at Bangkok’s EmQuartier

    Maison Kitsune has opened Thailand’s first Kitsune boutique and cafe at EmQuartier shopping center in Bangkok. The boutique and cafe occupy a 145sqm area with two entrances. The store design is a fusion of Japanese and Parisian style.

    The boutique’s facade features three white arches, “creating an impression of the endless sky”. The brand’s latest collection is displayed behind the glass windows. Located in the middle of the entrance is the brand’s signature Fox.

    The store interior features brass frames and wooden elements in contrast with white walls and marble floors. Meanwhile, the Kitsune cafe wall features “ Japanese-inspired panels in varnished bamboo stalks, a nod to Thai traditional craftsmanship”. The cafe houses an outdoor area with four tables set up in front of the store.

    The cafe offers a variety of drinks to pair with sweet and savory treats. The Cafe Kitsune collection of tableware, ready-to-wear and accessories is also available to bring home.

    Maison Kitsune is a French-Japanese electronic music record label and fashion brand created in 2002 by Gildas Loaec, Masaya Kuroki and London-based company Abake.

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  • Designer-bag rental platform Style Theory makes great Hong Kong start

    Designer-bag rental platform Style Theory makes great Hong Kong start

    Online circular fashion platform Style Theory has expanded its network to Hong Kong, its first market outside Southeast Asia.

    Style Theory Hong Kong members now can have access to more than 2000 designer bags from luxury brands, including Hermes, Celine, Chanel, Dior and Saint Laurent, with a rental subscription starting at HK$899 (US$116 per month).

    “Hong Kong was a natural fit in our regional growth plans to lead the circular fashion revolution in Southeast Asia,” said Raena Lim, co-founder of Style Theory. “Hongkongers can be more empowered to access fashion without the guilt of trying new styles or worrying about storage and maintenance.”

    Style Theory Hong Kong will focus on rental subscription and resale services for designer bags before considering other categories.

    Founded in Singapore by Raena Lim and Chris Halim, Style Theory started as an apparel rental subscription service before expanding into luxury bags.

    Style Theory is one of Southeast Asia’s largest online circular fashion platforms with offices in Singapore and Jakarta. The brand launched its flagship brick-and-mortar store in the heart of Orchard Road, Singapore last November.

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  • Prada opens a new store in Tokyo’s Shibuya district

    Prada opens a new store in Tokyo’s Shibuya district

    Italian luxury fashion house Prada has opened a new boutique in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, featuring the unique evolution of its green-themed interior design.

    Located at the Miyashita Park shopping mall, the store is designed by OMA studio, founded by Rem Koolhaas. With a floor area of about 300sqm, it displays Prada’s full range of clothing, bags, accessories, and footwear for men and women in unisex and thematic versions.

    The store also offers cotton poplin t-shirts featuring original prints exclusive for the store’s opening, including a Prada oval logo reinterpreted by OMA bearing the Prada Miyashita Park store name, and a travel tag print with TYO (Tokyo) symbols.

    The external facade features floor-to-ceiling glass, which allows a view into “a dreamlike, virtual ‘container’ against a dynamic backdrop.”

    The store interior has a black-and-white chequered floor and green walls designed in backlit “sponge” – the ‘air and matter’ hybrid material designed by OMA. A digital wall, which can be assembled and disassembled, is installed to draw attention.

    The brand uses aluminum for all displays and racks to “enhance the minimal aesthetics and contemporary feel of the interiors”.

    Coinciding with the store’s launch, Prada has announced a digital project called “My Shibuya View”, featuring personal films introducing creators and musicians’ favorite spots in Shibuya. Project participants include singer and songwriter Taichi Mukai, model Ruka and actor, model, and musician Yoshi.

  • Stussy launching new store in Japan, Nagoya

    Stussy launching new store in Japan, Nagoya

    American fashion label Stussy has opened a new store in Nagoya, its 46th outlet in Japan.

    Located in Sakae, the store was designed by WP & A and offers Stussy’s full selection of apparel, accessories and footwear, including a limited-edition collection.

    The store facade features floor-to-ceiling windows with black frames. A small sign showing the brand name is installed at the corner of the store’s front – barely noticeable in images.

    The store interior features wooden and metal shelves together with wood sculptures. The walls are painted in a half-white, half-grey style while two rows of LED lighting are installed on the ceiling. Several greenery corners balance the design.

    Stussy operates more than 60 outlets across more than 10 regions including the US, Australia, Singapore and Taiwan.

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  • Textile firms survive on weekly export orders

    Textile firms survive on weekly export orders

    The textile and garment industry continues to be hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic with only weekly orders coming in due to uncertain demand. Shipments of textile and garment, Vietnam’s third-largest export earner, fell 11.6 percent year-on-year in the first eight months to $19.6 billion because of the pandemic, the Ministry of Industry and Trade said in a recent report.

    Producers receive orders by the month or even week because of the plunging global demand due to Covid-19, whereas in previous years by this time they would have received orders for the first half of the following year, the report said.

    Some producers have seen September orders drop by 40-50 percent, while orders have not been confirmed for the rest of the year and 2021, it added.

    Global demand for textile and garment products in the third quarter has not shown signs of reviving, as consumer confidence remains low in the U.S., the E.U. and Japan, three of Vietnam’s largest buyers.

    This has affected producers like Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex). Cao Huu Hieu, its deputy CEO, said the company forecasts a 20 percent fall in revenues this year.

    “We have barely received orders for the last quarter, which is a major challenge for our production plans. Prices of masks have dropped to just enough to cover costs.”

    Companies are doing all they can to survive. Garment 10 Corporation Jsc (Garco10) is working to get long-term orders to ensure cash flows and retain jobs, while Vinatex seeks to boost domestic sales.

    Truong Van Cam, deputy chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), said the domestic market is promising amid the pandemic though revenues from it would not be high since consumers are also trying to cut down spending.

    Companies want the government to delay loan repayments to banks.

    There are around 6,800 textile and garment businesses in the country. Last year their exports were worth $32.85 billion, increasing 7.8 percent year-on-year.

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  • Uniqlo piping up to open Macau’s largest store ever

    Uniqlo piping up to open Macau’s largest store ever

    Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo is to open its biggest Macau outlet this month.

    Located at ‘Yellow House’ commercial building near the Ruins of St Paul’s, it is the first store in Macau to feature the UTme! design-your-own T-shirt service. The brand will collaborate with local artists to launch UTme! designs that feature local elements.

    According to the company, the new Macau store will occupy a 1772sqm area and span five stories. The store also houses an exhibition area where community events will take place.

    The Uniqlo Yellow House store is the second store in the city after the Uniqlo The Venetian store in Cotai. The new shop is scheduled to launch on September 30 after the opening was previously postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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