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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.

  • Uniqlo goes local for Singapore’s National Day

    Uniqlo goes local for Singapore’s National Day

    Uniqlo Singapore has collaborated with local artists to celebrate the country’s 55th National Day on August 9. The Japanese apparel retailer has teamed with Singaporean embroidery patch designers, Pew Pew Patches, to give customers free iron-on transfers as a gift. Three designs featuring Sanrio’s characters will be exclusively launched by Uniqlo Singapore.

    The Sanrio patches giveaway promotion coincides with the launch of Uniqlo’s FW 2020 Sanrio characters UT Collection for women and girls, which starts on August 3.

    According to the company, one patch is redeemable per customer, with a minimum purchase of two original-priced UTs from the Sanrio character collections and US$44 spend.

    Tying in with the Singapore Food Festival, Uniqlo has also collaborated with the Singapore Tourism Board and local artist Mandy Kew to launch new food designs for its UTme! T-shirts.

    Mandy Kew has created eight designs featured on UTme! shirts, which will be included in the festival’s media packs. Themed ‘Food, With Passion’, the designs of local famous dishes consist of Laksa, Kaya Toast and Kopi, Kueh Salat, Mee Siam, Kueh Tutu, Roti Prata, Chicken Rice, and Nasi Lemak.

    “Mandy Kew carved out her niche by tapping into her passion for food to draw realistic (and yummy-looking) food using watercolors, resulting in a nostalgic look that will leave you craving for food,” the company said in a statement. “With her passion and in-depth knowledge of local food, and her unique realistic drawing style, she is a good and apt choice for this collaboration.”

    The UTme! booth is exclusively at the Uniqlo Orchard Central Flagship Store.

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  • Victoria Beckham Beauty range launched on Tmall Global

    Victoria Beckham Beauty range launched on Tmall Global

    Victoria Beckham Beauty has launched a flagship store on Alibaba’s Tmall Global platform, marking the brand’s debut in China.

    The Victoria Beckham Beauty online store features a wide range of skincare and makeup products, including the brand’s exclusive skincare line Power Glow Set, on Tmall Global platform.

    To celebrate the launch, the brand has signed up one of China’s biggest influencers, Viya, to Livestream on Tmall Global.

    “You can’t be a successful global brand without a solid China business – it’s just not possible these days,” said Sarah Creal, co-founder and CEO of Victoria Beckham Beauty. “So when we began to think about expanding to China, we knew that we wanted to partner with Tmall Global because it represents the best.

    “We’re focused on building a strategic luxury beauty brand that is very modern, forward-thinking and fresh, and this is the next key step to our growth strategy,” she said

    Sarah met Victoria Beckham during a makeup collaboration with Estee Lauder in 2016 and teamed up to create the cosmetics brand last year.

  • Sundae Kids launches line focusing on gender equality

    Sundae Kids launches line focusing on gender equality

    Thailand’s illustrator couple, Sundae Kids, has launched a fashion line contributing to gender equality. The collection was designed from a unisex perspective, focusing on a streetwear look for both men and women comprising 19 clothing and accessory items, and is sold on an e-commerce shopping space called Open/End.

    “We wanted to use the designs to show ways to be authentic to your true self, as well as how good it feels to be authentic,” Sundae Kids said in a statement. “…this opportunity allowed us to broaden our scope to a more diverse reach, and the designs are envisioned to suit anyone of any gender.”

    Open/End is a platform designed for young artists to express their individual voices through graphics and craftsmanship. Sundae Kids line is the first Open/End’s collaboration.

    “Through this collaboration, we have worked closely with Sundae Kids to establish original stories through comics to raise awareness of gender equality,” Open/End said on its website.

    Sundae Kids is a couple based in Bangkok, Thailand, with more than 550,000 global fans. Kavin serves as the pair’s art director, and Pratchaya is an illustrator.

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  • Malaysian jeweller looks online to boost sales

    Malaysian jeweller looks online to boost sales

    High-class Malaysian jeweler Aurora Italia International will extend its e-commerce efforts to build sales growth in the coming year.

    The firm, which recently listed on the Bursa Malaysia Securities Leap Market, will diversify its points of sale to expand its brand awareness and customer base via online channels. It will also boost strategic distribution alliances with strong marketing affiliates.

    Aurora’s product range is sold in Malaysia and Singapore, as well as the US, the UK, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the Middle East via several channels, including own-branded physical stores and on online shopping platforms.

    “The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in e-commerce business generating increased sales as people shift their spending habits towards online platforms,” said Aurora Italia MD Datin Wira Yvonne Lim. “We saw an increase in online shopping for products including jewelry products during the Movement Control Order.”

    Online sales performance within the industry is believed to be the reason why stores with e-commerce infrastructure operated continuously during the early months of 2020, according to Lim.

    The firm’s listing has seen the equivalent of US$729,000 in funding raised, more than half of which will be used to launch three new retail concept stores in China, Hong Kong, and Thailand.

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  • Owndays partners with Wagyumafia to launch new eyewear range

    Owndays partners with Wagyumafia to launch new eyewear range

    Eyewear retailer Owndays has launched a new sunglass range branded Chateaubriand in collaboration with restaurant brand Wagyumafia.

    The collaboration model is all about portraying the theme handmade in Japan with simple and basic in mind, the company says.

    The Chateaubriand collection has two types of sunglasses, both with a bold “Chateaubriand” logo on the temple. The normal type features a heavy- duty acetate black frame made from thick fabric and transparent green lens. The sporty type has a light gray frame and a polarised lens.

    Meanwhile, the restaurant has created a special VIP set menu where customers can “enjoy this collaboration of sunglasses and a gorgeous meal” with Wagyumafia and Owndays.

    Wagyumafia is an exclusive restaurant brand set up by Takafumi Horie and Hisato Hamada. Wagyumafia operates eight restaurants around the world with its mission to educate consumers and the restaurant industry on the appropriate application of high-end Japanese Wagyu beef.

    Bookings are strictly limited.

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  • Skechers China growth drives optimism for global sales recovery

    Skechers China growth drives optimism for global sales recovery

    Skechers China sales growth has fuelled optimism for the shoe brand after it reported a huge slump in sales for the June quarter due to stores being closed in other regions under Covid-19 lockdowns.

    The company reported group-wide sales of US$729.5 million, a 42 percent year-on-year decrease, and a net loss of $68.1 million during the three months to June 30.

    But sales in China rose 11.5 percent and sales on Skecher’s company-owned online store soared by 428.2 percent as buyers in some markets, unable to shop at physical stores, moved online.

    “Skechers, like most businesses around the world, has never faced a more challenging time than during the pandemic, which caused the closing of nearly every market worldwide,” said CEO Robert Greenberg. “Covid-19 continues to be a serious concern globally, and the health and welfare of our team, partners, and customers remain our number one priority.”

    Skechers stores were closed for varying periods of time in almost every market outside Asia.

    “However, we remain optimistic about the early signs of recovery we witnessed during the quarter, including a return to growth in China, consistent improvement each month in some markets outside of China,” said COO David Weinberg.

    “While every country’s recovery has been unique, we began to see a similar recovery trend, first reflected in China and now extending into other markets globally including Australia, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan. We believe the positive sales trends in markets that have reopened, as well as the efficiency with which we addressed the pandemic challenges, are strong indicators that when the global health crisis stabilizes, Skechers will remain a global footwear leader.”

    Greenberg said the company was a “resilient organization” driven by a dedicated and flexible team determined to do whatever it takes to not only survive but position itself for a return to profitability.

    “Now, with more than 90 percent of our Skechers stores safely re-opened and some markets in the early stages of recovery, we believe that we will remain a brand consumers and retailers trust to deliver comfort, quality, and style. We are hopeful that global economies will continue to improve, and as they do, we will continue to operate efficiently and judiciously during this pandemic,” he said.

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  • Off-White opens doors in Bangkok’s EmQuartier

    Off-White opens doors in Bangkok’s EmQuartier

    Italian luxury fashion label Off-White has opened a new monobrand store in Bangkok’s EmQuartier.

    Located on M Floor, the Off-White EmQuartier store occupies a 174sqm space, offering a selection of Off-White’s menswear and womenswear collections.

    The store facade features gray walls with the Off-White’s logo in yellow. The store’s interior is dressed in curved wood, creating a soft and elegant design.

    Off-White’s products are displayed under the wooden wall, which according to the company works as “racking systems and modules for product display”, a feature specially created for this location.

    Several grey granite tables with hole detailing stand in the centre of the store, reflecting the Off-White’s fresh, new logo concept. Velvet benches and carpets add a touch of sophistication to the design.

  • Gentle Monster in Hangzhou portrays an old woman restoring her memory

    Gentle Monster in Hangzhou portrays an old woman restoring her memory

    In China, Gentle Monster has unveiled its new Hangzhou flagship concept called ‘Memory’ – yet another amazing avant-garde installation-meets-retail space.

    The South Korean eyewear label explains the story behind the ‘Memory’ concept is the ideal of future technology that can restore lost memories.

    When entering the store, visitors will see a sculpture of an elderly woman sitting on the bench and thinking about her past. The brand described her as “an elderly woman with a vague memory rekindles with her friend the donkey from her childhood through the help of the memory restoration device”.

    Located near the woman is a display area resembling a barn, where Gentle Monster’s eyewear collections can be found.

    The flagship store houses a futuristic machine with two donkeys inside, visualizing how technology restores the woman’s childhood memories.

    “The art installations with surreal and dream-like beauty portray the woman’s time and memory,” Gentle Monster said in a statement. “This space stimulates one to think of the true meaning of memory and the perpetuity of remembrance.”

    Earlier this week, the luxury eyewear brand opened a new pop-up space above its Shanghai flagship store in collaboration with Chinese artist Kris Wu, featuring architecture design inspired by a parking lot layout.

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  • Volcom to expand stores in China with local partner

    Volcom to expand stores in China with local partner

    California-born board-sports brand Volcom has teamed with China Ting Group to expand its retail network in Mainland China.

    Under a deal signed with Volcom’s parent Authentic Brands Group China Ting Group will be a “pivotal partner” supporting the brand in key markets.

    China Ting Group said it will launch 12 Volcom stores in China by the end of this year.

    “We are bringing Volcom’s board-sports lifestyle to China,” said Jarrod Weber, group president lifestyle, chief brand officer at ABG. “As a brand that is authentically rooted in this culture, Volcom has significant appeal to young consumers around the globe.”

    Volcom opened two new stores last month in the Mixc Mall in Hangzhou and in the Sanya Summer mall in Hainan.

    “We look forward to building a successful, long-term partnership with Authentic Brands Group”, said Ray Ting, vice president, at The China Ting Group. “As America’s first boarding company, Volcom is known throughout the world for innovation and integrity and we’re excited to bring it into the mainstream here in China.”

    Volcom has already built a loyal customer base in China over nearly a decade through channels such as Tmall.com. The brand is now focusing on expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific market.

    Volcom’s regional e-commerce store will be re-launched next year.

    Founded as a clothing company rooted in skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding, Volcom was acquired by Authentic Brands Group from Kering last year.

  • Cecil McBee forced to close all stores

    Cecil McBee forced to close all stores

    Japanese clothing label Cecil McBee is shutting down all of its physical outlets in its home territory.

    The brand has operated since the 80s, targeting a young fashionable market, but has struggled to remain relevant against Forever 21, H&M and other newer brands for more than a decade before the Covid-19 pandemic dealt a death blow.

    Cecil McBee’s decision acknowledges that the brand could not survive another outbreak with a period of store shutdowns. It will, however, continue to trade online.

    Cecil McBee’s 43 stores will close consecutively throughout Japan, with final closures to be made by February next year, according to reporting by Nikkei. Its fashionable Shibuya branch will shut down before this December.

    Several sister brands under parent firm Japan Imagination will likewise be discontinued, resulting in the closures of 92 additional stores and the retiring of 570 staff.

    The company’s other brands are Ank Rouge, Jamie ANK, Be Radiance, Fabulous Angela, Sophila, Agplus, Cachec and Rumour.s.

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  • Christian Louboutin opens doors in Macau

    Christian Louboutin opens doors in Macau

    Christian Louboutin has opened its first boutique in Macau, at the Shoppes at Four Seasons.

    Located on the second floor of the shopping center, the Christian Louboutin Macau boutique’s design was inspired by the founder’s neoclassical apartment in Paris.

    The boutique “looks like a living room where women do not feel like they are in a store but in the home of a friend who loves them and knows them well,” says Louboutin.

    The store’s facade features red ceramic tiles and a Christian Louboutin neon sign, reflecting Parisian architecture style, and carpet in the brand’s signature red.

    When entering the store, customers are welcomed by flower-painted walls designed by French artist Alexandre Poulaillon. A marble table stands in the center of the room, displaying the sneaker range.

    The second room houses two sofas specially designed by French artisan Jean-Roger, using eye-catching fabric and ceramic scones. Gold-textured brass around the arched mirrors contributes to the feel of a cozy boutique.

    The store’s “study” displays the men’s collection with a “made-to-measure ethical canvas” by French Manufacture Le Manach

    The Christian LouboutinMacau store offers a wide range of men’s and women’s footwear and accessories collections, including its latest Fall Winter 2020 Collection.

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  • Bata Malaysia donates 60,000 pairs of shoes

    Bata Malaysia donates 60,000 pairs of shoes

    As a global leader in shoes, Bata feels a special responsibility towards all its stakeholders including the communities in which it operates across countries and regions. This is why Bata commits to donate 1 million pairs of shoes to frontliners and their families globally; the front-liners fighting the Covid-19 with admirable courage and dedication every day. The donation will impact a number of countries, in Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia-Pacific and India.

    In Malaysia, Bata has committed to donate 60,000 pairs of Bata shoes to Polis DiRaja Malaysia in appreciation of their services to the country in facing this pandemic. The Malaysian police forces have been one of the pivotal services in combating the Covid19 pandemic in Malaysia. During the lockdown period from March 18th till May 4th, the police forces had been working in high gear in rain and shine to ensure that we, the general public adhere to the Movement Control order. It is their sacrifice that contributed to the containment of the spread of the Covid19 virus in Malaysia at large.

    Bata Malaysia is giving away 7,500 pairs of men’s shoes, 16,500 pairs of ladies shoes, 11,000 pairs of sports shoes, 14,000 pairs of children shoes and 11,000 pairs of school shoes in total with an estimated value of RM 3.6million (total 60,000pairs) to Polis Diraja Malaysia. “We are extremely grateful for their contribution to the nation, and now in return we hope that our donation of shoes will bring cheer to the police personnel and their families” said Ajay Ramachandran, Managing Director of Bata Malaysia.

    Receiving the Bata shoes on behalf of PDRM was The Inspector-General of Police Malaysia YDH KPN Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Panglima Abdul Hamid bin Bador, and The Deputy Inspector-General of Police Malaysia Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Pahlawan Mazlan Mansor.

  • McDonald’s makes swimwear from plastic straws

    McDonald’s makes swimwear from plastic straws

    McDonald’s has introduced a swimwear range made from plastic straws in Austria – and collaborated on a ‘saucy’ range of shoes with Adidas in India.

    The swimwear initiative started out as a solution to the problem of what to do with the waste plastic after McDonald’s Austria replaced all plastic straws in its restaurants and shake cups with recyclable paper.

    “We are pleased that this Austria-made, Europe-made and globally unique sustainability collection made from recycled material in our classic straw design accompanies us into a unique summer,” explained Benedikt Böcker, marketing director at McDonald’s Austria.

    Designed by Viennese label Poleit in collaboration with Studio Furore, the McDonald’s swimwear line consists of a swimsuit and a swim short, featuring the brand’s signature colors yellow and red.

    According to the company, the collection is made from certified seaqual fibre and plastic straws to ensure the swimwear quality – quick-drying and pleasant.

    “Implementing an upcycling project from the iconic ‘Mäcci straws’ McDonald’s straws and accompanying McDonald’s in another major step in plastic reduction was a very special order for us,” said Marie Pierer von Poleit.

    The McDonald’s sustainability strategy will reduce more than 90 tons of plastic annually, according to Nikolaus Piza, MD of McDonald’s Austria

    Getting saucy in India

    Meanwhile, McDonald’s has teamed with sportswear label Adidas to launch the ‘Sauce Pack’ sneaker collection in India. The collection’s design was inspired by famous basketball players’ playing style and McDonald’s sauce packaging.

    The Sauce Pack collection has four sneaker models – Harden Vol.4, Dame 6,  T-Mac 1, and D Rose 10. Those models were named after four basketball players, James Harden, Damian Lillard, Tracy McGrady, and D-Rose.

  • Estee Lauder Singapore unveils new Ion Orchard store

    Estee Lauder Singapore unveils new Ion Orchard store

    Estee Lauder Singapore has reopened its store in the Ion Orchard shopping center with a completely new design. Located in the mall’s Basement Level 1, the Estee Lauder Ion Orchard store features a contemporary look, with blue navy wall and platinum elements.

    A digital screen is installed in front of the store, featuring images of the brand’s bestsellers, such as Advanced Night Repair or Pure Color Envy and Double Wear.

    “This new home offers a unique and elevated high-touch approach that has been paired with the latest innovations to meet our customers’ changing needs, to deliver the ultimate Estee Lauder experience,” said Christine Goh, brand GM of Estee Lauder Singapore.

    Storehouse’s interactive makeup ‘play tables’ for customers to engage while shopping.

    Customers can learn about Estee Lauder’s products by scanning QR codes or having exclusive one-on-one consultations. Personalized and gifting services are also available at the store.

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  • Marie France Van Damme launches online platform to support artisans

    Marie France Van Damme launches online platform to support artisans

    Hong Kong designer Marie France Van Damme has launched a new online lifestyle and e-commerce platform Curated by MF.

    The site is designed to support the designer’s personal network of boutique designers, businesses and craftspeople, listing globally sourced curated products and exclusive private label pieces.

    “In a time of health crisis and economic uncertainty, as small business owners, we have to support one another to weather the current downturn,” said Van Damme

    “I have been traveling the world for the past 40 years. On my journey, I have developed relationships with craftspeople from the Souks of Marrakesh, with traders in the bustling streets of Hong Kong and Bangkok, and with small business owners from around the globe. Let me introduce you to my very talented friends who share my passions. They work with the finest artisans, their creations are limited, beautiful, and are ethically sourced.”

    Curated by MF features pieces from L’Objet to Jay Ahr’s limited-edition collection of vintage hand-embroidered Vuitton and Hermes Birkin, Kelly and Constance handbags, among many other boutique items. Van Damme introduces a new designer, featuring a curated selection of their artisanal items, on a fortnightly basis. The snake at the top of this story is a US$10,000 necklace from Lotus Arts de Vivre.

    The designer is known for her globally influenced line of luxury resort, ready-to-wear, and swim garments.

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