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Tag: Charles & Keith

  • Charles & Keith opens first flagship store in South Korea

    Charles & Keith opens first flagship store in South Korea

    CHARLES & KEITH’s inaugural duplex flagship store in South Korea, situated in the vibrant shopping district of Gangnam, Seoul, is now open. Spanning an expansive area of over 330 sqm, the two-storey flagship store stands as the largest CHARLES & KEITH boutique in South Korea. Staying true to the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic, the brand-new flagship store showcases a thoughtfully designed interior characterized by gradual curves and fluid lines. These design elements are seamlessly integrated with a clean and understated colour scheme, resulting in a space that emanates a modern and refined ambiance.

    The flagship store features striking sculptural artworks by South Korean artist Jeesun Park, making a bold statement throughout the space. These sculptures, while harmoniously complementing the spatial design, stand out with their unique shapes and artistic presence. Fragmented hemispheres, arcs, cut-out shapes, ellipses, and other unfinished forms intertwine to create new compositions.

    In addition to its remarkable features, the flagship store in South Korea is the first in the country to introduce Made for Me by CHARLES & KEITH, an exclusive in-house personalization service. This offering empowers customers to express their unique individuality by embroidering their names onto selected items. The embroidery also includes two exclusive icons inspired by Seoul: a magpie and a graphic artwork depicting the city’s vibrant essence. Going beyond the celebration of creativity and individuality, the Made for Me service adds an invaluable personal touch that brings deeper meaning to the act of gifting.

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  • Charles & Keith Hong Kong expands footprint further

    Charles & Keith Hong Kong expands footprint further

    Charles & Keith Hong Kong is opening a new store at Harbour City, its seventh in the territory.

    Apparently undeterred by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Singapore-headquartered retailer of footwear and accessories, is continuing its rapid rollout in the territory after opening three stores over the summer holidays – at APM mall, DFS T Galleria Sun Plaza Canton Road and Langham Place, Mongkok. It made its debut in the territory in October 2018.

    The seventh Charles & Keith Hong Kong store to open, it is the first to introduce mobile point-of-sale devices, offering customers the convenience of being able to make payments anywhere in the shop. That enables faster checkouts and better sustainability practice by reducing the use of paper receipts.

    The store’s aesthetics feature limestone fixtures and dark grey powder furnishing, aimed at creating a “sophisticated simplicity” to complement the style of the brand’s trend-focused collections.

    Each section of the store communicates the different “stories of the season”, from footwear and bags to lifestyle accessories, including the brand’s Little Collection for kids.

  • Charles & Keith opens more stores in Hong Kong

    Charles & Keith opens more stores in Hong Kong

    Singapore footwear and accessories label Charles & Keith is unveiling three new stores at the APM mall, DFS T Galleria Sun Plaza Canton Road and Langham Place in Hong Kong.

    Each of the three new locations caters to a different demographic of shoppers – APM is a day to night shopping mall, while DFS T Galleria offers a luxury travel retail experience; Langham Place is the largest mall in Mong Kok.

    The aesthetic of the new Charles & Keith stores is inspired by a refined brand identity, featuring limestone fixtures in contrast with dark grey powder furnishing, attempting what the brand describes as “a sophisticated simplicity”. To provide customers with a curated experience, each section of the stores communicate different stories of the season.

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  • Charles & Keith opens first store on Kowloon side of Hong Kong

    Charles & Keith opens first store on Kowloon side of Hong Kong

    Singapore footwear and accessories label Charles & Keith is unveiling its largest store at K11 Musea this month

    The 2000sqft store is the first Charles & Keith outlet in Kowloon and features an aesthetic inspired by a refined take on its design philosophy – designed to be in line with the Charles & Keith brand identity as well as to enhance the overall shopping experience. It features limestone fixtures that contrast with dark grey powder furnishing, reflecting a sophisticated simplicity that complements the brand’s collections.

    The Charles & Keith by Oamul Lu collection – the brand’s global collaboration with the artist known for his whimsical and romantic illustrations – will be available exclusively at the K11 store. This limited-edition collection consists of five products, all of which feature a unique illustration by Lu that has been created specifically for this partnership.

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  • Charles & Keith is expanding in Hong Kong

    Charles & Keith is expanding in Hong Kong

    Charles & Keith is the go-to label for accessible designs that are on the cutting edge of fashion. This October, Charles & Keith has expanded its retail reach by opening two new stores in Hong Kong. These stores would be the first to open in the city.

    The new stores are located at Parker House, Central and New Town Plaza, Sha Tin respectively.

    Parker House opened two days ago and it occupies a coveted spot in the prime CBD district while New Town Plaza is a trendy flagship shopping centre that offers an exceptional array of shopping, dining and lifestyle facilities.

    The aesthetics of the new Charles & Keith stores is inspired by the brand’s refined design philosophy and aim at reflecting a sophisticated simplicity.

    To provide customers with a curated experience, each section of the store communicates the different stories of the season.

  • CHARLES & KEITH to land in HK

    CHARLES & KEITH to land in HK

    CHARLES & KEITH is the go-to label for accessible designs that are always on the cutting edge of fashion.

    This October, CHARLES & KEITH is expanding its retail reach by opening two new stores in Hong Kong, an iconic shoppers’ paradise. These stores would be the first to open in the city. The brand’s collections of trend-focused shoes, bags and accessories would be presented and available for purchase at these new stores.

    The new stores are located at Parker House, Central and New Town Plaza, Sha Tin respectively. Parker House occupies a coveted spot in the prime CBD district and houses a selection of premium retail brands, while New Town Plaza is a trendy flagship shopping centre that offers an exceptional array of shopping, dining and lifestyle facilities. Both of these properties are conveniently situated within walking distance of a MTR station.

    The aesthetics of the new CHARLES & KEITH stores is inspired by the brand’s refined design philosophy. They have been thoughtfully designed to be in line with the CHARLES & KEITH brand identity, as well as to enhance the overall shopping experience.

    Featuring limestone fixtures that create a striking contrast with the dark grey powder furnishing, the store’s modern interior design reflects a sophisticated simplicity that perfectly complements the brand’s stylish and covetable collections.

    To provide customers with a curated experience, each section of the store communicates the different stories of the season. From footwear and bags to lifestyle accessories, customers are encouraged to explore the diverse product selection. They would also be able to discover the latest trends and enjoy impeccable service at the stores.

    CHARLES & KEITH is guided by the vision of creating a line of innovative lifestyle accessories with a clear design aesthetic for the chic women. Prompted by the pursuit to be directional and innovative in the global market, the brand works closely with appointed business partners to develop at a sharp pace.

    The panache of the brand being experimental yet integrable to any wardrobe soon saw the accessories line comprising of bags, belts, shades, key chains, tech accessories and costume jewellery run through the collection.

    Today, CHARLES & KEITH is the go-to label for hard to emulate yet accessible designs, available in strategically located stores at prime shopping districts around the world.

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  • New shopping center opened in Ho Chi Minh City

    New shopping center opened in Ho Chi Minh City

    Vietnam’s newest shopping centre, Van Hanh Mall, has opened in Ho Chi Minh City, on Su Van Hanh Street in District 10.

    Built on a 90,000sqm site, the shopping complex has 55,000sqm of retail space, which is 90 per cent occupied already, by more than 200 international and local brands.

    Tenants include Bata, Charles & Keith, Levi’s, Mujosh and Nike and a raft of dining options, including Buffalo Wild Wings, Crystal Jade, Sushi Kei, Starbucks and Phuc Long coffee.

    For entertainment, there is a CGV multiplex cinema, a Superbowl amusement center and a giant European-themed bookstore.

    A Co.opXtra hypermarket, operated by Saigon Co.op and Singapore’s NTUC FairPrice, also opened, marking the brand’s third outlet in the city.

    There are nine parking floors from basement to fifth floor, enough space for 350 cars and 3000 bikes.

    Built at the cost of VND1 trillion (US$43.9 million), Van Hanh mall rentals range from US$30-60 per sqm.

  • L Catterton Asia launches beachwear platform

    L Catterton Asia launches beachwear platform

    Australian swimwear brand Seafolly and Colombian beachwear brand Maaji are the first signings for a global lifestyle platform launched by L Catterton Asia.

    Based in Singapore, L Catterton Asia is an arm of private equity firm L Catterton, formed last year through a partnership between Catterton, LVMH and Groupe Arnault. It will be the controlling shareholder of the combined business, with the Maaji and Seafolly founders as minority shareholders.

    It is the first step in the aggregation of the fragmented swimwear/beachwear industry.

    Seafolly was founded in 1975 by Peter and Yvonne Halas, and has been led by Anthony Halas since he became CEO in 1998. He has built the business across international markets in Europe, North America and Asia. L Catterton Asia acquired a controlling interest in the brand in December 2014, and now it is sold in 41 countries (there are four stores in Singapore) as well as online.

    Maaji was founded by sisters Manuela and Amalia Sierra in 2002, and has a presence in more than 54 countries.

    “With this unparalleled combination of Maaji and Seafolly we look to grow our portfolio and create the largest independent house of beach lifestyle brands,” says L Catterton Asia chairman/managing partner Ravi Thakran. “This combination will drive many synergies, including geographic expansion, retail rollout and product sourcing.”

    L Catterton Asia’s goal is to preserve each brand’s DNA and heritage, while enabling the brands to enhance their global growth.

    Previously known as L Capital Asia, L Catterton Asia was launched in 2009 and manages more than US$1.6 billion across two private equity funds, and more than US$2 billion including co-investments. It has offices in Singapore and Mauritius, with further regional advisory presence in Hong Kong, Mumbai, Shanghai and Sydney. Its investments include Charles & Keith, Crystal Jade, Pepe Jeans Group and YG Entertainment, which promotes Korean singers and entertainers like Big Bang and Psy.

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  • Charles & Keith Japan stores close

    Charles & Keith Japan stores close

    Singapore-headquartered footwear brand Charles & Keith says it will close all its Japanese locations.

    According to a report published by Fashion Network, Charles & Keith Japan has already closed 13 stores in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Hakata, with the flagship in Harajuku (pictured) scheduled to close on December 31.

    The company reportedly wants to focus on its eCommerce offer and other Asian markets closer to home.

    The Charles & Keith website is close for an overhaul on December 26 before being relaunched in Spring.

    The brainchild of brothers Keith and Charles Wong, the 20-year old brand specialises in quality footwear at affordable pricing. It currently sells in Asia, Africa and Europe.

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  • CityOn.Zhengzhou to open fully leased

    CityOn.Zhengzhou to open fully leased

    Taubman Asia, a subsidiary of US shopping centre group Taubman Centers, and China’s Wangfujing Group, have announced the line-up of retailers for its CityOn.Zhengzhou mall in Henan province, set to open on March 16.

    When it opens, the centre will be 100 per cent leased and 90 per cent occupied with nearly 200 stores and restaurants. In the heart of Zhengdong New District, the six-level, 94,000 sqm shopping and dining destination will offer domestic, international and lifestyle brands from fast fashion to accessible luxury, anchored by a four-level Wangfujing department store.

    “We are thrilled to see our second China project coming to life in Zhengzhou,” says Taubman Asia president Rene Tremblay.

    Local, regional and international cuisine at all price points and in both seated restaurants and quick-serve formats will be a feature of the centre, which will also offer family-friendly experiential, educational and entertainment offerings.

    Many international brands will be making their central China debut at the centre, says Taubman Asia group VP Paul Wright.

    Outlets at the mall include…

    Fashion: Adidas, Ajidou, Basic House, Bershka, Charles & Keith, Columbia, Converse, Ecco, Five Plus, Forever 21, H&M, Innisfree, Jack & Jones, KIKC, Kipling, La Chapelle, Lee, Levi’s, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Miniso, Mishka, Mobi Garden, Nike, Pandora, Polo, Sand & Foam, Sephora, Skechers, Stradivarius, The North Face, Uniqlo, Vans, Vero Moda, Westlink and Zara.

    F&B/entertainment/kids/lifestyle/electronics: Acasia Food Village (featuring 14 food vendors), Benfu Sushi, Boat Noodle, Chatime, Chez Choux, Chicken Container, Coco, Dollar Shop, FrozenYo, GB Kids Station, Gong Cha, Grandma’s Kitchen, Guoguo Mutton Soup Restaurant, Guxiang No. 9 Catering, Hallmark Babies, Homao, Huawei, iSpace, La Chapelle Kids, Lenovo, MagicSalad, MM by Haircode, Mr Wish, NaughtyKids, New York Fries, Oscar CityOn Cinema, PapaBubble, Pizza Zone, Rbike, Siwuke Tea, Starbucks, Strawberry Forever, Subway, Teppanyaki Xiang, Toot Science, Udon & Tempura, Uncle, Wan Quan Bu Tong, Xiang Tian Xia Huo Guo, Xiao Liu Jia, Xiao Zhu Zhu Kao Rou, Xue Mi Da, Yang Xiang Dou Pi Shuan Niu Du, YuYuTo, ZBX Fresh Fish Hot Pot, Zheng Shi Yi and Zoo Steak.

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  • LVMH’s L Capital in PE merger deal

    LVMH’s L Capital in PE merger deal

    In a marriage of high fashion and finance, a new partnership is being formed by luxury products company LVMH with two equity firms, Catterton and Groupe Arnault.

    They have agreed to create L Catterton, combining private equity firm Catterton’s North and Latin American interests with LVMH and Groupe Arnault’s European and Asian private equity and real estate interests, now under the Singapore-based L Capital and the L Real Estate banners. Under the terms of the agreement, L Catterton will be 60 per cent owned by the partners of L Catterton and 40 per cent jointly owned by LVMH and Groupe Arnault.

    This will make L Catterton the largest global consumer-focussed investment firm with six distinct and complementary fund strategies specialising on consumer buyout and growth investments across Asia, Europe, and North and Latin America, as well as prime commercial real estate globally. After various successor funds are closed, L Catterton expects to grow its assets under management to more than $12 billion, drawing on 27 years of experience with more than 120 investment and operating professionals in 17 offices across five continents. It will be led by global co-CEOs J. Michael Chu and Scott A. Dahnke, currently managing partners at Catterton.

    “The breadth of our collective expertise will be second to none in the consumer industry,” says Chu.  “And we look forward to benefitting from the strength and global reach of the team at L Capital and L Real Estate as we continue to seek out investment opportunities with significant growth potential.”

    “The globalisation of media and technology, combined with increasingly permeable geographic borders, is driving rapid consumer growth on an unprecedented global scale,” said Dahnke.

    Catterton invests in all major consumer segments, including food and beverage, retail and restaurants, consumer products and services, consumer health, and media and marketing services. Its investments include CorePower Yoga, Kettle Foods, Nature’s Variety pet food, Noodles & Company, Outback Steakhouse, PF Chang’s, Plum Organics, Restoration Hardware, Protein Bar, Snap Kitchen, Sweaty Betty and Wellness pet food.

    L Capital invests in companies across Asia and Europe in such sectors as beauty and wellness, fashion and accessories, food and beverage, media and entertainment, and special retail. Founded in 2001 with support from LVMH and Groupe Arnault, it specialises in lifestyle brands and selective retail businesses in Europe. L Capital – Asia is Asia’s largest consumer-focussed private equity firm with headquarters in Singapore, and regional offices in Hong Kong, Melbourne, Mumbai and Shanghai. Its investments include 2XU, Asiaray Media, Bateel, Charles & Keith, Emperor Watch & Jewellery, Jones the Grocer, Marubi and Sasseur.

    L Real Estate develops mixed-use projects anchored by luxury retail. Its investments include G6 in Ginza, Tokyo, and Miami Design District.

    LVMH (Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton) is represented in fashion and leather goods by a portfolio of brands including Celine, Donna Karan, Fendi, Givenchy, Kenzo, Loewe, Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs. Its wines and spirits division includes Belvedere, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Dom Perignon, Hennessy, Krug, Moet & Chandon and Wenjun. In the perfumes and cosmetics sector it has Guerain, Parfums Christian Dior, Parfums Givenchy, Parfums Kenzo and Perfumes Loewe.

    LVMH’s retail interests include DFS, Le Bon Marche and Sephora, it has a joint venture with De Beers Diamond Jewellers, and its watches and jewellery division comprises Bulgari, Chaumet, Dior Watches, Hublot, TAG Heuer and Zenith.

    Subject to customary regulatory and certain investor approvals, the L Catterton transaction is expected to close early this year.

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  • Bangkok retail market to increase more than 1 million sq.m.

    Bangkok retail market to increase more than 1 million sq.m.

    The entry of new local and international retailers, combined with a challenging economic outlook and weak consumer sentiment is all adding up to the mix.
    Despite a slowdown in retail sales, there is currently 1.1 million sq.m. of retail space under construction in Bangkok, which will bring the total completed supply in 2017 close to 8 million sq.m.
    Within the CBD, the latest major retail developments to open are EmQuartier and Central Embassy, intensifying competition for existing malls such as Siam Paragon, Gaysorn and CentralWorld.

    In addition, big developers continue to renovate their downtown retail centres such as Siam Discovery and MBK.

    Bangkok retail market, EmQuatier
    As the major retail centres are chasing after the same group of consumers, retail events and promotions have become ubiquitous

    As the major retail centres are chasing after the same group of consumers, retail events and promotions have  become ubiquitous leading to a cut-throat competition and heighted promotion campaigns, particularly gearing up to the festive season where consumer spending typically peaks.

    The expansion by major retail developers to suburban areas may also in part draw consumers away from CBD malls, although the impact may be limited.

    Bangkok’s suburban areas today are well served by quality retail centres, reducing the need for consumers to travel into the CBD.

    To the North, Zpell@Future Park has just opened on 27th November. Opened on the same day in Eastern Bangkok on Ekamai-Ram Intra is Central EastVille, adding competition to existing malls in the area such as Crystal Park and Crystal Design Centre.

    The Mall Group is also currently planning The Bangkok Mall on Bangna-Trad which is expected to be completed in 2017. To the West, CentralPlaza WestGate recently opened in August in the Bang Yai area, adding a major retail centre to an area where there have been limited retail developments.

    The Riverside will also get its own luxury shopping complex in 2017 with the opening of IconSiam which will comprise a 500,000 sq.m. retail and entertainment complex, part of which includes a 36,000 sq.m. 7-floor Takashimaya department store from Japan which will be Thailand’s first.Amidst this competition, the segment that will find most challenging is community malls.

    Community malls will be forced to adjust their strategies and have clear unique selling points and propositions to draw in consumers; otherwise they are likely to be overshadowed by major retail developments that have a bigger events and promotions budget.

    It is essential for community mall developers to understand their target consumers’ needs and retain anchor tenants in order to compete in the long-term.

    The plus side of the retail expansion is that it will create room for both domestic and international retailers to expand to suburban areas.

    International fashion brands such as H&M, Uniqlo, Aldo and Charles & Keith have already expanded to CentralPlaza WestGate.