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Tag: Fashion

  • Indonesian Muslim fashion brand penetrates British market

    Indonesian Muslim fashion brand penetrates British market

    Indonesian Muslim fashion brand Elzatta Dauky by Elhijab successfully penetrated the UK market at the Muslim Lifestyle Expo in Manchester city over the weekend.

    “Elzatta Dauky is participating in this exhibition for the second time, having appeared previously at the Indonesian Weekend,” the companys Head of Brand Strategy Ina Binandari said here on Tuesday. In addition to exhibiting Muslim fashion products, Elzatta Dauky also showcased 10 designs at a fashion show themed “Gloomessence.”

    The Muslim Lifestyle Expo, one of the biggest Muslim-focused fairs in the world, saw participation from over a hundred exhibitors from various countries, including the United States, Turkey, Germany, Russia, Austria and Malaysia.

    Elzatta Dauky was the only Indonesian participant.

    The organizers said more than 10,000 people from across the city had visited the exhibition.

    Speaking of the brands future plans, Binandari explained that Elzatta Dauky by Elhijab was gearing up to launch an online store in the United Kingdom.

    “Hopefully, with the online store, we will be able to meet the fashion demands of the Muslim community here,” Binandari stated.

    Reports from Thomson Reuters suggested Muslim consumer spending on food, lifestyle products, and services will reach an estimated 1.9 billion pounds sterling in 2020, up from the 1.3 billion pounds sterling seen in 2014.

    Data from the Office for National Statistics, released in late January 2016, show that the number of Muslims in the United Kingdom has, for the first time, exceeded three million, amounting to 3,114,992 people in 2014, equivalent to 5.4 percent of the total population of the country.

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  • Asia to account for 50% of Prada sales

    Asia to account for 50% of Prada sales

    Prada expects that its sales in Asia will account for half of its total sales within one year, while sales in China will be 3 times of current sales in the next 2-3 years.

    Deputy Chairman Carlo Mazzi said, “Currently 40 percent of our business comes from Asia, it will rise to 50 percent in the coming year, and I do not think China’s economy will be much affected by the current European economic crisis.”

    Prada Brand completed its listing at Hong Kong stock market in June 2011. It also held its spring and summer fashion show in January, 2011 in Beijing.

    The brand announced that its sales for the first six months of 2011 rose 38 percent year on year to €223 million.

    In addition to Prada Brand, other global fashion brands, such as Burberry, Christian Dior, Rebecca Minkoff are also keenly eyeing the Chinese market.

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  • Sa Sa profit drop looms

    Sa Sa profit drop looms

    Sa Sa profit is expected to fall 35 to 45 per cent for the six months ended September 30.

    The Hong Kong-based cosmetics retailer has issued a profit warning, citing a drop in both sales and gross profit margin of its Hong Kong and Macau business, weaknesses in some overseas stores and decline in online profits.

    Meanwhile, the group has recorded a 2.3 per cent decrease in retail and wholesale turnover to HK$1910.9 million (US$246.3 million) for its second quarter.

    In other markets, including China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Sasa.com), the group’s turnover fell 2.9 per cent. For Hong Kong and Macau, turnover was down 2.2 per cent to HK$1552 million, total sales easing by 2 per cent while same-store sales were 2.5 per cent down on a year-on-year basis.

    However, there was a 3.9 per cent rise in the number of transactions because of increased traffic growth. The number of transactions of Hong Kong and mainland customers rose by increased by 1.8 and 5.9 per cent respectively, while the average sales per transaction fell by 5.5 and 6.9 per cent respectively.

    Improved sales performances, says the group, were a result of its efforts to adjust product offerings to meet market demand. The resulting change in product mix intensified downward pressure on gross profit margin for the quarter.

    For the National Day Golden Week holiday from October 1 to 7, the group’s retail sales in Hong Kong and Macau had positive growth of 13.8 per cent, with same-store sales growing by 12.4 per cent.

    As at September 30, the group had a total 283 stores/counters, down from 288 at June 30. Hong Kong and Macau has 113 outlets (up one), China 53 (down two), Malaysia 68 (down one), Taiwan 26 (down five). Singapore was steady at 23 outlets.

  • ZALORA Brings See Now, Buy Now Model to Singapore Fashion Week

    ZALORA Brings See Now, Buy Now Model to Singapore Fashion Week

    ZALORA, Asia’s online fashion destination, today announced its partnership with Singapore Fashion Week as the Official E-Tail Partner. This is the second time the online fashion brand is taking part in one of the region’s biggest fashion events of the year. ZALORA will be presenting three Singapore designers and labels namely, Stolen, Aijek, and Max Tan in the Fashion Futures Showcase. Fashion fans in Singapore can purchase the collections on ZALORA from today onwards.

    As the Official E-Tail Partner, ZALORA will be hosting a shoppable Singapore Fashion Week microsite on ZALORA.com that will feature curated collections from Fashion Futures Showcase and Singapore Fashion Week Access, a dedicated show segment for Singapore designers. As part of ZALORA’s commitment to stay up-to-date with the latest trends within the industry, ZALORA is embracing the ‘see now, buy now’ model enabling fashion show goers to purchase their favourite looks immediately.

    Shop Max Tan Spring/Summer 2017, Stolen Spring/Summer 2017, and Aijek Fall/Winter 2016 collections at www.zalora.sg/fashion-week-singapore and on the ZALORA mobile app.

    “ZALORA is proud to be supporting local designer talent in one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year,” said Parker Gundersen, Chief Executive Officer of ZALORA Group. “We’re very passionate about supporting the local fashion industry across all of our markets in Asia, and Singapore Fashion Week provides a great opportunity for us to give the region’s top designers exposure to millions of new consumers on our online platform. It’s also an exciting way for our customers to discover new fashion and to buy product straight from the runway.”

    “Singapore Fashion Week is delighted to be working with ZALORA again this year, as we recognise the growing impact and importance of digital and social media, and connecting designers and labels

    with customers via e-commerce. With the growing trend of ‘See Now, Buy Now’ as well, I believe that online retailers like ZALORA will play an ever-growing role in partnerships with fashion weeks around the world,” commented Tjin Lee, Founder and Chairman of Singapore Fashion Week.

    ZALORA also strongly believes in making fashion more inclusive and accessible. To further engage fashion consumers, the Fashion Futures Showcase will be live-streamed on ZALORA where viewers at home can watch the shows and access exclusive content. Catch all the exciting happenings at Singapore Fashion Week Fashion Futures Showcase on social media at #ZALORAxSGFW.

  • LIU JO Open at Paragon Mall in Singapore

    LIU JO Open at Paragon Mall in Singapore

    Italian fashion brand Liu Jo is pleased to announce the opening of its new boutique in the prestigious Paragon Mall in Singapore. It is also the key flagship boutique for South East Asia region.

    The impressive vast 3,305 square feet boutique marks an important milestone in Liu Jo’s fast-growing expansion in the Asia region and continues the new exciting Curiosity retail concept which aims to create an exclusive but warm and homely ambience for its shoppers. The new layout highlights precious metals in a modern, intriguing design, presenting a minimalist, sleek and sophisticated décor to give pride of place to its collections. Complemented with the recognisable Liu Jo brand codes and signature eclectic style, the new boutique presents a refreshed expression of the brand’s mission to celebrate feminine elegance and quality.

    Previously located at Wisma Atria Mall, loyal followers of the brand will be pleased to know that the new Paragon boutique boasts a larger retail space, and will house an extensive selection of the Italian brand’s ready-to-wear and accessories offering. Liu Jo Black Label Collection, Liu Jo White Label Collection, Liu Jo Blue Denim Collection, Liu Jo Gold Label Collection, Liu Jo Sport, Les Plumes de Liu Jo, Liu Jo Accessories, Liu Jo Shoes and the Liu Jo Eyewear and, Liu Jo Fragrances will be available at this flagship boutique.

    This new Paragon boutique is a key step to the development of the Italian company to increasing and strengthening its global market share. Singapore will play a strategic key role: it will be a key platform for further focus on the rapid growth of the South East Asia market.

    Presenting a new interpretation of accessible luxury shopping, this new boutique marks the continuation of the steady success and popularity the brand enjoys in Asia. The international fashion brand currently has presence in 50 countries and 3 different continents – Europe, Africa and Asia – through a distribution network including over 350 mono-brand points of sales and 5000 multi-brand points of sales world-wide.

  • Fifth Tokyo outlet for Dolce & Gabbana Japan

    Fifth Tokyo outlet for Dolce & Gabbana Japan

    Special lighting helps create atmosphere in the new store opened in the upmarket Aoyama neighbourhood of Tokyo by Italian fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana Japan.

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    Gwenael Nicolas of Curiosity came up with the retail design concept with the brief being to transport the brand’s creative soul and its Sicilian roots. Both the architectural design and decor of the 550 sqm store express Sicily’s distinctive and vibrant luminosity through chiaroscuro effects, contrasts and perspectives.

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    The boutique space resembles a compact black volume with the displayed collections illuminated in sequence. The 400 spotlights on the ceiling move around and switch on and off, making the products immersed in shadow burst with colour at regular intervals.

    Featured are women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, eyewear, accessories and fine jewellery.

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    Outside, the store is coated in Arabescato marble, which also backgrounds the display windows and display cases. A majestic panel at the entrance with the Dolce & Gabbana sign is in black Carnico marble.

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    It is the brand’s fifth outlet in Tokyo.

    Photos: CPP Luxury

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  • Marie France Van Damme Announces the Opening of it’s Second Hong Kong Boutique

    Marie France Van Damme Announces the Opening of it’s Second Hong Kong Boutique

    Marie France Van Damme, the Hong Kong-based company known for its globally influenced line of luxury resort, swim, and ready-to-wear, announced today the opening of a seventh boutique in December 2016. Located in Hong Kong’s Elements shopping mall in Kowloon, the new store will mark Marie France Van Damme’s second retail location in Hong Kong, where the designer has lived for more than 30 years. The company opened its very first store in Hong Kong’s acclaimed International Finance Centre (IFC) mall in September 2013.

    Situated on the second floor (Shop 2109) of the Elements shopping mall, within the International Commerce Centre (ICC), on 1 Austin Road West in Kowloon, the 700-square foot boutique will open alongside such brands as Gucci, Chanel and Prada and include Marie France Van Damme’s extensive luxury resort line. The ICC is Hong Kong’s tallest building and also houses The Ritz-Carlton and W Hong Kong. Incorporating Marie France Van Damme’s signature aesthetic, which blends subtle Asian influences and elegant simplicity, the boutique will feature teak wood, bronze panels, and embossed crocodile leathers with textiles and finishes that can be found in the designer’s home as well as her flagships in Hong Kong and London.

    The ICC’s waterfront location on Victoria Harbour, across from the IFC, suits its important role in the city in many ways. Feng shui teaches that mountains govern people, water governs wealth. The special placement of these skyscrapers is said to channel positive energy for health and prosperity. The shopping mall’s design, and its name, Elements, refer to the feng shui elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. With a direct train linking Elements to Guangzhou, the new boutique will offer a unique luxury shopping experience in one of Hong Kong’s latest attractions on the Kowloon side of the city.

    As Marie France continues to expand her presence worldwide focusing on cities that not only inspire the designer, but also appeal to her sophisticated, jet-set clientele, Marie France Van Damme will celebrate the boutique opening with several special events in Winter 2016 and introduce a new in-store campaign photographed in Hong Kong by Herbert Ypma. The campaign will feature the new Resort 2017 collection, a return to the glamorous roots of resort wear with its muted palette of silver and nude, hand embroidery and opulent fabrics; from French lace to metallic-toned Italian weaves and featherweight Chinese Silks.

    The company currently has 100 retail locations in some of the world’s most desirable places. Marie France Van Damme opened its first store in the fall of 2013 at the acclaimed International Finance Centre (IFC) in Hong Kong, a second in the summer of 2014 in Bangkok’s esteemed Mandarin Oriental, third and first European boutique in 2014 in London’s Brompton Cross neighborhood, and fourth boutique in the summer of 2015 in Phuket, Thailand. In November 2015, Marie France Van Damme introduced a fifth branded boutique in Singapore’s Takashimaya Shopping Centre and sixth retail location in Phuket in July 2016 

    Made in Hong Kong & South China

    Marie France Van Damme is proud of the production capabilities it has built for itself in the past 30 years. With couture and tailoring facilities in-house and embroidery produced across the border in China, every production piece is fitted and quality verified by Marie-France to ensure that the Marie France Van Damme label fulfills the highest standards in the industry.

    About Elements Shopping Mall/Hong Kong

    Offering over one million square feet of pure shopping experiences, the Elements shopping mall is located in Hong Kong’s tallest building the International Commerce Centre (ICC) on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. A lavish world offering of shopping, dining, art and entertainment, Elements shopping mall is located next to Hong Kong’s most famous attraction Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck and takes a new approach to Hong Kong’s shopping environment and is themed after the five Chinese elements. The five elements are Metal (Luxury brands and world-class dining), Fire (Entertainment), Water (International cuisine), Earth (Fashion) and Wood (Health, Beauty and Lifestyle) whereas each zone is individually designed. Elements boasts a range of sought after brands, dining options, an ice rink and a 1,600 capacity cinema –  currently larger than any movie theatre in Hong Kong.

    About Marie France Van Damme

    Marie France Van Damme is a Canadian-born, Hong-Kong based fashion designer, celebrated hostess and author, whose luxury lifestyle resort wear brand is inspired by her travels and personal style. Marie France Van Damme introduced her eponymous label in the summer of 2011.  The Marie France Van Damme line is defined by an edited collection of elegant and seasonless staples with every piece designed to transition seamlessly from city to resort. The brand is loved by celebrities such as Beyoncé, Jourdan Dunn, Heidi Klum, Cameron Diaz, Olivia Palermo, Christina Hendricks, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

    Marie France Van Damme is available at her other retail locations in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore, Phuket and London, Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods, Selfridges, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Intermix and exclusive resorts such as Amanresorts and the One & Only.  She is also the author of the coffee table book RSVP: Simple Sophistication, Effortless Entertaining (Thames & Hudson) featuring her effortless style and entertaining tips with photographs by Herbert Ypma of the Hip Hotels series.

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  • Uniqlo overseas push pays off for Fast Retailing

    Uniqlo overseas push pays off for Fast Retailing

    Fast Retailing raised its full-year earnings forecasts after sales at its Uniqlo casual-wear stores in China and South Korea grew more strongly than expected during the first half of the financial year, showing its overseas expansion is bearing fruit.

    Overseas growth is key to the Japanese firm’s goal of becoming the world’s top apparel retailer by 2020 ahead of Zara owner Inditex, Hennes & Mauritz and Gap.

    Chief executive Tadashi Yanai said Fast Retailing would have more Uniqlo outlets overseas than in Japan by this autumn, with openings in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to continue at break-neck pace.

    “Maybe in about five years, we’ll have 1,000 stores [in China],” he said, compared with 415 at the end of February. “Eventually we want to have about 3,000 stores [there].”

    Uniqlo, known for its HeatTech fabric technology and rainbow-coloured basics, now has close to 1,600 stores globally, with about 46 per cent of those outside Japan.

    Fast Retailing said it now expected operating profit of 200 billion yen for the financial year to August, up from its previous estimate of 180 billion yen. The average forecast of 22 analysts was for 197.25 billion yen.

    Asia’s biggest apparel retailer also bumped up its revenue forecast to 1.65 trillion yen from 1.6 trillion yen and its net profit estimate to 120 billion yen from 100 billion yen.

    Overseas sales at Uniqlo jumped 49 per cent in the first half from a year earlier, led by China and Korea, although the United States remained a weak spot. The firm did not break out sales results by country, only saying whether they met its targets.

    In Japan, sales rose 12 per cent during the period as shoppers snapped up items like its ultra-light down jackets and extra-fine merino sweaters.

    Fast Retailing also got a boost from the yen’s depreciation, booking a 13.5 billion yen foreign-exchange gain for the six-month period.

    But the company also warned it was facing rising import costs from the weaker yen. As a result, it will raise prices by 10 per cent on average for roughly a fifth of its products in the next autumn/winter season at Uniqlo Japan.

    Shares in Fast Retailing have gained 10 per cent in the year to date, while the Topix Index is up 13 per cent.

    Separately, Britain’s Co-operative Group, the supermarkets-to-funerals operator that almost collapsed in 2013, said it had been rescued by selling assets including its pharmacies and could now focus on rebuilding.

    Co-operative reported pre-tax profit of £124 million for the year to January 3, against a loss of £255 million a year earlier, on revenue of £9.4 billion, helped by disposals.

    The mutually owned group said it had emerged from the rescue phase of a three-year turnaround as a slimmer business focused on its food stores, funerals, insurance and legal services. It has cut net debt to £808 million from £1.4 billion.

    Chief executive Richard Pennycook said the hard work of rebuilding the group was under way after the completion of its rescue plan.

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  • Toll, Specialty Fashion build retail distribution centre

    Toll, Specialty Fashion build retail distribution centre

    Toll Group has unveiled its plans to build a state-of-the-art retail distribution centre in collaboration with apparel retailer, Specialty Fashion Group.  The 32,000 square metre distribution centre will be built by Logos Group Australia at the Prestons Logistics Estate, Sydney.

    Fitted with advanced automation technologies to enable fast and efficient distribution to customers, the facility will be one of the first in Australia specifically designed to cater for the growing retail eCommerce market.

    Toll has worked closely with Specialty Fashion Group to design a distribution centre that will meet the demands of the retailer’s recent growth, and support its continual focus on improving omni-channel delivery including online and ‘click and collect’ ordering.

    The Prestons facility will enable Specialty Fashion Group to get products to stores and customers faster than ever before.

    In a ground breaking ceremony at the site, Toll’s Managing Director, Brian Kruger, and Specialty Fashion Group CEO, Gary Perlstein, turned soil to mark the start of construction.

    Brian Kruger said “We are excited to announce our plans for this innovative distribution centre – an Australian first in automation for eCommerce processing and distribution.

    “Our aim at Toll is to connect people and products, and we look forward to working with Specialty Fashion Group to enable a fast, efficient and cost effective supply chain for its customers.”

    Gary Perlstein said “Currently, Specialty Fashion Group sells a garment a second in Australia. We have worked with Toll to create a supply chain solution that enables our omni-channel strategy across all brands for a streamlined and memorable customer experience.”

    Toll has designed the facility to include several leading automation technologies including a multi-shuttle tote storage system, goods-to-person pick stations, automated and ergonomic eCommerce processing stations, automatic carton optimisation machines and a tier one warehouse management system.

    These technologies will enable the site to manage high volumes efficiently and quickly, despatching products for faster delivery and reducing overall costs per unit.

    The facility will employ around 120 warehouse operators and is expected to despatch more than 90 million units annually. Construction is expected to be completed in October 2017.

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  • Curtain to Rise on Major Fashion Event Centerstage Next Month

    Curtain to Rise on Major Fashion Event Centerstage Next Month

    CENTRESTAGE, a brand new fashion promotion and launch platform, will be held from 7 to 10 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the trade show will feature some 200 fashion brands from 20 countries and regions, as well as more than 50 spectacular events, including the large-scale opening gala fashion show CENTRESTAGE ELITES and around 30 other fashion shows. There will also be designer sharing sessions, industry seminars, networking events and more.

    At a press conference today, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau noted, “Hong Kong has long been known as the region’s fashion capital, setting style trends for the region. To further solidify the city’s position, we are debuting CENTRESTAGE to provide the ideal promotion and launch platform for international, especially Asian, fashion brands and designer labels.” Mr Chau added that the trade show is supported by local and overseas industry players, and is expected to attract buyers, particularly select shops, department stores and e-tailers, as well as fashion media and fashion enthusiasts in the region.

    Designers and guests at the press conference included local designer Mim Mak as well as Simon Choi, Project Director of Fashion Mirage, Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association and Elina Lee, Director of Partnership, Marketing, Communications, Events & Special Projects, Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC).

    “Shooting Stars” is the theme of the inaugural CENTRESTAGE, which includes four thematic zones: GLAM, ALLURE, METRO and FORWARD. The participating countries and regions, include the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Australia, the United States and Europe. Local and overseas industry associations will also attend, such as the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, the California State Trade and Export Promotion & Center for International Trade Development from the US, the Taiwan Textile Federation and the Thailand Textile Institute.

    Some 30 fashion shows: Showcasing new collections, new talents

    To further showcase Hong Kong as an international fashion capital, the large-scale opening gala fashion show CENTRESTAGE ELITES will be held on the first day (7 September). The hottest rising stars in Asia, namely Mim Mak from Hong Kong, Simon Gao from Beijing, Ko Taeyong from Seoul and Pongsak Suprratccheep & Thita Kamonnetsawat from Bangkok, will display their latest collections for Spring/Summer 2017. Top models including Angie Ng and Kiki Kang are invited to present designer collections at this spectacular fashion extravaganza.

    The Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association will stage a show, Fashion Mirage, on 7 September. According to Simon Choi, Project Director of Fashion Mirage, the show will adopt a theme based on five local cultural elements and the event will feature 50 fashion designers, including Walter Ma and Barney Cheng.

    For years, the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) has identified many fine talents for the local fashion industry and has been a cradle for Hong Kong’s designer brands. The final competition of YDC 2016 will be held on the last day (10 September) of CENTRESTAGE, where 17 finalists will take the stage to compete for the top three awards, as well as the Best Footwear & Accessories Design Award. Trendy Japanese label FACETASM’s founder and designer Hiromichi Ochiai will be the VIP judge and will share his valuable views and insights with the finalists.

    In addition, the Knitwear Innovation & Design Society will organise the Knitwear Symphony to nurture a new generation of knitwear designers and promote Hong Kong’s knitwear design and capability.

    The nearly 30 fashion shows at CENTRESTAGE will also feature such brands as 45R, anagram, ANTEPRIMA, Aquascutum, ARTHUR LAM, ATSURO TAYAMA, Charmante, Galtiscopio, HARRISON WONG, HIDY N.G., initial, i.t., JNBY, KENAXLEUNG, KOYO, LOOM LOOP, LU LU CHEUNG, Marimekko, MOISELLE and more.

    20+ seminars and networking activities: Sharing new developments, new trends

    Apart from fashion shows, the HKTDC has invited forecasting experts from WGSN and Fashion Snoops to analyse fashion and retail trends for the coming year. At another seminar, the designers participating in CENTRESTAGE ELITES will discuss and share ideas on Asia’s design influence on international styles and trends. YDC VIP judge Hiromichi Ochiai will likewise share his creative journey with visitors to the show.

    During the event, there will also be thematic seminars to help businesses grasp the latest developments in the global market. These include “Technology Trends Transforming the Fashion Industry”, “Innovation and Technology Symposium 2016” and a panel discussion on “A More Sustainable Fashion System: Is Digital Disruption Fuelling Positive Change?”

    Hong Kong in Fashion: citywide participation

    CENTRESTAGE is set to become a signature fashion event for the region showcasing top-notch creativity in Asia and drawing close attention from fashion enthusiasts. To take CENTRESTAGE outside the HKCEC and share the excitement of the fashion industry with the public, the HKTDC is launching a citywide campaign “Hong Kong in Fashion”. The campaign, which will run from today until 25 September, features more than 80 activities organised with support from more than 90 partners, including fashion and design institutions, renowned fashion brands, malls, hotels and restaurants. The activities are open to all fashion lovers.

    The HKDC will organise “Fashion PMQ” from 7 to 19 September. Elina Lee said the event will feature 40 local fashion and accessories designers, with an aim to facilitate the development of Hong Kong’s fashion industry. Fashion Mart (9-11 September) will be the highlight, while the HKDC has arranged a number of Fashion Crossover Pop-ups at various PMQ studios from 7 to 19 September to feature collaborations or crossover items by fashion designers from different disciplines.

    The Footwear Design Competition, organised by The Federation of Hong Kong Footwear Ltd. and co-organised by the HKTDC, has helped to nurture many talented footwear designers over the years. This year’s awards presentation ceremony and winning entries parade will be held as a “Hong Kong in Fashion” event on 2 September at the concourse of the apm shopping mall in Kwun Tong.

    Other public activities include the Street Snap Competition. From now until 25 September, participants can upload a personal fashion styling snapshot to Instagram (#CENTRESTAGEHK) for a chance to win a total of more than $100,000 worth of gifts. For details of the many “Hong Kong in Fashion” activities, please visit: centrestage.com.hk/hkinfashion

    The last day of CENTRESTAGE (10 September) will be “OPENSTAGE”, which will be open to public visitors aged 12 or above free of charge. Members of the public will have the chance to experience this major fashion industry event and check out the latest designs from leading brands. Individual exhibitors will retail their discounted products, offering fair visitors more shopping fun.

  • Gitanjali Gems eyes world expansion

    Gitanjali Gems eyes world expansion

    After announcing plans to capture the global recovery in demand for diamond jewellery and other luxury items, India’s Gitanjali Gems saw its share price hit a 52-week high.

    This follows the jewellery manufacturer and exporter’s share price dipping to its lowest in many years on March 1.

    As well as diverting its focus from gold ornaments to diamond jewellery, Gitanjali has introduced low-carat gold content in stone-studded products, and is planning to raise Rs 110 crore (US$1.64 million) for its proposed expansion plan in both domestic and global markets.

    “The company is going in for diamond jewellery retailing all over the world, and also for more profitable items,” says MD Mehul Choksi. “It plans 50 more stores in the US to expand its presence by 50 per cent in the world’s largest diamond-jewellery consuming market. We are also setting up distribution centres in China and the Middle East.”

    Gitanjali also plans to increase its shop-in-shop model by 3000 outlets worldwide.

    After the US, the company plans to concentrate on its home market, followed by China and west Asia.

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  • Old Navy Opening Doors At First Store in Malaysia

    Old Navy Opening Doors At First Store in Malaysia

    Global apparel brand Old Navy announced today that it is opening its first store in Malaysia at 1 Utama Shopping Center, the fifth largest mall in the world, which is located in the heart of MSC Malaysia Cybercentre Township Bandar Utama. Old Navy makes current American fashion essentials accessible for every family, with a focus on fashion, family, fun and value. The brand launched in 1994 and quickly became one of the top apparel brands in the United States, making history in 1997 as the first retailer to reach $1 billion in annual sales in less than four years. Old Navy is part of the Gap Inc. portfolio of brands, which also includes Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta and Intermix.

    The brand’s entry into Malaysia marks another milestone in Old Navy’s continued global growth strategy. The first store will feature the same great product that the brand has become known for in the United States and will offer apparel and accessories collections for men, women, kids and babies. It will also provide a fun and energizing shopping experience for customers, featuring a spacious 800 square meter layout and Old Navy’s newest store design.

    The store will open its doors on September 30 at 5:00 pm and will be open until 10:30 pm. To celebrate the opening, customers can enjoy fun activities, meet special guests, and receive RM60 back when they spend RM200 and above. Additionally, the first customers in line will receive a free limited edition Old Navy Malaysia tote bag with any purchase, and the first 100 customers will be eligible to win a RM1000 shopping spree.

    This is the seventh franchise market expansion for Old Navy. In March 2014, the brand opened its first franchise-operated stores in the Philippines and has since opened stores in Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and most recently, Indonesia. The brand’s move into Southeast Asia builds on the success that Gap and Banana Republic have experienced since entering the market in 2007.

    Franchise partner RSH Limited has a 39-year history of delivering seamless brand experiences to customers in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and South Pacific. Today, RSH Limited’s portfolio includes more than 70 international brands with over 700 stores and shops-in-shop in 11 countries.

  • Plaza Indonesia’s ‘Fashion On4’ Showcases Favorite Local Brands

    Plaza Indonesia’s ‘Fashion On4’ Showcases Favorite Local Brands

    “We’re currently re-branding the whole level four as a new hang-out place for young people in the city,” Astri Abyanti, senior marketing communications, public relations and digital marketing manager of Plaza Indonesia, said at the opening of Fashion On4 on Tuesday (16/08).

    “We want to support Indonesia’s growing fashion industry, especially local brands that target young people. That’s why we’ve invited these nine brands to showcase their collections at Fashion On4,” Astri said.

    The nine fashion labels, according to Astri, were selected based on a survey of the shopping mall’s young clientele.

    “These are the brands that [our young clients] would like to see at the mall,” she said.

    Among the brands are Ikat Indonesia, No’om, Populo Batik, Rama Dauhan, Ria Miranda and Sky Inc.

    “(Fashion On4) breathes fresh air into Plaza Indonesia,” fashion designer Rama Dauhan said. “It’s also an opportunity for us to show that Indonesian fashion brands’ creations are on par with international ones.”

    For Fashion On4, Rama showcases his newest collection “Sensatia,” whose main strength is in easy-to-wear pieces embellished with patchwork designs.

    “It’s a great opportunity for us to branch out,” Sky Inc’s designer Amot Sjamsuri Muda said.

    For the new pop-up store, Sky Inc, previously known as Isis, presents an extended summer collection, inspired by “ulos,” a traditional fabric from North Sumatra. The fabric is made into casual dresses, crop tops and oversized jackets showcasing the intricate patterns of the traditional textile.

    Ria Miranda is the only Muslim fashion label among the nine new labels at the pop-up store.

    “I’m so excited to be here,” Ria said. “I hope to get a lot of new customers from this new store.”

    For Fashion On4, the Muslim designer presents her 2016 Fall/Winter collection, Forresta, inspired by her recent visit to Japan.

    “It’s a universal collection that can be worn by Muslim and non-Muslim [women] alike,” she said.

    The collection features simple pieces in a combination of bold colors that can easily be mixed and matched.

    Fashion On4 will be open at the mall until December 2016.

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  • Calvin Klein Announces the Appointment of Raf Simons As Chief Creative Officer

    Calvin Klein Announces the Appointment of Raf Simons As Chief Creative Officer

    Calvin Klein, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PVH, today announced the appointment of Raf Simons as Chief Creative Officer of the brand, effective immediately.

    Mr. Simons will lead the creative strategy of the Calvin Klein brand globally across the Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein Platinum, Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein Underwear and Calvin Klein Home brands. As part of his role as Chief Creative Officer, Mr. Simons will oversee all aspects of Design, Global Marketing and Communications, and Visual Creative Services. Mr. Simons’ first collections will debut for the Fall 2017 season.

    The appointment of Mr. Simons as Chief Creative Officer marks the implementation of Calvin Klein’s new global creative strategy, announced in April 2016, to unify all Calvin Klein brands under one creative vision. The strategy comes as part of a global evolution of the Calvin Klein brand, which began with the reacquisition of the Calvin Klein Jeans and Calvin Klein Underwear businesses in 2013. As Calvin Klein looks to grow the brand to $10 billion in global retail sales, this new leadership is intended to further strengthen the brand’s premium positioning worldwide and pave the way for future long-term global growth.

    The arrival of Raf Simons as Chief Creative Officer signifies a momentous new chapter for Calvin Klein,” said Steve Shiffman, CEO of Calvin Klein, Inc. “Not since Mr. Klein himself was at the company has it been led by one creative visionary, and I am confident that this decision will drive the Calvin Klein brand and have a significant impact on its future. Raf’s exceptional contributions have shaped and modernized fashion as we see it today and, under his direction, Calvin Klein will further solidify its position as a leading global lifestyle brand.”

    As part of the creative strategy for the apparel and accessories business, Calvin Klein also announced the hire of Pieter Mulier as Creative Director, reporting directly to Mr. Simons. Mr. Mulier will be responsible for executing Mr. Simons’ creative and design vision for men’s and women’s ready to wear, as well as the bridge and better apparel lines and accessories. He will also manage all men’s and women’s design teams within the Calvin Klein brand, under Mr. Simons’ leadership.

    Calvin Klein, a wholly owned subsidiary of PVH, is one of the leading fashion design and marketing studios in the world. It designs and markets women’s and men’s designer collection apparel and a range of other products that are manufactured and marketed through an extensive network of licensing agreements and other arrangements worldwide. Product lines under the various Calvin Klein brands include women’s dresses and suits, men’s dress furnishings and tailored clothing, men’s and women’s sportswear and bridge and collection apparel, golf apparel, jeanswear, underwear, fragrances, eyewear, women’s performance apparel, hosiery, socks, footwear, swimwear, jewelry, watches, outerwear, handbags, small leather goods, and home furnishings (including furniture).  

    With a heritage going back over 130 years, PVH Corp. has excelled at growing brands and businesses with rich American heritages, becoming one of the largest apparel companies in the world. We have over 30,000 associates operating in over 40 countries with over $8 billion in 2015 revenues. We own the iconic Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, IZOD, ARROW, Speedo*, Warner’s and Olga brands and market a variety of goods under these and other nationally and internationally known owned and licensed brands.

  • Unilever buys Dollar Shave Club

    Unilever buys Dollar Shave Club

    Consumer products giant Unilever is to buy California-based Dollar Shave Club, an online razor delivery subscription business that has 3.2 million members.

    Terms of the transaction were not officially disclosed, but sources say the FMCG giant is paying the razor business US$1 billion in cash.

    “Dollar Shave Club is an innovative and disruptive male grooming brand with incredibly deep connections to its diverse and highly engaged consumers,” said Kees Kruythoff, president of Unilever North America.

    “In addition to its unique consumer and data insights, Dollar Shave Club is the category leader in its direct-to-consumer space. We plan to leverage the global strength of Unilever to support Dollar Shave Club in achieving its full potential in terms of offering and reach.”

    Michael Dubin, founder or Dollar Shave Club, will continue to serve as its CEO.

    “We have long admired Unilever’s purpose-driven business leadership and its category expertise is unmatched,” said Dubin. “We are excited to be part of the family.”

    Subject to regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to close during the third quarter.

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