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Tag: Fashion

  • H&M suspends employees over use of racial slur

    H&M suspends employees over use of racial slur

    Fashion giant H&M says it has suspended a number of employees over the use of a racial slur relating to the name of a hat to be sold at stores of its & Other Stories brand.

    CNN Business, which first reported the incident, said that the slur, in an internal H&M document, related to a hat that appeared on a list of items and accessories to be sold in the autumn/winter collection.

    “We are deeply sorry to have discovered that one of our brands, & Other Stories, used a racist slur in an internal product overview,” H&M spokeswoman Ulrika Isaksson said in a written comment to Reuters.

    “We take the use of racially offensive language extremely seriously. While internal and external investigations are taking place, we have suspended the team and managers responsible for this area of the business.”

    H&M, the world’s second-biggest fashion retailer, did not say how many employees had been suspended.

    In 2018, the Swedish company was forced to apologize for an advert that was widely perceived as using racist language and in its statement on Thursday H&M acknowledged that it had “challenges with the diversity of some of our own teams”.

    It said it would also take further measures including specific targets for boosting diversity in its major markets by the end of 2020 and the creation of an external advisory council to consult on its business direction.

    According to H&M’s website, & Other Stories has 70 stores in 17 markets in Europe, the United States and Asia.

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  • AmorePacific launches selected brands on Amazon

    AmorePacific launches selected brands on Amazon

    South Korean beauty group AmorePacific has launched two key brands on Amazon’s Premium Beauty store in the US as it looks to build its online presence. The beauty firm has introduced the AmorePacific and Mamonde brands on Amazon, including skincare and makeup.

    AmorePacific’s green tea skincare essentials – the Treatment Enzyme Peeling Cleansing Powder, Vintage Single Extract Essence, and Time Response Skin Reserve Creme.< “As the leader in Korean beauty, we are thrilled to collaborate and bring Korea’s best known, performance-driven brands to Amazon customers,” said Brian Lee, head of business development at AmorePacific US. “We strive for our portfolio of brands to continue significant growth in the digital space as more and more US customers pursue the convenience of online shopping.” The skincare and makeup range launched on Amazon include the AmorePacific’s Vintage Single Extract Essence and Mamonde’s Petal Spa Oil to Foam Cleanser. “AmorePacific’s brands cater to US customers’ continued enthusiasm for premium skincare with natural ingredients, as well as their latest interest in beauty routines as a form of self-care,” the company said in a statement.

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  • Ralph Lauren revenue deep in red

    Ralph Lauren revenue deep in red

    Ralph Lauren Corp said on Tuesday its quarterly revenue plunged by nearly US$1 billion, as it struggled with coronavirus-led store closures and a slowdown in demand for luxury goods across the world.

    The big drop in revenue and a larger-than-expected loss pushed shares of the New York-based fashion house down nearly 7 percent in trading before the bell.

    The company’s revenue slumped 77 percent in North America, with analysts saying demand for high-end handbags, apparel and accessories is not expected to rebound quickly as the global economy enters a recession.

    Ralph Lauren is more exposed to the health crisis than other apparel companies as its jackets, coats and dresses are designed for social or formal occasions, said Neil Saunders, managing director of research firm GlobalData Retail.

    “While some customers have been prepared to pay premium dollars for luxury apparel, many middle-income shoppers have de-prioritized their spending on clothing in favor of spending on the home – an area where Ralph Lauren does play, but not nearly as strong as it should,” Saunders said.

    Ralph Lauren’s net revenue fell 66 percent to $487.5 million, missing analysts’ average estimate of $615 million, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

    Sales at European luxury goods giants LVMH , Kering and Hermes fell between 38 percent and 44 percent – much slower than those posted by the company.

    Ralph Lauren also reported a mere 3-per-cent rise in North American online sales, a far cry from triple-digit sales increases recorded by a number of US retailers.

    The company reported a net loss of $127.7 million in the quarter to June 27, compared with a profit of $117.1 million, or $1.47 per share, a year earlier.

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  • Hugo Boss China sales up again last June

    Hugo Boss China sales up again last June

    Hugo Boss sales returned to strong growth in China in June and global online sales jumped 74 percent in the second quarter, even as the German fashion house reported an overall 59-per-cent fall in sales for the period due to lockdowns.

    Analysts at Baader Helvea noted the company was particularly exposed as people have been shifting to more casual wear during the coronavirus pandemic, cutting demand for the smart suits for which it is particularly known.

    Hugo Boss reported quarterly revenue of €275 million, missing an average analyst forecast for €288 million, while its operating loss of €124 million euros was ahead of consensus for a loss of €133 million.

    The company said it had seen a less pronounced fall in sales of casual wear and “athleisure” than in formal wear, with products like T-shirts, polo shirts, trousers and loungewear proving their resilience.

    Hugo Boss is currently led by finance chief Yves Mueller after Mark Langer stepped down as CEO. Daniel Grieder, the former CEO of Tommy Hilfiger Global & PVH Europe, is due to take over as CEO on June 1, next year.

    Hugo Boss China sales rose by 4 percent in the quarter, including double-digit growth in June, a similar trend to that reported by LVMH , the world’s biggest luxury goods group, which said last week that momentum had especially improved in China.

    By contrast, sales fell 59 percent in Europe and 82 percent in the Americas, with unrest and demonstrations in the US in May and June putting more strain on its business.

    The company expects a gradual improvement for the second half of this year, but declined to provide a full-year forecast.

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  • Uniqlo same-store sales up 4 percent in July on stay-at-home demand

    Uniqlo same-store sales up 4 percent in July on stay-at-home demand

    Casual fashion brand Uniqlo’s Japanese same-store sales rose 4 percent year on year in July as consumers stocked up on comfortable “stay at home” clothes amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, its owner, Fast Retailing Co, said.

    The rise in domestic same-store sales, including online purchases, followed a 26-per-cent jump in June, which came after a three-month slump when the coronavirus outbreak kept shoppers at home and tourists away.

    “Stay at home demand” lifted July sales, with items such as stretchy jogging pants and oversized T-shirts proving popular, the company said.

    Analysts have said Uniqlo’s focus on practical, everyday clothes rather than more on-trend fashion may help it weather the coronavirus downturn better than global peers.

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  • Jason Wu opens first store in Shanghai

    Jason Wu opens first store in Shanghai

    Taiwanese-Canadian designer Jason Wu has opened his first global flagship boutique in Shanghai, China.

    Located at IFC Mall, the flagship store features a sophisticated design created by architect Andre Mellone. The studio previously designed a Jason Wu shop-in-shop at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and the Jason Wu fragrance bottle.

    The store facade features a floor-to-ceiling glass wall and a digital screen illustrating the brand’s name. Gold color and marble patterns are used liberally in the Jason Wu boutique’s design such as gold metal racks and frames, gold rose marble walls, and marble display tables.

    A black wooden table and a large carpet are placed at the store’s center.

    The Jason Wu Shanghai boutique houses a wide range of fashion items and fragrances.

    Jason Wu is known for designing dresses worn by former First Lady Michelle Obama on several occasions, including those worn during the first and second inauguration of her husband, President Barack Obama.

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  • Nike opens House of Innovation in Paris, France

    Nike opens House of Innovation in Paris, France

    Nike has opened the brand’s largest House of Innovation yet, in Paris, focusing on delivering a digital retail experience. Located at number 79 on the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysees, the House of Innovation 002 spans four floors and occupies a 2400sqm area.

    According to the company, Nike Paris will focus on four areas: uniting shoppers to a global sports community, innovative services and products for women, more kids’ experiences and seamless end-to-end consumer experience.

    “When consumers step into Nike Paris, they will experience our largest, most digitally connected and immersive retail concept in the world,” said Heidi O’Neill, president of consumer and marketplace.

    The House of Innovation in Paris features a wall-to-wall installation called Mission Control, connecting customers to the global sports community.

    Female shoppers can receive a fit recommendation using Nike Fit technology for any of its bras and information on their precise shape can be saved for future store visits.

    Nike Paris houses a destination for kids called Kids Pod, featuring interactive gaming and trial station such as a 360 virtual runners experience inspired by Parkour.

    “The strength of our digital portfolio combined with product innovation and amazing physical spaces will connect members to the community of sport and to one-of-a-kind experiences, serving them in an incredibly personal way,” O’Neill said.

    At the House of Innovation Paris, more than 85,000kg of sustainable material is woven into the fabric of the store design and display fixtures. The store is fuelled by a clean-energy wind farm in Spain.

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  • Champion lifting off with sustainable streetwear collection

    Champion lifting off with sustainable streetwear collection

    Athletic apparel brand Champion is to launch a sustainable streetwear collection Re:Bound next month.

    Champion’s Re:Bound Collection will feature a streetwear line made from recycled Reverse Weave fabric, normally discarded during production. According to the company, 45 percent of pre-consumer recycled cotton has been turned into high-quality apparel products for the range.

    The manufacturing process involves three stages: Rescue Waste, Recycle and Rope Dye.

    As part of the launch, Champion invited two Australian influencers and up-cyclers, Philip O’Donahoo and Jaida The Creator, to star in a promotion campaign.

    “Pioneering products is our legacy. Protecting the planet is our long game,” the company said in a statement. “Re:Bound is our first step, and we’re just getting started.”

    The Re:Bound collection is scheduled to launch on August 4.

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  • Loft launches in Shanghai

    Loft launches in Shanghai

    Japanese lifestyle specialty store Loft has opened its first directly owned overseas store, ‘Xujiahui Loft’ in Shanghai.

    Located at Metro City, the Xujiahui Loft Shanghai occupies a 1046sqm area. It features more than 12,000 products including Loft’s exclusive lines as well as limited-edition items commemorating the store’s grand opening and pre-sale goods.

    The Xujiahui Loft features ‘Loft Apartment’ where 18 Chinese independent designers will offer their originality in items such as stationary, mobile phone cases, and bags. Participating creators include Caro.Ni, eve.yin, Zengxiaoe, SummerBee and Square Studio.

    Moreover, there will be exclusive collaborative products based on Chinese cheese-tea brand Heytea’s popular drink “Mango Cheezo (mango cheese tea)” and Loft’s image colors, as well as a photo spot, according to the company.

    Loft in Shanghai will also house a pop-up pottery market “Hasami Porcelain Market,” displaying a wide selection of pottery items centering on Hasami porcelain from Nagasaki Prefecture, and “I’be one” pop-up store featuring Japanese characters themed products.

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  • 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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  • China stands out in tough LVMH first half year

    China stands out in tough LVMH first half year

    China proved a standout market in every product category for luxury-goods retail group LVMH in the first half-year.

    While sales in Europe and the Americas suffered from long-drawn-out disruption due to Covid-19, there were signs of a recovery in Mainland China.

    LVMH group sales fell by 27 percent to €18.4 billion during the half and by 38 percent in the second quarter.

    “Asia has seen a marked improvement in trends, with a strong rebound in China in particular,” the company noted in its results filing, noting the trend was particularly notable in the second quarter.

    Profit from recurring operations amounted to €1.671 billion euros for the first half of 2020 and operating margin stood at 9 percent. “The profitability of Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Moet Hennessy remained at a high level,” the company said.

    “LVMH showed exceptional resilience to the serious health crisis the world experienced in the first half of 2020,” added Bernard Arnault, LVMH’s chairman and CEO. “Our maisons have shown remarkable agility in implementing measures to adapt their costs and accelerate the growth of online sales.”

    LVMH’s flagship fashion & leather-goods business group reported a 24-per-cent decline in organic sales for the half-year, but China recorded “a very strong recovery in revenue in the second quarter”.

    Sales of perfumes & cosmetics fell by 29 percent, with the company’s larger brands showing good resistance despite an overall decline in the makeup market. In China, LVMH singled out the Fresh skincare brand as enjoying strong momentum.

    Sales of watches & jewelry fell by 39 percent in the first half of 2020. “Confronted in January with the decline of the Chinese market, then with the closure of other markets from mid-March, Bulgari quickly took advantage of the recovery in China in the second quarter,” the company reported.

    However, watch brands TAG Heuer and Hublot were hit by declining orders from retailers due to lockdowns.

    In the company’s selective retailing division, sales were down by 33 percent. Sephora showed good resistance during the pandemic, the brand growing market share in its main markets, in part due to a solid omnichannel strategy. However, the DFS travel-retail business saw sales decline in most destinations due to the suspension of international travel.

    The wines & spirits business group saw sales decline by 23 percent in the first half.

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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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.