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Tag: Fashion

  • UNIQLO Announces 19SS UT Collection

    UNIQLO Announces 19SS UT Collection

    The UT collection provides fresh perspectives on an array of pop culture that is perfect for this season, from works by emerging to legendary artists, manga, animations, and other elements of Japanese culture, and games, characters, and other contents. The UT line transforms T-shirts into canvases of art expressing the individuality and tastes of wearers. Offering something for everyone, the range will continue to evolve as exciting and unique LifeWear.

    Giveaway: 500 UTs to be won on UT Trains!

    • From 8 April to 12 May 2019, selected MRT trains on the East-West and North-South lines will be decked out with  UT collections such as JAPAN MANGA, THE GAME by STREET FIGHTER and MARVEL X JASON POLAN.
    • Commuters stand a chance to win a UT by voting for their favourite UT content via the QR code found on the hanger tags on board these special MRT trains.
    • There will be a total of 500 winners who will be notified via email by 19 May 2019.

    New Collection Highlights

    MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM, JAPAN MANGA, and other subculture contents

    ▪      A specially designed UT to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam features key scenes from the first television series, the most impactful for this animation.

    ▪      The UT lineup appeals to everyone, not just fans, such as with items celebrating the manga of Rumiko Takahashi’s “Urusei Yatsura” and “Ranma 1/2”, which are beloved across the generations, as well as items showcasing the hit Detective Conan series in Weekly Shonen Sunday and Weekly Shonen Jump’s wildly popular One Piece.

    Special: Custom Gunpla Display

    ▪      UNIQLO has teamed up with Bandai Namco Singapore and Hobby Art Gallery to put together a one-of-a kind custom Gunpla Kits from local builders.

    ▪      From 25 Mar to 21 Apr 2019, Gundam fans can head to UNIQLO Orchard Central Flagship store to view this special Gunpla Showcase.

    ONE PIECE STAMPEDE UT

    • In collaboration with manga series One Piece and its upcoming 14th film: One Piece Stampede, UNIQLO will be rolling out its ONE PIECE STAMPEDE UT collection in late July.
    • This season, the UT design team and TOEI ANIMATION extended its collaboration to crafting character costume designs supervised by Original author, Eiichiro Oda.

    SUPER MARIO FAMILY MUSEUM UT

    Super Mario has been a favourite worldwide among the young and old, men and women alike, ever since the launch of Super Mario Brothers in 1985. This collection pays tribute to the series that has long been synonymous with video games, with designs that foster communication across generations.

    • The collection features the classic horizontal scroll and 8-bit designs and many of the recurring characters in the series, such as Chain Chomps, Boos, and Goombas.

    Fantasies from the MAGIC FOR ALL collaboration project with Disney

    We continue offering graphics through MAGIC FOR ALL, a global collaboration with Disney Consumer Products that adds a touch of Disney enchantment, Marvel action, Star Wars adventure, and Disney-Pixar creativity to everyday LifeWear fashions.

    ▪      The unique MARVEL X JASON POLAN collaboration highlights such MARVEL superheroes prints as The AVENGERS by renowned New York-based artist Jason Polan.

    ▪      For the third season of MICKEY ART, in addition to Yu Nagaba, we newly harnessed the talents of French graphic designer Genevieve Gauckler, as well as the multi-talented Jeremyville, Esther Kim, the creator of Esther Bunny, and shop signs and graphic artist of NUTS ART WORKS.

    ▪      MICKEY BLUE is inspired by traditional indigo and ocean blue to bring the world together.

    UTs highlighting universally beautiful and sophisticated textile patterns

    ▪      New this season is SCANDINAVIAN PATTERN COLLECTION by northern European designers in various fields. The prints are inspired by simple, everyday life, featuring forest, ocean, and field scenery during the Scandinavian summer.

    ▪      We again showcase the floral motifs of Sanderson, a traditional British interior brand that is renowned for its timeless and elegant designs.

    Redesigned UTs for kids and babies

    ▪      The diverse kids’ UT range incorporates specially redesigned versions of adult UTs for new games, manga, MARVEL X JASON POLAN and other contents. There is also content exclusively for kids, including, SUMIKKOGRASHI and DISCOVERY CHANNEL.

    ▪      For babies, we are adding to our collection of motifs from picture books in which children first interact with art. New designs include Cornelius from picture book master Leo Lionni and prints from David McKee’s ‘Elmer and the Rainbow’.

     

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  • Gianvito Rossi Opens Its First SEA Flagship Store in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands

    Gianvito Rossi Opens Its First SEA Flagship Store in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands

    The boutique is a further step in the collaboration between Gianvito Rossi and Milan based architect, Patricia Urquiola. The three backlit logos attract attention towards Gianvito Rossi’s refined world whilst the grand shop window, purposefully designed bilaterally, is the perfect showcase for the designer’s elegant collections.

    As each Gianvito Rossi store retains its unique flavour and individual characteristics, a single undercurrent unites each location reflecting the valued codes of the brand: elegance, feminity, and modernity, as well as impeccable quality and craftsmanship.

    Gianvito Rossi is now open to the public and is located at B1-86/87, Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

  • Sephora Hong Kong Reopening Soon

    Sephora Hong Kong Reopening Soon

    Makeup superstore Sephora has confirmed its widely anticipated return to Hong Kong in physical store form.

    The LVMH-owned cosmetics retailer will sublease a 4000sqft space in the Zara store at IFC Mall in Central, nine years after it closed its last store in the territory.

    Despite its physical absence in the market, Sephora Hong Kong has continued to sell products online to loyal customers.

    The last Sephora Hong Kong store traded for just two years in Mong Kok, closing in 2010. At the time, retail commentators said the brand failed due to poor store location, lacklustre marketing and high rents.

    Sephora is popular in Mainland China and has stores across Southeast Asia trading profitably, especially in Singapore and Malaysia.

    According to news reports in Chinese media, Sephora has subleased the space from Zara for HK$2 million (US$254,800) per month.

  • Chanel Opens Flagship Store in Seoul

    Chanel Opens Flagship Store in Seoul

    A new Chanel South Korea flagship has opened in Seoul.

    The Cheongdam-dong boutique opening provided the opportunity for the brand to unveil its latest ready-to-wear collection alongside its capsule accessories collaboration with musician Pharrell Williams, who performed at the event.

    The capsule collection is a bright combination of pop music and street-art motifs, and is currently selling at the new Seoul store, pending global release on April 4.

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  • VF Corp names Daughter Company Kontoor Brands

    VF Corp names Daughter Company Kontoor Brands

    Kontoor Brands – that’s the name chosen for the denim-led fashion business being spun off by VF Corporation next month.

    The US branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories company released an update on the plan, announcing its has filed the necessary regulatory paperwork to start the process rolling.

    Kontoor Brands, to be publicly listed, will take over the Wrangler, Lee and Rock & Republic brands, along with VF’s outlet business.

    “Our teams across VF have made tremendous progress to prepare for the successful separation of Kontoor Brands from VF and this filing is a significant next step in this process,” said Steve Rendle, chairman, president and CEO of VF Corporation. “We are highly confident that the separation is the best path forward for both organisations to achieve even greater potential and enhance long-term shareholder value.”

    He said the split is on track to be completed next month, subject to final approval by VF’s board, customary regulatory approvals, and tax and legal considerations.

    “Today’s filing marks an important milestone in the process of establishing Kontoor Brands as an independent company,” said Scott Baxter, named CEO of Kontoor Brands. “As we prepare for life as a separate, publicly traded organisation, I am confident that Kontoor Brands is strongly positioned to thrive as a leader in the global apparel industry and deliver long-term value for all of our stakeholders.”

    VF’s decision to split the business in two was announced last August. Rendle said at the time that since 2017, the company had been reshaping of its brand portfolio to better position the company for long-term success. In that time, VF had bought Williamson-Dickie, and the Icebreaker and Altra brands, and sold Nautica and its Licensed Sports Group, including the Majestic brand. The brands that will remain in VF’s portfolio include Vans, The North Face, JanSport, Timberland, Smartwool and Eagle Creek.

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  • Shiseido Global Innovation Center Commences Full-Scale Operation

    Shiseido Global Innovation Center Commences Full-Scale Operation

    Shiseido’s new research hub, the Shiseido Global Innovation Center (GIC, also referred to as S/PARK), will commence full-scale operation in the Minato Mirai 21 area in Yokohama, Japan from April. As an urban open lab, the GIC supports and promotes comprehensive communication and collaboration with consumers, researchers, business partners and experts inside and outside of Japan, achieving new, flexible and diverse working styles and inspiring researchers’ creativity and imaginations through the state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment of its newly styled offices. Through these activities, Shiseido achieves “the fusion of diverse people and knowledge” to create unprecedented value. The GIC will open its public communication spaces on the first and second floors starting Saturday, April 13, 2019 and welcomes the interaction of visitors. By creating and communicating innovations of Japanese origin beyond borders and across industries, Shiseido strives to accomplish its new corporate mission, BEAUTY INNOVATIONS FOR A BETTER WORLD.

    R&D policy

    Shiseido Company, Limited (“Shiseido”) was established as a Western-style pharmacy in 1872, and opened its Testing Room in 1916 for the purposes of product development and improvement. Since then, Shiseido has created high-quality products on the strength of its fundamental research into sensitivity analysis, safety and reliability, and dermatology for over 100 years. Today, Shiseido’s global research centers, located in five countries including Japan, are engaged in various research and development activities to study and analyze the skin conditions and makeup activities of consumers in each region. Going forward, and aiming to take the lead in an ever-diverse global market, Shiseido will enhance its research in digital and environmental technologies. In addition, the company will accelerate its research and development centered on three key categories: 1) The Cosmetics, the improvement cosmetics research, 2) New Category, the proposal of unprecedented areas on the cosmetics spectrum, and 3) Unlimited Beauty, the exploration of new beauty solutions going beyond cosmetics. To this end, Shiseido will shift its research style, integrating outside expertise with its continuing focus on new findings. Through these activities, Shiseido offers new value and aims to “Be a Global Winner with Our Heritage.”

    GIC (S/PARK) overview

    The first and second floors of the GIC are a dedicated open communication space where visitors and researchers can interact, offering various content based on the concept of “get inspired by beauty.” The open communication spaces are produced by Mr. Kundo Koyama (Orange and Partners) and designed by Mr. Naoki Sato (nendo). The collaboration area on the fourth floor includes a lab for joint research with outside institutes and a space for business negotiations, which is quite unique for a research center. Superior research facilities and equipment to support various fundamental research are installed on the fifth through fifteenth floors. Thanks to an out-of-the-box office layout, researchers can pursue more flexible and diverse working styles, while ad hoc work and communication spaces welcome to the free-flowing exchange of ideas and opinions.

  • H&M beats expectations says Audit

    H&M beats expectations says Audit

    Fast fashion giant H&M reported first quarter results on Friday, exceeding expectations on both profit and margin, which it cited as proof that its turnaround strategy is working.

    The global retailer’s pre-tax profit was 1.04 billion Swedish crowns (A$157.58 billion) for the quarter running from December 1, 2018 to February 28, 2019, less than the 1.26 billion Swedish crowns it posted in the previous corresponding period. But this was well ahead of the 708 million that analysts had been expecting.

    Gross margin was 50.0 per cent, up from 49.9 per cent in the previous corresponding period, while analysts had been anticipating a fall to 49.4 per cent.

    H&M said this was the result of ongoing improvements in buying and logistics, which led to a 1.5 percentage point reduction in the markdowns in relation to sales, compared to the corresponding quarter the previous year.

    “Our ongoing transformation work has contributed to stronger collections with increased full-price sales, lower markdowns and increased market shares,” Karl-Johan Persson, H&M’s CEO, said in a statement accompanying the results.

    “Sales developed well both in stores and online in many markets, including Sweden which grew by 11 per cent, the UK by 8 per cent, Poland by 15 per cent, China by 16 per cent and India by 42 per cent in local currencies.”

    H&M has also been working to improve its online offering by launching e-commerce sites in new markets, integrating digital and physical stores and providing faster delivery options. The retailer also said it will launch an upgraded loyalty programme, which has 35 million members, shortly.

    Today, H&M is available online in 47 markets, and Mexico and Egypt will be added in 2019. It is also launching on Myntra and Jabong, India’s largest e-commerce marketplaces, later this year.

    Rival fast fashion giant Zara has made a similar e-commerce push. It is now available in over 200 markets online. The chain’s parent company Inditex last year announced its plan to make every brand available online, including in markets where it doesn’t have any physical stores.

    H&M said it plans to add 175  net new stores to its network in 2019. Most of these stores will open in growth markets, while the number of stores in Europe is expected to reduce by 50.

    “The rapid transformation of fashion retail continues and we can see that our own transformation work is taking us in the right direction, even if many challenges remain and there is still hard work to do,” Persson said.

    “The progress we have made in our strategic focus areas confirms that we are on the right track. Therefore we continue moving forward at full speed and we are optimistic about the future for the H&M group.”

    H&M’s strategic focus areas include:

    • creating the best customer offering
    • fast, efficient flexible product flow in the supply chain, including initiatives within advanced data analytics and AI
    • continued investment in the tech foundation, including scalable and robust platforms to enable faster development of new apps and technologies
    • digital expansion into new markets
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  • Reebok to launch Aztrek pop-up in Singapore

    Reebok to launch Aztrek pop-up in Singapore

    Reebok will launch a Aztrek pop-up store at Suntec City next month.

    Set to open from May 1 to 7, the pop up brings the retro Aztrek line back with ‘90s-inspired colours and designs, along with cult-classic arcade games and Instagram-worthy corners.

    Visitors will get free token to play arcade games such as Tetris, Mario Kart, Mortal Kombat, Space Invaders, Pacman and Street Fighters, with every purchase.

    Other Reebok Classic favorites such as the Instapump Fury, Club C, Classic Nylon, Pyro and Classic Leather Alter The Icons will also be available at the pop up.

    There will be a photo contest for participants to share their pictures on their Instagram stories with the hashtags #Aztrek, #ReebokClassic and #ReebokSG and tag Reebok’s Instagram handle @Reebok_Sg.

    Originally launched as an all-terrain shoe in 1993, the Aztrek is designed for wearing on mountains.

    This year, the Aztrek returns with three silhouettes including a collaboration with supermodel, Gigi Hadid, called Aztrek Double x Gigi Hadid.

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  • H&M sales beat Predicted expectations

    H&M sales beat Predicted expectations

    First-quarter H&M sales have exceeded expectations, with the company improving both profit and margin, proof that the fast-fashion company’s turnaround strategy is working.

    H&M sales rose by 42 per cent in India and 16 per cent in China, in local currencies. The company said  both online and offline performance improved in many markets.

    The global retailer’s pre-tax profit was 1.04 billion Swedish crowns (US$112.25 billion) for the quarter to February 28, less than the 1.26 billion Swedish crowns it posted in the previous corresponding period. But this was well ahead of the 708 million that analysts had been expecting.

    Gross margin was 50.0 per cent, up from 49.9 per cent in the previous corresponding period, while analysts had been anticipating a fall to 49.4 per cent.

    H&M said this was the result of ongoing improvements in buying and logistics, which led to a 1.5 percentage point reduction in the markdowns in relation to sales, compared to the corresponding quarter the previous year.

    “Our ongoing transformation work has contributed to stronger collections with increased full-price sales, lower markdowns and increased market shares,” Karl-Johan Persson, H&M’s CEO, said in a statement accompanying the results.

    H&M has also been working to improve its online offering by launching e-commerce sites in new markets, integrating digital and physical stores and providing faster delivery options. The retailer also said it will shortly launch an upgraded loyalty program, which has 35 million members.

    Today, H&M is available online in 47 markets, and Mexico and Egypt will be added in 2019. It will launch on Myntra and Jabong, India’s largest e-commerce marketplaces, later this year.

    H&M said it plans to add 175  net new stores to its network this year. Most of these stores will open in growing markets, while the number of stores in Europe is expected to reduce by 50.

    “The rapid transformation of fashion retail continues and we can see that our own transformation work is taking us in the right direction, even if many challenges remain and there is still hard work to do,” Persson said.

    “The progress we have made in our strategic focus areas confirms that we are on the right track. Therefore we continue moving forward at full speed and we are optimistic about the future for the H&M group.”

    H&M’s strategic focus areas include:

    • Creating the best customer offering.
    • Fast, efficient flexible product flow in the supply chain, including initiatives within advanced data analytics and AI.
    • Continued investment in the tech foundation, including scalable and robust platforms to enable faster development of new apps and technologies.
    • Digital expansion into new markets.
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  • Roberto Cavalli US collapses as Expected

    Roberto Cavalli US collapses as Expected

    Italian fashion label Roberto Cavalli has shuttered its stores in the US and will liquidate its entire operations in the territory.

    While the brand had recently sought to negotiate with creditors while buying to time to source new investment, it has now sent all staff home and will close all stores. Several key executives have resigned, and a spokesperson announced on Sunday that the group will file for liquidation bankruptcy.

    The flamboyant fashion house has been inundated with difficulties since former Versace executive Gian Giacomo was appointed CEO in late 2015. The firm has struggled since to gain new investment and experienced a high turnover in its creative team.

    The group’s online operations have been shut down until logistics are re-routed through Europe.

  • Vestiaire Collective overhauls commission structure, cementing its position as the most desirable fashion site

    Vestiaire Collective overhauls commission structure, cementing its position as the most desirable fashion site

    Vestiaire Collective, the leading global resale site for desirable pre-owned fashion today reveals substantial changes to its commission structure. The move will significantly reduce the cost of pieces across the site’s desirable inventory, ensuring that Vestiaire Collective is the most appealing resale site for buyers and sellers alike.

    The resale industry is currently estimated to be around 8% of the 260€ billion luxury market* with forecasters predicting that the industry will double in size by 2022. As more fashion consumers turn to resale as a sustainable way to access the products they desire, the next few years will prove to be a turning point for the industry and consumers alike. With its strong fashion DNA, Vestiaire Collective is perfectly placed to capture this market, offering a unique desirable inventory, engaged global community and rigorous quality and authenticity checks.

    As part of the new vision for the company, under the leadership of new CEO Max Bittner, Vestiaire Collective reveals a significant overhaul of its commission structure, ensuring that Vestiaire Collective remains the most competitive resale site in the market. The new changes will reduce Vestiaire Collective’s commission and prices by an average of 10% across the catalogue, meaning the price of its highly desirable inventory will be made significantly more accessible overnight. The commission drop will also positively impact sellers who will be able to sell their items at a faster rate. The change will most significantly impact customers looking to buy and sell pieces at more accessible price points and also items that fall into the rare, desirable high-luxury category, as these pieces will enjoy a capped commission.

    “This commission restructure is one of the first major changes I wanted to impact the business since joining Vestiaire Collective at the start of this year. This significant drop in commission will encourage more sellers to the site, knowing they will be able to sell their item at a fast rate whilst also making a strong profit. For the buyers, it means they can purchase the desirable pieces they’ve always wanted at even more accessible prices. I believe that giving our users more direct value is the most powerful medium to keep them engaged and excited. This is a significant moment for Vestiaire Collective as we continue to ensure we remain the most desirable global resale site for must-have pre-owned fashion,” says Max Bittner, CEO Vestiaire Collective.

    Vestiaire Collective will continue to offer the same level of exceptional service across all customer touch-points, from the carefully curated highly desirable inventory to rigorous physical quality control, meticulous authenticity checks and high level of customer service. The company curates and connects the world’s most desirable wardrobes, whilst providing a trusted and sustainable new way of buying and selling pre-loved fashion.

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  • Vietnam’s fashion enters the world market

    Vietnam’s fashion enters the world market

    The aim of both My and Tri was to open shops that sell high-end made-in-Vietnam fashion products in the US.

    “What I am concerned about is whether we can approach a new market after the event. I attended fashion week not just to polish the brand name, which can help boost sales in Vietnam,” My said.

    He has been working with leading music stars to popularize his design brand. In 2017, Rhihana chose a design of Tri in his Em Hoa Collection introduced at Tokyo Fashion Week for a shoot to advertise a shoe brand. Meanwhile, Katy Perry ordered Tri three outfits for her world tour Witness.

    Phuong My, a graduate of the Academy of Art University in California, has appeared in prestigious catwalks and fashion journals. She has stated that her designs target the one percent of ultra-wealthy people.

    My’s products are available in 30 shops in 20 countries, mostly in the Middle East and Asia. Lydia Hearst appeared on Genlux’s cover with My’s design in 2014. Elizabeth DiPrinzio chose My as her designer and Coco Rocha chose My’s products for her working days in Vietnam in March 2017.

    Another Vietnamese designer, Tom Trandt, has gained big success despite his young age.

    Graduating from Parsons The New School for Design and spending five years in New York, he is one of very few young designers who want to ‘tell their own stories’.

    In 2016, Moi-Dien, a clothing brand created by Tom Trandt, debuted and immediately caught attention. Each product sells at VND600,000-2 million.

    Trandt is the only Vietnamese representative out of 16 designers  chosen for the International Fashion Showcase 2019 (IFS) in London.

    Hai Minh, who lived and worked in France, has returned to Vietnam to build the Leinne brand, specializing in bags and hat accessories, with a family-run workshop which has been operating for 20 years. Minh is making hectic preparations to participate in Paris Fashion Week later this year.

    Meanwhile, foreign designers can see bright future for Vietnam’s fashion. Luis Antonio Torres, one of the top luxury designers in Vietnam, said in an interview to the local press that the country could become Southeast Asia’s biggest fashion hub.

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  • Second Pomelo Purpose collection Ready to Take Off

    Second Pomelo Purpose collection Ready to Take Off

    Three collections of Pomelo Purpose sustainable clothing will be launched this year. Pomelo, the O2O fashion brand, says all pieces in the collections will be made entirely from ethically sourced fabrics, including organic cotton from the Better Cotton Initiative, and use natural-colour dyes.

    From production to packaging, the Pomelo Purpose lines incorporate eco-friendly practices.

    Manufacturing factories undergo an independent audit to ensure products are made in humane and safe working conditions.

    Pomelo customers will also receive their Purpose purchases in packaging that uses 60 per cent less plastic.

    “The Pomelo Purpose collection is so named because it provides us with a meaningful opportunity to lead the way by bringing sustainable materials and processes to the fashion industry and the increasingly eco-conscious consumers in the region,” said David Jou, Pomelo Fashion CEO.

    The company will also provide a free clothing pickup service that customers can access by scanning the QR codes stitched into their Purpose products with the Pomelo app on iOS and Android. Clothes can also be dropped off at collection boxes in Pomelo’s offline stores.

    All collected clothes are then redistributed to underprivileged partner communities in Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.

    Launched in 2013, Pomelo now operates in five markets, with Malaysia and Hong Kong the most recent debuts.

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  • Pomelo Fashion leads with Purpose, first permanent line where sustainability meets tech

    Pomelo Fashion leads with Purpose, first permanent line where sustainability meets tech

    Fast fashion omni-channel retailer Pomelo became the first Southeast Asian online fashion brand to launch a permanent sustainable line, Purpose. Following the successful launch of its first standalone Purpose collection in 2018, the brand will launch three collections this year featuring pieces crafted entirely from ethically sourced fabrics, including organic cotton from the Better Cotton Initiative, and natural color dyes.

    From production to packaging, the Purpose line intentionally incorporates eco-friendly practices. Purpose pieces are made exclusively in factories that have undergone an independent audit by Pomelo to ensure that its products are made in humane and safer working conditions. Customers will also receive their Purpose products in packaging that uses 60% less plastic.

    Commenting on the importance of building a sustainable fashion future, David Jou, CEO of Pomelo Fashion says, “Pomelo’s Purpose collection is so named because it provides us with a meaningful opportunity to lead the way by bringing sustainable materials and processes to the fashion industry and the increasingly eco-conscious consumers in the region.” To this end, the Purpose collection is made from organic fabrics and colors, and will also incorporate cruelty-free materials such as vegan suede and recycled shell buttons.

    CLOSING THE LOOP

    To round out its sustainable offerings, Pomelo will also provide a free clothes pickup service that customers can access by scanning the QR codes stitched into their Purpose products with the Pomelo app on iOS and Android. Clothes can also be dropped off at collection boxes in Pomelo’s offline stores. All collected clothes are then redistributed to underprivileged partner communities in Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.

  • Aggressive expansion planned by Under Armour Asia

    Aggressive expansion planned by Under Armour Asia

    US sportswear brand Under Armour is expanding its operations in Asia, as well as Europe and Latin America.

    An Under Armour Asia headquarters is set to open in Hong Kong this year, as the brand strengthens its commitment premium-grade sportswear rather than follow the currently fashionable athleisure market.

    “As part of the transformation into this new operating model, one of the things that we wanted to do was to really empower our regions,” the firm’s president and COO Patrik Frisk said in an interview published by the South China Morning Post. “So we decided to move into an Apac, Latin America, EMEA and North America structure.

    “We weren’t able to scale our international business without giving the regions more horsepower to drive the business.”

    “China is the big machine in the region,” added newly appointed Under Armour Asia-Pacific MD Jason Archer. “If you combine a lot of the external focus on the region, as well as the Chinese government investing in sport, in health and wellness. That is just exciting for us – the macro landscape.”

    The firm’s international takings have been burgeoning overseas in comparison to their home market, with a 43.34 per cent increase seen internationally over just 2.63 per cent in North America. US sales remain double those globally, although last year Asian sales grew 61 per cent against a 5 per cent drop back home.

    Under Armour has a global network of 1100 stores, and plans to build a further 1500 locations within five years, with 73 per cent of these launching in Asia, mostly in China.

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