Retail News CRM

Tag: Fashion

  • John Jacobs India aims to bag Rs 500 cr revenue by March 2021

    John Jacobs India aims to bag Rs 500 cr revenue by March 2021

    Lenskart’s eyewear brand John Jacobs is looking to garner Rs 500 crore in revenue in two years as it strengthens its retail presence and expands the product portfolio. The brand, which has eight stores currently in Delhi, Pune and Bengaluru, will add six more in the next two months and aims to set up about 50 stores by March 2021. “John Jacobs has been witnessing strong growth, we expect to close this fiscal with a topline of Rs 180 crore. By March 2021, we expect our revenues to touch Rs 500 crore,” Manan Duggal, Business Head, John Jacobs said.

    According to a report, about 40 percent of the sales is driven by online channels, with the rest coming from offline stores.

    Last year, Lenskart had said it will invest US$ 4 million in John Jacobs to fuel the brand’s expansion plans.

    “We are aggressively growing our presence both in online and offline. The brand is already retailing through Lenksart outlets (over 450 in more than 100 cities). The aim is to take the number of our own stores from 8 now to 50, by March 2021, covering all major metro cities,” he said, adding that the store expansion will entail investment of about Rs 10-15 crore.

    John Jacobs is also in discussions with fashion retail chains for distribution of its products.

    “In terms of online reach, we are already there on Lenskart and Amazon.in and will soon be available on Flipkart as well,” Duggal said, adding that the brand is aggressively expanding its product portfolio as well.

    John Jacobs recently introduced a new eyewear delivery model where the brand delivers eyeglasses, fitted with powered lenses, in a 20-minute timeframe.

    The service, currently available in select stores in Bengaluru, will be expanded to Delhi and Pune as well, Duggal said.

    He further said that with the new service, the brand expects to “see 30-40 percent upside in orders”.

  • Chow Tai Fook sales slip amid consumer uncertainty

    Chow Tai Fook sales slip amid consumer uncertainty

    Chow Tai Fook sales declined by 11 per cent in same-store sales volume in both Mainland China and Hong Kong & Macau in the December quarter. However the decline in value was less, at 7 per cent in Mainland China and 6 per cent in Macau. Retail sales on the mainland rose by 1 per cent, which seems a modest rate given the company opened 259 new points of sale there during the quarter. Total retail sales value in Hong Kong fell by 1 per cent, despite five new stores opening there.

    In a stock exchange filing, the company said the decline in same-store sales came “amid an uncertain macro environment”.

    In Mainland China, same-store sales of gem-set jewellery declined by 5 per cent, while the average selling price (ASP) fell from HK$6900 in the preceding quarter to $6600.

    In Hong Kong and Macau, gem-set jewellery sales fell by 8 per cent and the ASP from $11,800 to $11,500.

    Sales of gold products in both markets was affected by a decline in volume growth as the gold price strengthened, the company reported. That drove the ASP from $7000 to $7400 in Hong Kong and Macau and from $3900 to $4300 in Mainland China.

  • Luxottica and CDFG/Sunrise launch new Miu Miu colour

    Luxottica and CDFG/Sunrise launch new Miu Miu colour

    Italian eyewear firm Luxottica Group has entered its second partnership with China Duty Free Group and Sunrise Duty Free to offer the latest Miu Miu sunglasses collection. The travel retail exclusive has opened in selected airports and other Chinese travel retail stores, trading a reinterpreted version of Miu Miu’s Noir collection. Pop-up sites and personalised backwalls have been prominently installed in the selected locations amplified by customised brand furniture and trained staff.

    “It is a privilege to partner with China Duty Free Group and Sunrise Duty Free on a second China travel retail exclusive color from Miu Miu,” said Luxottica’s travel retail director Enrico Destro. “Both retailers bring our brands to the heart of the Chinese travelling consumer, presenting the opportunity to collaborate on projects to truly capture Chinese spending power and sophisticated appetite for luxury brands, as well as respond to these consumers increasing demand for unique and exclusive products.”

    “At CDFG, our sunglasses category is growing in sophistication very quickly,” added China Duty Free Group’s fashion department director Lee Meili. “We see a large growth opportunity for the category and we will continue on our path to bring newness and exclusivity to our offer … This exclusive Miu Miu color was specially selected with Chinese travellers in mind, and has been presented in a very compelling launch package.”

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  • H&M Tested New Concept and Digital Developments

    H&M Tested New Concept and Digital Developments

    Global fast-fashion retailer H&M plans to introduce further digital services and features to improve its customer experience both in physical stores and online. The brand launched a series of tests in selected stores last year while rolling out digital features and services to boost its customer offer, experimenting with factors such as the interior and exterior, the product range and the overall look and feel of its stores. The firm also introduced technical solutions to make it easier for both staff and customers to navigate stores and identify fashion favourites.

    H&M plans to continue that work this year in line with the firm’s omnichannel strategy. Testing this year will include cafe concept It’s Pleat, a florist shop-in-shop, self-service checkouts, monogramming services and repair services as well as a digital wall where customers can share their H&M favourites under the #HMxME tag.

    “These stores give us a chance to try out and explore new concepts and activities to make our stores more inspiring and offer customers a great experience,” said H&M MD Fredrik Olsson.

    “We are looking forward to continuously evaluate these tests where we are exploring the strength of a global brand in combination with a more personal touch and local relevance. We are also rolling out digital services and features to offer fashion fans inspiring and seamless shopping in line with our omni-channel strategy.”

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  • Uniqlo sales performs well globally, not in hometown

    Uniqlo sales performs well globally, not in hometown

    Fast Retailing Group has reported a decline in revenues for Uniqlo Japan against broader successes internationally in its first quarter. A sharp profit decline on sluggish sales of seasonal ranges during a warm winter in Japan has given rise to disappointing results in the Uniqlo brand’s home territory. Uniqlo Japan posted revenues of ¥246.1 billion (US$2.27 billion), a decrease of 4.3 per cent year on year, with first-quarter profit before taxes of ¥111 billion ($1.03 billion), down 5.7 per cent; and profit attributable to owners of the parent firm of ¥73.4 billion ($678.4 million), down 6.4 per cent. Online sales expanded favourably in the market, however, showing an increase of 30.9 per cent.

    Uniqlo International saw an operating profit far exceeding that of Uniqlo Japan, with revenues at ¥291.3 billion (2.69 billion) up 12.8 per cent. Uniqlo Greater China and Uniqlo South Korea both reported higher sales and profits despite the dampening effect of the warm winter. Uniqlo Southeast Asia & Oceania continued to report significant revenue and profit gains.

    The report said Fast Retailing’s consolidated business estimates for the financial year ending August 31 remain unchanged from the initial forecasts released last October, predicting an 8 per cent expansion in revenue and 14.3 per cent increase in operating profits.

  • L’Occitane adds Elemis to portfolio

    L’Occitane adds Elemis to portfolio

    Hong Kong-listed cosmetics retailer L’Occitane International is to buy privately owned beauty and skincare brand Elemis for about US$900 million. “This is L’Occitane’s largest acquisition since listing and a major step forward in building a group of premium beauty brands,” said CEO Reinold Geiger in a statement.

    The move is part of a strategy to boost L’Occitane’s sales in the UK and the US. In a statement, the company said the the deal will allow Elemis to expand into new markets and boost L’Occitane’s business in markets in which it is not so strong as yet.

    L’Occitane has agreed to buy the Elemis brand from Steiner Leisure, which owns the US business, and Nemo UK, which owns the European business.

    The deal, to be funded by cash and bank loans, will be closed in the first quarter of this year.

    L’Occitane, which listed in Hong Kong in 2010, currently has 3285 outlets in 90 countries, including 1555 stores it owns and operates directly. Last financial year it achieved a profit of €141 million on sales of €1.3 billion.

  • Tech startup Blinq to focus on Southeast Asia

    Tech startup Blinq to focus on Southeast Asia

    Tech startup Blinq is targeting Southeast Asia with software which allows users to virtually try on and purchase designer apparel and accessories from online luxury and contemporary fashion retailers globally. “Blinq uses AR and algorithmic patterns to provide users with the latest trends and personalised fittings from their digital devices,” explains entrepreneur and Blinq founder Bob Chua.

    “It also allows users to choose how they would like to consume fashion, which may not necessarily be to buy, but to also rent, subscribe, or pay later for latest luxury designs from major and upcoming brands across Southeast Asia.”

    A rental-subscription model provides users the option of renting designer apparel and accessories, while the back-end automated warehousing operation enables brands to fulfil their products throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

    Citing McKinsey’s global fashion report, Chua says the personal luxury market is predicted to grow to US$500 billion by next year, with close to 44 per cent coming from Asia.

    “There is clear retail disruption happening everywhere, and e-commerce adoption in the luxury space is growing at a staggering rate here in Asia. We see a major opportunity.

    “In a way we are fusing the successful models of Asos, Farfetch, Rent-the-Runway and The Real Real into a single platform, while targeting affluent Asians.”

    Chua says the company plans to monetise its platform by white-labelling its virtual changing room AR features to other e-commerce sites, which will ultimately reduce returns and increase purchasing propensity for retailers.

    He says Blinq has secured significant seed funding and is currently en route to a next fundraising round.

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  • Look more inside to Shanghai Tang Pacific Place

    Look more inside to Shanghai Tang Pacific Place

    A “plethora of paints and fabrics that radiate warmth” are at the core of the redesigned Shanghai Tang Pacific Place boutique. Design house Stefano Tordiglione Design (ST) oversaw the executive design and project management of the revamped 154sqm space, which opened last November. The project took six months to complete. Shanghai Tang is a privately owned, modern luxury brand which fuses current fashion design concepts with Chinese-inspired elements steeped in history. It is renowned for its use of bold colours, often contrasting, in fashion and homewares.

    Taking the lead in fine tuning the selection of materials, fabrics and colours, the design team created what creative designer Carlotta Turini describes as “a multi-sensory shopping experience to mirror the richness and beauty of Chinese culture”.

    Among the features are the changing rooms and home section, with the use of famed Jim Thomson wallpapers, giving the design an ‘Asiatic flavour’, with alternative wall coverings and racks fine tuned to create a sense of comfort within the shopping centre.

    The womenswear area has curved walls and a soothing beige fabric contrasted with bright paint, while the menswear area is elegant, warm and cozy, designed with dark brown wood and clean lines.

    These areas are united through a relaxed central seating area featuring art deco furniture.

    “To promote fluid movement through the space, the walls have niches features to provide attractions to the eye throughout the corridor as customers move between retail sections,” says Turini.

    The team had to interpret the original design drawings, developing a unique concept that is now demonstrated throughout the store.

    Efficient project management was vital to the success and on-time completion of the Shanghai Tang Pacific Place redesign.

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  • How Richemont is plotting Yoox Net-a-Porter’s expansion with Alibaba

    How Richemont is plotting Yoox Net-a-Porter’s expansion with Alibaba

    While 2018 saw several luxury conglomerates consolidating their empires through brand acquisitions, others like Yoox Net-a-Porter looked to strategic partnerships. With the new Richemont and Alibaba deal, the company is now able to better bring its retail offerings to the world’s largest luxury audience: China.

    As Richemont’s takeover of e-commerce giant Yoox Net-a-Porter has come to a completion, the Swiss-based luxury group is mapping out its growth ambitions for the platform and working towards solidifying its leadership position in the online space.

    Among Richemont’s top priorities: Tapping into the China opportunity.

    Yoox Net-a-Porter’s presence in the region has been limited to date, as the company lacks the logistical tools to service the market. But as Richemont is looking to scale YNAP post-takeover, China – which is expected to account for half of the global luxury market share by 2025 – can no longer be ignored and provides a viable avenue to achieve the kind of growth the group is looking for.

    Richemont Partnership

    That’s why Richemont formed a strategic partnership with Alibaba earlier this year, that will enable the company to bring all of Yoox Net-a-Porter’s retail offerings to Chinese consumers.

    As part of the joint venture, Alibaba will provide the technology infrastructure, marketing support and payment logistics to power the launch of two new apps, for Net-a-Porter and Mr. Porter.  In addition, both Net-a-Porter and Mr. Porter will open online stores within Alibaba’s Tmall Luxury Pavilion.

    The venture is focusing on YNAP’s on-season, premium luxury sites for the moment. But the company added that in the future Yoox and the Outnet, which sell off-season, discounted stock, and Watchfinder which sells second-hand watches online, will also be able to benefit from the tie-in.

    Johann Rupert, Richemont’s chairman, said that the venture recognizes the growing importance of Chinese consumers both at home and abroad, and readies the company to build up its China business, which is currently still “in its infancy.”

    “We believe that partnering with Alibaba will enable us to become a significant and sustainable online player in this market,” said Rupert, adding that the investment costs of the deal were relatively small and that the company sees clear potential in the tie-in, despite the stagnation in consumer growth in China and the brewing trade war with the U.S. “We would not have done this deal if we could not see potential in the medium and long-term future. Everybody is excited about China and Chinese travellers, and we thought this was the best way to go. We don’t have the tools for China, but Alibaba is a vast ecosystem and marketplace.”

    “Plug and Play” Approach

    The deal has received positive feedback from retail analysts too, who see potential in the strategic marrying of YNAP’s strong brand relationships and curated approach, with Alibaba’s e-commerce leadership in the region, as well as its logistical, technological and marketing capabilities.

    “It’s a sensible move with an obvious appeal, of tapping into Alibaba’s pool of 600 million potential customers,” said Paul Thomas, retail consultant at the U.K.-based firm Retail Remedy, adding that Alibaba’s anti-counterfeiting efforts across all platforms are also more closely aligned with YNAP’s values than other Chinese e-commerce players.

    According to Thomas, partnering with a local player and adopting a “plug and play” approach into China’s bigger digital ecosystem is the best way to go, even for established e-commerce companies.

    “This deal should accelerate YNAP’s top line development in Asia, which only accounted for the group’s sales in 2017,” added Royal Bank of Scotland retail analyst Rogerio Fujimori, explaining that the company is more likely to see sales growth in the long term, given the increasing competition in the e-commerce space.

    The E-commerce Market in China

    Other players like Farfetch, have also been making waves in China.

    The online marketplace – which was valued at $5.8 billion following its IPO – scored a $397m investment from JD.com last year, to help expand its China business. It also purchased Chinese marketing platform CuriosityChina to add to its branding services and be better positioned to help fashion houses amplify their presence in the Chinese market via local social media platforms and digital marketing initiatives.

    “YNAP’s long-term sales potential looks compelling but the increasing competition in the e-commerce space means that higher investment power will be required,” added Fujimori.

    Mario Ortelli, partner at consultancy Ortelli & Co, seconded his thoughts saying that Richemont’s targets to expand into new territories and become more agile are still “a work in progress” and it will take some time until the group can increase value for its shareholders and ensure YNAP becomes profitable.

    For YNAP, the Alibaba deal will also provide an important new growth avenue that will help outweigh the recent loss of a significant portion of its online flagship business. Kering ­– rival luxury group to Richemont – has pulled out of its joint venture with YNAP, through which the company was powering the online platforms of Kering-owned labels such as Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and Saint Laurent.

    In the longer term, the deal could also provide a gateway into China for Richemont-owned brands such as Cartier, Piaget, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin, which have slowly been embracing the world of online commerce joining the carefully curated fine jewellery and watch hubs of Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter – a new, growing category for the platforms that is also providing another additional means of achieving scale.

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  • Nike appoints new Converse CEO

    Nike appoints new Converse CEO

    In the week leading up to Christmas 2018, Nike Inc. said it has recruited a new leader for its Converse brand, naming G. Scott Uzzell as its president and chief executive officer, to helm the heritage sneaker company in the New Year. Uzzell replaces Davide Grasso who has decided to retire at the end of this calendar year. He will report directly to Michael Spillane, President, Categories and Product, Nike Inc.

    Effective January 22, 2019, Uzzell’s new appointment comes at a time when the brand is setting “the stage to move into new spaces by reconnecting to its heritage in sport,” according to a press release in December from Nike Inc.

    “Scott’s unique blend of experience driving both strategic business growth and strong brand development is well-suited to help unlock the full potential of the Converse Brand and lead its next phase of growth globally,” said Michael Spillane, President, Categories and Product, Nike Inc.

    Uzzell comes to Converse from The Coca-Cola Company, where he most recently served as President, Venturing & Emerging Brands Group (VEB).

    As head of Coca-Cola’s VEB Group, the consumer goods executive led a portfolio of high-growth brands for The Coca-Cola Company, including Honest Tea, ZICO Coconut Water, Fairlife Milk and Suja Juice.

    Uzzell began his career within sales and marketing for companies such as Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Nabisco, before returning to Coca-Cola in 2000 in the Strategy & Planning division. Since then, he has held a number of leadership positions across its business including McDonald’s U.S. Division, Global New Business Development, Global Marketing, ZICO and VEB.

    In addition, he is a member on the boards of State Bank and Trust Company; Fairlife and Suja Juice Company, as well as being a member of the Florida A&M University Foundation Board and is part of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC).

    Founded in 1908, Boston-based Converse is today owned by Nike. Converse shoes are sold globally in over 160 countries.

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  • CASE Singapore warns consumers about LuxStyle International

    CASE Singapore warns consumers about LuxStyle International

    Singapore shoppers have been warned about dealing with LuxStyle International Sales. The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) has released a consumer advisory notice updating its previous advisory on LuxStyle, reminding consumers that they are “not obliged to make any payment to a business for goods or services that they did not explicitly agree to purchase”.

    The Case advisory follows complaints it had received against the Danish online retailer dating back to 2016. The complainants held that LuxStyle had sent out payment notices to consumers who had not agreed to any purchase. According to consumer reports, site visitors were charged by the firm after having entered personal payment information for the purposes of viewing prices, even though they had not proceeded to make a purchase.

    Case issued a consumer alert against LuxStyle in May 2017, but has received a further 18 complaints against the business since then.

    Some consumers have now been contacted by a debt collection agency asking for payments claimed by the firm. According to the advisory, since contacting the collection agency Case has been assured all related debt recovery action has now been cancelled, and that any consumer who made payments on the matter should be fully refunded.

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  • Watsons Vietnam opens first store this month

    Watsons Vietnam opens first store this month

    Hong Kong-headquartered healthcare and beauty retailer Watsons is to launch in Vietnam. The first Watsons Vietnam store will open on January 17, in the lower floors of the high-profile Bitexco tower in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. The store will take up at least one floor of a two-storey space recently vacated by Topshop. Teasing the launch, a huge backdrop with the slogan “Look good, Feel great” has been built outside the space, attracting many Vietnamese youngsters to take selfies and check in on social media.

    On its LinkedIn page, Watsons Vietnam has been recruiting staff for the store and featuring the same artwork as on the Bitexco backdrop.

    Watsons Vietnam will compete with rival Hong Kong healthcare and beauty chain Guardian, owned by Dairy Farm International, which launched in Ho Chi Minh City in 2011 and now claims to have more than 60 stores in four cities.

    Watsons is operated by AS Watson, a subsidiary of retail and telecommunications giant CK Hutchison which is quarter-owned by Singapore sovereign investment fund Temasek Holdings. AS Watson has some 6800 Watsons health and beauty stores in 12 markets in Asia and Europe, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Macau, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia. The broader AS Watson group has 14,500 stores, including electrical retailers and grocery stores.

    Watsons has just celebrated the opening of its 500th store in Bangkok, Thailand. The store photo accompanying this story is of Watson’s new-generation store at IconSiam in Bangkok.

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  • Burberry and Louis Vuitton lose counterfeiting appeal in Singapore

    Burberry and Louis Vuitton lose counterfeiting appeal in Singapore

    Burberry and Louis Vuitton have lost their appeal in a trademark dispute against local transport company Megastar Shipping. The luxury brands alleged that Megastar Shipping had handled counterfeit goods in Singapore that were headed for Indonesia, citing the Trade Marks Act that states a trademark is infringed by any person found to import or export goods using that mark without the proprietor’s consent.

    The upper division of the Singapore Supreme Court found this week that Megastar was not the importer of counterfeit goods shipped from China that were seized in March 2013, and was only intended to handle the goods in transit to their final destination in Indonesia. Megastar Shipping had been listed on seaway bills and arrival notices as the consignee of the goods.

    The appeals court ruled that the protection of IP rights had to be balanced against extending liability for infringement to “honest commercial persons who happened to be tangentially involved” in the shipping of counterfeit goods.

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  • Sa Sa sales drops in HK, Macau

    Sa Sa sales drops in HK, Macau

    Sa Sa International sales slipped 2.2 per cent in the latest quarter, with same-store sales in Hong Kong and Macau down 3.7 per cent. The company says that while the transaction volume of mainland tourists rose 5.8 per cent in the three months to December 31, transactions by locals fell 5.2 per cent. However the average sale to tourists fell by 6.1 per cent and just 0.2 per cent to locals.

    Sa Sa International’s retail and wholesale turnover in markets outside Hong Kong and Macau (including Mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia and e-commerce) increased by 1.3 per cent in the third quarter.

    “[Hong Kong] consumer sentiment remained sluggish due to the weaknesses in RMB exchange rate and stock market under the continued shadow of the Sino-US trade war,” said chairman and CEO Simon Kwok in a stock exchange filing.

    “In addition, the new e-commerce law passed by the Chinese government in August came into force early this year and made daigou traders more cautious in running their businesses. The group’s sales performance was affected and negative growth was recorded in both retail sales and same store sales in the Hong Kong and Macau markets in November and December.”

    Kwok said that since the launch of the Hong Kong section of the Express Railway Link, the Group’s SaSa stores located in the Hong Kong West Kowloon station and the neighbouring Tsim Sha Tsui district have been reporting satisfactory sales performance. However, the increased influx of mainland tourists via the new Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge were mainly sightseeing trippers with limited purchasing power and barely contributed to the group’s overall sales in Hong Kong.

    “Nevertheless, the group believes the two mega infrastructure projects will attract more mainland travellers with higher consumption when they are gradually consummated. The group remains optimistic towards the outlook of Hong Kong and Macau markets in the middle to long run under the favourable development of the Greater Bay Area.”

    Kwok said Sa Sa International will strengthen promotional efforts to boost traffic and sales in physical stores to offset a decline in the online-driven daigou business.

    “Digitalisation and information technology enhancement will be sped up to improve operational efficiency and shopping experience. In addition, the group will seize the opportunities brought by the Greater Bay Area to achieve sustainable business development for the group,” he said.

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  • Korea’s Beyond Closet confirms strong potential at Pitti Uomo

    Korea’s Beyond Closet confirms strong potential at Pitti Uomo

    Korean label Beyond Closet, showing for the third time at Pitti Uomo for the ‘Concept Korea’ project, won over the audience with a stylish, highly colourful catwalk show.bThis season perhaps even more so than in the past, Beyond Closet’s self-taught designer Taeyong Ko proved he is truly well-versed in his craft. It is surely not by chance that his menswear label, whose style is defined as “classic, with a twist,” managed to double its multibrand clients from one season to the next, growing from 15 to 30, chiefly in South Korea.

    Taeyong Ko, who in his younger years was a swimming enthusiast, and cut his fashion teeth working in a clothes shop, has managed to create a highly distinctive, recognisable style through a classic wardrobe with a preppy vibe, infused with a touch of slightly humorous extravagance that is never excessive.

    Taeyong Ko’s main strength is his ability to subtly blend genres and to create looks that are as original as they are attractive. His style is all about the way he plays with the accessories and the details which spice up Beyond Closet’s looks, as well as how he mixes and matches materials and registers. As he quipped backstage: “I dress men whose uniqueness lies in their own style.”

    The show’s setting was reminiscent of a military encampment, with tents erected in a desert-like environment, and you could hear a motorbike revving up as the first models strutted out on the catwalk to the notes of Lou Reed’s ‘Walk on the Wild Side’. Trousers gathered at the ankles, woollen check shirts and oversize parkas alternated with Price of Wales suits and navy-style looks, a nod to the theme chosen by Taeyong Ko this season, translating into sailor-style pea-jackets with golden buttons worn over striped tops, small scarves knotted around the models’ necks.

    The mood was both relaxed and elegant, as in the case of the dandy ambling around in tracksuit bottoms and furry mules, sporting a classic tweed jacket, or in tartan trousers and a navy-style cardigan.

    There was an emphasis on snug, ultra-warm items for protection against the cold, like plush coats and boiled-wool tops, fleece sweaters worn under jackets, oversize turtlenecks and curly-wool tracksuit bottoms, not to mention sundry jackets with generous collars and lapels, all strictly fur-lined, and an assortment of quilted trousers and jackets, featuring colourful patchwork fabrics in menswear’s classic printed motifs, like checks and houndstooth patterns.

    The whole collection is made even sharper by the great attention paid to details and colour combinations. For example, the back of a khaki jacket is embellished with a vertical string of golden buttons. Elsewhere, in the guise of knee or elbow pads, Taeyong Ko opted for a kind of rectangular fitted panel, while some of his grey felt shirts featured ample pockets in brightly coloured nylon fleece, gloves in bright yellow leather were matched with a Prince of Wales checks look, and royal blue or velvet flaps livened up a classic trench coat.

    The designer also played with layering and trompe l’oeil effects, as with the Teddy-style sweater whose back morphs into a grey nylon jacket, or the pinstripe jacket which strays into baseball kit territory, sporting the number 27 on the reverse side. Other examples are the overcoat which unexpectedly turns into a wind-breaker or the jacket which becomes an orange waxed top.

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