Tag: label

  • Louis Vuitton Celebrates 130 Years of Iconic Monogram with Revamped Seoul Flagship Store

    Louis Vuitton Celebrates 130 Years of Iconic Monogram with Revamped Seoul Flagship Store

    Luxury fashion house, Louis Vuitton, has unveiled its rejuvenated flagship Dosan store in Seoul’s prestigious Gangnam district. The renovation was undertaken to mark the historic 130th anniversary of the brand’s famous monogram.

    The Legacy of the Iconic Monogram

    The newly rejuvenated store is a celebration of the classic monogram, a design conceived in 1896 by Georges Vuitton as a tribute to his father, Louis Vuitton. This symbol, over the years, has evolved to become one of the most identifiable emblems in the realm of high-end fashion.

    A Rejuvenated Space with a New Concept

    The Dosan store was redesigned around the brand’s enduring philosophy of the “art of travel,” culminating in a hotel-inspired atmosphere. This remodeled space features an array of the brand’s classic monogram bags. Ranging from the Keepall, Speedy, Alma, Neverfull, to the Noé, visitors can explore the evolution of the iconic Louis Vuitton designs.

    Introducing a Hospitality Element

    The redesign also incorporated a hospitality aspect. A bar situated on the second floor now offers champagne and a selection of new menu items, all bearing Louis Vuitton’s monogram motifs. This amalgamation of retail and lifestyle experiences enhances the ambience of the store.

    A Broader Strategy in Play

    The revamping of the Dosan store is reflective of Louis Vuitton’s wider plan of transforming its flagship stores into immersive destinations. As luxury brands are progressively looking to bolster customer engagement beyond the conventional shopping experience, Louis Vuitton is leading the way.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the renovation of the Dosan store in Seoul?
    The renovation marks the 130th anniversary of Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram and is symbolic of the brand’s broader strategy to enhance customer engagement.

    What features does the redesigned store offer?
    The redesigned store blends retail with lifestyle experiences. It includes a bar offering champagne and a new menu featuring the brand’s monogram motifs. The store also showcases the brand’s classic monogram bags.

    What is the philosophy behind the redesign?
    The redesign is based on Louis Vuitton’s long-standing philosophy of the “art of travel,” resulting in a hotel-inspired concept.

  • Maria Grazia Chiuri named chief designer at Italian label Fendi

    Maria Grazia Chiuri named chief designer at Italian label Fendi

    LVMH, a French luxury corporation, announced on Tuesday that they have appointed Maria Grazia Chiuri, formerly the women’s designer for Dior, as the new creative director for the Italian fashion label Fendi. Her inaugural collection is set to debut in February.

    Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Journey to Fendi

    Chiuri’s last Dior runway show was in Rome, her home city, which took place in May. This was before Jonathan Anderson assumed the role of creative director at the French fashion house in June.

    Chiuri joining Fendi is one of many recent high-profile moves in the fashion industry, with new creative directors being installed at top brands such as Gucci, Balenciaga, and Chanel.

    A Granddaughter Steps Down

    Chiuri, who is 61 years old, will take up the reins from Silvia Venturini Fendi, a descendant of the original founders of the design house.

    Feminist messages were a frequent feature of Chiuri’s fashion displays during her tenure at Dior, adding a unique touch to her shows.

    Questions & Answers

    Who has been appointed as the new creative director for Fendi?
    Maria Grazia Chiuri, the former women’s designer for Dior, has been named the new creative director for Fendi.

    Who did Maria Grazia Chiuri replace at Fendi?
    She replaced Silvia Venturini Fendi, a granddaughter of the original founders of the design house.

    What unique aspect did Maria Grazia Chiuri incorporate into her Dior fashion shows?
    During her time at Dior, Chiuri often included feminist messages in her fashion shows.

  • Whole Foods Market Expands To Singapore With Exclusive Private-label Products

    Whole Foods Market Expands To Singapore With Exclusive Private-label Products

    Whole Foods Market, a renowned American gourmet grocery chain, has recently launched around 300 of its private-label products in Singapore.

    Exclusive Brand Offerings

    The assortment covers a wide range of products, including everyday grocery items, snacks, beverages, and pet food. This collection is derived from three of the grocer’s exclusive brands, namely 365 by Whole Foods Market, Whole Foods Market, and Whole Paws. All products are formulated according to the brand’s stringent ingredient regulations that prohibit the use of over 550 commonly used additives.

    Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, the Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer at Amazon-owned Whole Foods Market, expressed the company’s commitment to making organic products more widely available. She also expressed her enthusiasm about exploring a new market where there is a growing demand for high-quality, sustainable grocery options.

    Partnership with Local Grocer

    Whole Foods Market’s products will initially be available online through the Amazon Singapore website and Amazon Fresh. The items will later be physically sold exclusively at Little Farms, a local premium grocer with eight branches across Singapore. This strategic partnership is designed to cater to the increasing number of health-conscious consumers who prefer clean-label and responsibly sourced products.

    Joe Stevens, the CEO of Little Farms, shared his company’s mutual commitment to quality ingredients, transparency, and responsible sourcing with Whole Foods Market. He also acknowledged the global standard set by Whole Foods Market for organic groceries.

    A Strategic Expansion

    The brand’s debut in Asia aligns with its broader growth strategy. This includes an international direct-to-consumer (DTC) expansion, new store formats such as the Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, and wider brand distribution through Amazon’s global platforms.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the exclusive brands of Whole Foods Market that have been launched in Singapore?
    Whole Foods Market has launched products from three of its exclusive brands in Singapore. These are 365 by Whole Foods Market, Whole Foods Market, and Whole Paws.

    Where will Whole Foods Market’s products be available in Singapore?
    Initially, the products will be available online on the Amazon Singapore website and Amazon Fresh. Later, the products will be physically sold exclusively at Little Farms, a local premium grocery chain in Singapore.

    What is the broader growth strategy of Whole Foods Market?
    The broader growth strategy of Whole Foods Market includes international direct-to-consumer expansion, the introduction of new store formats like Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, and wider brand distribution through Amazon’s global platforms.

  • Issa Rae Pens Anthem For Beyond Yoga’s New Retail Brand Launch: Seek Beyond

    Issa Rae Pens Anthem For Beyond Yoga’s New Retail Brand Launch: Seek Beyond

    Beyond Yoga has introduced a fresh retail brand, Seek Beyond, unveiled in conjunction with a marketing campaign that includes an original anthem penned and sung by Issa Rae. The initiative runs parallel to the launch of Beyond Yoga’s latest Outdoor collection and will be amplified through digital media and various community engagements.

    Issa Rae shared that the collaboration with Beyond Yoga feels instinctive. She believes that the Seek Beyond ethos mirrors her approach to life, which is a preference for progress over flawlessness, executed with purpose, delight, and humor. The anthem she wrote is her expression of this sentiment.

    Nancy Green, Beyond Yoga’s CEO, expressed that the new platform embodies the company’s fundamental principles. According to her, it mirrors the manner their community participates – with receptivity, empathy, and a strong conviction that the act of moving is not merely physical but is also a method of personal growth.

    Beyond Yoga was established in Los Angeles in the year 2005. The brand provides a variety of lifestyle necessities such as outerwear, fleece, and performance trousers.

    Currently, the brand manages over 1200 wholesale accounts throughout the United States and international markets. Levi Strauss & Co acquired it in September 2021.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Beyond Yoga’s new retail brand?
    Beyond Yoga’s new retail brand is called Seek Beyond.

    Who wrote and performed the anthem for the Seek Beyond campaign?
    The anthem for the Seek Beyond campaign was written and performed by Issa Rae.

    When and where was the Beyond Yoga established?
    Beyond Yoga was established in Los Angeles, in the year 2005.

  • Arkadia Revolutionizes Matcha With Innovative, Approachable Latte Line

    Arkadia Revolutionizes Matcha With Innovative, Approachable Latte Line

    Arkadia, an Australian beverage company, has recently launched a new Matcha Latte product line featuring two distinct flavors: Original and Strawberry. The Original flavor offers a rich, authentic matcha taste, while the Strawberry flavor introduces a refreshing fruity twist. Both of these beverage options are 99% fat-free when mixed with water and are free from artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives.

    A Fresh Approach to Matcha

    Ramona Culda, the head of brands at Maltra Foods, Arkadia’s parent company, explained that their new product line aims to present matcha in a more approachable manner. Matcha is often associated with a bitter or grassy taste, which can be off-putting for some. To combat this, Arkadia has developed a smooth, creamy version of the traditionally bitter tea that can be enjoyed at any time of day.

    Culda emphasizes, “We’ve created a blend that is incredibly sippable, with no compromise on flavor and definitely without the characteristic bitterness of matcha.”

    Availability and Pricing Details

    The Arkadia Matcha Latte range is available in 220g canisters and in packs of eight single-serve sachets. These products are priced at $7.50 and $0.95 respectively and can be purchased from Coles and Woolworths stores across the nation.

    Questions & Answers

    What flavors does the Arkadia Matcha Latte range include?
    The Arkadia Matcha Latte range includes two flavors: Original and Strawberry.

    How has Arkadia made matcha more approachable with their new product?
    Arkadia has created a smooth and creamy version of traditionally bitter matcha, making it a refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed at any time of day, while maintaining the authentic matcha flavor.

    Where can the Arkadia Matcha Latte range be purchased, and what is the cost?
    The Arkadia Matcha Latte range is available at Coles and Woolworths stores nationwide. The 220g canister is priced at $7.50, and the eight-pack of single-serve sachets costs $0.95.

  • Italian outerwear label Herno makes global duty-free debut in Korea

    Italian outerwear label Herno makes global duty-free debut in Korea

    Italian luxury brand Herno has made its first presence in South Korea, in partnership with Shinsegae International. The launch also marks Herno’s first presence in a duty-free shop.

    Located on the ninth floor of the Shinsegae Duty-Free Myeongdong branch, the store offers its latest winter collection in a variety of colors, with products made primarily of cashmere, silk, goose down, and nylon.

    “Even though outerwear is expensive, there is a perception that people buy high-quality products and wear them for a long time, so the demand for luxury padding is steadily increasing,” said a representative for Shinsegae International Herno.

    “As the number of travelers leaving overseas, including foreign tourists, is rapidly increasing ahead of the end of the year. We are expecting a good response from the Shinsegae Duty Free Myeongdong branch.”

    Herno, founded in 1948 by Giuseppe Marnezi, is notable for not showing its logos, in line with the quiet luxury trend. The decision to create a duty-free store was made in reaction to South Korea’s emergence as a centre of luxury fashion, the recent growth in international tourists visiting Korea, and the rapid increase in overseas travel by Koreans.

  • Prada works with Amazon to nab Chinese counterfeiter

    Prada works with Amazon to nab Chinese counterfeiter

    Prada Group and other luxury retailers collaborated with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit (CCU) to provide information to Chinese authorities, resulting in a case against a counterfeit items seller who pleaded guilty.

    “We are firmly committed to eradicating the sale of counterfeit goods to protect our brands and to ensure that our products meet the level of quality, craftsmanship and care that people expect from us,” said Francesca Secondari, general counsel and chief legal officer at Prada Group said.

    Amazon’s CCU detected the attempted counterfeiting back in 2021, followed by an investigation. Amazon provided the evidence to the relevant regional Chinese enforcement agency to lodge a criminal case against the accused.

    The defendant has been sentenced to three years in prison and obliged to pay a $25,000 fine.

    All the counterfeit products found in the defendant’s inventory will be destroyed and revenue from selling such items will be forfeited.

    “The guilty plea is a significant win for Amazon’s CCU, but more importantly it’s a win for all of those who share our commitment to tackling the industry-wide issue of counterfeiting,” said Kebharu Smith, director at Amazon’s CCU.

  • L’Oreal names Adrien Koskas GM for consumer products

    L’Oreal names Adrien Koskas GM for consumer products

    Cosmetics giant L’Oreal has named Adrien Koskas as GM for the consumer products division (CPD) of its South Asia-Pacific, Middle East and North Africa regions (SAPMENA).

    Koskas will report directly to Vismay Sharma, president of SAPMENA, based in Singapore, in his new role.

    L’Oreal’s CPD houses four of the company’s major brands: L’Oreal Paris, Maybelline New York, Garnier, and NYX Professional Make-Up.

    Described as a “pioneering brand builder,” Koskas brings extensive experience in global leadership and marketing to his new role, with an 18-year career at L’Oreal.

    He previously served as the global brand president of Garnier since 2019, where he achieved record growth and launched Green Beauty, the flagship brand for the group’s sustainability commitment.

    Koskas has also held various leadership positions in France, Brazil, and the UK, including serving as GM, CPD for L’Oreal UK & Ireland.

    “With 3 billion people, SAPMENA is a highly strategic region full of opportunities and new ways to engage with young, digital and beauty-savvy consumers who represent many cultures and beauty aspirations,” said Koskas on his new appointment.

    “It is also the perfect environment to embrace cutting-edge innovations in many fields to deliver our high growth ambition.”

    Koskas succeeds Manashi Guha, who takes on a new role as MD, CPD for L’Oreal UK & Ireland.

  • Costco fined for mislabelling seafood origin

    Costco fined for mislabelling seafood origin

    Costco Wholesale Australia Pty Ltd has paid penalties totalling $33,000 after the ACCC issued it with two infringement notices for alleged false or misleading labelling of the country and place of origin on lobster products and failing to comply with the Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard.

    In early January 2023, Costco sold two packages of lobsters from its Casuarina warehouse in Western Australia which were labelled ‘Kirkland Signature PREVIOUSLY FROZEN WHOLE COOKED WA LOBSTER’ and ‘Australian Lobster’. Other packages were also displayed for sale with the allegedly misleading labels. In fact, the lobsters were imported from Canada.

    The ACCC also alleges that Costco did not comply with the specific Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard because it used the Australian-made kangaroo logo as well as a full bar chart indicating that the lobsters were exclusively Australian when they were not.

    “Selling goods with an incorrect country or place of origin label is a breach of Australian Consumer Law,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

    “Many shoppers pay a premium to purchase Australian seafood rather than imported products, which makes the accuracy of the labelling a crucial part of enabling consumers to make an informed choice.”

    “While a small number of consumers were impacted in this instance, this conduct involved a large and sophisticated business,” Mr Keogh said.

    “This action by the ACCC is a reminder to all businesses, large or small, of the importance of ensuring that country of origin labelling is accurate and complies with the Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard.”

    Costco is one of the world’s largest retailers and operates warehouse outlets in 13 countries. Costco operates 15 warehouses in Australia.

    The Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard 2016 applies to most food available for retail sale in Australia, including food that is imported into Australia for retail sale.

    The standard requires that if a product is grown, produced or made in Australia, the label must contain a ‘standard mark’ label which includes the kangaroo in a triangle logo which indicates the product is of Australian origin; a bar chart indicating the percentage of Australian ingredients in the food; and explanatory text which states whether the product was grown, produced or made in Australia.

    In addition to the Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard, section 29 of the Australian Consumer Law also prohibits businesses from making false or misleading representations about the place of origin of the goods they supply to consumers.

  • Myntra launches fashion label Kenneth Cole in India

    Myntra launches fashion label Kenneth Cole in India

    Myntra announces the launch of global designer-led fashion brand, Kenneth Cole, further boosting the portfolio of international brands available on its platform. A brand with huge international repute, Kenneth Cole offers unique premium products catering to an urban and socially conscious audience between the age group of 22-35 years to begin with, the brand will offer over 140 SKUs across categories like T-shirts, shirts, jeans, and winter wear.

    Founded in 1982, the American fashion house, Kenneth Cole, is one of the leading fashion brands worldwide and is available across stores as well as online. The brand’s unique collections include Techni-Cole, Conscious-Cole will also be available as a part of EORS 17 offerings, which is scheduled to be held between Dec 10 to 16, this year. The Techni-Cole collection uses technical fabrics, making it more flexible and functional, while the Conscious-Cole collection uses sustainability-led fabrics and organic cotton, along with Kenneth Cole’s unique take on modern work-wear, appealing to a product-conscious cohort. Kennethism, which are quotes from Kenneth Cole himself, helps drive the brand message to the audience, further augmenting the brand’s salience among shoppers.

    Kenneth Cole’s launch on Myntra will help Kenneth Cole reach and engage with diverse targetaudiences and amplify its presence in the country. The association allows our in-house speciality teams to design, manufacture and distribute Kenneth Cole apparel, accessories and footwear digitally in India. Men’s and Women’s Apparel from Kenneth Cole is live on Myntra, with other categories launching in the upcoming seasons. Kenneth Cole will further have its own Online Brand Store (OBS) on Myntra, allowing shoppers quicker access and a richer shopping experience.

    Talking about the launch, Nandita Sinha, CEO, Myntra, said, “Kenneth Cole has created a mark for itself over the years, among global fashion and lifestyle consumers. We are delighted to welcome Kenneth Cole on Myntra and are confident of the brand being able to build deeper salience with the millions of shoppers across the country, especially with Kenneth Cole’s product-driven approach and Myntra’s wide reach and popularity with India’s fashion-forward consumer base.” Speaking on the launch, Kenneth Cole, said, “We are excited to announce this initiative which is intended to firmly establish our footprint in the Indian market. Myntra is one of the leading platforms in the fashion and lifestyle space and we are looking forward to partnering with them to meet the
    hyper-growing stylish aspirations of Indian consumers.”

    Myntra’s EORS-17, is set to bring offerings from over 6000 brands across a whopping 17 lakh styles.
    As a part of the event, Myntra is also presenting EORS specials and Kenneth Cole will be a part of the
    EORS specials this edition. First-time shoppers can expect a flat ₹500 off on their initial transaction,
    along with free shipping on their first four orders, while also receiving exciting coupons for future use.

  • Prada hires former Luxottica chief Andrea Guerra as new CEO

    Prada hires former Luxottica chief Andrea Guerra as new CEO

    Patrizio Bertelli, the current CEO of the premium brand, will be chosen chairman at the annual shareholder meeting next spring. He will succeed Paolo Zannoni, who will be proposed for the position of executive vice chairman of the group and chairman of Prada Holding, the parent firm.

    Current Co-CEO Miuccia Prada, age 73, will continue to serve as creative director of the Miu Miu and Prada brands, the latter with Belgian designer Raf Simons, and as a board member.

  • Swiss performance label On launches its first Asia flagship store

    Swiss performance label On launches its first Asia flagship store

    On Asia’s first flagship store has opened in Tokyo. This is the second flagship store after New York and the largest in the world.

    Located in the famous Harajuku district, the on-flagship store has three entrances over 320 square meters that span three levels. The façade of the store features floor-to-ceiling glass windows that allow natural light to enter the space. There is a metal staircase next to the entrance that guides you to the upper floors. The interior design, which follows the futuristic atmosphere, is emphasized by modern elements such as metal, LED lights and mirrors.

    The first floor has a large selection of on-apparel and accessories, while the second floor has shoes such as sneakers on the “magic wall”. On’s regular concrete sheet has been replaced with wooden elements inspired by Japanese craftsmanship, adding warmth to the space.

    Underground is a 3D-printed rock that is a replica of what was found in the Engadin Valley, where On’s idea was born. The installation can be seen from the atrium on all floors.

    The launch of the first On flagship store in Asia is part of the brand’s strategy to expand its presence in the region.

    Founded in 2010, On’s products are now sold in over 8700 retail stores in more than 50 countries. Headquartered in Zurich, the brand has offices in the United States, Japan, Vietnam, Australia and Brazil.

  • Bimba Y Lola opening in China

    Bimba Y Lola opening in China

    Spanish contemporary fashion label Bimba Y Lola is launching in China with a joint venture with ImagineX, Lane Crawford Joyce Group’s distribution and brand management arm.

    With a corporate office to be set up in Shanghai, the brand aims to establish a retail presence on Alibaba’s Tmall and Tencent’s WeChat, and physical pop-ups by 2022, to ramp up brand awareness and customer following.

    It will be followed by store rollouts, with plans to open 30 points of sale across 15 major cities in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Chongqing in the next five years.

    Founded in 2005, Bimba Y Lola targets fashion-forward Millennials and Generation Z with ready-to-wear, jewelry, and accessories. It operates more than 290 stores across 20 countries, including the U.K., France, Singapore, and South Korea.

    According to researchers at SEMrush, Bimba Y Lola’s website traffic saw some of the biggest surge pre-pandemic, outperforming traditional retail fashion leaders such as macys.com and online giant Amazon.

    Last month, Madonna’s daughter Lourdes Leon made her fashion campaign debut with the brand’s fall 2021 campaign, a jaunt through a digital landscape.

    Uxia Dominguez, founder and president of Bimba Y Lola, believes that in China, a market of strategic importance yet one that is unique and complex to navigate, ImagineX has the right channels to unlock the potential of the brand.

    Alice Wong, president of ImagineX, thinks that the brand will resonate well with “Chinese consumers, especially the Gen Zs and Millennials.”

    “They have an increasing appetite for international accessible-luxury and affordable brands with cutting edge design, which truly stands out from the crowd,” she added.

    ImagineX manages 25 brands, including Salvatore Ferragamo, Canada Goose, Ba&sh and Club Monaco, with 448 points of sale across 48 cities in the Greater China region.

  • Armani banning angora wool from next winter season

    Armani banning angora wool from next winter season

    The Italian luxury company joins a string of brands banning the extremely soft wool removed from live rabbits, under pressure from animal rights organizations and more environmentally conscious shoppers.

    Last month, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) announced that luxury e-commerce platform Farfetch would stop selling angora wool by April 2022.

    The organization launched a campaign years ago to ban angora wool, which is mainly produced in China, describing the techniques used to strip the fur from rabbits as cruel.

    Armani’s move marks another step towards sustainability after the group banned animal fur in 2016 and signed in 2019 the ‘Fashion Pact’ with other major industry players to address climate change, the company said in a statement.

  • Valentino names new CEO for Southeast Asia, Australia

    Valentino names new CEO for Southeast Asia, Australia

    Valentino has named Alessandra Andreani their new CEO for Southeast Asia and Australia. Andreani will be based in Singapore, and will report to Marco Giacometti, Valentino’s chief commercial officer. The news was reported by WWD.

    In her new role, Andreani will working on growing Valentino’s presence throughout Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and Thailand. She takes over the duties of Mika Bailey, who was general manager of Southeast Asia and Australia.

    Andreani’s resume includes stints at Prada, Marc Jacobs, and Loewe. She is just one of many hires under new Valentino CEO Jacopo Venturini who has also appointed Mitchell Bacha CEO of Greater China and Laurent Bergamo as CEO of Americas.

    While most of Valentino’s growth has been driven by China, the U.S., and the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Australia are considered new target markets for growth. E-commerce is also now pivotal to Valentino’s growth as it is for most luxury brands.