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  • Balenciaga Turns Heads with Voluminous Capes and Feathered Fashions at Paris Haute Couture Show

    Balenciaga Turns Heads with Voluminous Capes and Feathered Fashions at Paris Haute Couture Show

    Under the scorching midday sun, models strutted around a circular runway, donning oversized gowns, capacious capes, and trousers encrusted with ostrich feathers. This dramatic display marked designer Pierpaolo Piccioli’s debut haute couture collection in Paris, showcased on a sweltering Wednesday.

    Piccioli’s collection, designed for the autumn/winter season, comprised rich cashmere coats, elongated leather gloves, and feather-laden gowns. As the heatwave intensified in the city, these magnificent creations gracefully passed by spectators who were attempting to cool down by fanning themselves.

    The collection featured dresses with expansive balloon hems and jackets with curved backs, a nod to the unconventional, architectural fashion that Cristobal Balenciaga, the brand’s founder, was renowned for. Piccioli, with his 16-year tenure as creative director for Valentino under his belt, took the reins at Balenciaga a year prior and is keen to leave his imprint on the brand. His task is to balance the legacy of his predecessor, Demna, who during his 10-year stint introduced streetwear phenomena such as “ugly” oversized sneakers.

    Balenciaga, a component of the Kering luxury group, might be one of the smaller fashion houses, but it shares the limelight with other illustrious brands such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta. In 2020, the fashion house revived its haute couture collection, which had been on a hiatus since 1968.

    The show concluded with Piccioli’s appearance, accompanied by 30 of his key creative team members, all clad in white lab coats. They received a round of applause. The front-row attendees included renowned actors Demi Moore and Cynthia Erivo, with Kering’s CEO, Luca de Meo, also observing the spectacle that unfolded across the gardens of the historic Cite Universitaire student housing complex.

    Questions & Answers

    Who is Pierpaolo Piccioli?
    Piccioli is a renowned fashion designer who previously served as the creative director of Valentino for 16 years. He took over Balenciaga a year ago.

    What constituted the primary theme of Piccioli’s debut collection for Balenciaga?
    Piccioli’s debut collection was characterized by oversized forms and unconventional, architectural fashion, reminiscent of the styles that Cristobal Balenciaga, the brand’s founder, was known for.

    When did Balenciaga reinstate its haute couture collection?
    Balenciaga reinstated its haute couture collection in 2020, after a hiatus that began in 1968.

  • Berjaya Food Exits Paris Baguette Joint Venture, Redirects Focus on Core Businesses

    Berjaya Food Exits Paris Baguette Joint Venture, Redirects Focus on Core Businesses

    Berjaya Food, a major player in the food and beverage industry, has concluded their collaboration with Paris Baguette, marking the end to the alliance that brought the esteemed South Korean bakery chain to Malaysia in 2023.

    In an effort to sever ties with the financially draining venture, Berjaya Food divested its 50% share in Berjaya Paris Baguette (BPB) to Paris Baguette Singapore for a token sum of RM1 (US 24 cents). Executed on June 30, this transaction included the transfer of 20 million ordinary shares. This was accompanied by Berjaya Food’s settlement of RM3.91 million (about $960,920) in outstanding liabilities.

    A Challenging Operation

    The Malaysian branch of the business has persistently reported losses since its commencement. As per recent records, BPB reported an unaudited, post-tax loss of RM67.09 million ($16.49 million) and net liabilities of RM33.41 million ($8.2 million). The RM20 million ($4.9 million) pumped into the venture by Berjaya Food is fully impaired.

    Berjaya Food has clarified that the divestiture of BPB is a strategic move to step away from the “Paris Baguette” chain of bakery and retail stores in Malaysia, which has continually underperformed since its introduction in the country. This decision, they explain, will help to eliminate the group’s exposure to BPB’s continuous financial losses.

    Looking Ahead

    Berjaya Food can now channel its resources and managerial attention to its principal businesses and future growth prospects. Paris Baguette, on the other hand, first set foot in Malaysia in 2023 and currently manages 16 locations across the country.

    Berjaya Food’s decision to divest comes at a time when the group is grappling with wider earnings pressure. Last year, the company reported its fifth consecutive quarterly loss, largely contributed by weaker performance at its Starbucks Malaysia business.

    Questions & Answers

    Why has Berjaya Food chosen to exit the joint venture with Paris Baguette?
    Berjaya Food decided to exit the joint venture due to consistent financial losses, deciding instead to focus on their core businesses and future growth opportunities.

    What was the extent of Berjaya Food’s investment in Berjaya Paris Baguette?
    Berjaya Food’s investment in the venture amounted to RM20 million ($4.9 million), which has now been fully impaired.

    What has been the impact of the divestment on Paris Baguette’s presence in Malaysia?
    Paris Baguette continues to operate in Malaysia, currently managing 16 locations across the country. The divestment has not affected its operational presence.

  • Shein and BHV Call it Quits: End of Controversial Fashion Partnership in Paris

    Shein and BHV Call it Quits: End of Controversial Fashion Partnership in Paris

    The partnership between French department store BHV and online fast-fashion retailer Shein has concluded, following a brief and controversial seven-month duration. The collaboration was marked by contention from the beginning, as the establishment of a permanent Shein retail spot within the Parisian department store sparked widespread debate.

    Change in Store Ownership and End of Partnership

    Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM), the organization responsible for managing BHV in Paris since 2023, has announced its decision to sell the department store to its current management team, led by Karl-Stéphane Cottendin. The decision to end the partnership with Shein was described as rectifying an error, according to a spokesperson for Cottendin.

    The alliance between BHV and Shein was a point of contention, primarily due to the business practices of the Singapore-based online retailer. Shein’s business model, characterized by extremely low pricing and alleged sales of illicit products, was viewed unfavorably by critics.

    However, Shein maintains that their collaboration with SGM was designed to be short-term from the onset.

    Controversy and Challenges

    The launch of Shein within BHV in November was met with significant opposition. On the day of the launch, the French government attempted to close its platform, a decision later overturned by a court in Paris.

    Shein’s loyal customer base also expressed disappointment with the retail store’s offerings. Many noted that the prices were considerably higher than those listed on Shein’s expansive online platform, renowned for its $5 dresses and $10 jeans.

    Even before the partnership with Shein, SGM faced financial difficulties and was lagging in payments to its suppliers. The controversial Shein launch resulted in several brands withdrawing from the department store in protest.

    Despite the end of the partnership, Shein expressed respect for BHV’s decision and noted it was unfortunate that customers had to deal with ongoing construction works in the department store.

    Questions & Answers

    Why did the partnership between BHV and Shein end?
    The collaboration ended due to widespread criticism and controversy surrounding Shein’s business practices and the significantly higher in-store prices compared to its online platform.

    Who will take over the ownership of BHV?
    The current management team of BHV, led by Karl-Stéphane Cottendin, will take over the ownership from Societe des Grands Magasins.

    What was the public response to Shein’s launch at BHV?
    The launch was met with significant opposition, including an attempt by the French government to close the platform. Loyal Shein customers were also disappointed with the higher prices in the retail store compared to Shein’s online offerings.

  • Paris Court Upholds Shein’s Marketplace Despite Pressure From French Government

    Paris Court Upholds Shein’s Marketplace Despite Pressure From French Government

    Shein, a Chinese online retailer popular for its fast-fashion offerings, emerged victorious after the Court of Appeal in Paris dismissed France’s plea for the suspension of the platform. The court’s decision came in the aftermath of a controversy where the sale of child-like sex dolls and illegal weapons on Shein’s marketplace was uncovered, leading to governmental legal intervention.

    Previously, the French authorities had demanded a complete prohibition of Shein’s operations. However, this was later reduced to the demand for a suspension of its marketplace operations. A lower court had already rejected the government’s request in December, but the decision was appealed. Shein, which boasts millions of customers worldwide due to its low-cost clothing, gadgets, and accessories, has been facing criticism in France since the damning findings were disclosed in November.

    Shein operates as a multifaceted platform, selling its own branded products while also providing a marketplace for third-party sellers to offer a wide variety of items, ranging from kitchen appliances to smartphones. In response to the investigation, the company temporarily halted its marketplace operations in France, resuming only after the December court ruling.

    The Court’s Decision

    The appeals court upheld the earlier verdict, dismissing the additional demands presented by the French State. Furthermore, the court reiterated that Shein is prohibited from listing such controversial products on its platform without implementing adequate age-verification measures.

    Reacting to the court ruling, the French government pledged to be “extremely vigilant” in ensuring that Shein adheres to the court-imposed conditions.

    Shein’s Response

    In response to the court’s ruling and the controversy, Shein has announced the rollout of age-verification measures. It has also ceased to permit third-party sellers to list sex dolls on its platform across all markets.

    The company released a statement following Thursday’s verdict, stating, “Over the last several months, we have continued to significantly reinforce our controls for both sellers and products on our marketplace, to ensure that our consumers in France can enjoy a safe and enjoyable online shopping experience.”

    The statement also mentioned that Shein has been in constant communication with French and European authorities and is actively engaging with the European Commission regarding the implementation of stricter age-verification measures.

    Future Challenges

    Despite the favorable court ruling, the fast-fashion giant is not out of the woods yet. Shein is currently under investigation by the European Union for potential violations related to illegal products and the potentially addictive design of the platform.

    Furthermore, Shein is likely to face continued scrutiny from the French government. The country’s minister for small and medium-sized businesses has indicated that online retailers like Shein will face a “year of resistance”, suggesting that the platform enjoys an unfair competitive advantage over European retailers.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the controversy that led to the French government’s request for a ban on Shein?
    The company was found to be selling child-like sex dolls and illegal weapons on its platform, which led to the call for a ban on Shein’s operations in France.

    What are the implications of the recent court ruling for Shein?
    The court dismissed the French government’s request for a suspension of Shein’s marketplace. However, it mandated strict age-verification measures for certain products.

    What measures has Shein taken following the controversy?
    Shein has stopped allowing third-party sellers to list sex dolls on its platform. It is also implementing age-verification measures and enhancing controls for sellers and products on its marketplace.

  • K-Beauty Powerhouse Lunabella Pioneer European Expansion with Glamorous Paris Flagship Store

    K-Beauty Powerhouse Lunabella Pioneer European Expansion with Glamorous Paris Flagship Store

    The renowned K-beauty brand, Lunabella, has recently established its first flagship in Europe, labelled as W Lunabella, located in the prestigious Le Marais district of Paris.

    The Vision of W Lunabella

    W Lunabella aims to be a one-stop-shop for total beauty solutions. This boutique will offer more than just cosmetics, boasting personalised consultations, styling services, and a select range of curated dresses.

    The founder and CEO of Lunabella, known as Yumi, shared that the ‘W’ in the store’s name is a nod to weddings. This is a testament to her ambition to extend the traditional bridal beauty’s enduring complexion to a wider clientele. Over seven years used to develop the brand were centered around the principle that skin health underpins long-lasting, high-performance makeup.

    The Offerings of the Boutique

    While the boutique will serve as a hub for retail, it also plans to hold cultural and experiential events for customers. These include exhibitions featuring Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and beauty workshops, offering customers an immersive experience.

    According to Yumi, “W Lunabella is not just a destination, but it is a sanctuary designed for the modern woman to reconnect with her authentic essence and rediscover her inherent, timeless radiance.”

    Established in 2009, Lunabella has gained popularity for its makeup and skincare range that is designed for extended wear.

    Questions & Answers

    What does the ‘W’ in W Lunabella signify?
    The ‘W’ in W Lunabella signifies ‘wedding’, revealing the founder’s vision to extend the enduring complexion associated with bridal beauty to a broader audience.

    What services does W Lunabella offer?
    W Lunabella offers a comprehensive range of services, including personalised consultations, styling, curated dress services, and high-quality cosmetics. The boutique also hosts cultural and experiential events.

    What is the main emphasis of Lunabella’s products?
    Lunabella essentially focuses on the significance of skin health, which is the foundation for durable, high-performance makeup. The brand is known for its extended-wear makeup and skincare range.

  • K-Beauty Powerhouse Lunabella Debuts in Europe with Glamorous Flagship Store in Paris

    K-Beauty Powerhouse Lunabella Debuts in Europe with Glamorous Flagship Store in Paris

    Korean beauty brand Lunabella has launched its inaugural European flagship store, W Lunabella, in Paris’ Le Marais district. This boutique is slated to be a comprehensive beauty solution center, offering not only cosmetics, but also bespoke consultations, styling, and curated dressing services.

    The Vision Behind the Store

    The company’s Founder and CEO Yumi has revealed that the ‘W’ in the store’s label signifies ‘wedding’. This is in line with her ambition to extend the long-lasting complexion usually associated with bridal beauty to a wider market. Yumi has spent seven years designing the brand, with a strong emphasis on skin health as the key foundation for resilient, effective makeup.

    Beyond Retail

    The Paris store is set to host cultural and experiential events in addition to its retail offerings. These will include Hanbok exhibitions and beauty workshops. Yumi describes W Lunabella as more than just a shopping destination. She envisions it as a haven designed for today’s woman to reestablish connection with her innate essence and rediscover her inherent, ageless radiance.

    Lunabella, established in 2009, is renowned for its makeup and skincare range designed for prolonged wear.

    Questions & Answers

    What does the ‘W’ in W Lunabella stand for?
    The ‘W’ represents ‘wedding’, symbolizing the company’s aim to bring the enduring complexion typically associated with bridal beauty to a broader clientele.

    What additional services will the W Lunabella store provide besides retail?
    Apart from retail, the store plans to host a range of cultural and experiential events such as Hanbok exhibitions and beauty workshops.

    What is Lunabella best known for?
    Lunabella is most recognized for its makeup and skincare products designed for extended wear.

  • BHV Employees Protest Over Controversial Partnership With Fast-fashion Giant Shein

    BHV Employees Protest Over Controversial Partnership With Fast-fashion Giant Shein

    Employees at the BHV department store in Paris staged a demonstration on Friday to voice their disapproval of the recent decision by the store’s management to collaborate with fast-fashion retailer, Shein. The protest was triggered by the agreement to allocate a permanent spot to Shein on the store’s seventh floor.

    The proprietor of BHV, Société des Grands Magasins (SGM), has been the subject of significant backlash in France in the wake of this partnership’s announcement with Shein. This comes as a reaction to Shein’s business model which involves shipping inexpensive garments directly from Chinese manufacturers to customers in over 160 countries worldwide.

    On the day of the protest, dozens of employees congregated outside the department store at 3:30 pm local time, brandishing labour union flags. Union representatives and local government officials addressed the crowd with speeches.

    Concerns about Job Security and Business Practices

    BHV has encountered fiscal challenges for some time now, leading to delayed payments to brands and subsequent product shortages. These issues have impacted sales and stirred anxiety among employees about job security, as expressed in a statement by the union.

    The employee union also expressed concern about the withdrawal of several French brands from BHV following the announcement of the collaboration with Shein. Florine Biais, a BHV employee and union representative, explained that customers have started turning away due to unavailability of desired products and concern over Shein’s introduction.

    SGM, when questioned about the payment delays, attributed the issue to the transition to new payment systems following its acquisition of BHV in November 2023. They assured that the problem is temporary and would be resolved in a few weeks.

    SGM’s Perspective and Shein’s Ambitions

    SGM has been optimistic about the partnership with Shein, anticipating it to draw in a younger demographic and contribute to BHV’s modernization efforts. They expressed their conviction that the partnership would be beneficial for both the company and its employees.

    Shein’s spokesperson, Quentin Ruffat, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the proposed store would enhance BHV’s footfall and in turn, benefit other retailers.

    Shein, a Chinese company established in 2012, has seen exponential growth, becoming the world’s largest fast-fashion retailer. However, it has also received criticism for its factory working conditions, high carbon emissions, and lack of transparency regarding its management and finances.

    Following fines totalling 191 million euros from French and Italian regulators since July, Shein is now focused on strengthening its internal controls to adhere to regulations more strictly and enhance its consumer reputation.

    Questions & Answers

    Why are BHV employees protesting against the Shein collaboration?
    The employees, backed by their union, are concerned about job security due to poor sales and late payments to brands. They also fear the exit of French brands following the Shein collaboration.

    What is SGM’s response to the protest?
    SGM acknowledged the payment delay issues but attributed them to the transition to a new payment system. They assured that the problem is temporary and that the collaboration with Shein would be advantageous for the company and employees.

    What are some criticisms Shein has faced?
    Shein has been criticized for poor working conditions in its factories, high carbon emissions, and a lack of transparency about its management and finances.

  • VTI Boosts F&b Portfolio With Acquisition Of Paris Baguette’s Vietnam Operations

    VTI Boosts F&b Portfolio With Acquisition Of Paris Baguette’s Vietnam Operations

    Viet Thai International (VTI), a global conglomerate, has recently made a significant acquisition by taking over the Vietnam operations of Paris Baguette, a popular Korean bakery chain. The move aims to increase VTI’s presence in the rapidly growing food and beverage sector in Vietnam.

    Paris Baguette’s Expansion in Vietnam

    Paris Baguette first set foot in the Vietnamese market in 2012, operating under the legal entity Paris Baguette Vietnam Co. Over the span of a decade, the brand has established a chain of nine stores, primarily in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The bakery chain offers a unique blend of bakery products and cafe services to its customers.

    VTI’s Strategic Acquisition

    According to VTI, this acquisition fits perfectly with its mission to “bring the best of the world to Vietnam and take the best of Vietnam to the world.” The company sees this as an opportunity to offer a popular international brand to the Vietnamese consumers while expanding its own operations.

    VTI’s diverse portfolio includes stakes in other popular brands, such as Philippine-owned Highlands Coffee, Pho 24, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Additionally, VTI operates Alid, a footwear and accessories business in Vietnam.

    Future Plans for VTI

    Earlier this year, there were discussions about revitalizing the long-delayed Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Highlands Coffee, nearly a decade after the plan was first announced.

    David Thai, the founder and CEO of VTI, confirmed that the company is in active discussions with bankers and is considering potential listings in various global markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and the United States.

    Questions & Answers

    What is VTI’s latest acquisition?
    VTI has recently acquired the Vietnam operations of Paris Baguette, a Korean bakery chain.

    Where are the majority of Paris Baguette’s stores located in Vietnam?
    Most of Paris Baguette’s stores in Vietnam are located in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

    What are the future plans for VTI?
    VTI is actively discussing its potential listings with bankers in various global markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and the United States. The company is also considering to revive the long-delayed IPO of Highlands Coffee.

  • Ami Paris Launches First Indonesian Outpost In Jakarta, Bolsters Global Expansion Strategy

    Ami Paris Launches First Indonesian Outpost In Jakarta, Bolsters Global Expansion Strategy

    Ami Paris, a renowned French fashion label, has initiated its first venture in Indonesia, extending its reach in Southeast Asia. The flagship store is situated in Plaza Senayan, a prominent luxuriant mall in Jakarta, operating in collaboration with the domestic retail conglomerate Time International.

    The Store Layout and Collection

    Occupying a 90-square-meter area, the store exhibits the full spectrum of Ami Paris’ merchandise that includes menswear, womenswear, and accessories. The store launched with the brand’s Fall-Winter 2025 collection, providing customers with the latest fashion trends.

    In addition to showcasing the brand’s extensive collection, the store also premieres the label’s revamped interior design concept. The store’s design mirrors its Parisian counterpart, employing materials like Euville stone, natural oak, and champagne gold finishes.

    The Jakarta site integrates design elements like striped parquet flooring and an asymmetrical layout, coupled with mirrored surfaces. These features align with the aesthetic principles consistent in other Ami Paris boutiques.

    Global Expansion

    With the inauguration of the Jakarta store, Ami Paris’ global store count escalates to 78. This expansion signifies the brand’s ongoing global growth strategy, focusing on pivotal international markets.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the location of Ami Paris’ first store in Indonesia?
    The first Indonesian store of Ami Paris is located in Plaza Senayan, a high-end mall in Jakarta.

    What are the unique design elements in the Jakarta store?
    The store features a unique design with elements such as striped parquet flooring and an asymmetrical layout with mirrored surfaces, reflecting the aesthetic found in other Ami Paris boutiques.

    What does the opening of the Jakarta store signify for Ami Paris?
    The opening of the Jakarta store represents Ami Paris’ ongoing strategy of global expansion, focusing on key international markets.

  • Onitsuka Tiger Unveils Vibrant New Flagship Store In Paris: A Milestone In Brand’s Global Expansion

    Onitsuka Tiger Unveils Vibrant New Flagship Store In Paris: A Milestone In Brand’s Global Expansion

    Onitsuka Tiger, a prominent Japanese fashion and footwear label, has recently inaugurated its latest global flagship store located in Paris. This unveiling is a major milestone in the brand’s continued international growth.

    A New Flagship Store on the Champs-Élysées

    The new two-story storefront, situated at 25 Avenue des Champs-Elysees, nestles at the base of the iconic Hotel de la Paiva. It stretches across 5500 square feet, providing ample space for the brand’s showcase.

    The store’s interior design revolves around the brand’s vibrant Yellow Concept. It brings to the forefront items from Onitsuka Tiger’s runway collections. Additionally, the store also features the brand’s Japan-manufactured Denivita denim line. Exclusive to the Parisian store is a special edition of the Mexico 6 NM sneaker, adding a unique edge to its product offerings.

    An Integrated Cafe

    In addition to its retail offerings, the flagship store also houses Cafe Onitsuka Tiger on its ground floor. This Cafe offers a blend of Japanese-inspired drinks and Parisian-style snacks, creating a harmonious fusion of the two cultures.

    Ryoji Shoda, the head of Onitsuka Tiger, expressed his excitement regarding the store’s opening. He emphasized the significance and challenge of designing a retail space that marries both the iconic Champs-Élysées streetscape and the historical building’s value to the local community.

    As a brand connecting Japan with the rest of the world, Shoda stated that their aim was to create a store and an environment that respects and embodies the spirit of the Champs-Elysees, co-existing harmoniously with the city’s rich culture.

    Expansion of Global Network

    The Paris store is a noteworthy addition to the international network of Onitsuka Tiger. The brand currently boasts 192 standalone stores worldwide. This includes 48 stores in Japan, 83 in China, 32 in South Korea, 19 in Southeast Asia, seven in Europe, and three in Australia.

    Questions & Answers

    Where is Onitsuka Tiger’s new global flagship store located?
    The new global flagship store is located at 25 Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris.

    What unique features does the new flagship store offer?
    The new store houses Cafe Onitsuka Tiger and offers exclusive products like the special edition of the Mexico 6 NM sneaker.

    How many Onitsuka Tiger standalone stores are there worldwide?
    Onitsuka Tiger has 192 standalone stores around the globe.

  • L’Oréal Appoints First Chief Innovation and Prospective Officer, Signaling Bold Future Ahead

    L’Oréal Appoints First Chief Innovation and Prospective Officer, Signaling Bold Future Ahead

    L’Oréal is entering a new era as it welcomes Delphine Viguier Hovasses to its executive ranks. Starting July 1, 2025, she will assume the role of the company’s first Chief Innovation and Prospective Officer, a position tailor-made for steering the beauty giant’s innovation teams and the Strategic Prospective Department. Hovasses’ appointment signifies a robust commitment to bolstering L’Oréal’s leadership in the beauty sector through forward-thinking strategies that blend technology, science, and product development seamlessly.

    Hovasses is no stranger to the L’Oréal family; she began her journey with the company as an engineer in 1997. Over the years, she has forged a remarkable path, marked by her leadership prowess and marketing savvy, with a particular emphasis on innovation. In a notable achievement in 2019, she became the first woman to take the helm of L’Oréal Paris globally. Since then, she has overseen the launch of blockbuster products like the Elsève Glycolic Gloss and Panorama Mascara, solidifying the brand’s reputation as the leading name in beauty.

    Her influence extends beyond product innovation. Hovasses directed major initiatives like “Le Défilé” at Paris Fashion Week and amplified L’Oréal’s presence at the Cannes Film Festival. She’s also a vocal advocate for societal issues, evidenced by her leadership in the Stand-Up program against street harassment, which has empowered nearly 3 million individuals worldwide.

    As Delphine Viguier Hovasses steps into her new role, fans of L’Oréal can eagerly anticipate a wave of cutting-edge innovations poised to reshape the beauty landscape. Who says corporate appointments can’t be exciting? After all, the future of beauty is in capable hands!

    Questions & Answers

    Who is Delphine Viguier Hovasses?
    Delphine Viguier Hovasses is the newly appointed Chief Innovation and Prospective Officer of L’Oréal, effective July 1, 2025.

    What are her main responsibilities in her new position?
    She will lead L’Oréal’s innovation teams and the Strategic Prospective Department, steering the company’s future-focused strategies in technology, science, and product development.

    What milestones did she achieve during her career at L’Oréal?
    Hovasses became the first woman to lead L’Oréal Paris globally in 2019 and has successfully launched major products while advocating for social initiatives like the Stand-Up program against street harassment.

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  • Paris Baguette appoints Belinda Remaczyk as UK franchise director

    Paris Baguette appoints Belinda Remaczyk as UK franchise director

    South Korean bakery cafe Paris Baguette has named Belinda Remaczyk as franchise director for its UK arm.

    Remaczyk joined the company a month after the cafe opened its first UK store in Canary Wharf, London. She will lead franchise strategy in the country, where it currently operates three stores.

    Prior to joining Paris Baguette, Remaczyk was the head of the European franchise recruiting for Wendy’s.

    Nico Gaillot, MD of Paris Baguette UK, said Remaczyk will be pivotal in driving the brand’s growth and success.

    “Her dedication to fostering strong relationships and her passion for strategic growth make her the perfect fit for this role. We are excited to see the positive impact she will bring as we expand our footprint in the UK,” said Gaillot.

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  • Moët Hennessy opens a five-story luxury cocktail bar in Paris

    Moët Hennessy opens a five-story luxury cocktail bar in Paris

    Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits arm of LVMH, has openedCravan, a new luxury cocktail bar in Paris.

    The five-floor bar is located at 165 Saint-Germain Boulevard in the sixth district of Paris.

    The bar is housed in a 17th-century Parisian building, which has been reimagined by Belgian designer Ramy Fischler.

    The structure will also have a Rizzoli bookstore curated by Cravan.

    For this venture, Moët Hennessy partnered with Franck Audoux, the founder and artistic director of Cravan.

    Audoux is a historian turned restaurateur and cocktail expert. He founded the original Cravan site on Rue Jean de la Fontaine.

    Moët Hennessy will provide the drinks to the bar, which will be mixed under the supervision of Audoux.

    The top floors of the venue have a by-invitation-only private atelier and mini Parisian kiosk perched on the building’s rooftop, where movies will be screened on warm summer nights.

    Moët Hennessy chairman and CEO Philippe Schaus said: “It is with great pride that we open today the doors of Cravan, bringing to life Moët Hennessy’s mission: crafting experiences.

    “I am delighted to start welcoming our guests at the heart of a historical literary neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, inviting them to step into the unique and singular universe of Cravan.

    “Celebrating epicureanism through a sustainable, lasting, and inspired approach of hospitality, Cravan is a strategic milestone in Moët Hennessy’s ambition to lead the future of luxury wines and spirits.”

    The bar will be open from Tuesday to Saturday between 5PM and 2AM.

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  • Paris Baguette opens its first store in Canada

    Paris Baguette opens its first store in Canada

    Bakery cafe franchise Paris Baguette is opening its first Canadian storefront, kicking off the brand’s planned expansion into Canada. The bakery cafe offers coffee bar drinks, bread, pastries and cakes. Paris Baguette plans to open seven more locations across Canada this year, as well as more than 64 new storefronts in the United States.

    “The expansion of our bakery cafes into Canada marks an exciting period of growth for Paris Baguette,” said Darren Tipton, chief executive officer, Paris Baguette North America. “We can’t wait to celebrate moments of joy with our guests as we establish our neighborhood bakery cafes in Toronto and bring our vision to life throughout Canada.”

    The new Toronto location boasts a 2,300-square-foot cafe space with seating for up to 20 guests. An open kitchen design allows customers to observe bakers at work while a center island displays some of the cafe’s signature baked foods.

  • Uber, Carrefour Expand Partnership To Speed Up Deliveries In Paris

    Uber, Carrefour Expand Partnership To Speed Up Deliveries In Paris

    U.S.-based ride-hailing app owner Uber Technologies and Europe’s largest retailer Carrefour are to launch a new rapid grocery delivery service in Paris, extending their 18-month partnership, the two companies said on Tuesday.

    Carrefour Sprint will offer a 15-minute grocery delivery service to Parisians exclusively via the Uber Eats mobile app from nine “dark stores” – shops closed to customers where workers prepare orders for delivery – operated by Carrefour’s partner Cajoo.

    Earlier this year, the French retailer agreed to take a minority stake in the newly founded start-up Cajoo, which operates “dark stores” across the country.

    Established retailers and food deliverers face intense competition from a crop of newer, well-funded start-ups running networks of “dark stores” that can dispatch groceries ordered on a smartphone app to the doorstep within minutes.

    “Over the past 18 months people have increasingly come to expect quick and reliable delivery … in Europe alone we’ve seen a triple-digit increase in demand for grocery delivery,” Eve Henrikson, Regional General Manager, Uber Delivery EMEA, said in a statement.

    Uber and Carrefour are already offering 30-minute deliveries in France from Carrefour’s almost 2,000 shops available on Uber’s app under a deal agreed last year.

    Both companies have also separately struck deals to speed up delivery with other market players like Britain’s Deliveroo and France’s supermarket chain Casino.

    Uber and Carrefour plan to expand the 15-minute service to other major French cities such as Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lille and Montpellier in coming weeks, they said.

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