Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
"Meet Ma Ke, the Reclusive Fashion Designer for Chinese First Lady and Icon Peng Liyuan" (The Washington Post)
“For years, Ma has been one of China’s most successful and cutting-edge fashion designers, but also one of its most reclusive. She has served as a personal designer for Peng since 2003 — a time when Peng, a singer, was far more famous in China than her husband, Xi Jinping, who was then just a provincial party head who would later become president.”
"Luxury Brands Look to South Korea for China Sales Boost" (The Wall Street Journal)
"Korean style, from viral K-Pop videos to fried chicken, is all the rage in China and brands are increasingly using it to reach Chinese consumers. The likes of Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton have used product placement in Korean TV dramas to broaden their appeal to young consumers. The draw of Korean shows is so strong that Chinese producers are trying to make them, complete with Korean actors, so they can fill the sets with Chinese brands."
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"Li & Fung Shares Surge 19 Percent on Upbeat Earnings, Spin-Off Plan" (Reuters)
“Shares of global sourcing firm Li & Fung Ltd jumped to their highest in more than a year on Friday as investors cheered better-than-expected earnings and focused on a new three-year plan that includes spinning off its brands and licences unit. Li & Fung, which supplies retailers like Kohl’s Corp and Wal-Mart Stores Inc with clothing, toys and other products, said after the market closed on Thursday that it plans to list the new company, Global Brands Group, in Hong Kong this year, subject to approval.”
"LS Travel Retail Unveils Luxury Boutique Offering at Shenzhen Airport" (DFNI)
“LS Travel Retail China officially unveiled 13 new luxury fashion boutiques in Shenzhen Bao’an International airport’s new domestic terminal three at a grand opening on March 20 … LS Travel Retail has expanded its luxury fashion store portfolio to 27 outlets since 2010 and the opening of its first multi-branded luxury fashion boutique ‘The Fashion Gallery,' which carries 17 different brands.”
"Vogue China Editor: China's Young Fashion Designers Need to Take a Larger Step on the World Stage" (CNN)
“When I was launching Vogue China nine years ago, one of the key elements I was determined to introduce was a regular column dedicated to promoting and supporting Chinese design talents. We were the first fashion magazine to do this on a regular basis, but it was not easy. There really weren't many people whose designs could hold up alongside all the international brands we featured.”
