Articles by Diane Vanderschelden
Diane Vanderschelden is a Business Editor for FashionUnited France and UK. She covers the latest economic, financial, and regulatory news shaping the fashion industry. With a keen interest in international dynamics, she focuses on the economic, social, and cultural factors influencing different regions, particularly Asia and Europe, where she has lived for several years.
French textile industry faces challenges and opportunities in 2025
Between the law against ultra fast fashion, the (relative) drop in mergers and acquisitions, and persistent deindustrialisation, the first six months of 2025 have been somewhat turbulent and tinged with warning signs for the French textile industry. Adopted in early June, the new French law against ultra fast fashion marks a "historic turning...
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Experiential luxury vs. material purchase: New balance of brand strategies
The phenomenon is observed across the globe. Affected by the economic situation, consumers are turning away from material acquisition in favour of, at times, experience. Initiatives like 'The Louis' by Louis Vuitton in Shanghai raise the question of the effectiveness of this immersive shift. Is it a long-term brand-building exercise, or can we...
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Five years after Covid: 6 Trends still redefining consumer behaviour
Five years on from the start of the pandemic, The Anchor, backed by the Placer.ai platform, has published a comprehensive report on post-Covid consumer habits. Using footfall data from physical locations in the first half of 2025, compared to 2019 and 2024, the study identifies six profound and lasting dynamics. These include retail,...
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China deploys its financial arsenal to green its industry
When one thinks of China, one rarely imagines a leader in the green economy. However, while Europe retains a certain lead in ecological transition, Beijing fully intends to reverse the trend. The government is investing massively in low-carbon projects. It is prioritising financing sectors deemed useful for the transition. It is now deploying an...
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Bangladesh, US negotiate to avert 35 percent tariff on textile exports
Trade negotiations between the US and Bangladesh officially resumed on Tuesday, July 29, in Washington, D.C. These talks are taking place amidst significant protectionist pressure from the Trump administration. The aim is to prevent the imminent implementation of punitive tariffs, which could reach 35 percent, on Bangladeshi exports, primarily...
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EssilorLuxottica stock surges on strong H1 and smart glasses success
EssilorLuxottica's shares experienced a significant surge on the Paris stock exchange on Tuesday, July 29, climbing 6.34 percent by 11 am GMT and emerging as one of the strongest performers on the CAC 40. This impressive rise signals a renewed market confidence, fueled by the company's solid half-year financial results and an ambitious...
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When Asia accelerates in textiles, Morocco falters
The Moroccan textile industry, long a spearhead of the national manufacturing sector, is now showing substantial signs of decline. Despite the post-Covid recovery, clothing exports are down, undermined by the rise of Asian low-cost leaders, geographical dependence on a few markets, and outdated production facilities. Moroccan exports witness...
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Summer in Saint-Tropez: When the fashion industry makes the Gulf go round
An idyllic setting, the Mediterranean glistening under the summer sun, and an unparalleled vibrancy enliven the narrow streets of the village. Every year, Saint-Tropez is not content with simply being a dream destination. It transforms into an experiential incubator for the biggest luxury houses. This summer vibrancy also raises questions. How...
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Plus-size revolution: When fashion adapts to body diversity
The global plus-size clothing market is crossing a new threshold of global consolidation. Valued at 314.5 billion dollars in 2024, it could reach 375.7 billion dollars by 2030, according to the latest forecasts from Research and Markets. This growth, estimated at 3 percent per year, reflects a profound shift in societal expectations, business...
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Asia holds the thread: Regional textile powers reinvent strategies amid global slowdown
While 2024-2025 financial results show a slowdown in consumption in several Asian countries – particularly for luxury groups like LVMH – the global textile sector continues to rely on the region. Several indicators from the first half of 2025 confirm Asia’s central role in global value chains. Between export growth, structural adjustments,...
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