Asia news and archive

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exports are down, undermined by the rise of Asian low-cost leaders, geographical dependence on a few markets, and outdated production facilities.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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Business

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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Fashion |Opinion

Kapital sale to LVMH raises stakes for artisanal fashion independence

LVMH-backed L Catterton's acquisition of Kapital, a Japanese clothing brand celebrated for its artisanal denim and Americana-inspired designs that was founded in the 1980s, has sparked concerns among enthusiasts and industry observers. The acquisition, finalised in the second half of 2024 according to High Snobiety, came just months after...

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Manolo Blahnik names new chief commercial officer

Luxury footwear and accessories brand Manolo Blahnik has named Elodie Bougenault as its new chief commercial officer to drive the label’s strategic plan globally with a focus on Asia. Bougenault will join Manolo Blahnik from luxury lingerie brand La Perla, where she has been managing director of EMEA and head of retail operations worldwide....

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Marimekko to enter Singapore with store and website launch

Finnish textiles and clothing brand Marimekko is preparing to expand its business in Asia with the opening of its first retail store in Singapore set to be unveiled at the end of September 2023. The space will open in the ION Orchard mall and will include a café concept in a bid to attract both locals and tourists. The label is also launching an...

Fashion

Bluebell Group releases "2023 Asia Lifestyle Consumer Profile"

Bluebell Group, an Asian brand distributor and operator, has released the third volume of its "Asia Lifestyle Consumer Profile". The study, based on a survey of 1,765 premium lifestyle consumers across six markets, provides insights into evolving sentiments and trends in premium and luxury segments such as fashion, accessories, beauty, and...

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Beauty markets in parts of Asia set to surge in lead up to 2026

While fashion retail was strongly impacted by supply chain issues, rising inflation and a decline in consumer confidence in 2022, the beauty market continued to prove its stability, even in the face of the pandemic’s aftermath. And it seems that it will maintain its strength in the coming years, with new reports from GlobalData suggesting the...

Retail

Mango opens first ‘New Med’ concept store in Asia as part of growth in region

As part of its new store opening in Singapore, Spanish retailer Mango has debuted its ‘New Med’ concept for the first time in Asia, as it continues to follow through on its international expansion. The new 500 square metre space adds to its growth in the region, with it now operating 10 stores in Singapore following a number of openings in April...

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Business

L’Oréal’s North Asia arm achieves carbon neutrality

Beauty conglomerate L’Oréal has announced that the group’s North Asia zone has become the first to achieve carbon neutrality across all of its operated sites. The zone spans five geographical markets – Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China, which was the first of all the sites to achieve neutrality. It builds on the company’s...

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K-Way partners with Bluebell Group to launch in Hong Kong

French outerwear brand K-Way is launching in the Hong Kong market in partnership with the Bluebell Group as part of its global expansion plans. K-Way, known for its windbreaker, lifestyle fashion and sportswear, will be launching its products to Hong Kong consumers with a local website, online k-way.com.hk, before opening a physical store in...

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Levi Strauss & Co. outlines 'aggressive expansion strategy’ in East Asia Pacific

American denim group Levi Strauss & Co. has outlined a strew of “ambitious” plans aimed at accelerating its sustainable business growth and further its commercial success in the East Asia Pacific region. As part of the strategy, the company has revealed it will be opening a number of new stores in the likes of Japan, Australia, Singapore and...

Retail

Harrods reportedly shutting doors in three Asian markets

British department store Harrods is reportedly set to close its stores in Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore after it has decided not renew its partnerships with local firms. Taiwan’s Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department stores, which has held an agreement with Harrods since 2006, are among those the retailer will be cutting ties with. Concessions in the...