In the “Chinese Whispers” column, we share the biggest news stories about the luxury industry in China that haven’t yet made it into the English language. In this week’s edition, we discuss: new purchase restrictions targeting makeup daigou (resellers) in Japan,Streetwear platform YOHO!’s newfound patriotism, andThe expansion of Bailian Group’s “the bálancing” multi-brand boutique. 1. Premium Japanese Beauty Brands…
Infographic: How To Engage Chinese Luxury Shoppers In Europe
The Prada store in Milan. (Shutterstock) Chinese travelers are a crucial customer segment for Europe’s luxury retailers, but many stores don’t know exactly how these important clients are planning their trips and choosing what to buy. In order to shed some light on the habits of China’s high-spending jet-set, consultancy SmithStreet Solutions has put together…
Watches & Wonders: Swiss Watchmakers Edge Closer To Key Market
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Watches & Wonders in Hong Kong, which took place from September 25 to September 28, 2013. (Watches & Wonders) Held at the Hong Kong Exhibition Centre, the first Watches & Wonders Exhibition, organized by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, kicked off on Wednesday, September 25 and ran until Saturday, September…
Eco-Fashion Sheds ‘Granola-Crunching’ Image In China
A sustainable look by last year’s winner, Karen Jessen. (EcoChic Design Award) With both a massive and growing consumer base and a status as the world’s largest textile producer, China plays a vital role on both the production and consumption ends of the global fashion industry. With rapid industrial-driven growth, however, often comes serious environmental…
Shushu/Tong Pair Talks Opening Ceremony and ‘Shanghai-Cool’ Style
Shushu/Tong’s Organza bow top and skirt, now on sale at Opening Cermony. (Courtesy Photo) Style writers love the Uma Wangs and the Xander Zhous of China’s bubbling fashion industry, but then there are the designers that rarely make the international limelight, save for fashion weeks and the occasional collection launch that captures a magazine editor’s…
Marquee, Global Brands Group Make Bid to Acquire BCBG for $23 Million
Global Brands Group Holding and Marquee have made a bid to acquire BCBG Max Azria Group for $23 million. According to a public statement by the company published on the official website of the Hong Kong Exchange on June 9, Global Brands Group Holding agreed to enter into a conditional Asset Purchase Agreement with the BCBG brands to purchase…
How Alexander Wang’s H&M Collaboration Became A Viral Sensation In China
Fashion designer Alexander Wang (L) poses with Chinese actress Fan Bingbing (R) at the Alexander Wang X H&M launch event in Shanghai. (Weibo/H&M) Eagerly awaited since it was first announced at Coachella in April, a promising collaboration between H&M and Alexander Wang for the 2014 H&M Winter Collection hit the clothing chain’s stores worldwide on…
Quentin Shih’s Photographs Capture Fake Luxury and Real Communism
Quentin Shih, Untitled (2013) from the “9 Dollars Fashion for Photography” series. (Quentin Shih) No stranger to controversy, New York– and Beijing-based photographer Quentin Shih (时晓凡) has depicted images such as Cultural Revolution propaganda, young Chinese mistresses with older white men, and a recreation of The Last Supper with a lingerie-clad model in his art, editorial, and advertising photos. Born…
Supermodel Emma Pei Weighs in on Femininity and China’s Eco-Conscious Consumers
Victoria’s Secret had four Chinese supermodels walk in its show for the first time ever, but before the likes of Liu Wen and Sui He were breaking records, Emma Pei has been helping to pave the way for Chinese models in the international scene. Pei has been making strides with big name brand campaigns like…
Can ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Surprising Release in China Spark a New Round of Luxury Fever?
Crazy Rich Asians, the blockbuster film that took the U.S. market by storm this summer, finally received the green light from national film regulators there to screen in China. The namesake adaption from the best-selling novel by Singaporean-American writer Kevin Kwan will be released November 30. The approval seemed a surprising move by the Chinese…