Asia Fashion Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 1 Week of 10 February 2025
Regulatory crackdowns in the EU and U.S. on fast fashion retailers like Shein and Temu are driving sales declines, reflecting safety concerns and potential price increases.
(2) AMTD’s Successful Action Against IP Infringement
AMTD Group and World Media and Entertainment Universal Inc. secured a Hong Kong court order against Luxury Village LLC for infringing “L’OFFICIEL” brand rights, including an injunction and trademark invalidation.
(3) Mytheresa sales rise 13% as YNAP acquisition nears
Mythersea reported a 13.4% increase in Q2 2025 net sales while preparing for its acquisition of Yoox Net-a-Porter, anticipating full-year growth in gross merchandise value and net sales, despite challenges in Greater China.
(4) UNDERCOVER and Champion Launch Exclusive Collaboration
UNDERCOVER and Champion will debut their collaboration at Paris Fashion Week for Spring/ Summer 2025, launching on 15 February 2025.
(1) EU crackdown may mean the end for cheap Shein and Temu deliveries/ Temu, Shein sales fall in week after Trump scrapped duty exemption, hitting China trade
(Photo Credit: Shein/ Getty)
The regulatory actions taken by both the European Union and the United States against cheap fast fashion retailers like Shein and Temu, highlight a growing concern over safety and quality in the e-commerce sector. The EU’s move to clamp down on low-cost imports from China aims to address the influx of potentially hazardous goods that often bypass customs scrutiny due to existing exemptions. This aligns with the situation in the U.S., where the recent removal of a duty exemption for small parcels from China has led to a sharp decline in sales for these retailers, reflecting consumer concerns about increased costs.
This seems to mark a significant shift in the regulatory landscape affecting fast fashion e‑commerce, emphasising the financial implications for companies reliant on cheap imports. In Europe, nearly five billion low-value items were delivered last year, primarily from China, prompting the EU to ramp up customs checks and phase out exemptions that have facilitated this trade. Similarly, in the U.S., Shein and Temu experienced a notable drop in sales following announcements about new tariffs, indicating that consumers are sensitive to pricing changes and the potential for additional fees.
Ultimately, these developments signal a potential turning point for the fast fashion market, as increased regulatory oversight may lead to higher prices and a revaluation of business strategies for companies like Shein and Temu. Both regions are grappling with the consequences of their policies, which may not only affect consumer spending but also force these retailers to adapt their supply chains and production methods to maintain their competitive edge. The convergence of these regulatory trends suggests that the future of fast fashion may be marked by greater scrutiny and higher costs, fundamentally changing the landscape of online shopping.
(2) AMTD’s Successful Action Against IP Infringement
(Photo Credit: AMTD)
AMTD Group Inc., in collaboration with its subsidiary World Media and Entertainment Universal Inc. (WME), has successfully won a legal battle in Hong Kong against Luxury Village LLC and its director Dimitri Vorontsov for infringing on the intellectual property of the “L’OFFICIEL” brand. As the exclusive rights holder of L’OFFICIEL, which has a rich history dating back to its first publication in Paris in 1921, AMTD oversees the distribution of this iconic fashion and lifestyle magazine across more than 30 major markets worldwide.
The legal action stemmed from the defendants’ unauthorised use of AMTD’s intellectual property, particularly the publication of digital copies of various “L’OFFICIEL” magazines, including the “L’Officiel Fashion Book” series. AMTD takes such infringement seriously, leading to swift legal measures to protect its brand integrity. On 29 July 2024, the Hong Kong Court of First Instance issued an order against the defendants, which includes an injunction against any further use of the “L’OFFICIEL” brand.
Joanne Shoveller, Chair of WME and Co-Chair of AMTD Digital, emphasised the importance of safeguarding the L’OFFICIEL legacy, highlighting the brand’s prestigious history. The court order includes significant provisions such as injunctions against further infringement, the relinquishment of domain names that misappropriate “L’OFFICIEL,” and the invalidation of Luxury Village LLC’s trademark that improperly used the brand name. These actions reinforce AMTD’s commitment to protecting its intellectual property and ensuring the authenticity of its offerings in international markets.
News Source: https://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2025/02/11/10144535.htm
(3) Mytheresa sales rise 13% as YNAP acquisition nears
(Photo Credit: Mytheresa)
Mythersea reported a 13.4% increase in net sales for Q2 2025, coinciding with its pending acquisition of Yoox Net-a-Porter (YNAP), which has already tripled its share price since October. CEO Michael Kliger emphasised the need for operational stability during this transition, as the company plans to rebrand as Luxexperience to encompass all its brands, signaling a collaborative management approach.
The company adopted a stricter holiday discount strategy this year, resulting in fewer discounts and improved full-price sales, with a gross profit margin of 50.9% and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 7.3%. Mythersea expects gross merchandise value (GMV) and net sales to grow between 7% and 13% for the full year.
U.S. sales grew 17.6%, while European sales increased by 12.8%, although Greater China continues to face macroeconomic challenges. Mythersea is enhancing its fine jewellery offerings and exclusive experiences for high-net-worth customers, and Kliger expressed optimism about new creative directors in luxury fashion to drive consumer interest.
News Source:https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/companies/mytheresa-sales-rise-13-as-ynap-acquisition-nears
(4) UNDERCOVER and Champion Launch Exclusive Collaboration
(Photo Credit: Undercover)
UNDERCOVER and Champion have collaborated to launch their first collection, debuting during the Spring/ Summer 2025 runway at Paris Fashion Week. This partnership reinterprets Champion’s classic sweats with a Jun Takahashi twist, utilising Champion’s REVERSE WEAVE® fabric, which offers a breathable, worn-in look that resists shrinkage. The sweatshirts feature a wider neckline with raw-edge detailing, while the sweatpants include a zipper back pocket and a retro Champion logo patch.
The collection includes seven styles available in beige, black, brown, and ivory, with graphic elements like “KOSMIK MUSIK” and “CHAOS,” which were introduced on the runway in 2024. Takahashi has also added beading and embroidery to the iconic Champion “C” logo, enhancing the uniqueness of each piece.
This collaboration continues Champion’s trend of luxury partnerships, following previous capsule collections with brands such as Percival, WTAPS, and Vetements. The limited collection launches on February 15, 2025, at select Champion Brand Houses in Japan, as well as online, with prices ranging from ¥25,300 JPY to ¥39,600 JPY (approximately $164 to $256 USD).
News Source: https://hypebeast.com/2025/2/undercover-champion-exclusive-collaboration
