Asia Fashion Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 7 Week of 24 March 2025
(1) Meghan launches online shop for fans to buy her fashion favourites
The Duchess of Sussex has launched a digital shop featuring her favourite clothing, accessories, and jewellery, sharing a curated collection from various brands while earning commissions through affiliate links.
(2) Bad news about cheap Temu and Shein imports
South African Revenue Service commissioner Edward Kieswetter intends to withdraw all customs concessions, which could impact the simplified clearance process for products from Shein and Temu.
(3) China defends trade practices as France moves to regulate fast fashion
A bill by the French National Assembly aimed at penalising fast fashion companies, particularly targeting Chinese retailers, has been approved by the Senate committee and is set for debate in May 2025.
(4) China Fashion Week highlights eco-friendly materials, technology
China Fashion Week in Beijing is showcasing eco-friendly designs inspired by traditional crafts, with a focus on sustainable development through innovative materials and techniques.
(1) Meghan launches online shop for fans to buy her fashion favourites
(Photo Credit: PA Media/ BBC)
The Duchess of Sussex has launched a new digital shop where fans can purchase her favourite clothing, accessories, and jewellery recommendations. Meghan shared the ShopMy link with her 2.6 million Instagram followers, highlighting her ‘high-low’ style approach that mixes designer and accessible fashion. She included a disclaimer stating that she would receive a commission on some products purchased through the affiliate links. The ShopMy platform is marketed at “elite creators” as a way to earn revenue if someone purchases an item through a shared link, with commissions ranging from 10 to 30%.
The collection unveiled features a capsule wardrobe of neutral staples in muted colours, including items like a white cotton t-shirt, a striped blue “boyfriend” shirt, and a black wool blazer. The majority of products are from upscale high-street brands, along with luxury and budget options.
This venture comes shortly after the debut of her Netflix lifestyle show and follows her launch of a lifestyle brand, originally called ‘American Riviera Orchard’ and now known as ‘As Ever.’
News Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5n6y2975wo
(2) Bad news about cheap Temu and Shein imports
(Photo Credit: Costfoto/ Nurphoto via Getty Images)
South African Revenue Service (Sars) commissioner Edward Kieswetter has issued a notice of intention to withdraw all customs concessions, including reduced taxes and simplified clearance processes. If implemented, this change could prevent products from Chinese retailers Shein and Temu from being cleared at customs using a simplified process with a 20% flat duty rate.
Kieswetter’s letter, dated 20 March 2025, indicates that certain clients and traders continue to operate under previously granted concessions that provide straightforward tax rates or simpler customs clearance processes. He noted that many of these concessions have become outdated due to legislative, policy, and technological advancements, stating that some date back 20 years and are no longer applicable. Businesses directly impacted by any concession not addressed in the legislation, policy, or technological systems changes should make submissions to Sars explaining why the concession should not be withdrawn.
The potential withdrawal of these concessions could significantly impact e-commerce and other industries, such as wine producers in the Cape, who would no longer be allowed a concession to clear goods up to 14 days after leaving port. The fact that the commissioner has only sent a notice of intention to withdraw the concession this month suggests that the alignment with World Customs Organisation (WCO) guidelines has also been delayed.
News Source: https://mybroadband.co.za/news/business/588418-bad-news-about-cheap-temu-and-shein-imports.html
(3) China defends trade practices as France moves to regulate fast fashion
(Photo Credit: ECNS)
A recent bill by the French National Assembly aimed at fast fashion has sparked significant debate. This legislation, which would penalise fast fashion companies and ban their advertisements, was unanimously approved by the Senate committee and is set for debate in May. Critics argue that the bill, while claiming to protect the environment, specifically targets Chinese fast fashion e-commerce giants, alleging it serves as a form of trade protectionism that violates World Trade Organisation (WTO) principles.
French Trade Minister Veronique Louwagie stated that the bill could reach the National Assembly around 19 May 2025, with plans for the government to review it before summer to avoid negative impacts on local businesses.
China, as France’s third-largest trading partner, has indicated that enforcing sanctions on its fashion industry could lead to corresponding measures affecting French exports. If France imposes unfair treatment on Chinese companies, it may result in protests and actions to uphold multilateral trade rules, emphasising the need for a fair business environment.
News Source: https://www.ecns.cn/news/cns-wire/2025-03-26/detail-ihepyqsm2131626.shtml
(4) China Fashion Week highlights eco-friendly materials, technology
(Photo Credit: Bastille Post Global)
The ongoing China Fashion Week in Beijing is highlighting a variety of fashion works created from eco-friendly materials and technologies, as designers strive to innovate while showcasing the country’s intangible cultural heritages. The 2025 edition features designs inspired by traditional crafts such as Miao embroidery, batik, and lacquer painting.
As the fashion industry embraces trends like eco-friendliness and technological advancement, designers are actively merging traditional Chinese motifs with concepts of sustainable development. A notable session showcased the creations of Yang Chunshan, who drew inspiration from the dragon, bird, and butterfly patterns of the Miao ethnic minority’s Bainiaoyi and the imagery associated with Xing Shi, or the awakening lion.
Xie Fangming, vice chairman of the China Fashion Association, highlighted the innovations in materials and dyeing techniques, reflecting a commitment to eco-friendly practices. Designers are using natural dyes derived from fruits like apple, pitaya, and mulberry instead of chemical alternatives, and the fashion week also features robotic models alongside human ones, as well as robot dogs in lion dance costumes, illustrating the blend of tradition and modern technology.
News Source: https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/4692789-china-fashion-week-highlights-eco-friendly-materials-technology
