Asia Fashion Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 8 Week of 31 March 2025
(1) Trump orders end to duty-free relief for small parcels from China, in blow to Shein, Temu
The rule has faced heavy scrutiny as US officials pointed to the growth of Chinese-founded online retailers Shein and Temu as a factor behind a surge of shipments using the exemption.
(2) Hong Kong fashion brands seize business opportunities at Milan pop-up store
Hong Kong designer brands made debut at the “Fashion Hong Kong Pop-up Salon” in Milan, showcasing innovative apparel and accessories and providing valuable networking opportunities for local designers in the European market.
(3) Privacy rules broken in data leak of major fashion brands, Hong Kong
Data of 130,000 people including names, email addresses, telephone numbers, birth months, sex and nationalities exposed in breach.
(4) Calling all fashion models … now AI is coming for you
H&M’s plan to create AI “twins” of models for marketing has sparked concerns about job displacement and compensation within the fashion industry.
(1) Trump orders end to duty-free relief for small parcels from China, in blow to Shein, Temu
(Photo Credit: Carlos Barria/ Reuters)
US President Donald Trump has signed an order to end the duty-free exemption for small parcels from China, a move that will significantly impact the operations of Chinese-founded online retailers Shein and Temu. This rule targets the “de minimis” exemption, which allowed goods valued at $800 or below to enter the US without duties, contributing to the rapid growth of these platforms.
Shein and Temu have become global sensations by offering a vast array of ultra-cheap products, capitalising on consumer demand amid rising inflation. With billions of dollars worth of items shipped annually from their Chinese factories, the end of the duty-free exemption could hinder their ability to provide low-cost goods to US consumers.
The new regulations will impose duties of either 30 percent of the item’s value or a flat fee of $25, increasing to $50 after 1 June 2025. This change may lead to more frequent inspections and compliance with additional regulations, potentially limiting the types of products that Shein and Temu can import into the US market.
News Source: https://hongkongfp.com/2025/04/03/trump-orders-end-to-duty-free-relief-for-small-parcels-from-china-in-blow-to-shein-temu/
(2) Hong Kong fashion brands seize business opportunities at Milan pop-up store
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Hong Kong designer brands made a notable debut at the inaugural “Fashion Hong Kong Pop-up Salon” in Milan, which concluded on March 30. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, this event showcased the city’s innovative design aesthetics at a prestigious fashion week platform.
The pop-up featured a diverse range of high-quality apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products from Hong Kong brands, including Maverick & Co, known for its practical backpacks and briefcases, and SOULMATTE, known for their eco-friendly handbags that uses sustainable materials. Four Hong Kong designers who previously participated in London Fashion Week, such as Angus Tsui and Bettie Jiang, also showcased their collections, enhancing their visibility in the European market.
The event included a cocktail reception that brought together over 100 Milan-based fashion buyers and media, providing a valuable opportunity for designers to network and promote their brands. This pop-up salon not only showcased Hong Kong’s talent but also strengthened connections between the local and European fashion industries.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/231267/Hong-Kong-fashion-brands-seize-business-opportunities-at-Milan-pop-up-store
(3) Privacy rules broken in data leak of major fashion brands, Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has determined that ImagineX, which manages several prominent fashion brands including Paul Smith and Brooks Brothers, breached data protection laws following a hack that compromised the personal information of nearly 130,000 individuals. The breach primarily affected loyalty programmes, revealing sensitive data such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers. The investigation highlighted significant shortcomings in the company’s security measures.
The Privacy Commissioner found that ImagineX had not taken adequate steps to protect personal data against unauthorised access, attributing the breach to both human oversight and insufficient security protocols. Four servers and five system accounts were compromised, resulting in the theft of approximately 68 gigabytes of data.
In response, ImagineX stated its commitment to improving cybersecurity measures and addressing areas for enhancement. Meanwhile, the privacy office has initiated guidelines for the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to help organisations protect personal data and ensure compliance with privacy laws. The Commissioner also warned that data breach incidents are likely to continue rising in Hong Kong, reflecting growing concerns about data security in the region.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3304575/privacy-rules-broken-data-leak-major-fashion-brands-finds-hong-kong-watchdog
(4) Calling all fashion models … now AI is coming for you
(Photo Credit: Pau Barrena/ AFP/ Getty Images)
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) is spreading into the modelling industry, highlighted by H&M’s recent plan to create AI “twins” of 30 models for marketing purposes. Jörgen Andersson, H&M’s chief creative officer, claims this initiative will enhance creativity while maintaining a human-centric approach.
However, this move has raised concerns within the industry, echoing fears from Hollywood about job displacement. The union Bectu warns that, despite compensation for models, the use of AI could negatively impact other fashion creatives. Advocates, including Sara Ziff from Model Alliance, stress the importance of fair compensation and regulatory measures to protect workers in this evolving landscape.
As discussions continue, new regulations like the Model Alliance’s Fashion Workers’ Act aim to ensure consent for AI use. While some argue that AI can promote diversity, critics worry about its potential to undermine human models, particularly at entry-level positions. The future of AI in modelling remains uncertain, with industry experts divided on its implications for creativity and employment.
News Source: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2025/mar/30/fashion-models-ai-job-losses
