Asia Fashion Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 9 Week of 7 April 2025
(1) Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams Exhibition set to open in Seoul from 19 April 2025
Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams Exhibition set to open in Seoul from 19 April 2025.
(2) Dior removes Miss Grand Thuy Tien from campaign amid Kera candy scandal
Miss Grand International 2021 has been quietly erased from Dior’s March campaign as public backlash over a product endorsement scandal grows.
(3) LVMH announces leadership changes at Fendi, Louis Vuitton China, Kenzo
The executive reshuffle sees Ramon Ros as CEO of Fendi, Charlotte Coupé as CEO of Kenzo and Daniel DiCicco as Louis Vuitton’s President & CEO for Mainland China.
(4) Lyst, a fashion marketplace once valued at US$700M, sells to Japan’s Zozo for US$154M
Lyst, once valued at US$700 million, has been acquired by Japan’s Zozo for US$154 million.
(1) Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams Exhibition set to open in Seoul from 19 April 2025
(Photo Credit: Paolo Roversi/ Art+Commerce/ Dior)
The “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” exhibition, which has previously captivated audiences in major cities like Paris, London, and New York, is set to enchant visitors at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul from 19 April to 13 July 2025. This iteration celebrates over 75 years of Dior’s creative legacy through an immersive narrative designed by Shohei Shigematsu, a partner of a global architectural firm, OMA.
The exhibition explores Dior’s history, showcasing iconic moments like the New Look and contemporary reinterpretations, while highlighting themes such as Christian Dior’s love for flowers and gardens, the craftsmanship of the Ateliers, and the allure of grand events. Attendees will encounter haute couture pieces, archival documents, and artworks from prominent Korean artists, including HyunJoo Kim and Zadie Xa.
A notable feature of the exhibition is a dedicated space for Lady Dior, featuring reinterpretations by Korean artists as part of the Dior Lady Art project. Additionally, the exhibition delves into the art of Dior perfumes, displaying captivating bottles and dresses worn by celebrity ambassadors like Rihanna and Natalie Portman, further enriching the experience of Dior’s multifaceted legacy.
News Source: https://nylon.com.sg/christian-dior-designer-of-dreams-exhibition-set-to-open-in-seoul-from-19-april/
(2) Dior removes Miss Grand Thuy Tien from campaign amid Kera candy scandal
(Photo Credit: Vo Thu)
Luxury fashion house Dior has removed all references to Miss Grand International 2021, Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, from its latest communications campaign amid escalating controversy related to her involvement in the Kera candy scandal, which involves deceiving customers by advertising a candy as a rich fibre supplement. As of 7 April 2025, Dior’s official Facebook page, which has over 19 million followers, deleted Thuy Tien’s image from a post that had originally featured her prominently alongside global celebrities during Paris Fashion Week on 4 March 2025.
The removal of Thuy Tien’s presence from Dior’s campaign has sparked considerable discussion on social media, reflecting the high stakes for brands when public figures become embroiled in scandals. The scandal highlights the impact that such controversies can have on brand partnerships and the reputations of luxury labels.
Dior’s decision, although not officially explained, underscores the brand’s desire to distance itself from the ongoing scandal. The swift action taken to remove Thuy Tien from its communications demonstrates the luxury brand’s commitment to maintaining its image and integrity in the face of potential backlash.
News Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/en/dior-removes-miss-grand-thuy-tien-from-campaign-amid-kera-candy-scandal-2388765.html
(3) LVMH announces leadership changes at Fendi, Louis Vuitton China, Kenzo
(Photo Credit: Ramon Ros has been named CEO of Fendi/ LVMH)
LVMH has announced key appointments within its brands, with Ramon Ros becoming CEO of Fendi effective 1 July 2025, reporting to Sidney Toledano. With a successful track record at Louis Vuitton, where he served as President & CEO for Mainland China, Ramon brings extensive expertise in luxury retail and a commitment to maintaining Fendi’s artisanal craftsmanship as he aims to elevate the brand.
Daniel DiCicco has been appointed President & CEO for Mainland China at Louis Vuitton, effective 28 April 2025, and will be based in Shanghai. With over 12 years of experience in Asia and a background leading global retail for Apple, Daniel’s deep knowledge of the Asian market and focus on client experience will be crucial for empowering local teams and driving Louis Vuitton’s growth in the region.
Charlotte Coupé will take on the role of CEO of KENZO starting 1 May 2025, also reporting to Toledano. Leveraging her extensive fashion experience, Charlotte aims to enhance KENZO’s brand desirability and modernisation. Meanwhile, Sylvain Blanc, who initiated a new chapter for KENZO, will be leaving the Group to explore new opportunities. LVMH wishes success to Ramon, Charlotte, and Daniel in their new roles and all the best to Sylvain in his future endeavours.
News Source: https://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/company-news/apparel-news/lvmh-announces-leadership-changes-at-fendi-louis-vuitton-china-kenzo-301878-newsdetails.htm
(4) Lyst, a fashion marketplace once valued at US$700M, sells to Japan’s Zozo for US$154M
(Photo Credit: Lyst)
Lyst, a high-end fashion marketplace once valued at US$700 million, has been acquired by Japan-based Zozo for just US$154 million, highlighting the challenges facing fashion start-ups in the current e-commerce landscape. Despite the acquisition, Lyst will continue to operate as a stand-alone business under CEO Emma McFerran, while Zozo aims to leverage Lyst’s international presence, which includes customers in 190 markets.
The significant drop in Lyst’s valuation reflects broader uncertainties in e-commerce, including U.S. tariff hikes, intense competition from giants like Amazon, and the overwhelming investor focus on artificial intelligence. In response, Lyst and Zozo plan to explore AI and technology in their operations, although specific strategies remain unclear.
Despite recent struggles, including a 25% staff layoff and ongoing net losses, Lyst has shown signs of improvement, narrowing its losses and achieving a small operating profit. As Lyst integrates with Zozo, the key challenge will be whether the partnership can provide the necessary scale to revitalise the business and enhance its competitive edge in the evolving fashion market.
News Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/09/lyst-the-fashion-marketplace-once-valued-at-700m-sells-to-japans-zozo-for-154m/
