Asia Fashion Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 13 Week of 5 May 2025
(1) Innovation Takes Center Stage at Fashion InStyle in Hong Kong
The Fashion InStyle fair in Hong Kong showcased the city’s role as a global trade hub, attracting over 11,000 buyers and focusing on sustainable innovation.
(2) 2025 Met Gala Celebrates Black Style With Dazzling Fashion
The 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” showcased stunning outfits celebrating Black fashion.
(3) Trump hosts LVMH boss as tariffs threaten luxury goods
Bernard Arnault, head of LVMH, met with President Trump at the White House amid concerns over declining sales linked to tariffs, as the luxury giant relies heavily on the US market.
(4) H&M Subsidiary Plans US$1B Recycling Factory to Boost Sustainable Fashion in Vietnam
Syre Group, in partnership with H&M and Vargas, is planning to build a recycling factory in Binh Dinh, Vietnam, aimed at processing 250,000 tons of textile waste annually by 2028.
(1) Innovation Takes Center Stage at Fashion InStyle in Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council)
The Fashion InStyle fair in Hong Kong demonstrated the city’s significance as an international trade hub, attracting over 11,000 buyers and featuring around 400 exhibitors. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the event saw increased attendance across all exhibitions, with a total of about 100,000 buyers from 131 countries. The council emphasised its commitment to enhancing trade resilience and helping exhibitors enter new markets.
A new section of the fair focused on next-generation material innovation, showcasing various sustainable technologies and creative designs. This platform successfully connected material innovators with buyers, highlighting the growing interest in sustainable materials and cultural heritage integration.
Survey results from the fair indicated optimism about market opportunities, especially in womenswear and urban clothing, with many respondents expecting sales growth in the coming years. However, challenges such as protectionist measures and economic fluctuations were noted. Exhibitors aimed to diversify their markets and secure significant orders during the event, with plans for expansion into new regions.
News Source: https://sourcingjournal.com/topics/trade-shows/hong-kong-holds-strong-next-fashion-instyle-hktdc-1234746573/
(2) 2025 Met Gala Celebrates Black Style With Dazzling Fashion
(Photo Credit: Angela Weiss/ AFP/ Getty Images/ CNN)
The 2025 Met Gala took place on 5 May 2025 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, featuring the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” This theme celebrates the museum’s upcoming exhibition on Black fashion, focusing on the history of Black dandyism and its influence on identity within the Atlantic diaspora. Attendees embraced the dress code “Tailored to You,” showcasing stunning outfits that sparked conversations on social media.
Diana Ross made a striking return after over 20 years, wearing a white gown with an 18‑foot train adorned with family names. Actor Damson Idris garnered attention with a red Tommy Hilfiger suit that featured a dramatic reveal from a racing suit. Janelle Monáe also stood out in a bold ensemble, combining a pinstriped cape with a striking jacket and skirt, highlighting the theme’s emphasis on personal style.
Notable moments included K-pop star Lisa and singer Sabrina Carpenter drawing attention with their pantsless outfits, which received mixed reactions. Overall, the gala not only raised funds for the museum but also served as a platform for discussions on identity, culture, and the legacy of Black fashion.
News Source: https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/2025-met-gala-celebrates-black-style-with-dazzling-fashion-346466
(3) Trump hosts LVMH boss as tariffs threaten luxury goods
(Photo Credit: Drew Angerer/ AFP)
Donald Trump hosted Bernard Arnault, the head of luxury giant LVMH, at the White House on 6 May 2025, amid concerns about declining sales linked to Trump’s tariffs. Arnault, who is Europe’s richest man and oversees brands like Louis Vuitton and Dom Perignon, made a surprise appearance in the Oval Office with his son Alexandre during the swearing-in ceremony for special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The Arnaults also attended a separate event related to preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. LVMH’s jeweller Tiffany is involved in designing the FIFA World Club Championship, set to take place in the United States in 2025. Given that a quarter of LVMH’s sales come from the US, the company is particularly sensitive to tariff impacts.
Sales for LVMH dropped by two percent to 20.3 billion euros (US$23 billion) in the first quarter of 2025, largely due to the effects of Trump’s tariffs on the global economy. Arnault, who attended Trump’s inauguration, previously expressed a desire to avoid discussing tariffs and preferred a calmer approach to the situation.
News Source: https://ca.fashionnetwork.com/news/Trump-hosts-lvmh-boss-as-tariffs-threaten-luxury-goods,1727808.html
(4) H&M Subsidiary Plans US$1B Recycling Factory to Boost Sustainable Fashion in Vietnam
(Photo Credit: H&M/ Retail News)
Syre Group, a subsidiary of H&M, plans to invest up to US$1 billion in a high-tech fabric production complex in Binh Dinh to make the province a global hub for circular textile manufacturing. This factory will use advanced technology and renewable energy to recycle textile waste, with an expected capacity of 250,000 tons annually. It aims to start operations by the end of 2028.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has praised Binh Dinh for its strong investment environment and clean energy potential, urging local authorities to support Syre in making this project successful. He also suggested prioritising locally sourced materials for the recycling processes.
This project represents a major shift in the retail sector towards sustainability, responding to rising consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. By focusing on recycling and sustainable practices, Syre Group and H&M aim to set an example for other brands while positioning Vietnam as a leader in the circular economy. This initiative will enhance local supply chains and contribute to broader sustainability goals.
News Source: https://www.retailnews.asia/hm-subsidiary-plans-1b-recycling-factory-to-boost-sustainable-fashion-in-vietnam/
