Asia Fashion Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 19 Week of 16 June 2025
(1) Gucci-owner Kering appoints Renault boss de Meo as CEO
Renault CEO Luca de Meo has been named the new chief executive of Kering, tasked with revitalising the struggling luxury group despite having no prior experience in the fashion industry.
(2) AliExpress bets on K-fashion, influencers to woo global shoppers
AliExpress is launching Celeb Shop in Korea, where influencers will promote K-fashion by styling and modelling items for global audiences through social media and e‑commerce.
(3) Edison Chen and Clot Update the Adidas Stan Smith With Beaded Detail for Summer
Adidas and Clot have teamed up to release a beaded Stan Smith sneaker, blending classic design with creative flair in a new campaign launching on 21 June 2025.
(4) Watsons Malaysia Presents IOI City Mall 2025 Fashion Week
Watsons Malaysia headlined IOI City Mall’s 2025 Fashion Week with a bold brand refresh, unveiling new uniforms, beauty showcases, and expanded customer experiences under its “The New Beautiful” campaign.
(1) Gucci-owner Kering appoints Renault boss de Meo as CEO
(Photo Credit: Kering)
Luxury group Kering has appointed Luca de Meo, the current CEO of Renault, as its new chief executive in an effort to revitalise the company. He will be the first outsider to lead the firm, taking over from François-Henri Pinault in September, while Pinault remains chairman. De Meo is known for turning Renault around and is praised for his strong brand and marketing skills.
Kering’s shares surged after the announcement, though Renault’s stock fell due to his unexpected exit. The company has faced a sharp drop in value and is struggling to boost its flagship Gucci brand after the departure of key talent. Kering is also carrying over €10 billion in debt, making de Meo’s task particularly challenging.
Although de Meo has no direct luxury sector experience, some analysts are optimistic, noting other successful cross-industry moves in the past. He expressed enthusiasm for the role and confidence in the strength of Kering’s brands. His leadership is seen as a bold step to inject new energy and strategic direction into the business.
News Source: https://retail-systems.com/rs/Gucci_Owner_Kering_Appoints_Renault_Boss_De_Meo_As_CEO.php
(2) AliExpress bets on K-fashion, influencers to woo global shoppers
(Photo Credit: AliExpress)
AliExpress is launching a new project called Celeb Shop in Korea, which partners with social media influencers to promote fashion items sourced from Seoul’s Dongdaemun area. These influencers will select, style and model clothing, helping to drive sales through curated online showcases.
The initiative targets younger shoppers in their teens to 30s, who are familiar with influencer culture through platforms like Instagram and YouTube. AliExpress and its Korean vendor partners will handle logistics and delivery, while influencers front the style and promotion aspects to engage global audiences.
Celeb Shop will initially launch as a beta next month and aims to expand K-fashion internationally, including in markets like the US, Japan, France and Spain. The platform offers a personalised shopping experience where customers can buy items styled by influencers they follow.
News Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/amp/business/companies/20250616/aliexpress-bets-on-k-fashion-influencers-to-woo-global-shoppers
(3) Edison Chen and Clot Update the Adidas Stan Smith With Beaded Detail for Summer
(Photo Credit: Adidas Originals)
Adidas Originals has once again partnered with Edison Chen’s Clot label to launch a new version of the Stan Smith sneaker, featuring beaded detailing on the heel tab with a fringe effect. The minimalist leather shoe retains its classic perforated 3-Stripes but is updated with unique design touches that reflect a blend of heritage and creativity.
The campaign for the shoe, starring Edison Chen and Korean model Hoyeon, is set in a country club and aims to challenge traditional norms around fashion and exclusivity. Adidas describes the concept as a bold expression of individuality, using footwear as a means to disrupt expectations and reclaim space with confidence and style.
This latest release builds on the ongoing collaboration between Adidas and Clot, which has already reimagined iconic silhouettes like the Superstar and Gazelle with fresh, unconventional designs. The Clot Stan Smith Beaded will be available from 21 June 2025, with a version featuring an espadrille sole expected later in the summer.
News Source: https://wwd.com/footwear-news/sneaker-news/edison-chen-clot-adidas-stan-smith-beaded-release-info-1237922172/
(4) Watsons Malaysia Presents IOI City Mall 2025 Fashion Week
(Photo Credit: TRP/ IOI City Mall)
Watsons Malaysia partnered with IOI City Mall’s 2025 Fashion Week to showcase its refreshed brand identity, “The New Beautiful,” featuring new team uniforms and a strong focus on customer experience and innovation. As the official partner and headline brand, Watsons dominated the four-day event with fashion shows, product displays and an immersive retail presence, highlighting its leadership in health and beauty retail.
The event launched new offerings such as upgraded Watsons Club benefits, the 45+ Club for older members, and enhancements to its e-commerce and delivery services. Beauty ambassadors and celebrities graced the runway to promote Watsons’ diverse product range, including popular K-Beauty, J-Beauty, and local brands. The company also served as the official makeup and hair provider for the event.
Watsons will continue celebrating beauty and wellness at its upcoming Beautopia Expo in July, aiming to offer customers engaging, inclusive, and rewarding experiences. Throughout the Fashion Week, daily catwalks and brand collaborations brought a dynamic mix of fashion, beauty, and wellness to life, reinforcing Watsons’ commitment to helping people look good, feel great, and do good.
News Source: https://www.therakyatpost.com/press-release/2025/06/19/watsons-malaysia-presents-ioi-city-mall-2025-fashion-week/
