Asia Fashion Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 20 Week of 23 June 2025
(1) Young people in Singapore carrying weapons as ‘fashion accessory’
More young people in Singapore are treating knives and other weapons as fashion accessories, glamorising items of violence and blurring the line between style and danger.
(2) LVMH appoints new industrial and craftsmanship director
LVMH has appointed longtime Louis Vuitton executive Ludovic Pauchard to lead its industrial strategy and craftsmanship division, aiming to boost production excellence and preserve artisanal quality.
(3) Saint Laurent opens Paris Fashion Week at Pinault’s art palace with a show of force
Saint Laurent opened Paris Fashion Week with a Fire Island-inspired menswear show blending emotional depth, elegant tailoring and queer cultural references.
(4) Ralph Lauren appoints Angela Ahrendts as lead independent director
Angela Ahrendts will become Ralph Lauren Corporation’s new lead independent director, bringing her strategic expertise and leadership to the board after years of service.
(1) Young people in Singapore carrying weapons as ‘fashion accessory’
(Photo Credit: Screenshots from Shopee, Carousell)
Over the past decade, more young people in Singapore have started carrying weapons like karambit knives and flick blades not for protection or intent to harm, but as fashion accessories. Counsellors working with at-risk youth say these items are sometimes seen as stylish or trendy, with intricate designs and visual appeal. Online platforms such as Carousell and Shopee have made them easily accessible, fuelling the trend.
Experts warn that what begins as a showpiece can quickly escalate into real danger during arguments or fights. The weapons are often used impulsively, especially by youths who struggle with emotional regulation or are influenced by violent games and online content.
Educators and counsellors stress the need for early guidance, emotional support, and better public awareness. Many boys, in particular, are pressured to suppress their feelings, and carrying a weapon becomes a way to project toughness. Shifting these perceptions and teaching healthier outlets for self-expression is key to breaking the cycle.
News Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/young-people-carrying-weapons-as-fashion-accessory-counsellor
(2) LVMH appoints new industrial and craftsmanship director
(Photo Credit: Ludovic Pauchard – LVMH)
LVMH has appointed Ludovic Pauchard as its new industrial and crafts director, a role created to strengthen the group’s production capabilities amid challenges in the luxury goods market. Pauchard, who has over two decades of experience at Louis Vuitton, will also lead the Métiers d’Arts (Arts and Crafts) division, overseeing suppliers of premium raw materials. His new role begins on 1 September 2025, reporting to executive vice-president Stéphane Bianchi.
In this position, Pauchard will guide LVMH’s industrial strategy, focusing on ethical and sustainable production while ensuring high standards across its various brands. He will coordinate transformation projects and unify industrial directors across the group’s divisions to build a more agile and competitive manufacturing structure. His remit includes balancing innovation with LVMH’s core commitments to quality and social responsibility.
With a strong engineering background and a long history at Louis Vuitton, including leadership roles in production and manufacturing across the globe, Pauchard is viewed as ideally suited to the position. His track record includes overseeing large-scale operations, from leather goods to international supply chains. LVMH hopes his expertise will help preserve its artisanal heritage while modernising operations to maintain global appeal.
News Source: https://ca.fashionnetwork.com/news/Lvmh-appoints-new-industrial-and-craftsmanship-director,1743106.html#ami—alexandre-mattuissi
(3) Saint Laurent opens Paris Fashion Week at Pinault’s art palace with a show of force
(Photo Credit: AP Photo/ Michel Euler)
Saint Laurent’s latest menswear show by Anthony Vaccarello opened Paris Fashion Week at the Bourse de Commerce, drawing inspiration from the spirit of Fire Island and evoking themes of escape, sensuality and reinvention. The collection featured oversized shorts, structured tailoring and soft pops of colour, referencing a 1950s image of Yves Saint Laurent while updating it with contemporary nuance.
More than just a fashion presentation, the show carried deep emotional resonance. It explored ideas of beauty as a shield against loneliness, subtly acknowledging Saint Laurent’s personal struggles and the coded lives of queer men from earlier generations. These themes were mirrored in the clothing’s quiet concealments and layered meanings.
Stylistic choices like discreetly hidden ties and ever-present sunglasses reflected a careful balance between self-protection and expression. Vaccarello’s designs captured both the freedom and vulnerability that Fire Island has long symbolised, touching on the realities of visibility, secrecy and identity within LGBTQ+ history.
News Source: https://apnews.com/article/paris-fashion-week-saint-laurent-show-pinault-ecf4c806cb31c0a1e9caf58a23220c5a
(4) Ralph Lauren appoints Angela Ahrendts as lead independent director
(Photo Credit: Ralph Lauren Corporation)
Angela Ahrendts has been named the new lead independent director of Ralph Lauren Corporation, a role she will assume following the company’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders. Since joining the board in 2018, Ahrendts has chaired the finance committee and served on key governance and sustainability panels, making her a prominent and influential voice within the organisation.
Her appointment reflects confidence in her vision and industry expertise, with executive chairman Ralph Lauren praising her as a respected innovator who brings valuable guidance to the board. Ahrendts will succeed Hubert Joly, who is stepping down after 16 years of service, including three years in the same role.
With Ahrendts at the helm as lead independent director, the company underscores its continued commitment to experienced, forward-thinking leadership. Her expanded role is expected to help shape Ralph Lauren’s long-term strategy and support its focus on enduring brand strength and global competitiveness.
News Source: https://fashionunited.uk/news/people/ralph-lauren-appoints-angela-ahrendts-as-lead-independent-director/2025062382368
