Asia Fashion Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 23 Week of 14 July 2025
(1) LVMH’s luxury label Loro Piana placed under court monitoring over alleged labour abuse, undocumented workers
Italian luxury brand Loro Piana is under court monitoring after unauthorised subcontracting led to exploited undocumented workers making its products in harsh conditions.
(2) Lululemon and Lotto Set Sights on India Amid Fashion Industry Surge
Lululemon and Lotto are entering India with local partners to tap into the country’s booming sportswear and wellness market.
(3) Shein Faces New Challenge as France Proposes 150 Million Euro Fine
Shein faces a proposed 150 million euro fine in France for allegedly violating data privacy laws by using tracking cookies without user consent.
(4) Brunello Cucinelli Boosts Global Presence with 10.7% Sales Increase in Asia and America
Brunello Cucinelli posted strong first-half results in 2025, with Asia leading growth at 13% and China showing double-digit gains, reinforcing the brand’s global momentum.
(1) LVMH’s luxury label Loro Piana placed under court monitoring over alleged labour abuse, undocumented workers
(Photo Credit: Robert Way/ Reuters)
Italian luxury brand Loro Piana, owned by LVMH, has been placed under court monitoring for one year following allegations of labour abuse in its supply chain. Investigators found that the company had unknowingly subcontracted production through a shell company, which further outsourced work to unauthorised Chinese-run factories. These workshops reportedly used undocumented workers under unsafe and exploitative conditions, including excessive working hours and poor wages.
The investigation began in May 2025 after a Chinese worker claimed he was assaulted by his employer for demanding unpaid wages. Authorities discovered that workers were forced to work up to 90 hours a week and lived in makeshift rooms inside the factory. The factory produced Loro Piana-branded cashmere jackets, and police later found 21 Chinese workers across several sites, with many employed illegally or lacking proper documentation.
Loro Piana responded by stating that the supplier had breached legal and contractual obligations by subcontracting without informing the company. The brand said it terminated its relationship with the supplier within 24 hours of learning about the issue and reaffirmed its commitment to human rights and ethical standards. Loro Piana is now the fifth luxury label in Italy to face judicial oversight amid a broader crackdown on worker exploitation in the fashion industry.
News Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/lvmh-luxury-label-loro-piana-under-court-monitoring-alleged-labor-abuse-undocumented-workers
(2) Lululemon and Lotto Set Sights on India Amid Fashion Industry Surge
(Photo Credit: Modaes)
Canadian brand Lululemon and Italian sportswear company Lotto are preparing to enter the Indian market, reflecting the country’s growing appeal in the global fashion industry. Lululemon will launch its first store in India through a franchise partnership with Tata CliQ in the second half of 2026, alongside online sales via Tata CliQ Fashion and Tata CliQ Luxury. The brand also plans to promote wellness and community initiatives to connect with local consumers.
Lotto has partnered with Agilitas Sports, which holds exclusive rights to the brand in India, South Africa and Australia. Its initial launch will feature premium sneakers, with apparel and accessories expected to follow next year. Both companies aim to tap into India’s expanding demand for sportswear and lifestyle products, supported by rising disposable incomes and a growing interest in fitness.
Their entry highlights India’s shift from being merely a production hub to a key growth market for international fashion brands. By teaming up with local partners, Lululemon and Lotto are positioning themselves to build strong brand presence and engage with India’s increasingly style conscious and health focused population.
News Source: https://www.modaes.com/global/companies/lululemon-and-lotto-join-india-fever-with-their-landing-in-the-country
(3) Shein Faces New Challenge as France Proposes 150 Million Euro Fine
(Photo Credit: Modaes)
Shein is facing a proposed fine of up to 150 million euro from France’s data protection authority, the Cnil, for allegedly breaching European Union rules on user consent for cookies. The regulator claims Shein used personalised trackers without proper approval and continued collecting data even when users refused cookies during a 2023 inspection.
This proposed penalty follows a separate 40 million euro fine issued just a week earlier by France’s consumer watchdog for misleading advertising practices, including false discount claims and unclear environmental impact messaging. Shein has responded by stating it is cooperating with the authorities and working to ensure compliance, though it has criticised the proposed fine as disproportionate.
The company is under growing scrutiny in France, especially after the Senate passed a law targeting fast fashion, informally dubbed the “anti Shein law.” The legislation links Shein’s business model to environmental harm and unfair competition, adding further pressure on the retailer amid ongoing investigations.
News Source: https://www.modaes.com/global/companies/shein-in-the-spotlight-france-proposes-new-150-million-fine
(4) Brunello Cucinelli Boosts Global Presence with 10.7% Sales Increase in Asia and America
(Photo Credit: Modaes)
Brunello Cucinelli delivered strong results in the first half of 2025, with revenue rising 10.7% to €684 million, surpassing expectations. Asia led the growth with a 13% increase, driven by double-digit gains in China and solid performance in South Korea and Japan. The company plans to deepen its presence in the region with new initiatives later this year.
Retail sales, which make up over 60% of the business, rose 14.4%, supported by like-for-like growth in company-owned stores, especially in Asia and the Americas. Wholesale revenue grew more modestly, benefiting from premium partnerships and the brand’s expanding international footprint.
Brunello Cucinelli reaffirmed its forecast of around 10% annual growth for 2025 and 2026, crediting its focus on craftsmanship, exclusivity and sustainable luxury. With Asia contributing nearly 29% of total turnover, the region is set to play an increasingly central role in the brand’s global strategy.
