Asia Fashion Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 70 Week of 22 June 2026
(1) Calvin Klein’s China Market Accused of Being Involved in Wage Disputes
Calvin Klein’s Hangzhou stores face a labor dispute involving wage arrears and recognition of employees’ service after a change of operating agents. Over 100 staff are affected. PVH’s local operator cites contractor responsibility, but the case highlights risks in China’s franchise model and reputational challenges for international fashion brands.
(2) Swiss Sports Brand On and Korean Fashion House PAF Launch Current Form 4.0 Shoe and Apparel Collection
Swiss sports brand ON and Korean avant‑garde label POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) launch the Current Form 4.0 collection, inspired by metamorphosis and transformation. Highlighted by the Cloudboom Volt PAF running shoe, the series blends performance technology with artistic design, alongside apparel and accessories, available 25 June 2026.
(3) Summer in the city: Chanel takes Métiers d’art 2026 to Seoul
Chanel staged its Métiers d’art 2026 replica show at Seoul’s newly opened Centre Pompidou Hanwha, transforming the Cubist‑lined space into a dynamic runway. Celebrities including Jennie, G‑Dragon, and Marion Cotillard watched models in bold, intricate designs, underscoring Seoul’s role as a global hub of creativity and fashion.
(4) Ancient Chinese fashion finds a new stage in London
London Hanfu Fashion Day showcased how traditional Chinese dress is gaining global attention as young people use it to express cultural pride. With a model contest, modern styling and live cultural performances, the event introduced Hanfu to wider audiences and highlighted its role in cultural exchange beyond China.
(1) Calvin Klein’s China Market Accused of Being Involved in Wage Disputes
(Photo Credit: Ladymax CN)
Calvin Klein has been drawn into a labor dispute in China after its Hangzhou stores changed operating agents. Media reports indicate more than 100 employees have faced wage arrears since April, with some receiving only partial payments. Staff also worry that their years of service may not be recognized by the new operator, raising concerns about compensation and continuity of employment. Some employees reported sudden suspension of work accounts and backend access, further disrupting operations.
Pengweiqi Commercial (Shanghai) Co., which oversees Calvin Klein’s China business, explained that Hangzhou stores operate under a managed‑operation model, with recruitment, payroll, and labor management handled independently by contractors. The previous operator, Hangzhou Xinchen, was terminated in May for repeated breaches, and a new contractor is assuming responsibility. Xinchen had also managed other fashion brands, including Tommy Hilfiger and ESPRIT.
Legal experts note that whether employees’ prior service must be recognized depends on the nature of the business handover. If the transition constitutes a full takeover, workers may pursue arbitration or litigation to claim continuous service.
The dispute highlights the risks international fashion brands face when relying on franchise and managed‑operation models in China. PVH Group, which owns Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, has long depended on dealer networks to expand into lower‑tier markets. While Asia remains a growth driver, the Hangzhou case underscores the tension between channel expansion and brand reputation, posing challenges as Calvin Klein seeks to increase direct operations and rebuild its image in China.
News Source: https://news.ladymax.cn/202606/22-39632.html
(Photo Credit: Vogue China)
Swiss sports brand ON and Korean avant‑garde fashion house POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) have unveiled the Current Form 4.0 collection, the latest chapter in their long‑term collaboration. The series explores transformation through the metaphor of a moth’s metamorphosis, symbolizing the evolution of form and the spiritual connection between bodily movement and nature.
Central to the collection is the Cloudboom Volt PAF, a running shoe co‑designed with PAF. Its layered upper and integrated wrapping structure visually evoke the moment a moth emerges from its cocoon, while ON’s Helion™ foam midsole delivers cushioning and energy recovery. Breathability is enhanced through a mix of woven and mesh materials. The shoe is offered in two colors, White/Gale and Ember/Pebble, each telling a story of growth and breakthrough.
The collaboration extends beyond footwear, introducing a full range of high‑performance apparel and accessories reinterpreted through PAF’s avant‑garde aesthetic. Key pieces include the Zero Jacket PAF Lightweight Running Jacket, Zero Singlet PAF Vest, Zero 2‑in‑1 Shorts, Running‑T PAF T‑shirt, Run Belt, Zero Cap, and Run Sock, all designed specifically for running while embodying the theme of transformation.
Accompanying the launch is a visual campaign directed by Theodor Guelat and filmed by Zachary Handley, titled Chase Stillness, which captures the resonance of body and soul in motion. The Current Form 4.0 collection will be available from 25 June 2026, at the ON Experience Center and select retail channels.
News Source: https://www.vogue.com.cn/fashion/brand_news/news_1543c5dae4c674f0.html
(3) Summer in the city: Chanel takes Métiers d’art 2026 to Seoul
(Photo Credit: Tatler Asia)
Chanel’s Métiers d’art 2026, Matthieu Blazy’s debut for the storied collection, unfolded first in New York in a strikingly cinematic setting: an abandoned subway station beneath 168 Bowery. Models emerged from subway carriages and streamed across platforms in looks inspired by the city’s energy, led by Bhavitha Mandava, the first model of Indian heritage to open a Chanel show. The collection juxtaposed grit and glamour, weaving symbolism and craftsmanship into a fever‑dream of urban life.
Days later, Chanel transported the spectacle to Seoul, staging a replica show at the newly opened Centre Pompidou Hanwha. Surrounded by Cubist masterpieces, including works by Picasso, models walked through cut‑outs, escalators, and gallery spaces, embodying the idea of diverse personalities crossing paths in a creative city. Celebrities including Jennie, G‑Dragon, Park Seo‑jun, Peggy Gou, Tilda Swinton, and Marion Cotillard attended, underscoring Seoul’s global cultural prominence.
The designs showcased Blazy’s playful reinterpretation of Chanel codes: Mandava’s quarter‑zip, a Superman jumper, Maison Michel cat‑ear fascinators, jolting yellow jackets, and mixed plaids adorned with cellophane‑like flowers. Craftsmanship shone through embroidered ladybirds by Atelier Montex, feathered camellias by Lemarié, crystal‑like beaded gowns, and even caviar leather coffee cup carriers. Cotillard praised the multiplicity and strength of the collection, calling it her favorite among Blazy’s work to date.
News Source: https://www.tatlerasia.com/style/fashion/chanel-metiers-dart-2026-seoul
(4) Ancient Chinese fashion finds a new stage in London
(Photo Credit: CGTN)
London Hanfu Fashion Day has brought a revival movement from China to the UK, as young people use traditional dress to express cultural pride and introduce Han Chinese heritage to new audiences. Hanfu, the historical clothing of the Han people, has existed for thousands of years and has seen strong renewed interest in recent years, especially among young consumers in China.
Xin Yizhang, host of the London event and a student at King’s College London, said more young Chinese people are embracing traditional clothing as confidence in their own culture grows. That sentiment was reflected throughout the event, which staged the London division of the Liyihuaxia Hanfu Model Contest for the first time. The traditional dress category was won by King’s College student Xin Mingke.
The program also included a fashion section that paired Hanfu elements with modern styling. Winner Meng Hanyu said the updated looks could help Western audiences connect more easily with the style.
Beyond the runway, the event offered a broader introduction to Chinese culture through Guqin and Kun Opera performances, workshops and direct contact with visitors. Some attendees said Chinese films had sparked their interest, while tourists who came across the event joined out of curiosity.
Organizers said the strong public response showed Hanfu can do more than preserve heritage. It can also open conversations and build cultural exchange.
News Source: https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2026-06-22/Ancient-Chinese-fashion-finds-a-new-stage-in-London-1Oags69GJxe/index.html
