Crocs Announces New Ambassador, China’s March Exports Rise and Jil Sander Collaborates with Thonet

Crocs Announces Bai Lu as Global Brand Ambassador

Crocs has officially named popular young actress Bai Lu as its global brand ambassador. Known for her versatility in both historical and modern dramas, Bai Lu will embody the brand’s philosophy, showcasing the fusion of comfort and style. In the new campaign, she models two exclusive spring footwear collections—the Rock Rose Small Whale Clogs and Classic Puffed Bouquet Clogs, both designed for a playful, vibrant spring look. These styles are now available across all channels.

RMB Becomes the World’s Third-Largest Trade Financing Currency

In recent years, China has been enhancing its policies and infrastructure to promote the cross-border use of the renminbi (RMB), fostering a more favorable environment for both domestic and foreign entities to hold and use the currency. As a result, the RMB has become the world’s third-largest trade financing currency. In 2024, foreign financial institutions and companies issued nearly 200 billion yuan in Panda bonds, a 32 percent increase from the previous year, while offshore RMB bond issuance rose by 150 percent.

China’s March Exports Rise 12.4 Percent in USD Terms, Imports Fall 4.3 Percent

China’s exports in March rose by 12.4 percent year-on-year in USD terms, while imports fell by 4.3 percent. In RMB terms, exports grew by 13.5 percent, and imports decreased by 3.5 percent. For Q1, total trade amounted to 10.3 trillion yuan, a 1.3 percent increase, with exports up 6.9 percent and imports down 6 percent. Notably, private enterprises saw a 5.8 percent increase in imports and exports, reaching 5.85 trillion yuan. Exports of high-tech products and industrial goods such as wind turbines, lithium batteries, and electric vehicles continued to drive growth, while imports of parts and equipment, such as data processing components and shipbuilding equipment, surged.

Mytheresa Announces New Leadership Team Following YNAP Acquisition

Mytheresa has unveiled its new leadership team following the acquisition of Yoox Net-A-Porter (YNAP), with the changes set to take effect upon the deal’s closure. Michael Kliger will continue as CEO, overseeing the group’s strategy, while other key roles include Martin Beer as CFO, Philipp Barthold as CTO, and Francesca Tranquilli as Chief Transformation Officer. The group aims to strengthen individual brand identities for Mytheresa, Net-A-Porter, and other store brands while focusing on operational efficiency and customer experience. The acquisition and leadership changes are expected to finalize by April 23.

Jil Sander Collaborates with Thonet on New Furniture Collection

Jil Sander has teamed up with German furniture brand Thonet to launch the “JS Thonet” collection, marking the brand’s first foray into furniture design with its minimalist style. The collection reinterprets Marcel Breuer’s iconic S 64 cantilever chair, with two variations: the modern Serious series featuring glossy metal frames and leather, and the Nordic series with matte silver nickel, white oak, and light leather for a natural Scandinavian touch. The collection also includes an updated version of the B 97 nesting side table. The series is now available on Thonet’s official website.

LVMH Reports 2 Percent Decline in Q1 Sales Amid Geopolitical Challenges

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton reported a 2 percent decline in first-quarter revenues, totaling 20.31 billion euros, citing a challenging geopolitical and economic environment. Organic revenues fell across various sectors, with wines and spirits dropping 9 percent, fashion and leather goods down 5 percent, and perfumes and cosmetics decreasing 1 percent. Despite this, LVMH maintains a cautious optimism, focusing on selective investments and product innovation. The company highlighted strong performances from brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. and emphasized its ongoing strategy to consolidate leadership in the luxury market.

Lush Reports Mixed Performance in 2023

Ethical beauty brand Lush’s revenue dropped 5 percent to £674.5 million in the year ending June, with the company posting a loss of £42.6 million due to heavy investments in its store network. Despite challenges, the brand saw strong growth in markets like Japan and minor growth in the UK and Europe. North America faced a 4 percent decline, mainly due to weaker US sales. Lush is focusing on increasing store locations in stable markets, including Italy, France, and new franchises in India and Indonesia. It also plans to explore a Lush hotel and further digital commerce growth.

R13 Opens First Boutique in Southwest China

R13, the New York-based luxury streetwear brand, opened its first boutique in Southwest China at Chengdu Taikoo Li. The store showcases the brand’s “Flower Punk” Spring/Summer 2025 collection, blending New York underground culture with Eastern philosophy through immersive visuals and avant-garde design. The space features industrial brick walls, graffiti, and a mix of vintage leather furniture with digital LED screens, creating a unique atmosphere. This opening marks a significant step in the brand’s engagement with the new generation of Chinese consumers.