From Fashion to Tech: Xiaomi’s Expansion, Tesla’s Decline, and Beauty’s Big Moves
Louis Vuitton Enters the Beauty Market with Pat McGrath as Creative Director
Louis Vuitton is launching its first makeup line, La Beauté Louis Vuitton, with renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath as creative director. According to McGrath, the collection includes 55 lipsticks, 10 tinted lip balms, and eight eyeshadow quads, along with luxury small leather goods for storage. Inspired by the brand’s heritage, the products reflect Louis Vuitton’s craftsmanship and design codes. The launch marks a new expansion for the fashion house, integrating beauty into its legacy.
Marubi Appoints Yang Zi as Its First Global Brand Ambassador
Chinese beauty brand Marubi has announced actress Yang Zi as its first global brand ambassador. This partnership aligns Yang Zi’s independent and confident image with Marubi’s skincare offerings. In addition to its brand collaborations, Marubi remains committed to philanthropy through its “Marubi Fund,” donating a portion of product sales to charitable causes.
Tesla Faces Continued Sales Decline in Multiple European Markets
Tesla’s sales in several European countries continued to decline in February after a drop in January. Industry data shows Tesla’s market share fell in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and France, with French registrations down 45 percent in the first two months of 2025. In Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, Tesla’s February registrations dropped by 42 percent, 48 percent, and 48 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, Tesla’s estimated wholesale sales in China reached 30,700 units, marking a 50 percent month-over-month decline. In the U.S., Tesla stock fell 4.43 percent on March 4, amid ongoing market challenges and executive stock sales.
Fila and Hailey Bieber Launch Spring/Summer 2025 Capsule Collection
Fila has introduced a 13-piece capsule collection in collaboration with global ambassador Hailey Bieber. The Fila x Hailey collection blends the brand’s sport heritage with modern design, featuring wardrobe staples like T-shirts, sweatpants, sports bras, and tennis-inspired pieces. Available in black, white, green, and yellow, the collection launches on March 6 through Fila’s website, select stores, and major retailers including Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom.
Henkel Acquires Suzhou Boke to Expand Hair Care Business in China
German cosmetics giant Henkel completed its acquisition of Suzhou Boke Biotechnology, a long-time contract manufacturer for global and domestic beauty brands, including Unilever and Nivea. The deal strengthens Henkel’s supply chain in China, with Suzhou Boke becoming its exclusive production base for hair care products. This acquisition follows Henkel’s previous purchases, including the Greater China operations of VS Sassoon, as part of its broader strategy to expand its professional hair care portfolio and enhance localized production capabilities.
Xiaomi Expands Global Presence with Product Launch in Barcelona
Xiaomi held a global launch event in Barcelona, introducing its latest products to international markets. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra debuted in Europe with a starting price of €1,499, surpassing the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Beyond smartphones, Xiaomi is expanding its high-end product lineup overseas, including cars and home appliances. This strategy has contributed to its stock surge, with shares nearly tripling since August 2024. As of March 4, 2025, Xiaomi’s market value stood at HK$1.27 trillion, ranking third in Hong Kong after Tencent and Alibaba.
China’s Services Sector Sees Modest Growth in February Amid Trade Uncertainty
China’s services sector expanded slightly in February, with the Caixin/S&P Global PMI rising to 51.4 from 51.0, driven by growing demand and export orders. Employment in the sector increased for the first time in three months, while input costs declined. Despite a positive business outlook, challenges such as weak domestic demand and rising tariffs persist. China maintained its 2025 growth target at around 5 percent, though economists anticipate headwinds and potential monetary easing measures later this year.
Shanghai to Host Intertextile and Chic Trade Shows on March 11-13
Shanghai will host the Intertextile and Chic trade shows from March 11-13 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre, featuring around 5,000 exhibitors. Intertextile will showcase 3,000 textile and apparel manufacturers, while Chic will present 1,250 fashion brands. The event will also include Yarn Expo and PH Value, focusing on fibers and knitwear. The trade shows take place amid evolving global trade conditions, including recent tariff adjustments between China and the U.S.
