JD.com Launches New UK Platform, Loewe Debuts “Loewe Teapots” Exhibition and Chanel Sets up New Design Team

JD.com Launches Joybuy in the UK, Expands Global Retail Strategy

JD.com has begun testing its new UK retail platform “Joybuy,” offering self-operated services to seed users in London, with broader merchant onboarding underway. The platform covers categories like electronics, snacks, pet products, and beauty, with fast delivery and new-user discounts. This marks JD’s latest step in expanding global retail, following its “Ochama” initiative in Europe and continued investment in overseas warehouses to support cross-border logistics.

Bvlgari Launches Bvlgari Infinito App with Apple Vision Pro Integration

Bvlgari has introduced the Bvlgari Infinito app, leveraging spatial computing to merge digital art with the brand’s design language. The app’s first chapter, Serpenti Infinito, features the iconic serpent motif, symbolizing eternity and transformation. Through Apple Vision Pro, users can explore the creative process behind the Serpenti collection in an immersive virtual environment. The app is now available on the Apple Vision Pro App Store.

Jil Sander Launches First Fragrance Collection

Jil Sander has unveiled its debut high-end fragrance line, Olfactory Series 1, featuring six unisex scents that embody the brand’s minimalist aesthetic. Created by designers Lucie and Luke Meier with renowned perfumers, the collection combines plant-based ingredients and technology, using aldehydes and natural essences to craft unique olfactory stories. The scents, including “Leaf,” “Miel,” and “Earth,” are built on sustainable materials like eco-friendly alcohol and pure water, with refillable 100ml bottles to support the brand’s environmental values. The collection launches on April 18.

Loewe Debuts “Loewe Teapots” Exhibition

Loewe presents its new exhibition, “Loewe Teapots” at the 2025 Salone del Mobile Milano, focusing on craftsmanship and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Curated by former Creative Director Jonathan Anderson, the exhibition features 25 global artists, designers, and architects, including Wang Shu, David Chipperfield, and Rose Wylie, who reinterpret the teapot as a cultural and artistic object. The collection challenges traditional concepts of form and function, showcasing diverse glazes, textures, and materials. Loewe also releases limited-edition home goods, including tea tins and candles, to complement the exhibition, which is on display at Palazzo Citterio until April 13.

Chanel Appoints Andrew Heather to New Design Team Under Matthieu Blazy

Chanel’s new Artistic Director, Matthieu Blazy, has appointed Andrew Heather, formerly of Maison Margiela, to join its haute couture studio starting in June. Heather, who has held senior roles at Givenchy, Revillon, Celine, and Chloé, brings extensive experience to the team. Blazy, confirmed as Chanel’s Artistic Director in December, marks the first external appointment to the role since Karl Lagerfeld. Chanel’s leadership sees Blazy as a key figure to guide the brand’s future.

Unilever’s Tatcha Exits Direct Online Sales in China Amid Strategic Shift

Tatcha, a premium skincare brand under Unilever, will shut down its Tmall Global store on April 30, marking its exit from self-operated online channels in China. Despite strong international growth, the brand has seen limited traction in the Chinese market since its 2020 entry. The move aligns with Unilever’s broader strategy to streamline its prestige beauty portfolio, reallocating resources to core growth brands like Hourglass and K18. Leadership changes and evolving e-commerce dynamics are also shaping the group’s high-end beauty roadmap in China.

Balenciaga and Scholl Launch Collaborative Footwear Line Inspired by Comfort

Balenciaga has released a new footwear collaboration with Italian shoemaker Scholl, debuting in its Fall 2025 collection. Designed around the idea of creating the most comfortable high heels ever, the line blends Balenciaga’s design with Scholl’s ergonomic expertise. The collection includes reimagined 1956 Scholl Pescura sandals and heeled mules with original beechwood soles.

MM6 Maison Margiela and Salomon Debut 2025 SS Collection

MM6 Maison Margiela and Salomon will launch their 2025 Spring/Summer collaboration, featuring new colorways of the XT-4 MULE and a reworked Spectur 2 road running shoe. The Spectur 2 redesign keeps the midsole shape while incorporating a mesh upper and layered details for added depth. Apparel highlights include optical illusion prints, decorative number plates with both brands’ logos, and the Salomon Acs Pro shoe silhouette on the back.