Lee Names New Ambassador, Swiss Watch Exports Fall in May and Shein Faces High Court Lawsuit
Osprey Opens First Flagship Store in China at Hangzhou’s in77
Osprey launched its first standalone store in China at in77, a major commercial complex near West Lake in Hangzhou. The store design draws inspiration from founder Mike Pfotenhauer’s “Mike’s House” and features immersive themed zones reflecting the brand’s heritage. The opening aligns with rising interest in light outdoor activities and marks part of Osprey’s 50th anniversary campaign. A new 2025 initiative aims to promote outdoor lifestyle as a form of emotional balance.
Lee Appoints Actor Zhang Linghe as First APAC Brand Ambassador
Lee has named Chinese actor Zhang Linghe as its first brand ambassador for the Asia-Pacific region. Known for his on-screen presence and personal style, Zhang stars in the brand’s Easy Rider 761 campaign, highlighting versatile denim looks. The collaboration aims to explore themes of individuality and self-expression through denim, aligning with Lee’s ethos of boldness and creativity.
Swiss Watch Exports Fall by 9.5 Percent in May
Swiss watch exports saw a 9.5 percent drop in May, totaling 2.1 billion Swiss francs, largely due to a sharp 25 percent decline in shipments to the US, the largest market. This fall follows the previous month’s surge, driven by manufacturers rushing to export before expected tariffs. US tariffs of 10 percent on Swiss imports, with the potential to rise to 31 percent, are putting pressure on the industry. Shipments to Asia also dropped, with China, Japan, and Hong Kong seeing double-digit declines. The overall slowdown reflects broader economic challenges in Switzerland.
Shein Faces High Court Lawsuit Over Alleged UK Tax Evasion
Fast fashion retailer Shein is facing a 5.8 million pounds High Court lawsuit in the UK, accused of customs and VAT fraud between 2021 and 2024. Logistics firm IT Way Transgroup claims Shein misrepresented parcel responsibilities to evade taxes on shipments under 135 pounds. Shein has denied the allegations, stating it is pursuing arbitration against the service provider and complies with all laws in its operating markets. The case comes as UK tax authorities review loopholes previously removed by the US and EU.
De Beers Retail Arm Appoints Emmanuelle Nodale as CEO
De Beers London, the retail division of De Beers Group, has named Emmanuelle Nodale as CEO, following Céline Assimon’s departure. A luxury industry veteran with over 20 years’ experience, Nodale previously served as GM of Europe at Pomellato. Her appointment comes as the brand pursues international growth under its Origins strategy, with plans to open a Paris flagship store showcasing a new retail concept later in 2025.
Ben Gorham Exits Byredo as Puig Takes Full Creative Control
Byredo founder Ben Gorham is stepping down from the Swedish luxury brand this month, concluding a creative leadership transition outlined in Puig’s 2022 acquisition deal. Puig, which fully acquired Byredo ahead of its 2024 IPO, plans to expand the brand across categories while preserving its identity. Gorham, who launched Byredo in 2006, is known for redefining luxury with design-forward, culture-driven products. The brand now spans fragrance, cosmetics, jewelry, and lifestyle goods, with 76 stores worldwide.
Global Luxury Market Faces First Real Slowdown in 15 Years
According to Bain & Co. and Altagamma’s Spring 2025 Luxury Market Study, global personal luxury goods sales dropped 1 percent in 2024 to 364 billion euros, with a further 2–5 percent decline expected in 2025 under the most likely scenario. Key factors include trade tensions, market volatility, consumer fatigue over high prices, and geopolitical instability. Despite the dip, emerging markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America show growth potential, and high-net-worth individuals continue to expand. Brands are urged to return to fundamentals and rethink customer engagement strategies.
Authentic Brands Group Names Tim Derner as Global Head of E-Commerce
Authentic Brands Group has appointed Tim Derner as Global Head of E-Commerce. Derner, formerly Director of Fashion and Luxury at Amazon, brings over a decade of experience leading e-commerce operations. At Amazon, he helped scale the platform into a global fashion leader and worked closely on online growth strategies for Authentic brands like Reebok and Brooks Brothers. In his new role, Derner will lead global distribution strategy, focusing on platform partnerships and cross-channel brand expansion. Reporting to President Matt Maddox, he began the role on June 2 and is based in New York.
