Muji Celebrates 20th Anniversary, emis Expands in Southern China and Goodai Global Plans to Acquire Skinfood
West Gate Holdings Set to Become China’s First Public Perfume Company
West Gate Holdings, originally a Hong Kong-based distributor, has passed the HKEX listing hearing and is expected to go public by September. Founded in 1987, the company manages 72 international beauty and fragrance brands and owns the Santa Monica brand. Perfume accounts for over 80 percent of its revenue, with a sales network spanning over 400 cities and 8,000 retail locations.
Chanel Launches Nevold, a Circular B2B Materials Platform Nevold
Chanel has launched Nevold, an independent B2B hub for developing circular materials, led by former Patou CEO Sophie Brocart. The initiative includes partners like L’Atelier des Matières and Authentic Material, and aims to scale the reuse of natural fibers such as wool, silk, and leather across fashion, sportswear, and hospitality sectors. Chanel invested 50–80 million euros into the project, which operates separately to enable broader industry collaboration. Nevold will also supply other brands with recycled materials and expand into sectors like automotive and aviation.
EU Textile and Clothing Imports Surge Amid Shifting Global Trade Dynamics
In Q1 2025, EU imports of clothing and textiles rose by 21 percent and 16 percent respectively, with Asian countries such as China up 29 percent, Bangladesh up 33 percent, and Vietnam up 22 percent seeing strong growth. Textile imports from Asia also increased by 28 percent. Meanwhile, EU exports declined—clothing exports fell 2 percent and textiles 4 percent, with a notable 15 percent drop in clothing exports to Asia. China, a key market, cut both clothing and textile imports from Europe by 15 percent and 19 percent respectively.
Louis Vuitton Returns as Lead Partner of 2025 Aranya Theater Festival
Louis Vuitton has been named the lead partner of the 2025 Aranya Theater Festival, marking its third consecutive collaboration with the event. Held from June 19 to 29 on China’s Gold Coast, the festival will feature hundreds of artists across theater, music, dance, and visual arts under the theme “Emotion and Rationality.” The brand will sponsor the “Public Art by the Sea” segment, including cross-disciplinary dialogues and screenings.
China’s Platinum Stockpiling Tightens Global Supply
Johnson Matthey, the world’s second-largest platinum refiner, reports a surge in platinum imports by Chinese manufacturers, leading to global supply constraints and pushing prices to a two-year high. While consumer demand for platinum jewelry in China remains modest, wholesalers and retailers are increasing inventories. Analysts caution that excess stock could impact future production. Automotive demand, a key driver for platinum, is also projected to decline, potentially limiting long-term price gains.
Muji Marks 20 Years in China with “Muji: Resonance” Campaign
To celebrate its 20th anniversary in mainland China, Muji has launched the “Muji: Resonance” campaign, reflecting on its expansion to 414 stores across 81 cities since opening its first Shanghai location in 2005. The brand emphasizes its commitment to minimalist design, local product development, and ESG practices. Anniversary events include a special edition magazine, traveling exhibition, and seasonal promotions, with the official Muji app set to relaunch soon.
Korean Fashion Brand emis Launches First Pop-Up Store in Southern China
Popular Korean fashion label emis, known for its celebrity following including Blackpink’s Jisoo and Chinese actress Yang Mi, has opened its first pop-up store in southern China. The event launched on June 5 at Shenzhen’s MixC World, offering limited-edition items and a Seoul-inspired immersive space. The pop-up marks emis’s strategic entry into the southern China market, with plans for a flagship store in development.
Korean Beauty Startup Goodai Global Plans to Acquire Skincare Brand Skinfood
Korean startup Goodai Global is reportedly planning to acquire legacy skincare brand Skinfood for around 150 billion KRW, in partnership with private equity firm The Hahm Partners. The deal, pending finalization, would mark Skinfood’s second ownership transfer since its 2019 acquisition by Pine Tree Partners. Founded in 2004, Skinfood once thrived on its “food-based skincare” concept, particularly in the Chinese market. Goodai aims to revitalize the brand by leveraging its overseas recognition and repositioning it within today’s digital-first beauty landscape.
