Proya Names New Global Ambassador, GQ to Launch Hong Kong Edition and China’s Economy Shows Strong Growth

Proya Names Jackson Yee as Global Ambassador

Proya announced Jackson Yee as its new global ambassador and introduced its upgraded Dual-Antioxidant Serum. The product features “Dual-Antioxidant Brightening Technology,” designed to target dull and tired skin. The new line is now available on Tmall’s Black Box platform. To support the launch, Proya also rolled out a range of promotional materials featuring the ambassador to engage younger consumers.

GQ to Launch Hong Kong Edition in Summer 2025

Condé Nast International has announced the launch of GQ Hong Kong, set to debut in summer 2025 through a licensing partnership with Rubicon Publishing. The print edition, scheduled for September 2025, will be published in traditional Chinese and feature a bilingual website and social media presence. The new edition aims to cater to Hong Kong’s sophisticated audience, offering content focused on style, creativity, and authenticity.

China’s Economy Shows Strong Growth with Positive Outlook for Q1 2025

China’s GDP for Q1 2025 reached 31.88 trillion yuan, growing 5.4 percent year-on-year. Key sectors saw solid performance: agriculture grew 4 percent, industrial production rose 6.5 percent, and services increased by 5.3 percent. Retail sales also showed improvement, with total retail sales up 4.6 percent. Despite challenges in global demand, the economy is showing positive momentum, supported by strong macroeconomic policies. The country remains focused on high-quality development and expanding domestic demand.

Duran Lantink Appointed as Jean Paul Gaultier’s Permanent Creative Director

Jean Paul Gaultier has named Duran Lantink as its first permanent creative director since 2020. His debut ready-to-wear collection will launch for Spring/Summer 2026, followed by a couture collection in January. Lantink, known for his gender-fluid designs, will bring continuity to both couture and RTW after a series of guest-designed seasons. His own label will be paused as he takes on the new role.

Nike to Open New Icon Studios in Shanghai to Boost China Market Presence

Nike is launching a new in-house creative studio, Icon Studios, in Shanghai to produce localized content for digital, e-commerce, and social media platforms. The move is part of broader efforts to strengthen its presence in China, which generated $7.5 billion in revenue in fiscal 2024. The studio will be led by former Apple executive Jason King and plans to hire around two dozen staff.

Beiersdorf Q1 Sales Slightly Exceed Forecasts

Beiersdorf reported 3.6 percent organic sales growth in Q1 2025, reaching €2.69 billion, slightly above analyst expectations of €2.65 billion. Growth was led by an 11.4 percent rise in derma division sales, while Nivea saw a 2.5 percent increase. Sales of luxury brand La Prairie declined 17.5 percent, mainly due to market conditions in China. The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance.

China Supports Export-Oriented Enterprises Shifting to Domestic Market

In response to rising tariffs, particularly from the U.S., China’s major e-commerce platforms, supermarkets, and live-streaming services have launched large-scale initiatives to help export-oriented businesses shift to domestic markets. Platforms like JD.com and Pinduoduo have committed billions to support the transition, while retailers like Yonghui Supermarket have set up “green channels” to fast-track product entry. These efforts aim to ease inventory pressure and stabilize production for businesses affected by global trade uncertainties.

Moody’s Investors Service Predicts 10 Percent EBIT Decline for Global Retail Amid Trade War Impact

Moody’s Investors Service has revised its outlook for the global retail and apparel industry, forecasting a more than 10 percent decline in EBIT in 2025 due to U.S. tariffs on China, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. The report highlights that U.S. department stores like Kohl’s and Saks are most vulnerable, while off-price retailers such as TJX and Ross Stores are expected to see slight growth. European retailers will experience slower growth, while companies like Lululemon and Levi Strauss are seen as more insulated from the downturn.