China

Resetting China’s Luxury Compass

Illustration: Paul Price for BoF

In spite of the country’s slowing economy, stock market turmoil and a climate of uncertainty, China’s luxury market still presents lucrative opportunities if you know which direction to look.

Can China End the Illicit ‘Daigou’ Trade?

Chinese shopper | Source: Reuters

Lowering import tariffs and tightening customs controls are among the Chinese government’s strategies for curbing “selling agents” who trade in luxury goods at lower prices. Will it work?

India

What India’s Currency Crackdown Means for Fashion

India is withdrawing 500 and 1,000 rupee notes from circulation in an attempt to crack down on “black money” | Source: Shutterstock

In an effort to clamp down on corruption, India has withdrawn 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. BoF examines how it could fundamentally change the way people shop.

Is India the Solution to Fashion’s Woes?

Indian model Bhumika Arora wears Alexander McQueen at Le Mill and Nirav Modi jewels | Source: Le Mill

India remains one of the most conspicuous growth opportunities for a global luxury market stuck in a rut.

India, the Fashion World’s Next Manufacturing Powerhouse?

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the inauguration ceremony of the ‘Make In India’ week in Mumbai | Source: Courtesy

The ‘Make in India’ campaign is raising the profile and prospects of India’s garment and textile industry.

Russia

Is the Worst Over in Russia?

Giorgio Armani stages a show in Moscow this April | Source: Courtesy

As international executives and diplomats flock to the Saint Petersburg Economic Forum, is there cause for tentative optimism in Russia’s downtrodden luxury market?

Oil Collapse Hits Fashion Markets

Source: Shutterstock

In emerging markets that rely on oil to keep their economies buoyant, the drastic drop in price is making fashion leaders nervous.

East Asia

Can Seoul Fashion Week Turn Buzz into Business

Seoul’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza | Source: Shutterstock

With a strong manufacturing base, government funding and a globe-conquering pop culture, Seoul Fashion Week wants to become a destination for international buyers. But it won’t be easy.

North Korea’s Fashion Secrets

North Korea’s armistice anniversary parade on Kim Il-Sung square | Source: Getty

Fashion is an increasingly important tool for North Korea’s ‘black market generation’ to make small but significant changes to the culture and economy of the secretive state.

In Japan, Luxury Flourishes While Economy Flounders

Ginza shopping district in Tokyo | Source: Shutterstock

Japan’s economy is dipping in and out of recession, but the country is still one of the bright spots in the global luxury goods market. BoF reports.

UK

As Brexit Looms, Prime Minister Theresa May Looks to the Future of British Fashion

Prime Minister Theresa May with apprentices and scholarship winners; from L-R: Callum Brooke (Burberry Apprentice), Emma Sheldon (RA Smart Holdings), Mark Glasgow (Graduate Traineeship Winner), Hannah Porter (Graduate Traineeship Winner), Prime Minister Theresa May, Nabil El-Nayal (MA Scholarship Winner), Serena Gili (MA Scholarship Winner), Tom Chapman (Private White V.C Apprentice), Sam Lavelle (John Smedley Apprentice)

In her address to the British fashion industry last night, Prime Minister Theresa May never directly addressed Brexit. Here, leading figures share their thoughts on the UK’s looming split from the EU.

US

Why Americans Aren’t Shopping

An american flag on display in Macy’s in Chicago | Source: Shutterstock

Unemployment is down, gas is cheap and interest rates remain low. So why is American retail suffering?

Post Election, a Country Divided

Illustration by Costanza Milano

Data shows Donald Trump supporters, buoyed by his win, spent more on apparel after the US election than Hillary Clinton supporters.

Why Fashion Will Learn to Love Melania Trump

Melania Trump, future first lady of the United States | Source: Shutterstock

Despite the fashion community’s near-unanimous support of Hillary Clinton, it will not be able to ignore that America’s future First Lady’s style now has a global platform.

France

In Wake of Terror Attacks, What Lies Ahead for France’s Luxury Industry?

Aerial view of Paris| Source: Shutterstock

France has been rocked by three tragic terrorism-related events in the past 18 months, raising questions about the long-term impact on France’s $18 billion fashion and luxury sector.

In Paris, Security Fears Threaten Luxury Sales

Paris, November 18, 2015 | Source: Shutterstock

Can the French authorities counteract the growing sentiment that the City of Light is not as safe as it once was?

Africa

Why Africa’s Musicians are a Marketing Goldmine

Yemi Alade and D’Banj with their awards at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2015 | Source: Getty

Stylish, dynamic and extremely popular, Afrobeats stars are brand ambassadors for many multinationals in Africa but the fashion industry has yet to grasp their value.

Made in Ethiopia: Fashion’s Next Sourcing Hub?

The Huajian shoe factory near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Photo: Aida Muluneh

Ethiopian manufacturers are becoming increasingly competitive and ambitious, but can East Africa really provide an affordable sourcing alternative to Asia?

Brazil

The Trouble with Brazil’s Luxury Market

Ipanema beach, Rio de Janeiro | Source: Shutterstock

Facing a weak economy and widespread government corruption, Brazil’s luxury consumers are weary. Yet fashion brands continue to invest in the country.

Middle East

The Potential of Pilgrim Retail

Pilgrims in Mecca during Hajj | Source: Flickr/Omar Chatriwala

New retail developments in Jeddah and Mecca are evidence of the opportunity presented by increasing numbers of pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.

Momentum in Dubai, Middle East’s Fashion Mecca

Illustration: Noma Bar for BoF

With a new fashion council, a revamped fashion week and a growing reputation as a launch pad for big brand events, Dubai is evolving into a fully-fledged fashion capital for the Middle East and North African market.

Cuba

Cuba’s Ambitious Fashion ‘Cuentapropistas’

Havana, Cuba | Source: Shutterstock

Economic reforms, improved relations with the US and even Chanel’s upcoming Cruise show are all encouraging signs, but the future of the Cuban fashion market still remains uncertain.

Havana Hanging in the Balance

Havana | Source: Shutterstock

Tim Blanks reports from Havana, finding the Kardashians and Kanye West amongst white clad adherents of Santeria in a city on the cusp of a new revolution.

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