In case you missed them the first time around, here are some of Jing Daily’s top posts for the week of February 17-21, 2014.
China’s Looks-Conscious Men Drive Asia Beauty Boom#
Consumer insight firm Kantar Worldpanel’s recent survey of male consumers from China and several other East Asian countries finds that men are a major driving force in Asia’s market for personal grooming products. China’s male grooming segment is rising faster than that of total personal care for both men and women, reaching 7 percent growth in 2013 compared to 5 percent overall. According to the report, this is due to the fact that male grooming brands have emerged rapidly only in recent years, and are catching up to China’s booming beauty business for women.
Bosideng Brings ‘Chinese Sensibility’ To U.S. Menswear Market#
Known in China for its popular down coats, the behemoth brand’s more than 11,000 China stores were just the beginning of what were to be global ambitions. After opening up a flagship store in London in 2012, the company’s pop-up location opened in January in Union Square men’s specialty store Rothman’s. While its items sold in China are more mid-range, the brand is taking an upmarket approach in the West with men’s casualwear and suits.
Chinese Models Make Their Mark On New York Fashion Week#
Now that New York Fashion Week has come to an end, women’s interest blog Jezebel has released its semi-annual report on diversity on the runways. This season, the site finds that the number of Asian models hasn’t gone up dramatically, causing it to note the continued “white-washed” feel of many fashion shows. However, brands with a stronger interest in reaching the China market tended to feature more Chinese models than their peers, along with other efforts that will likely help them stand out to Chinese fashionistas.
Haizhen Wang Kicks Off London Fashion Week With Monochrome-Chic Collection#
Born in China and trained at prestigious Central Saint Martins, Wang hopes his presence at London Fashion Week will help gain recognition for his designs among Chinese consumers. Haizhen Wang S/S 2014 is stocked in a handful of Asian stores, and expansion in the Chinese market is on the horizon. “I have plans to expand in China. At the moment, it depends on how the Paris Fashion Week show is received; then, I will have a clearer indication as to which direction to take,” he said.
Xiao Li Makes London Fashion Week Runway Debut With Iceland-Inspired Looks#
Distinguished China-born, London-based designer Xiao Li is no stranger to success despite her short career span. Her achievements include the Fashion Scout Merit Award for F/W 2014 and the Diesel International Talent Support (ITS) Award. Most recently, she was also named a finalist for the H&M Design Award. Her European success has yet to translate in her home country, but her latest collection could be the catalyst to start the journey for global recognition.
