Latest news with #Chanel
Wall Street Journal
2 hours ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Trying to Dethrone the Birkin? Make Fewer Bags
Chanel is discovering that it's hard going toe-to-toe with the Hermès RMS 0.40%increase; green up pointing triangle Birkin bag. A much smaller American brand, The Row, is becoming a more convincing challenger. Two of France's most famous luxury brands grew roughly in lockstep from 2018 until a change last year. Chanel is privately owned but recently published annual results showing sales fell 4% in 2024 and operating profit dropped almost a third. Meanwhile, Hermès grew sales 15% last year and operating profit rose 9%.
CNA
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
Wings, comets and lions: Inside Chanel's new high jewellery collection reveal in Kyoto
"Winging it" took on new meaning for me when I came face to face with Reach For The Stars, Chanel's newest high jewellery collection unveiled at the Meiji Kotokan Hall of the Kyoto National Museum in Japan. Stunning as the sizeable 109-piece collection imagined from three key elements – the comet, the wings and the lion – was, I found myself particularly drawn to the newly introduced wings motif. Largely, it was the novelty of it. After all, it is the first time this wing-shaped motif is making an appearance as a key theme. Before this, Chanel's high jewellery selection used to only revolve around the two other motifs that Gabrielle Chanel held close to her heart. The comet held special significance for the fiercely superstitious fashion icon, who one suspects wished upon the star more often than she would care to admit. And because she was born under the Leo astrological sign, the mademoiselle believed wholeheartedly in the lion's protective instinct towards its wearer. What's enchanting is the allusion to these wings. Patrice Leguereau, the late director of Chanel's jewellery creation studio, took inspiration from an extract by the fashion visionary: 'If you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent them from growing.' THE WINGS And just like that, Chanel "grew" wings. Not just any old wings though but mythical looking ones that look like they leapt right out of a fantastical Greek legend. To my mind, the wing-inspired repertoire is comparable to a beautiful picture book of fabled tales. To inject life into the collection, Leguereau created jewellery pieces 'illuminated by the rays of the sunset and beyond' that perfectly captures 'the magical moment between day and night when high jewellery sparkles on the skin'. The star of the wings repertoire is, no doubt, the Wings of Chanel necklace that features an astonishing 19.55-carat cushion-cut Padparadscha sapphire – one of the most expensive and rarest sapphires in the world. 'Padparadscha means lotus flower in the rising sun,' explained Dorothee Saintville, Chanel's international product marketing director of Watches and Fine Jewellery. 'It is very poetic. The white petals of the lotus flower reflect the rays of the rising sun and the flower becomes iridescent. That is the idea of the golden hour behind the collection.' The exceptional pink-orange hue of the gemstone headlines Leguereau's sunset theme. The flamboyant necklace features a detachable pendant that can also be worn as a bracelet and the matching ring topped by an 8.15-carat D-flawless oval-cut diamond is designed as a set. Both the Pretty Wings Sapphire and the Pink Hour sets come in pink gold and pink sapphires to depict the magical hour of dusk. While the reds that come by way of spessartite garnets in the Sunny Days set and the rubies in the Wild At Heart set are stellar examples of a flaming sky. Of note is the set of five brooches aptly named Five Wings. This one-off set, which took three years to complete, is a collaborative effort between Leguereau and prominent Kyoto-based lacquer artisan Yoshio Okada. While this is not the first time the house has tapped Okada's expertise – they have previously worked together on the Artistic Feather jewellery set and a precious coromandel box – this is by far the most impressive showcase. 'Urushi or Japanese lacquer is the most refined lacquer,' Saintville said. Prized no less than precious gemstones, urushi has been exemplary of Japanese refinement for centuries. Okada's Midas gestures are akin to snapshots of wings in mid-flight. THE COMET Drawing attention to the comets on one of the brooches, Saintville highlighted: 'The comet is like a thread between the three [motifs]. The comet is always present. Even if the wing is present as a major element, you still have the comet. The same for the lion.' Since Madame Chanel designed Bijoux de Diamants, her one and only high jewellery collection from 1932 and based on a single theme of the comet, the star-shaped symbol has remained the crown jewel inspiring every single collection that followed since. Reimagined in a 'lengthened' format for the collection, the newly interpretated comet has somehow managed to become 'even more radiant' thanks to an American red-carpet sensibility that influenced Leguereau's vision for this high jewellery collection. It has to be said that this sensibility is a reaction to Madame Chanel's stint in Hollywood. In the 1930s, she was invited to design movie star Gloria Swanson's costumes for the movie Tonight Or Never. There, she acquired a taste for diamond cascades, impressive cocktail rings and striking necklaces. Reminiscent of Chanel's OG comet from 1932, the new Dreams Come True necklace is a dress code all its own. It is designed to look like the plunging neckline of a couture dress crafted in white gold, black-coated gold and a cascade of diamonds as Chanel herself would have described it. And of course, the showstopper is the sparkling 6.06-carat diamond that sits atop the comet that cinches the beguiling necklace. THE LION Also, same but different is the lion motif. 'Patrice used to interpret [the lion] with sculptural lines that is very powerful but this time, it's very airy, celestial and it also has wings. This is a new interpretation,' shared Saintville. The lion motif was first found on the buttons of Madame Chanel's tweed jacket – she believed that they would watch over her. The lion has since gone on to inspire everything from perfumes, fine jewellery and even high jewellery. The Embrace Your Destiny necklace is characterised by two fiercely protective, wing-tip lions that are said to act as guardians to its wearing. Each lion bears the weight of a 5.6-carat pear-shaped diamond. The mademoiselle would have felt absolutely safe under their watch. Intrigued by the storybook fantasy the motifs offer and the possibilities they bring? The collection encourages one and all to look up to the skies and reach for the stars. "The collection is an open invitation to dream, to shine," Saintville teased.
Buzz Feed
12 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
30 Things You'll Love For Your 'Lazy Chic' Summer Era
A layered necklace set that can easily turn any outfit from "barely tried" to "chic minimalist." Reviewers rave about their high quality at this price point, including the fact that they don't tarnish quickly! Plus, the chains are separate, so you have the freedom to arrange and adjust them to your liking. A square-neck cami reviewers *love* for the buttery soft, double-layered fabric, saying it feels like the high-end, expensive brands. Plus, that Y2K energy is always welcome for those summer 'fits. A spandex-blend slip maxi dress that'll have you looking absolutely sophisticated *and* staying comfy at the same time. Reviewers *love* how the material is just as soft as the trendy Skims version... and some even say it's better! Slingback heels, which blend comfort and elegance in the most gorgeous way. Their timeless style might just make them one of your most-used pairs — they'll take you from your daily office routine to casual lunch dates to evening drinks. They also give *major* Chanel vibes. Or some breathable pointed-toe flats ready to keep your feet cushioned and decked out in style. They look and feel as high-quality as Rothy's or Vivaia, without having to spend the extra $70–$100. The stretchy knit upper is comfy and trendy-looking (office days just got a whole lot better!) and you can toss 'em in the wash before they even have the *chance* to get stinky. A basic long-sleeve shirt, aka a super classic staple. It's clean-cut, versatile, and just what you need if it's too warm for a jacket but the nights remain chilly. A set of beautiful pearl hair clips for when you feel like you're having a bad hair day and just want to put your hair up in a hurry. This lets you do just that, but in a very ~pretty~ way. Plus, they come in a variety styles and sizes! A K-beauty Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil made with soothing apple water to help moisturize and soften your lips without giving you that icky sticky finish. It's the perfect way to give your lips a lovely, natural-looking flush in a snap. Or Nyx's Fat Oil Lip Drip, which might just kick that $40 Dior lip oil out of your cart for good. It's enriched with vegan squalane, raspberry, and cloudberry oils to deliver a surge of deep moisture for the soft, supple lips of your dreams — and all while delivering some serious shimmer! And? IT'S UNDER $10. Sold. A pair of oversize square sunnies to throw on for an instant style boost, no matter what you're wearing. The polarized lenses offer UV 400 protection, so not only will you look amazing, but your eyes will also be shielded from those harsh rays. Plus, reviewers say they look just like the ones from Bottega Veneta! A long-sleeve bodysuit because it's basically saying "Look at me! Look at me!" before you pull the trigger on that Skims bodysuit. The "Smoke Cloud" fabric is buttery smooth and *not* sheer, and the sweetheart neckline will add a little extra charm to your ensemble even if it's being paired with your fave faded jeans. And a lightweight, stretchy tank top bodysuit you can wear under your clothing as shapewear or pair with jeans to achieve an outfit that has countless ways to accessorize. 😍 It's seamless, breathable, and will hug your body *just* right. Glossier's Cloud Paint for a quick and easy way to add a rosy tint to your cheeks and give your lovely face some dimension. Plus! It's meant to be applied with your fingertips — no brush required! A win for the lazy blush lovers. A soft, oversize V-neck T-shirt that can be worn loose and untucked for a slouchy, carefree look or French-tucked into a pair of jeans when you want a chic vibe. Truly such a versatile wardrobe staple. A faux leather belt — this beauty costs less than a designer keychain, and it will get *10* times the use. Step aside, Gucci. This belt will tie a whole ensemble together and make it look runway-ready with barely any effort. An eyebrow soap kit that's dying to make your acquaintance if you want Anastasia-level results at a drugstore price. This helps you sculpt your brows so they have the exact shape, volume, and texture you want for those trendy, fluffy brows in just minutes. Reviewers rave about how well they stay in place, even after hours! A bottle of Glossier's Perfecting Skin Tint because it blends so effortlessly into your skin, it'll be like snapping your fingers and having a light, natural-looking filter pop onto your face. It's designed to even out discoloration and give you a dewy, skin-like finish without being as heavy (or annoying) as a traditional foundation. Or a L'Oreal glow-enhancing lotion — a reviewer-fave swap for pricier options like Glossier Futuredew and Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Drops. It'll have you looking glowy, sun-kissed, and ready for that lunchtime walk you planned your whole day around. The glycerin and shea butter in it also give it a mega hydrating factor. It's a lotion, glowy foundation base, and highlighter all in one bottle. A Revlon hot-air brush that'll save you more than double the time it takes you to style your hair with a traditional blowdryer and round brush. This magical tool will give you soft, smooth waves with just a few passes! A set of hair spin pins, which do the work of 20 bobby pins and help you create a quick and easy updo for those busy mornings when you're on your way out and just need your hair OUT of your face. A CZ tennis bracelet, because a small, twinkly accessory can add an upscale factor to any outfit. And just look at that Swarovski-like sparkle it gives off (no one would ever know that it's actually cubic zirconia). Live Tinted's Huestick Corrector, aka a beauty arsenal all-star. This baby is a 4-in-1 eye, lip, and cheek multistick that can be used as a buildable blush or lip color *and* helps neutralize dark spots and circles to help even out your skin tone. Check, check, and check! A popular long-lasting eyeliner stamp so that the nemesis of your makeup routine is no longer such a hard step. Say goodbye to wasting all your cotton balls (and all those extra minutes you could've used making your coffee) on failed attempts at a flawless eyeliner flick. This stamp will do it for you! A benzene-free mattifying dry shampoo powder if you just DON'T have time (or energy) for an "everything" shower. This is infused with biotin, black ginseng, and root-boosting powder and comes with a conveniently attached puff so that you can dab, dab, dab away all that excess oil and grease to instantly add some volume back into your hair. An air-dry leave-in cream to banish frizz and transform your curls into silky, irresistible locks. The best part? You don't even need a blow-dryer (or any heat-styling tools for that matter)! This cream works its magic as your hair air dries. An oversize knit sweater because a cozy article of clothing with a little extra touch of ~style~ is always needed for lounging year-round! It's perfect for pairing with jeans or tucking into a simple skirt. A lightweight jumpsuit — your trusty one-and-done ensemble, and reviewers say it's perfect for summer! Its elastic waist, keyhole back, and elegant off-the-shoulder design make for an effortlessly put-together look on your next night out or backyard BBQ. Oh, and it has over 35,000 5-star ratings! These glamorous reusable magnetic lashes that'll have you turning heads one blink at a time. Say goodbye to struggling with glue and wasted lashes — each set of these sticks right to the included eyeliner, so you can finally toss that goopy glue out. A floral crewneck long sleeve, because what's warm weather without some classic floral print? Whether you wear it with your fave pair of skinny jeans or pair it with a skirt and some boots, this versatile piece easily elevates your outfit. A pack of knotted stretchy headbands for those days when all you wanna do is throw your hair into a messy bun, but also want a way of adding some instant ~chic~ to it.
Qatar Tribune
14 hours ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Vietnam cracks down on fake goods as United States tariffs loom
Agencies Since the United States accused Vietnam of being a hub for counterfeit goods, Tran Le Chi has found it increasingly hard to track down her favorite fake Chanel T-shirts, Gucci sunglasses and Louis Vuitton handbags. As Vietnam's government tries to head off President Donald Trump's threatened 46 percent tariff, it has launched a crackdown on fake products - in part to show responsiveness to US concerns. Now there are streets filled with shuttered shops in Hanoi and rows of closed stalls at Saigon Square shopping mall, a major clothing market in Ho Chi Minh City - the kind of places Chi used to go to buy her latest gear. 'The clothes help me look trendy,' Chi told AFP. 'Why would I care if they are fake or not?' Chi - a betting agent for an illegal game known as lo-de, where punters predict the last two lotto numbers of the standard daily draw - said she had never paid more than $40 per 'designer' item. 'Only the super-rich people can afford the real ones,' she added. 'They're not for people like us.' Communist-run Vietnam is a manufacturing powerhouse that produces clothing and footwear for international brands, with the United States its number-one export market in the first five months of 2025. But it also has a thriving market for counterfeit goods. In a report published by the US Trade Representative in January, Saigon Square shopping mall was flagged as a major market for the sale of fake luxury items including handbags, wallets, jewelry and watches. The report noted government efforts to stamp out the trade, but said 'low penalties have had little deterrent effect' and 'counterfeit products remain rampant'. Shop owner Hoa, a pseudonym to protect her identity, said almost all of the fake Nike, Lacoste and North Face products she sells in her shop in Hanoi's old quarter are from China - but tagged with a 'Made in Vietnam' label to make them seem authentic. She insists that all her customers know what they're getting. 'My clients are those who cannot afford authentic products,' Hoa said. 'I've never cheated anyone.' Hanoi and Washington are in the thick of trade talks, with Vietnam doing everything it can to avoid the crushing 46 percent tariff that could come into force in early July. Vietnam's trade ministry ordered authorities in April to tighten control over the origin of goods after the Trump administration accused the country of facilitating Chinese exports to the United States and allowing Beijing to get around tariffs. The public security ministry also said there would be a three-month-long crackdown - until mid-August - on counterfeit goods. Nguyen Thanh Nam, deputy head of the agency for domestic market surveillance and development, said last week that in the first five months of the year, more than 7,000 cases of counterfeit products worth more than $8 million had been discovered. He added that 1,000 fake Rolex watches had been seized from Saigon Square shopping mall. Mounds of vitamins, cosmetics and sweets - seemingly also counterfeits - have appeared at waste grounds outside cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, while fake electronics including Marshall speakers and smartwatches have been confiscated.
Kuwait Times
18 hours ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Vietnam cracks down on fake goods as US tariffs loom
HANOI: Since the United States accused Vietnam of being a hub for counterfeit goods, Tran Le Chi has found it increasingly hard to track down her favorite fake Chanel T-shirts, Gucci sunglasses and Louis Vuitton handbags. As Vietnam's government tries to head off President Donald Trump's threatened 46 percent tariff, it has launched a crackdown on fake products - in part to show responsiveness to US concerns. Now there are streets filled with shuttered shops in Hanoi and rows of closed stalls at Saigon Square shopping mall, a major clothing market in Ho Chi Minh City - the kind of places Chi used to go to buy her latest gear. 'The clothes help me look trendy,' Chi told AFP. 'Why would I care if they are fake or not?' Chi - a betting agent for an illegal game known as lo-de, where punters predict the last two lotto numbers of the standard daily draw - said she had never paid more than $40 per 'designer' item. 'Only the super-rich people can afford the real ones,' she added. 'They're not for people like us.' Communist-run Vietnam is a manufacturing powerhouse that produces clothing and footwear for international brands, with the United States its number-one export market in the first five months of 2025. But it also has a thriving market for counterfeit goods. In a report published by the US Trade Representative in January, Saigon Square shopping mall was flagged as a major market for the sale of fake luxury items including handbags, wallets, jewelry and watches. The report noted government efforts to stamp out the trade, but said 'low penalties have had little deterrent effect' and 'counterfeit products remain rampant'. Shop owner Hoa, a pseudonym to protect her identity, said almost all of the fake Nike, Lacoste and North Face products she sells in her shop in Hanoi's old quarter are from China - but tagged with a 'Made in Vietnam' label to make them seem authentic. She insists that all her customers know what they're getting. 'My clients are those who cannot afford authentic products,' Hoa said. 'I've never cheated anyone.' Rolex watches, Marshall speakers Hanoi and Washington are in the thick of trade talks, with Vietnam doing everything it can to avoid the crushing 46 percent tariff that could come into force in early July. Vietnam's trade ministry ordered authorities in April to tighten control over the origin of goods after the Trump administration accused the country of facilitating Chinese exports to the United States and allowing Beijing to get around tariffs. The public security ministry also said there would be a three-month-long crackdown - until mid-August - on counterfeit goods. Nguyen Thanh Nam, deputy head of the agency for domestic market surveillance and development, said last week that in the first five months of the year, more than 7,000 cases of counterfeit products worth more than $8 million had been discovered. He added that 1,000 fake Rolex watches had been seized from Saigon Square shopping mall. Mounds of vitamins, cosmetics and sweets - seemingly also counterfeits - have appeared at waste grounds outside cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, while fake electronics including Marshall speakers and smartwatches have been confiscated. Police have not specified the origin of the goods, but Vietnam was Southeast Asia's biggest buyer of Chinese products in 2024, with a bill of $161.9 billion. Nguyen Khac Giang, visiting fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, said that although there were other aims of the drive, including improving Vietnam's business environment and formalizing the retail sector, 'the campaign plays a role in Vietnam's strategy to appease the US'. 'The effort partly reflects Vietnam's intent to show responsiveness to US concerns,' he said. But for Hoa, her livelihood is on the line. Her shop has been closed for almost two weeks and she has no idea how to restart the business. 'I have sold these sorts of clothes for a decade and experienced no problem at all. Now they crack down on us, it's hard to figure out how I continue,' she said.- AFP
