Articles by Diane Vanderschelden
Diane Vanderschelden is a Business Editor for FashionUnited France and UK. She covers the latest economic, financial, and regulatory news shaping the fashion industry. With a keen interest in international dynamics, she focuses on the economic, social, and cultural factors influencing different regions, particularly Asia and Europe, where she has lived for several years.
Shein, Temu, AliExpress: End of duty-free low-cost goods from China in the US
Since May 2, 2025, the US ended a customs rule that allowed Chinese platforms like Shein, Temu and AliExpress to flood the American market with cheap products. This abrupt end to the ‘de minimis’ regime disrupted their business model and reshaped the landscape of global online commerce. Us toughens its stance on Chinese imports Since 4:01am GMT...
BusinessMember6 May 2025
Shein versus Vestiaire Collective: the ideological (and economic) battle over fast fashion
France - Two irreconcilable visions of have fashion clashed. On one side, Shein, a Chinese ultra-fast fashion giant, advocated for fashion “accessible to all”. On the other, Vestiaire Collective, a French pioneer of high-end second-hand fashion, denounced a toxic promise based on social exploitation, textile waste and the endangerment of an...
BusinessFeaturedMember6 May 2025
French companies resist Paris' call
Paris - Since the publication of the AFP article on Sunday, April 21st, regarding the tensions between major French companies and the political powers — an in-depth piece outlining the positions taken by Bercy to encourage several groups to suspend their American projects — none of the main groups concerned — LVMH, Schneider Electric, CMA CGM —...
BusinessMember22 Apr 2025
Fashion in Provence: A craft at risk, a future to build
If French fashion is a showcase of creativity and craftsmanship, it is not immune to the contemporary fractures affecting the textile industry. Between the imperative of "Made in France," the dwindling availability of technical skills, and the isolation of industry players, the South Region (Région Sud) exemplifies the contradictions of a sector...
BusinessFeaturedMember21 Apr 2025
France: intelligent protectionism faced with ultra fast fashion
Paris - Will protectionism become a condition for the survival of the French fashion industry? As the Trump administration relaunched its trade offensive against China in April 2025, imposing massive tariffs on imports, Europe braces for a shockwave that could hit its own market hard. Earlier this week the Fédération Française du Prêt à Porter F...
BusinessMember17 Apr 2025
Le Coq Sportif: A high-stakes battle to save the French icon
The future of Le Coq Sportif hangs in the balance over the coming weeks. Placed in receivership since November 2024, the historic sportswear brand, official outfitter of the French delegation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has attracted interest from two potential buyers. One, backed by the French government, appears best positioned to ensure...
BusinessFeaturedMember1 Apr 2025
Richemont, a fundamental reorganisation at the top of the watchmaking industry
Richemont Group, officially known as Compagnie Financière Richemont SA, is embarking on a major transformation of its internal organisation. Under the leadership of CEO Nicolas Bos, the Specialist Watchmakers (SWM) division is being dissolved, leading to strategic reassignments within the group's watchmaking companies. Among these changes,...
Business|Background Member20 Mar 2025
EU backs projects to strengthen India's textile industry
Last week, on February 15, the European Union (EU) and the Indian Ministry of Textiles jointly launched seven new projects to strengthen India’s textile and handicrafts industry. The initiatives, funded by the EU to the tune of 9.5 million euros (approximately INR 85.5 crore), were unveiled on the sidelines of the Bharat Tex event. They aim to...
BusinessMember18 Feb 2025
Shein attempts to reassure investors as IPO faces uncertainty
Shein, China's much-maligned fast fashion giant, is trying to reassure investors after US President Donald Trump's decision to end the de minimis regime, which exempted low-value imports from China from customs duties. The move could significantly impact the company's business model, as it prepares to go public in London. In a letter to...
BusinessFeaturedMember18 Feb 2025
Solid financial results for Hermès in 2024
Paris, February 14, 2025 – Hermès continues to assert its leadership position in the luxury industry with impressive 2024 annual results. In an uncertain economic and geopolitical context, the group recorded double-digit growth in both revenue and profitability, confirming the relevance of its artisanal and exclusive model. An exceptional year...
BusinessFeaturedMember14 Feb 2025