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.
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...
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A level playing field for fashion brands – but at what cost to the market?
While the U.S. government's expanded tariff regime aims to create a more level playing field for fashion brands by covering virtually all major apparel-exporting nations, the industry is grappling with a crucial question: at what cost to the market will this "fairness" be achieved? This article will analyze the potential benefits of a more...
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FW25 collections under pressure: tariffs reshape pricing and production timelines
The fashion industry's meticulous planning for the Fall/Winter 2025 season has been thrown into turmoil. As buyers finalize orders, a seismic shockwave in the form of sweeping new tariffs has collided with supply chains, forcing U.S. retailers to confront a perfect storm of logistical disruptions, pricing dilemmas, and escalating financial risk....
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Industry federations sound the alarm: “Tariffs will hurt, not help”
The U.S. government's decision to impose sweeping new tariffs on apparel and footwear imports has triggered a wave of alarm from industry associations, who argue forcefully that these measures will inflict significant economic damage far outweighing any potential benefits. The industry's opposition The American Apparel & Footwear Association...
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Who imports the most? U.S. apparel giants brace for soaring tariffs
The global apparel trade is a complex web of production and consumption, with certain nations playing dominant roles as importers. While the United States is a significant player, understanding the full picture requires examining broader international trade flows. In 2023, the European Union emerged as the world's leading apparel importer,...
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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...
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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,...
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A night of fashion & innovation: The 2025 WindowsWear Awards
On February 4, the WindowsWear Awards celebrated creativity in fashion and retail, bringing together top brands, creative directors, and industry leaders in New York City. This annual event recognises innovation across retail design, digital experiences, marketing, and beyond. To explore the significance of the Awards and their influence on the...
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Investments, trade, and diplomacy: The EU bets on India
The European Commission made an official visit to India on February 27–28, marking a new step in strengthening diplomatic and trade relations between the two powers. This visit, which brought together more than twenty European commissioners, aimed to revive a "strategic partnership" between the EU and India, focusing on three key areas: trade,...
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EU’s sustainability reporting shake-up: What’s changing and what it means for fashion
The European Commission is moving forward with amendments to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) through its “Simplification Omnibus Package.” A leaked draft has sparked heated debate, revealing major shifts in reporting thresholds, compliance timelines, and due...
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