Gucci owner Kering is backing Chinese fashion brand Icicle. Can it become a global luxury name?
Buoyed by success at home, Shanghai-founded Icicle is setting its sights on London, Milan and the US. With backing from Gucci owner Kering, the brand is betting that Chinese luxury can find a place on the global stage.
Chinese fashion brand Icicle, founded in 1997 and based in Shanghai, is expanding its reach internationally with the backing of Gucci owner Kering. Despite challenges within the luxury sector, Icicle aims to open stores in London, Milan, and the US, having received a minority investment from Kering in April. The Shanghai-founded label, known for its minimalist ready-to-wear clothing in cashmere and silk, recently appointed former Gucci designer Sabato De Sarno as creative director.
Executive president of Icicle's parent company ICCF, Louise Xu, stated that Kering's involvement will help accelerate the brand's international development, leveraging the European expertise the group brings. While still a small player compared to luxury giants like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, Icicle's success in China and growing popularity among homegrown Chinese brands make its international expansion a noteworthy move.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
