Uniqlo, the Japanese clothing retailer, has filed a lawsuit in Japan against Chinese rival Shein and its subsidiaries over copycats of its popular crossbody pouch called the 'Mary Poppins carryall'. Uniqlo is demanding the immediate cessation of sales of the imitation products and compensation for damages incurred. The nylon Round Mini Shoulder Bag, priced at $19.90 in the US, has become Uniqlo's best-selling bag ever. Shein, valued at $66 billion last year, has been accused of exploiting unpaid labor and encouraging overconsumption. Uniqlo's lawsuit comes after Chinese-owned online retailer Temu sued Shein in a US court last month, accusing it of 'mafia-style' intimidation tactics. Shein Japan has not commented on the lawsuit. Uniqlo has filed a lawsuit against Shein, claiming that the fast-fashion retailer is selling bags that closely resemble Uniqlo's viral shoulder bag. The legal case was filed in Tokyo and Uniqlo is concerned that Shein's bags could harm customer confidence in the brand. Uniqlo has demanded that Shein immediately cease selling its version of the bag and has asked for compensation for damages incurred. This follows other legal battles that Shein has faced, including a lawsuit filed by Temu alleging mafia-style intimidation of suppliers. Shein has stated that it believes the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend itself.
Fashionistas in California have filed a class-action lawsuit against luxury fashion brand Hermes for refusing to sell them a Birkin handbag unless they buy other luxury products first. The lawsuit alleges that customers have to spend tens of thousands of dollars on scarves, shoes, and belts to have the opportunity to purchase one of the highly sought-after purses. It claims that only customers deemed worthy are shown a Birkin handbag in a private room and that there is no way to order a bag in the specific style, size, color, leather, and hardware that a consumer wants. The lawsuit argues that this practice violates antitrust laws by artificially inflating the effective cost of the product. Sales associates at Hermes receive no commission on a Birkin bag but earn three percent on the sale of other Hermes items. The lawsuit against Hermes was filed in California, United States.
Luxury handbag maker Coach has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Gap's Old Navy unit for illegally selling T-shirts with the word 'Coach' without permission. Coach and its parent company, Tapestry, claim that the sale of the T-shirts is likely to confuse customers into believing Coach was involved, causing irreparable harm to their brand. Coach is seeking unspecified damages for trademark infringement, counterfeiting, and violations of a California unfair competition law. Gap has declined to comment on the lawsuit.
In Milan, Italy, Dior and Armani's units have been placed under judicial administration for one year after they were accused of exploiting workers and not abiding by labor laws. Startling revelations were made after Italian police raided the Milan units. It was discovered that Dior paid $57 to produce bags that are sold for $2,780 in retail, while Armani pays contractors $99 per bag for products that are sold for more than $1,900 in stores. The workers were sleeping in the facility so bags could be produced around the clock. The subcontractors were Chinese-owned firms and most of the workers were from China. Seven workers did not have required documentation and two were living in the country illegally. LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault is the world's third richest person and his daughter, Delphine Arnault, is the CEO of Dior.
South Korea's first lady, Kim Keon-hee, has been questioned by prosecutors over allegations of stock manipulation and corruption involving a $2,200 luxury handbag. The opposition has called for a special probe into the first lady for accepting the Dior bag in violation of government ethics rules and her alleged role in a stock manipulation scheme. Prosecutors conducted 'face-to-face questioning' of Kim on Saturday. The scandal, which emerged after hidden camera footage was released last year showing Kim accepting the luxury designer handbag, has negatively impacted President Yoon Suk-yeol's approval ratings and contributed to a defeat for his party in general elections in April. Kim's aide stated that the first lady had intended to return the bag but forgot to do so. Initially dismissing the bag scandal as a 'political scheme,' Yoon later apologized for his wife's acceptance of the bag. Kim has previously faced public scrutiny over falsified credentials during Yoon's presidential campaign.
[9d9f45d1] [79a1fa14]