Fashion Retailer H&M to Launch in Brazil

The H&M clothing store is seen in Times Square in Manhattan, New York, US, November 15, 2019. (Reuters)
The H&M clothing store is seen in Times Square in Manhattan, New York, US, November 15, 2019. (Reuters)
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Fashion Retailer H&M to Launch in Brazil

The H&M clothing store is seen in Times Square in Manhattan, New York, US, November 15, 2019. (Reuters)
The H&M clothing store is seen in Times Square in Manhattan, New York, US, November 15, 2019. (Reuters)

Fashion retailer H&M will launch stores and online trade in Brazil in 2025, the company said on Monday.

H&M opened its first store in Latin America in Mexico in 2012, and is currently present in Peru, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, and Costa Rica.

"With a population of over 210 million in Brazil and a strong appreciation for fashion, there is considerable potential for expansion in the market," H&M said in a statement.

To support its expansion in Brazil, H&M is partnering with Dorben Group, which runs retail operations across 10 countries across Central and South America, the Swedish fashion giant said.

The launch in Brazil comes as the company is pushing to accelerate its expansion in the North and South America region, focusing in particular on Latin America, it said.



New Dries Van Noten Designer Blends the Archive with a New Voice in Paris

A model wears a creation as part of the Dries Van Noten Fall/Winter 2025-2026 Womenswear collection presented in Paris, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. (AP)
A model wears a creation as part of the Dries Van Noten Fall/Winter 2025-2026 Womenswear collection presented in Paris, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. (AP)
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New Dries Van Noten Designer Blends the Archive with a New Voice in Paris

A model wears a creation as part of the Dries Van Noten Fall/Winter 2025-2026 Womenswear collection presented in Paris, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. (AP)
A model wears a creation as part of the Dries Van Noten Fall/Winter 2025-2026 Womenswear collection presented in Paris, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. (AP)

Julian Klausner presented his first womenswear collection as creative director of Dries Van Noten Wednesday at the Opéra Garnier in Paris, a setting that reflected the historical influences woven throughout his designs.

The fall Paris Fashion Week show marked a new chapter for the Belgian house following Van Noten’s departure last year after three decades at the helm. Klausner, who had worked on the brand’s womenswear since 2018, approached the collection with a balance of archival references and new interpretations.

Elements of 1930s tailoring were evident in sloping shoulders and vintage head caps, while draped gowns in floral devoré fabric brought a modern take to historical silhouettes. A metallic oversized suit adorned with silent foulard motifs reinforced an Art Deco influence, while an Obu belt with textured banding added an element of Eastern-inspired opulence. Throughout the collection, Klausner maintained the brand’s signature layering and textural contrasts, integrating structured tailoring with softer, more fluid elements.

Yet, at times, the collection reflected the challenges of creative transition. A maximalist coat with an exaggerated silhouette skewed the proportions, making for a striking visual statement but one that risked overwhelming the model. Some pieces felt exploratory rather than fully resolved, suggesting Klausner is still refining his perspective, balancing reverence for the house’s legacy with the need to establish his own creative direction. The tension between continuity and evolution was evident throughout, as he tested the boundaries of familiar Dries Van Noten signatures.

Still, Klausner’s foundation within the brand is clear. Dries Van Noten was known for unexpected combinations and an evolving aesthetic that shifted from season to season, and Klausner has expressed his intent to continue in that spirit. His first ready-to-wear collection demonstrated a strong understanding of the house’s codes, setting the stage for future refinement.

If this women's debut is any indication, Klausner is well-positioned to build upon its legacy.