Fashion
Uzbekistan announces tax, customs incentives for textile enterprises
Measures to back financial recovery include restructuring the debts of cotton-textile clusters on loans issued from the State Agricultural Support Fund for the 2022-2023 harvest.
For clusters with collateralised assets, interest payments will be deferred until the principal is repaid. Those who met obligations on time will be refunded half of interest paid, while accrued penalties on overdue interest as of August 1, 2025, will be written off.
Uzbekistan has announced measures to accelerate reforms and expand export potential in the textile and knitwear industry, targeting a 9-per cent rise in 2026 production and an export boost to $3.3 billion.
Debts of cotton-textile clusters would be restructured and beginning September 1, a reduced social tax rate of 1 per cent will be imposed for three years on these and textile and knitwear enterprises.
Farmers will receive subsidies of 1 million soums this year for each tonne of raw cotton sold to processors via exchange trading to ensure uninterrupted cotton harvesting. Clusters and enterprises financing cotton cultivation or procurement with their own funds will be reimbursed 10 per cent of its cost, according to domestic media reports.
Beginning September 1, a reduced social tax rate of 1 per cent will be imposed for three years on cotton-textile clusters and textile and knitwear enterprises. In addition, customs duties will be waived off on blended fabrics, textiles and raw materials for the leather and silk industries not produced in Uzbekistan.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Christian Louboutin and Jaden Smith first met in Paris in 2019—an encounter that sparked a genuine dialogue built on mutual admiration for each other’s vision and individuality. Their conversations left a lasting impression on Christian Louboutin, who was deeply inspired by Jaden Smith’s inventive spirit, his respect for the Maison, his thoughtful awareness of the world, and his commitment to shaping a more conscious future.
Maison Christian Louboutin has named Jaden Smith its first men’s creative director, a move set to redefine its men’s universe.
Smith will design four annual collections of shoes, leather goods, and accessories while shaping campaigns and experiences.
His debut collection will launch at Men’s Fall/Winter 2026 Paris Fashion Week, with a capsule release in January 2026.
From this mutual inspiration, their relationship has grown into a shared artistic journey, now crystallized in this new creative chapter. Jaden Smith’s philosophy—rooted in cultural curiosity and a fearless approach to creativity—resonates strongly with the values at the heart of the Maison. A multifaceted artist, Jaden Smith steps into this role with the ambition to expand and enrich the men’s narrative. Drawing on nearly a decade of shoe collaborations, his own fashion label, and his ongoing dialogue with music, performance, and activism, Jaden Smith will interpret Christian Louboutin’s legacy through his unique creative lens.
“When I first met Jaden, I saw in him a natural fit for the Maison, his world is rich and multidimensional, his style and cultural sensibility are inspiring and his curiosity and openness are remarkable. I felt that with his creative direction our men’s collection would evolve in an exciting and dynamic way. He feels like the perfect addition to our creative team and I am truly looking forward to having fun working with him on our men’s collections.”— Christian Louboutin
“Merging my vision with Christian’s comes quite naturally because we see the world in a very similar way. There’s a shared respect for creative freedom, and I think that’s why it works. I want to continue the story, honoring the past while shaping the future through my own perspective. It isn’t just a title — it’s a creative home. Christian has given me a place to explore, to learn, and to create freely. His legacy is built on hard work and joy, and I want to carry that forward.”— Jaden Smith.
“We launched our Men’s line more than 15 years ago in a very genuine way, as we always do. Today, it represents 24% of our business, and we believe there is still tremendous potential. This is the perfect time to strengthen our creative team by welcoming Jaden alongside Christian. We share the same values and the Maison’s DNA.” — Alexis Mourot, Chief Executive Officer.
Jaden Smith’s avant-premiere capsule will be available in January in select boutiques worldwide and on christianlouboutin.com, while his debut collection will be revealed during Men’s Fall/Winter 2026 Paris Fashion Week in January.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
The agreement, signed in Dhaka, established a framework for technical assistance and capacity building. HMRC experts will help the NBR implement reforms under the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, improve risk management systems, and expand the recently launched Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme. These steps are expected to streamline border processes, cut delays, and enhance confidence among global trading partners.
UK’s HMRC and Bangladesh’s NBR have signed an MoU in Dhaka to modernise customs and strengthen trade facilitation.
HMRC will provide training, technical advice, and support for WTO reforms, risk management, and the AEO programme.
The move is expected to cut delays, boost competitiveness, and aid Bangladesh’s transition from LDC status, while complementing wider UK-backed economic reforms.
As part of the collaboration, NBR officials will receive both in-person and virtual training, along with peer-to-peer learning opportunities and short-term staff exchanges. Support will also include guidance on risk profiling and information-sharing systems to strengthen enforcement and compliance, as per Bangladesh’s media reports.
Martin Dawson, deputy development director at the British High Commission in Dhaka, said the agreement highlights the UK’s continued support for Bangladesh’s economic transition. He further said that efficient customs systems will be crucial as Bangladesh moves beyond its Least Developed Country status, opening up new opportunities for growth and competitiveness.
NBR chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan welcomed the partnership, calling it “a valuable step in our efforts to modernise customs and improve trade facilitation.” He added that the technical support from the UK will aid Bangladesh in strengthening systems and advancing economic growth.
The cooperation forms part of a broader UK assistance programme focused on economic development in Bangladesh, which also includes reforms in trade policy, investment climate, and the financial sector, added the reports.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Translated by
Nazia BIBI KEENOO
Published
September 24, 2025
Saint Laurent, Fendi, Celine, Valentino, Dries Van Noten, Alberta Ferretti, Plan C, JW Anderson, Ports 1961 — these are just a few of the luxury heavyweights ushering in a new chapter for Milan’s high-end retail scene. As Milan Fashion Week kicks off on Tuesday, September 23, the city is witnessing an unprecedented wave of flagship openings that are reshaping the heart of the Lombard capital. At the center of this transformation lies the iconic Quadrilatero district and its surrounding streets, now buzzing with renewed energy and strategic investments. Together, these launches reflect a confident rebound in the luxury market — and a bold commitment to Milan as a global style capital.
Dries Van Noten
Dries Van Noten is making his Milan debut with the opening of his very first boutique in the trendy Brera district, at 11 Via Brera — a historic cobblestone street in the city center. The 50-square-meter “Gallery” concept, already launched in Paris and Brussels, is dedicated to fragrances, beauty products, and accessories.
With vaulted ceilings, stone walls, and a patinated finish, the space retains the charm of the 19th-century palazzo it inhabits while offering a chic, intimate atmosphere ideal for discovery. Among the standout design elements are a striking 1970s Venini Venetian glass chandelier and a 1950s desk by Silvio Berrone.
Saint Laurent
Kering’s fashion house Saint Laurent has unveiled a stunning transformation at its flagship located at 8 Via Montenapoleone. Spanning three levels and nearly 1,300 square meters, the completely renovated and expanded space is now twice its previous size. This boutique marks the Italian debut of the brand’s new store concept, designed by creative director Anthony Vaccarello, which “pays tribute to Italian craftsmanship and innovative design.”
Marble, ceramics, bronze moldings, and eucalyptus wood were among the materials used to create a space that blends glamour with contemporary design. Artworks, furniture, and signature pieces by Gio Ponti, Carlo Scarpa, Osvaldo Borsani, Marco Zanuso, Aldo Tura, Gaetano Pesce, and Vincenzo De Cotiis are thoughtfully placed throughout the space, evoking the ambiance of an elegant Milanese apartment.
Valentino
A few doors down at 20 Via Montenapoleone, Valentino reopened its historic boutique — first inaugurated in 1969 — earlier this September following a major renovation. Entirely outfitted in white with bold black accents, the contemporary three-level store spans 1,170 square meters. Velvet green sofas, Art Deco lighting, and brass furnishings add a glamorous touch, reflecting the eclectic aesthetic of creative director Alessandro Michele.
The boutique features two separate entrances, each leading to dedicated spaces for women’s and men’s collections. One side showcases women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, small leather goods, eyewear, and beauty products, while the other side presents menswear and accessories.
JW Anderson
Nearby, at 16 Via Sant’Andrea, JW Anderson is preparing to unveil its revamped boutique. Opened in May 2023, the flagship of Irish designer Jonathan Anderson is undergoing a transformation that mirrors the evolution of his brand since he took over as creative director of both Christian Dior‘s menswear and womenswear.
The aim is to offer a full lifestyle concept — from knitwear to ceramic objects and designer chairs — with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. Like the newly launched London store, this Milan location is being reimagined as a true cabinet of curiosities.
Plan C
Founded in 2018 by Carolina Castiglioni — daughter of Marni founder Consuelo Castiglioni — Plan C is opening its first standalone boutique at 21 Via Manzoni. Known for its timeless, detail-rich design, the Italian luxury label has already won over 160 top retailers globally, including La Samaritaine and Merci in Paris. It is now entering a new era of retail.
Named “Plan C Frame,” the 380-square-meter space was designed by Castiglioni in collaboration with April and architecture studio (AB)Normal. It features geometric forms and a vibrant palette, structured like a concept store with distinct colored areas for different product worlds.
A pale green pop-up corner showcases jewelry by Aliita, the brand founded by Venezuelan-Dutch designer Cynthia Vilchez, who is celebrating its 10th anniversary. A dramatic red spiral staircase leads to the lower level — a stepped amphitheater-like space designed to host conferences and now transformed into a bookstore and magazine kiosk.
“It’s a living, modular, dynamic space that reflects Plan C,” explains Castiglioni. “The idea is to welcome a variety of brands, designers, and product categories that will rotate regularly.” She adds, “This boutique is a key milestone for us. It’s an investment meant to increase our visibility and reach a wider audience.”
Fendi and Celine… with Christian Dior on the horizon
Following the grand spring openings of Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co., LVMH is now rolling out another highly anticipated series of launches along the famous Via Montenapoleone.
Leading the charge is Fendi, which has unveiled its Palazzo Fendi Milano — a row of showcases located at the end of the street, continuing beneath the arches of Corso Matteotti. Housed in a majestic six-story building that pays tribute to Milanese architectural heritage, the new space features a 910-square-meter boutique spanning four floors, a leather and fur atelier showcasing the brand’s artisanal expertise, and three restaurants developed in partnership with Langosteria.
Just a few doors away at 25 Via Montenapoleone, Celine will soon reopen its boutique with an expanded layout and refreshed interior. Christian Dior is also expected to open a major new location in Milan in the coming months.
Alberta Ferretti
Italian fashion house Alberta Ferretti is opening a new flagship at 26 Via della Spiga, parallel to Via Montenapoleone. The new concept reflects the vision of Lorenzo Serafini, who took over as creative director last year. Developed in collaboration with Re-Design Studio, led by Riccardo Furlani, and Alessandro Fantetti Workshop (AAFW), the store spans two floors and 250 square meters.
A soft, minimalistic palette in warm white tones defines the space. “The choice of materials emphasizes soft textures and neutral shades, complemented by integrated lighting to create a natural, welcoming ambiance. Every element contributes to an intimate, refined shopping experience that aligns with the house’s signature timeless elegance,” said the company in a statement.
Ports 1961
Also on Via della Spiga, at number 8, Ports 1961 has opened its new flagship boutique. Spread across two levels and covering 200 square meters, the refined space features a minimalist color palette, clean geometric lines, and carefully selected materials.
Founded in Toronto in 1961 by Japanese-Canadian designer Luke Tanabe, Ports 1961 is now owned by Ports International Enterprises, which is affiliated with the Hong Kong-based group PCD. The label’s creative studio is based in Milan’s Brera district. Last year, Francesco Bertolini was appointed creative director, marking a significant new chapter for the brand.
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