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Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives announces finalists and jury members for 2025-26 edition

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Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives announces finalists and jury members for 2025-26 edition


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December 16, 2025

On December 16, Louis Vuitton unveiled its five finalists and five final jury members for the second edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives, to be awarded at an exclusive celebration ceremony on March 24, 2026.

The five finalists for the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives – Louis Vuitton

 
Watch Prize finalist Daizoh Makihara of Daizoh Makihara Watchcraft Japan’s ‘Beauties of Nature’ wristwatch entry incorporates the delicate, traditional Japanese cut-glass technique ‘Edo Kiriko’ into watchmaking in a world first and his botanical design features an automatic petal mechanism, perpetual moon phase, and 25-jewel movement running at 18,000 vibrations per hour. Independent watchmaker Xinyan Dai of Fam Al Hut’s mechanical, manual-wind wristwatch named ‘Möbius’ presents the most compact bi-axis tourbillon conceived to date, blending tradition and future-facing innovation with over 200 hours of handcraftsmanship.
 
Victor Monnin and Alexandre Hazemann of Hazemann & Monnin’s ‘School Watch’ entry celebrates the Morteau school of watchmaking with a fully in-house made HM01 calibre, synchronising complex mechanics and precise poetry. Bernhard Lederer of Lederer’s wristwatch ‘CIC 39 mm Racing Green’ presents the first fully functional dual detent escapement in a wristwatch, highlighted by a transparent case back and sanded, matte dial.

Quiet Club’s Norifumi Seki has entered ‘Fading Hours,’ designed to innovate “new mechanics that respond to everyday needs,” according to the watchmaker. Created almost entirely in-house, the watch has a first-of-its-kind alarm with a vertically mounted hammer and minimalist, concealed elements.

'Beauties of Nature' by Daizoh Makihara
‘Beauties of Nature’ by Daizoh Makihara – Louis Vuitton

 
“Since the launch of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize, our admiration for the dynamism of independent watchmaking has continued to grow,” said Louis Vuitton’s watch director Jean Arnault in a release. “These artisans create truly audacious timepieces, uniting extraordinary technical mastery with the boldness to challenge convention, and in doing so, they push the very boundaries of what is possible. As we celebrate this year’s finalists, I also want to thank the entire watchmaking community for the enthusiasm and support behind this initiative. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the members of the expert committee.”
 
After receiving submissions from around the world, Louis Vuitton’s five finalists were chosen from a group of 20 semi-finalists, whose work was evaluated by a Committee of Experts. The 65 watch enthusiasts, industry representatives, and global collectors measured the candidates’ timepieces against the principles of design, creativity, innovation, craftsmanship, and technical complexity to discern the five top entries.

Möbius by Xinyan Dai
Möbius by Xinyan Dai – Louis Vuitton

 
Carole Forestier-Kasapi, haute horlogerie and movements strategy director at Tag Heuer will take up the role of president of the Watch Prize’s jury after being nominated by the Committee of Experts. The jury also welcomes journalist Frank Geelen, founder and editor-in-chief of Monochrome Watches; Matthieu Hegi, La Fabrique du temps Louis Vuitton artistic director; watch enthusiast François-Xavier Overstake, founder and editor of Equation du Temps; and Kari Voutilainen, master watchmaker and owner of the Voutilainen workshops.
 
The winner of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives will receive 150,000 euros and a one-year specially tailored mentorship by experts from La Fabrique du Temps and Louis Vuitton. “The future looks promising, and we’re excited to see what’s next,” said Jean Arnault.
 

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US’ Under Armour eyes gross margin improvement in FY27

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US’ Under Armour eyes gross margin improvement in FY27



American sportswear brand Under Armour’s fiscal 2026 (FY26) performance has reflected a continued business reset, with the company focusing on cost discipline, operational efficiency, restructuring actions, and a sharper product and marketing strategy.

Meanwhile, for fiscal 2027 (FY27), the company is now expecting revenue to decline slightly year-on-year (YoY), with a low single-digit decrease in North America partly offset by low single-digit growth in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific. Gross margin is expected to improve by 220 to 270 basis points.

For FY27, Under Armour expects slight revenue decline and margin improvement.
The company’s FY26 revenue fell 4 per cent to $5 billion, led by weaker North America sales, lower wholesale revenue, and a sharp footwear decline.
Gross margin narrowed due to tariffs and cost pressures.
In Q4, revenue slipped 1 per cent as North America weakened, though international and DTC sales grew.

“As our topline stabilises in fiscal 2027, we are applying the same rigour that is strengthening our product engine to our storytelling capabilities,” said Kevin Plank, president and CEO of Under Armour.

The company expects operating income of $96 million to $116 million. Adjusted operating income is projected at $140 million to $160 million, including an estimated $70 million benefit from assumed refunds related to prior-year International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff expenses, around $35 million in headwinds from the Middle East conflict, and about $30 million in incremental marketing investment, Under Armour said in a press release.

Diluted loss per share is expected to range from breakeven to $0.04, while adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) are forecast between $0.08 and $0.12.

Revenue declines as North America weighs on FY26

In FY26 ended March 31, the company has reported a 4 per cent decline in revenue to $5 billion.

“Our fiscal 2026 performance reflects the ongoing intentional steps we’re taking to reset the business and restore the discipline required to operate as a best-in-class brand,” added Plank.

He said as the company’s topline stabilises in FY27, Under Armour is applying the same rigour that is strengthening its product engine to its storytelling capabilities.

“Building world-class, modern marketing excellence is now our highest priority that we believe will accelerate consumer demand and help reshape Under Armour’s profit profile,” he said.

Regionally, North America revenue decreased 8 per cent to $2.9 billion, while international revenue grew 4 per cent to $2.1 billion. Within the international business, EMEA revenue increased 9 per cent, Asia-Pacific revenue declined 5 per cent, and Latin America revenue rose 9 per cent.

Wholesale revenue fell 5 per cent to $2.8 billion, while direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenue declined 2 per cent to $2.1 billion. Revenue from owned-and-operated stores increased 1 per cent, while e-commerce revenue decreased 7 per cent and accounted for 33 per cent of total DTC revenue for the year.

By category, apparel revenue decreased 2 per cent to $3.4 billion, footwear revenue declined 11 per cent to $1.1 billion, and accessories revenue increased 1 per cent to $414 million.

Gross margin decreased 240 basis points to 45.5 per cent, primarily due to higher tariffs, along with pricing pressure, higher product costs, and unfavourable channel and regional mix. These headwinds were partly offset by positive foreign currency impacts and favourable product mix. Adjusted gross margin declined 220 basis points to 45.7 per cent.

Q4 revenue slips as North America weakens

In the fourth quarter (Q4), Under Armour’s revenue decreased 1 per cent to $1.2 billion, or 4 per cent on a constant currency basis. North America revenue declined 7 per cent to $641 million, while international revenue increased 10 per cent to $539 million. Within international markets, Europe, Middle East and Asia’s (EMEA) revenue rose 7 per cent, Asia-Pacific grew 13 per cent, and Latin America increased 22 per cent.

Wholesale revenue fell 3 per cent to $748 million, while DTC revenue rose 5 per cent to $406 million. Owned-and-operated store revenue increased 8 per cent, while e-commerce revenue remained flat and represented 35 per cent of total DTC revenue during the quarter.

Under its FY25 restructuring plan, the company recorded $36 million in restructuring and transformation-related costs during the fourth quarter. To date, it has incurred $261 million in total restructuring and transformation costs. Under Armour is extending the plan, bringing total expected programme costs to around $305 million, with substantial completion expected by December 31, 2026, added the release.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)



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Drewry WCI jumps 11% in second week on higher freight rates

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Drewry WCI jumps 11% in second week on higher freight rates



The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) further increased 11.67 per cent in second week after decline in the last three consecutive weeks. The index surged to $2,553 per FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit) for the week ending May 14. The index stood at $2,286 per FEU in the week ending May 7. The increase was driven by higher freight rates on Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes.

On the Transpacific trade route, rates surged this week due to the implementation of Emergency Fuel Surcharges (EFS) and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) by carriers. Freight rates from Shanghai to New York increased 14 per cent to $4,252 per 40-foot container, and those from Shanghai to Los Angeles rose 10 per cent to $3,357 per 40-foot container.

Drewry’s World Container Index rose 11.67 per cent to $2,553 per FEU in the week ending May 14, driven by higher freight rates on Transpacific and Asia–Europe routes.
Emergency fuel and peak-season surcharges, capacity cuts, blank sailings, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East supported the rally, with rates expected to rise further in the coming weeks.

According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, seven blank sailings have been announced on the Transpacific trade route for the next week, as carriers continue to manage capacity. In addition, Yang Ming Line announced a GRI of $2,000 per 40-foot container effective 15 May. Drewry expects rates to increase further in the coming week. 

On the Asia–Europe trade route, spot rates also increased this week due to FAK, along with capacity cuts announced by carriers in May. Rates from Shanghai to Genoa increased 20 per cent to $3,701 per 40-foot container, and those from Shanghai to Rotterdam jumped 11 per cent to $2,413 per 40-foot container. The Asia-Europe peak season is expected to start earlier than usual as higher cargo bookings, tight vessel space, and disruptions linked to the US/Israel-Iran conflict are prompting shippers to move cargo earlier. As demand is rebounding, Drewry expects rates to increase further in the coming week

Freight rates from New York to Rotterdam increased 1 per cent to $1,030 per FEU, while Rotterdam to New York decreased 3 per cent to $2,388 per FEU. Rotterdam-Shanghai rose 2 per cent to $644 per FEU, and Los Angeles–Shanghai steadied at $791 per 40-foot container.

Middle East tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea remain under close watch, with carriers staying cautious on routing and operations amid ongoing US/Israel-Iran conflict concerns. Meanwhile, higher bunker prices and tight vessel space continue to support freight rates. Carriers are also actively adjusting pricing through EFS, PSS, GRI and firmer FAK levels, alongside blank sailings, and flexible capacity management strategies, keeping the market firm despite relatively stable vessel movement.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)



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Israel’s Delta Galil posts record Q1 sales on broad-based growth

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Israel’s Delta Galil posts record Q1 sales on broad-based growth



Israel-based designer and manufacturer of apparel Delta Galil Industries Ltd has reported record first-quarter (Q1) results for 2026, driven by growth across geographies and business segments.

Sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, rose 15 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to Q1 record of $573 million. In constant currency terms, sales increased 10 per cent.

Delta Galil Industries has reported record Q1 2026 sales of $573 million, up 15 per cent YoY, with gross profit rising 18 per cent to $238.8 million.
The gross margin improved to 41.7 per cent, supported by factory efficiency and favourable exchange rates.
EBIT also reached a Q1 record, while the company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance.

“2026 is off to a strong start, reflecting the strength of Delta Galil’s global platform, the value of our brands, and our team’s ability to execute at a high level in a dynamic environment. We grew our sales across all segments, delivered record first quarter sales, gross profit, EBIT, EBITDA and operating cash flow,” said Isaac Dabah, CEO of Delta Galil.

Gross margin improves on factory efficiency

The gross profit expanded 18 per cent YoY to a first quarter (Q1) record of $238.8 million, compared with $202.6 million in Q1 2025. Gross margin improved by 110 basis points to 41.7 per cent from 40.6 per cent a year earlier, mainly due to improved factory efficiency and favourable exchange rates.

EBIT, excluding non-core items, reached a first-quarter record of $36.6 million, compared with $32.7 million in the prior-year quarter. Reported EBIT also rose to a first-quarter record of $35.1 million from $32.7 million. The increase was supported by higher sales and continued factory efficiency gains, partly offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) expenses, logistics costs, exchange-rate effects, and investments in business expansion, Delta Galil said in a press release.

The net income excluding non-core items, net of tax, remained unchanged at $17.6 million. Reported net income declined to $16.4 million from $17.6 million in Q1 2025. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) excluding non-core items stood at $0.63, compared with $0.62 a year earlier, while reported diluted EPS was $0.59, down from $0.62.

The company also reported record first-quarter cash flow from operating activities, excluding IFRS 16, of $27.9 million, compared with $4 million in the same period last year.

“These results were driven by higher US sales to our established and growing customer base, expansion of our owned brands due to continued product innovation, and the benefits of our strategic investments in global sourcing, production, and distribution capabilities,” added Dabah.

He said the company was encouraged by the positive momentum across the business, particularly as investments in innovation, manufacturing flexibility and customer partnerships continued to deliver measurable results. He further said that the company remained focused on disciplined execution, supporting evolving customer and consumer needs, and leveraging its global platform to capture profitable growth opportunities in 2026 and beyond.

FY26 outlook remains strong

Delta Galil reaffirmed its full 2026 guidance, excluding non-core items. The company expects sales of $2.294 billion to $2.328 billion, compared with $2.1189 billion in 2025. EBIT is projected at $204 million to $212 million, while EBITDA is expected to range between $324 million and $332 million. Net income is forecast at $116 million to $123 million, with diluted EPS expected between $4 and $4.23.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)



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