Fashion
This New Boutique Cruise Program Redefines Luxury in Vietnam’s Halong Bay
Imperial Suite Phoenix enjoys scene-stealing views
Luxury cruise specialist Heritage Line introduces a serene Bai Tu Long Bay itinerary, inviting travelers to experience a quieter, more rarefied side of Halong Bay aboard its newly redesigned vessel, Violet.
Halong Bay is one of Southeast Asia’s most recognizable landscapes, but familiarity has its drawbacks. As its popularity has grown, so too have the crowds, itineraries compressed into predictable loops. New for 2026, the Bai Tu Long Bay sailing program offers a considered alternative—one that shifts the experience away from the busiest corridors and into a quieter stretch of the same dramatic seascape, without sacrificing comfort or access.
Bai Tu Long Bay lies just northeast of Halong Bay, sharing the same dramatic limestone formations but receiving only a fraction of the traffic. Heritage Line’s itinerary uses this geography to its advantage: the new route favors longer stops with fewer vessels in sight, and shore experiences that feel intentional rather than obligatory: kayaking in sheltered coves, visiting small coastal communities, and spending unhurried time on the water.
A Redesigned Vessel Sets the Tone
Heritage Line’s ‘coquettish’ French-Indochinese designed luxury vessel, Violet
This new itinerary is anchored by Violet, Heritage Line’s most refined vessel and a clear statement of the company’s direction in boutique luxury cruising. In 2024, Violet underwent a complete redesign of its suites and guest spaces, elevating the ship well beyond a cosmetic refresh.
Updated interiors prioritize space, proportion, and materials, resulting in accommodations that feel closer to a private yacht or design hotel than a traditional cruise ship. Suites now feature cleaner lines, muted tones, and carefully selected textures—natural woods, tailored upholstery, and subtle Vietnamese design references, including hand-painted murals.
The Imperial Suite Cloud
Designs are inspired by Halong Bay’s distinctive elements: water, mountains, clouds, phoenix, moon, and dragon. Layouts have been refined to improve flow, while updated finishes—natural wood tones, soft textiles, and subtle metallic accents—create a contemporary atmosphere without feeling trend-driven. Large windows and private balconies place the landscape front and center, while redesigned bathrooms and expanded living areas reinforce the sense of privacy and ease. Public spaces, including the restaurant, library lounge, and spa room, all follow the same logic: fewer visual distractions, better flow, and a layout that supports social interaction and downtime.
The Heritage Line Approach
Private dining on the Sun Deck
Violet’s transformation reflects the broader philosophy of Heritage Line, which has established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s leading boutique luxury river and coastal cruise operators. Conceived in 2008 as a boutique alternative to mass-market cruising, the company has built a reputation for small ships, limited guest numbers, and itineraries that prioritize regional character. Today, Heritage Line operates a collection of vessels across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, navigating both river systems and coastal routes that are often inaccessible to larger operators. Service is highly personalized, shaped by long-standing crews and a hospitality model that emphasizes attentiveness over formality. It’s a style of luxury that prioritizes consistency and detail rather than spectacle.
An Intentional Take on Halong Bay
A floating fishing village excursion
In Bai Tu Long Bay, this approach feels particularly well suited. By shifting the focus away from Halong Bay’s most congested areas, Heritage Line offers a version of the destination that feels better aligned with experienced travelers who value discretion. Combined with Violet’s redesign, the new itinerary proves that even in one of Asia’s most visited waterways, there is still room for a more considered way to travel. Rates for the new two-night circuit start at $903 for a Junior Suite. heritage-line.com
Karst Islands on Bai Tu Long Bay
The collection features distinct women’s and men’s capsules designed for movement, comfort and self-expression.
H&M India has launched its official Lollapalooza India 2026 merchandise collection, marking its second year as festival sponsor.
The limited-edition drop features bold graphics, vibrant colours and relaxed silhouettes.
With separate women’s and men’s capsules, the range includes graphic tees, caps and tote bags designed for comfort, movement and self-expression from day to night performances.
“Lollapalooza India is a strong cultural moment, and a natural space for H&M to connect with a younger generation. Fashion today is about self-expression and confidence, and through this collaboration we reinforce our commitment to creating accessible, culturally relevant fashion that empowers individuality,” said Helena Kuylenstierna, Director, H&M India.
The range features graphic merchandise tees for both women and men, along with festival essentials such as caps and tote bags. Each piece is designed to move seamlessly from day sets to night performances.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
Apparel imports (code **) eased to Au$*.*** billion (~$*.*** billion), compared with Au$*.*** billion a year earlier. In November ****, imports fell sharply by **.** per cent year on year to Au$*.*** billion (~$*.*** billion) from Au$*.*** billion. The November contraction points to retailers delaying replenishment amid weak consumer confidence, promotional stock overhangs, and a preference for tighter inventory management ahead of the peak sales season.
Imports of textile yarn, fabrics, and made-up articles (code **) increased *.** per cent to Au$*.*** billion (~$*.*** billion) from Au$*.*** billion in the same period last year. However, November **** shipments under this category slipped to Au$*** million, down from Au$*** million in November ****, indicating short-term moderation after earlier restocking by manufacturers and converters.
The CFDA x NY Forward Grant Fund, developed with funding from both the New York State Department of State and Ralph Lauren Corporation (Ralph Lauren), will provide partially matching grants to designers and manufacturers based in New York City’s Garment District. The U.S. Fashion Manufacturing Fund, created with Ralph Lauren as founding partner, will support apparel manufacturers nationwide. Both programs aim to help companies to modernize equipment, expand services, and train workers – building the capacity and resilience of American fashion manufacturing.
CFDA has launched two new grant programmes with Ralph Lauren to strengthen American fashion manufacturing.
The CFDA x NY Forward Grant Fund will support New York City’s Garment District, while the US Fashion Manufacturing Fund will aid manufacturers nationwide, focusing on modernisation, workforce training, innovation and long-term industry resilience.
These programs build on the success of the CFDA’s Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI), launched in 2013 in affiliation with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Andrew Rosen, and with the long-term support of Ralph Lauren, among others. To date, Ralph Lauren has contributed $2 million as FMI’s Premier Underwriter, enabling grants to 54 factories and positively impacting more than 2,000 jobs.
“Strengthening American manufacturing to ensure designers have local partners has long been at the core of CFDA’s mission,” said Steven Kolb, CEO and President of the CFDA. “We are proud to extend our decade-plus work with Ralph Lauren Corporation and expand to a national level while also continuing our local NYC investments alongside our first-ever partnership with the New York State Department of State.”
Together, these new grant programs mark a landmark commitment: sustaining New York’s Garment District while bolstering U.S. manufacturing nationwide — ensuring that American fashion continues to lead globally through innovation, craftsmanship and community.
“Our expanded partnership with the CFDA reflects Ralph Lauren’s enduring commitment to advancing innovation and supporting American fashion,” said Katie Ioanilli, Chief Global Impact & Communications Officer, Ralph Lauren Corporation. “This is not only an investment in our industry — it’s an investment in a vital part of American culture that we share with the world.”
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)
H&M India unveils official Lollapalooza India 2026 collection
Fundamental shift from savers to investors: What Indian households are doing with their money? – The Times of India
Green energy exports: $10-bn green ammonia project positions India as global clean-fuel supplier; Kakinada plant nears key milestone – The Times of India
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