France, Italy
LVMH puts its money on Loro Piana

Officially, it is the 100th anniversary of the Italian cashmere and fine woollen clothing brand, part of the LVMH group since 2013, which explains its extensive presence in the French and British press.

Europe
L'Oréal and French cosmetics industry fight to fend off costly European directive

Revisions to the EU directive on wastewater treatment could cost the French cosmetics industry €1bn a year. French players, led by L'Oréal, are taking a stand against the legislation which they say fails to address the most polluting sectors, and have been discreetly appealing to French authorities.

France
French fashion firms look set to impose their concept of environmental labelling

The French government and the country's fashion industry are negotiating on the rules for labelling the environmental impact of clothing. But the brands have already succeeded in imposing their conception of sustainability.

France
France poised to tax second-hand luxury watches like jewellery

In the midst of a slowdown in the high-end watch market, a court ruling, which is likely to set a precedent, has sounded the alarm bell for retailers of fine pre-owned timepieces: the purchase of models from private individuals is now due to be taxed in the same way as jewellery or precious metals.

France
Without Chanel support, France's only diamond laboratory disappears

The Diam Concept synthetic diamond company, faced with international competition and prevarication by jewellery houses, has just been wound up. Chanel had backed it for a while but in the end pulled the plug on the struggling firm.