Reflecting on BoF China's Big Debut

SHANGHAI, China — It's been a big week for BoF here in Shanghai with the launch of BoF China, our new editorial destination focused on the $300 billion Chinese fashion industry. From entry-level players like Meters/bonwe to international luxury brands like Céline to independent retailers like Dong Liang, the sheer scale and diversity of the fashion landscape here can be mind-boggling.

One unmistakable common trend across this vast and varied market is the rising importance of 'lifestyle.' No doubt the word is overused — here and everywhere else. But as consumers in China look for deeper meaning and context around their purchases, the country has seen the rise of 'lifestyle' destinations across, not only fashion, but art, beauty, health and wellness, and real estate.

Now that market growth is leveling off — albeit on a big base and in the context of an overall economy still growing at a clip of 7.7 percent per year, one of the highest in the world — fashion and luxury brands are having to fight for market share and aren't simply able to take advantage of a rapidly rising tide.

Earlier today, I had the pleasure of meeting with many members of the BoF community to disuss BoF China at the Lane Crawford store here in Shanghai and, as expected, they came from all over the world: South Africa, Italy, Russia, Kazakhstan, the United States and, of course, from across China.

I am even more excited that BoF will now have the opportunity — and challenge — of covering this market in our trademark way: with thorough analysis and informed opinion, in conversation with our community. We look forward to your feedback and input as we shape this exciting new vector of BoF's development.

Please enjoy our top stories for the week gone by:

Introducing BoF China
Today, we are pleased to unveil BoF China, bringing our authoritative, analytical, award-winning journalism to the $300 billion Chinese fashion and apparel market, available in both English and Chinese language.

Taking China's Temperature
When it depends on one nation more than ever before, how concerned should the global fashion industry be about a less-than-feverish Chinese market?

Special Editions Target Chinese Travellers
The French, English and even Arabic editions of the world's most elite fashion magazines are bending over backwards to speak to the rising flow of Chinese tourists in their own language.

Small is Beautiful Too
In China's fashion market, making a statement used to be a matter of muscle and might. But 'doing things big' is no longer the only way to succeed.

CEO Talk | Art Peck, Incoming Chief Executive Officer, Gap Inc.
BoF speaks to Art Peck, incoming chief executive of Gap Inc., to discuss his 10 years of experience at the American fashion giant and his imminent take over from Glenn Murphy at a critical juncture in the company's history, amidst a market landscape being reshaped by digital technology and fast-fashion competitors.

Inside Russia's Clandestine Showrooms
BoF goes inside the network of clandestine "showrooms" which distribute underpriced luxury fashion products across Russia and the former USSR.

Woo Youngmi Says Focus on Design and Trust Your Team
BoF speaks to Woo Youngmi, one of South Korea's most respected exports, who started her menswear business, which now generates $29.4 million per year, during a period of dramatic upheaval in her native country.

And don't forget to check out BoF Weekly, a week in review published with Flipboard and updated every Saturday.

Imran Amed Founder and Editor-in-Chief