INTERNATIONAL

Kate Moss named BBC’s global ambassador

The British Beauty Council (BBC) announced supermodel Kate Moss as its first global ambassador. The announcement was made just as British Beauty Week kicked off on 26 October 2023. Moss will work with the BBC to highlight their work across its pillars - policy, ESG, talent and growth. Moss owns the wellness retail brand Cosmoss, which will also support in raising awareness and reputation of the British beauty industry globally.

Millie Kendall, Chief Executive Office, British Beauty Council commented, “We are honoured to announce our new collaboration with Kate Moss, who will undoubtedly harness her unmatched knowledge and influence of fashion and beauty to reinforce the work of the British Beauty Council.”

L’Oréal to end production of spa brand Decléor

L’Oréal acquired the spa brand Decléor from Shiseido in 2014. However, L’Oréal has now decided to cease its production and distribution from December. L’Oréal said in a declaration letter that Decléor has experienced a heavy impact from the international economic and health crisis of the past years, which has aggravated the fragility of the brand and impacted its viability. The letter provides a notice to spa and salon stockists that their Decléor Selective Distribution Agreement will be terminated with an effective date of December 31, 2023.

A L’Oréal spokesperson said to Professional Beauty UK: “L’Oréal has a portfolio of complementary brands. The Group’s strategy is to acquire and, sometimes, exit brands, to keep a very strong portfolio and the complementarity it needs to thrive over the long term.”

Sephora announces opening date for its second UK store

Sephore is set to open its second store in the UK. It already owns a store in Westfield London Shopping Centre in White City, which opened in March 2023. The second store will be located in Westfield Stratford City, London.

The date of its opening is set for 15th November 2023. The store will feature over 135 brands. Some of the brands will be physically retailed in the UK for the first time. This includes Tarte Cosmetics, Glow Recipe, Supergoop!, Danessa Myricks and Kosas. Sephora also stores a range of professional spa and beauty products. These include Medik8, Dermalogica, Elemis, Advanced Nutrition Programme, CND, Apraise, Gellux and Jane Iredale.

Sarah Boyd, Chief Executive Office, Sephora UK, said, “We are committed to giving the UK a unique Sephora experience, one tailored to the unique cultural needs of this wonderful country. We hope the community in Stratford love the store as much as those in West London and look forward to a day of treats and surprises at our opening.”

Aurelius Group poised to take over The Body Shop

The Body Shop is an ethical cosmetics chain that retains a significant presence on the British high streets. The brand has struggled to gain profitable growth over the years. Owing to this, the chain has been put up for sale by its Brazilian owner.

Aurelius Group surpassed the rival bidders to gain control of The Body Shop. The deal is expected to be finalised in November 2023. The Body Shop is valued at Euro 400 to 500 million according to media reports. The brand currently employs over 10,000 employees across 3000 stores in 70 countries across the globe.

Some of the other bidders included Alteri Investors, private equity firm Epiris, and Elliott Advisors, owner of Waterstones. The Body Shop is highly reviewed in the markets, owing to its early stance on environmental causes and opposition to animal testing.

PBHJ