In the Spotlight: Dior, Penélope Cruz and More

More fashion, celebrity and lifestyle news from the Fashion Frontline desk.

Raf Simons for Dior
Tokyo-based Dior fans will be pleased to hear that designer Raf Simons has decided to take Dior’s Pre-Fall 2015 runway show to Japan, coinciding with the opening of new Dior boutique in Tokyo’s Omote Sando.

Penélope Cruz
Spanish actress Penélope Cruz has been named 2014’s “Sexiest Woman Alive” by Esquire magazine, joining the ranks of previous winners Scarlett Johansson, Charlize Theron, Halle Berry and Angelina Jolie. Cruz is currently working on Spanish language drama Ma Ma and Sacha Baron Cohen comedy Grimsby.

Models: Giselle Bündchen and Lily Aldridge
Supermodel Giselle Bündchen has been chosen to lead the latest campaign for Chanel’s iconic No. 5 fragrance, in a Baz Lurhmann directed photoshoot which has seen her everywhere from beach to New York backstreets.

Victoria’s Secret model Lily Aldridge launched her “Fall Refresh” collection, as guest curator for fashion-lifestyle website gilt.com. The exciting new collection features 100 original pieces based on the model’s own “seven fall essentials.”

Shopping Stats: Interbrand and Hong Kong
Market giants Apple and Google maintain respective no. 1 and no. 2 top-spots in brand consultancy Interbrand’s annual “Best Global Brands” report, whilst new to the list was Hugo Boss (no. 97.) Now under creative direction of Jason Wu, the German fashion house has become a leading global brand.

The Hong Kong Retail Management Association noted 15-50% drop in retail sales for Golden Week 2014 compared to 2013, as pro-democracy protests have paralyzed travel to the area.