LONDON, United Kingdom — This week, Jonathan Saunders joined Diane Von Furstenberg as chief creative officer. It seems like a good fit, as both worship at the alter of prints, colours and dresses… Elsewhere in the US, unemployment is down, gas is cheap and interest rates are low. So why aren't Americans shopping?

After allegations that Beyoncé's Topshop line — Ivy Park — is made in Sri Lankan sweatshops, the company defended its "rigorous ethical trading program." The seamstresses at the factories that Topshop uses earn about $6.25 a day, more than twice Sri Lanka's minimum wage. But does this sync up with Beyonce's message of female empowerment?

In other news, Gucci and Michael Kors quit the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition in protest after Alibaba joined the organisation. The Chinese e-commerce company owns Taobao, a marketplace site flooded with counterfeit products. But will luxury brands realistically be able to tackle the problem of counterfeits without a close dialogue with Alibaba?

In case you missed it, the Chambre Syndicale de la haute couture has invited Vetements to show as a "guest member" at the next round of couture shows, set to take place in July. What does this mean for couture? Meanwhile, Yohji Yamamoto says young designers should stay off the Internet.

Catch up on these stories and more with BoF’s Week in Review.

[ 1. Why Americans Aren't ShoppingOpens in new window ]

An american flag on display in Macy's in Chicago | Source: Shutterstock

Unemployment is down, gas is cheap and interest rates remain low. So why is American retail suffering?

[  2. Op-Ed | How to Fix Luxury’s Alibaba ProblemOpens in new window ]

Products sold by daigou on Alibaba's Taobao.com | Source: Taobao

Alibaba’s role in the grey market is a bigger issue than counterfeit sales, and a problem luxury brands can help fix, argue Brian Buchwald and Andrew Roth.

[  3. Inside Yohji Yamamoto's Fashion PhilosophyOpens in new window ]

In a rare interview, Yohji Yamamoto speaks to BoF's Imran Amed about the fashion philosophy that underpins his revolutionary career.

[  4. Why American Department Stores Are ‘Broken’Opens in new window ]

Macy's flagship store in Herald Square, New York | Source: Shutterstock

Struggling American department stores still place the biggest orders, but increasingly rely on markdowns to drive foot traffic and sales, resulting in a vicious cycle with ramifications across the industry.

[  5. Pomellato, Beyond MilanoOpens in new window ]

Nudo rings by Pomellato | Source: Courtesy

Kering aims to turn the Milanese purveyor of colourful high-end baubles into one of the 10 biggest jewellery brands in the world. Will it work?

In other news...

Gap to Close 75 Old Navy, Banana Republic Stores Outside North America

Alibaba Insists it Can Help Fight Counterfeit Brand Goods

Adidas Sets Sights on Football Stars in Big US Drive