Olivier Zahm by Terry Richardson | Source: purple DIARY
The Future Of Fashion: Olivier Zahm(Style.com)
“The French editor and founder of the twice-yearly independent publication Purple Fashion has many other passions… but in an increasingly conformist world, Zahm offers an original, entertaining, and astute voice.”
Abercrombie Will Keep Discounting(WSJ)
“Abercrombie & Fitch said… it will continue its uncharacteristically high levels of discounting through the spring in order to boost store sales… it is willing to sacrifice margins if necessary to improve sales.”
Burberry accuses TJX of selling counterfeit goods(Reuters)
“Burberry Group… has sued TJX, accusing the operator of the off-price TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods stores of selling counterfeit goods.”
Céline starts from clean slate(Wealth Bulletin)
“After struggling for years to forge an identity, the label is finding influential retailers including Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman are clamoring to carry its collection, even as they cut back their portfolios to focus on best sellers.”
Paris: A Rounder Season(NY Times)
“Louis Vuitton seemed to provide the perfect bookend to the Milan-Paris ready-to-wear season… Between Miuccia Prada in Milan and Marc Jacobs at Vuitton we saw the return of the lush, full-hipped woman, her breasts served up like ripe fruit.”
Neiman Marcus posts profit as sales start improving (Reuters)
“Neiman Marcus reported a quarterly profit on Tuesday as shoppers returned to its upscale department stores over the holidays and the retailer avoided profit-devouring discounts by keeping inventories low.”
2010 landmark year as online ad spending overtakes print(Biz Report)
“New figures released by research firm Outsell show that, for the first time ever, businesses plan to spend more this year on digital and online advertising and marketing than on print.”
Can Sackcloth Have Fur Trim?(NY Times)
“Perhaps sensing that fashion editors, at this point, did not need to see another plain camel coat, Karl Lagerfeld showed a Chanel collection on Tuesday that combined seven or eight ideas in a single outfit.”
LVMH Must Watch It(WSJ)
“LVMH should do more to fill out its lack of presence in the ‘hard’ luxury segments of jewelry and high-end watches. High operating leverage at jewelers and watch makers, especially smaller outfits, has left them economically vulnerable and a potential hunting ground to scale up LVMH’s business.”
Giambattista Valli to Sew His Own Clothes(WSJ)
“Mr. Valli said that, starting today, he ‘ceases any contractual deal with Mariella Burani Fashion Group,’… [the group] is in bankruptcy proceedings which were announced last week during Milan fashion week. Mr. Valli had just signed on with the firm last year.”
Reaching Affluents on Social Nets (e-Marketer)
“Most wealthy Internet users in the US are optimistic about the economy going forward… that should make them attractive to retailers, which are increasingly turning to social networks to attract customers.”
McCartney minimalism reflects new austerity(Independent)
“Stella McCartney opened the proceedings at the Paris collections yesterday with a show that went to prove that the return of minimalism to the international catwalks is the story of the autumn/winter 2010 season.”
Red Carpet Fading Away(IHT)
“Sometimes a fashion moment is defined as much by what is not on the runway as by the catwalk favorites. And with only one more day of autumn/winter 2010 in Paris before the season’s close, dressy evening clothes are fading from the limelight.”
Kristen McMenamy at Viktor&Rolf Autumn/Winter 2010 | Source: Style.com
Gender assumptions reconsidered(FT)
“Monday is International Women’s Day – fancy that. For once, in spite of its seasonal discontinuity, fashion and the outside world are on the same page. They are both thinking about women. Theoretically, at least.”
US online and luxury spending jumps in February(Independent)
“Luxury consumption and e-commerce both jumped in February, according to data released March 3 by MasterCard. After a largely positive January, MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse reported that the rise in US online spending continued in February, up 16.7 percent year-on-year.”
Why community building is better than simple social marketing(Biz Report)
“For a truly integrated social campaign marketers need to take their social profile to the next level. That includes building a community the consumer will return to time and again, and that means more than deal tweeting.”
Discreet luxury and courage on show in Paris(Independent)
“If no-frills clothes that are discreetly – but to those in the know extremely – luxurious are a large part of the story this season, then Phoebe Philo’s hugely influential debut collection for Celine, shown in Paris six months ago, has by now proved ahead of its time.”
Texture rules on the red carpet(Los Angeles Times)
“That annual Oscar conundrum — how to make a fashion statement on the red carpet while honoring tradition at the same time — was solved this year with one easy concept: texture.”
What’s Next: Luxury Products(WSJ)
“Pierre-Alexis Dumas embraces innovation. But as the sixth-generation member of his family to lead, in his case, the creative end of the French luxury house Hermès, he must uphold tradition, as well.”
John Lewis Adds to Evidence Of February Sales Bounce(NY Times)
“Bellwether retailer John Lewis posted another double-digit percentage rise in weekly sales as wet weather drove customers to its stores, adding to evidence consumer spending bounced back in February.”
Balmain produces this year’s template for the high street(Independent)
“High-street bosses will be on the look out for inspiration for their autumn/winter 2010 designs, and the Balmain show will have been the focus for much of their attention. The French label… has been heavily copied by mass-market brands over the last year.”
Creating the World of Tomorrow?(IHT)
“A definitive exhibition of the work of Yves Saint Laurent, whose masculine/feminine vision dominated the wardrobe of the 20th-century woman, and a book celebrating 60 years of Pierre Cardin, fashion’s eternal futurist, gives pause for thought.”
Gianni Versace, a life lived as a 90s fashion icon(Reuters)
“‘House of Versace: The Untold Story of Genius, Murder, and Survival,’ by Deborah Ball tells the story of how Gianni, with his flamboyant sister Donatella as muse, not only became the cutting edge of 90s fashion but symbolized the era.”
Browns celebrates 40 years in fashion(Telegraph)
“The John Galliano shirt wasn’t my first temptation at Browns, but has somehow come to represent what the shop stands for. Some four decades on, it has kept the flag flying for delightful conspicuous expenditure.”
Neiman boosted by sales revival(FT)
“Neiman Marcus, yesterday said its February store sales had improved, underlining the continuing revival of US luxury spending. The retailer said comparable sales rose 5.1 per cent in February from the same period the previous year.”
Women dominate mobile social networking scene(Biz Report)
“Over half (55%) of mobile social networkers were found to be women – not teens, who are more likely to use their devices to text. In fact, teenagers and college students combined account for less mobile social network traffic than their parents.”
Retailers are taking Liberty to heart(Independent)
“Target’s collaboration with the iconic London department store has resulted in the characteristic flower and paisley prints appearing on dresses, jumpsuits, swimsuits, bags, and even some home accessories, hitting US stores March 14.”
Fashion falls for Alice(The Toronto Star)
“Fashionable institutions are also falling down the rabbit hole in their rush to embrace the wonderment that is Alice. Paris’s Printemps and London’s Selfridges have dedicated entire display windows to fantastical scenes.”
Adidas Net Profit Drops 65 percent(WSJ)
“Adidas reported a sharper-than-expected 65% fall in quarterly net profit Wednesday, but said it expects a rise in 2010 sales and earnings.”
H&M plans two-for-one stock split(Reuters)
“The world’s third largest fashion chain by sales said on Wednesday its board would propose the split at its annual shareholders’ meeting on April 29 and it would take effect between May 20 and June 18.”
Tesco launches recycled clothing collection (Guardian)
“The news that Tesco have collaborated with an ethical fashion label to create a line of recycled clothing for the Florence & Fred label may raise a few eyebrows.”
Christian Lacroix eyeing comeback(Independent)
“Lacroix’s ready-to-wear and haute couture might be things of the past… but the label will be branching out into stationery, sunglasses, and home decoration.”
Fashion is still a feminist issue(Times)
“Did Miuccia Prada really say after last week’s show in Milan that she was a former feminist? I lent in closer. Yes, that’s what she’d said all right. ‘Feminism?’ she sighed, ‘it doesn’t really exist anymore does it?”
Lily Donaldson's Flying Hair by Matthew Donaldson | Source: Nowness
Marketing to the Millennials(IHT)
“Finding a way to reach a generation that is eager to be entertained and informed, yet resistant to the familiar, in-your-face 20th-century approach, is the focus of every smart luxury and fashion brand.”
Reimann Family Seeks More Luxury Acquisitions(Bloomberg)
“Labelux Group, the luxury company founded by Germany’s billionaire Reimann family, may make another acquisition this year to add to a portfolio of brands that includes shoemaker Bally International.”
Small Fashion House Sets Pattern in Milan(WSJ)
“There are advantages to designers mixing their media. Putting fur arms on a leather motorcycle jacket, as Frida Giannini did at Gucci this week, reduces the cost of the garment compared with a full-fur jacket, as well as its ultimate price to consumers.”
Luxury goods help lift European bourses(FT)
“Richemont extended Monday’s gains after media forecasts that the Swiss luxury goods company could see its shares jump 50 per cent or more in the next year as a result of a rebound in the sector.”
Hilfiger For Sale?(Vogue.com)
“Tommy Hilfiger may be up for sale today, as the private equity firm which owns it, Apax Partners, has reportedly begun gauging interest in the company.”
Phoebe Philo’s Third Act (T Magazine)
“A designer’s debut at a new label is always exciting, especially if it is backed by a luxury colossus, as Céline is by LVMH. But this particular designer is the fashion superstar who made Chloé one of the hottest labels of the early 2000s.”
Bottega Veneta Grows Up(WSJ)
“As Bottega pursues its strategy to grow from a niche player into a global brand, it has been conducting a major overhaul to its business, starting from the production line. As part of that, it now decides well before its catwalks what—and how much—to manufacture and send to stores.”
Vogue App Turns Ads Into Shopping Links(WSJ)
“Vogue readers with iPhones are getting another toy to play with this month. The magazine is launching an application that looks like a fun shopping and styling tool but is actually a savvy way to connect the magazine and its advertisers directly with readers’ wallets.”
Milan Goes in All Directions(NY Times)
“The problem is Ms. Prada doesn’t know what to do with these older forms other than offer them… By contrast, the clothes for Fendi looked modern and relaxed.”
Mariella Burani Fashion Group Will Be Dissolved(Bloomberg)
“Mariella Burani Fashion Group, which makes Vivienne Westwood products under license, said it will be ‘dissolved’ after its parent company was declared bankrupt earlier this month.”
Sweden’s Conceptual Fashion(WSJ)
“Over the past decade, a host of conceptual Swedish ready-to-wear labels have spread around the globe. Driven by the image of the brand rather than by an actual designer or dominant aesthetic… Swedes themselves have taken to calling the phenomenon ‘Det svenska modeundret’—the Swedish fashion wonder.”
Italy Deserves More Than a Long Weekend(IHT)
“In a country where workmanship is still done on home territory and brands remain in family ownership, a proud heritage is being outpaced by the speed of ‘fast fashion.’ Milan has become the sprint of the seasonal show marathon: in and out.”
Fashion royalty mourn fashion designer Alexander McQueen (Telegraph)
“Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Stella McCartney, Sam Taylor-Wood and Daphne Guinness were among the black-clad mourners to arrive at St Paul’s Church in Knightbridge, west London, to celebrate the life of the man who, his friends said, made ‘all he touched beautiful’.”
Italian fabrics by Alessandro Scotti | Source: WSJ
In Italy’s Mills, a New Spin Emerges(WSJ)
“Factories in China are proving as adept at copying fabrics as films and handbags… While worried, Mr. Ferla is relying on his quality-focused business strategy.”
Luxury Shame Thrives on Facebook(Slate)
“According to a new report from research firm Unity Marketing, nearly 80% of ‘affluent luxury consumers’ belong to a social network… Not surprisingly, well-off consumers engage differently with their favorite brands on Facebook.”
Men’s fashion takes centre stage in London (Independent)
“From Savile Row suits to S&M leathers, the autumn/winter menswear shows at London Fashion Week today ranged right across the style spectrum.”
What Milan Fashion Did for Anna(WSJ)
“Designers in Milan face a chaotic crunch as they scramble to fit 88 runway shows into about 70 hours over six days to accommodate the Vogue editor-in-chief’s plans to stay just four days in Milan instead of a full week.”
Foxy Lady: Gaga To Wear Armani and Prada on Tour (WWD)
“Lady Gaga has tapped two fashion houses — Armani and Prada — to help outfit her for the overseas leg of her Monster Ball tour, which began last week in Manchester.”
The Future Of Fashion, Part Three: Hedi Slimane(Style.com)
“[Slimane] has been both an insider (as, among other things, the highly influential designer of Dior Homme from 2000 to 2007) and an outsider… Here, he discusses today’s ‘costly and overwhelming fashion avalanche’.”
House of Fraser eyes Middle East expansion(FT)
“House of Fraser is set to announce plans to expand into the Middle East, as the department store chain aims to expand its customer base by taking advantage of demand for designer brands in the region.”
Designers embrace power of fashion’s blogging crowd(Reuters)
“Designers are embracing a growing crowd of internet-savvy fashion followers taking catwalk glamour beyond the coveted front row, with many young creators welcoming a trend they say brings them closer to consumers.”
Carolina Herrera opens new store in London(Telegraph)
“‘This is our fourth CH boutique,’ explains Herrera of the brand’s first London shop, ‘and we have another 18 opening around the world this year. We’re going global.’”
Gucci to launch heritage ad campaign(Drapers)
“The advertisements play on the brand’s heritage with images of workers in Gucci’s Florentine factory in the 1950s. The pictures, taken from Gucci’s archive, emphasise the history of the brand.”
J. Crew Spring/Summer 2010 Preview | Source: J. Crew
J. Crew Is Going Global on Net-A-Porter (Stylelist)
“Now, the classic American outfitter, currently available only in North America and Japan, has entered into an agreement with Net-A-Porter to be sold globally starting in May.”
Nordstrom’s Profit More Than Doubles(WSJ)
“Upscale department-store chain Nordstrom Inc. reported a 152 percent increase in profits during the quarter ended Jan. 30, underscoring how its strategy of expanding price points and carrying more exclusive merchandise is leading to more full-priced selling.”
Britain a cut above the rest(Telegraph)
“The creativity of these highly inspirational designers [generates] consistent demand via regular showcasing of new trends and design styles. Without this talent there would simply be no thriving high street, no £46bn sector and far fewer jobs.”
Liberty’s designer open call event (FT)
“The Liberty Best of British Open Call, an initiative launched last April by the store’s buying director… involves designers showing their wares to Liberty’s textile, furniture and fashion buyers.”
Christopher Kane updates the little black dress at LFW(Independent)
“When Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel created the little black dress in the Twenties, she could hardly have foreseen the sexy leather and lace versions which graced London Fashion Week.”
Burlington Coat Factory Ordered To Pay Damages To Fendi (Business Insider)
“Federal Judge Leonard Sand in New York ruled Monday that Burlington Coat Factory knowingly violated Italian fashion company Fendi’s trademarks, and awarded the luxury brand treble damages.”
A Campaign to Leaven the Mood(NY Times)
“The Saks campaign is indicative of a trend on Madison Avenue to evoke elements of the dire days of the Depression to signal to consumers an understanding of what they are going through today.”
Legendary Ginza district loses some of its lustre(Luxuo)
“As the country struggles to raise itself out of the global economic downturn, companies such as LV and Gucci are downsizing or leaving Ginza, their former properties quickly snapped up by the growing trend of ‘fast fashion’ houses.”
LVMH & Parsons Introduce Young Designers(Vanity Fair)
“[LVMH] recently joined forces with Parsons The New School for Design to create one of the world’s most sustainable designs: a generation of students with a newfound understanding and dedication to craft.”
Draped to Be Shaped(IHT)
“There was nothing mawkish or funereal about the atmosphere at the weekend shows — rather they were a celebration of the individuality that produces imaginative talent.”
PPR to take 2-3 years to sell retail businesses(Reuters)
“PPR said it could take up to three years to sell its Fnac, Conforama and La Redoute retail businesses, which is part of its strategy to refocus on its luxury, lifestyle and sportswear activities.”
Streaming is the new Blogging(Telegraph)
“Blogging? It’s so last week. Right now, ‘live’ streaming of catwalk shows is steaming! In fact, it’s getting so hot it’s raising the temperature in cyberspace and models are going to have to be called ’supernovas’, there’s so many of them rattling around up there above the Earth.”
Burani acknowledges resignation of chairman (Reuters)
“The chairman of Italy’s Mariella Burani Fashion Group has resigned, the company said on Wednesday, as the fashion group seeks protection from its creditors.”
The New Luxury(Brand Packaging)
“A clever story is not always enough for today’s consumers. Often, they’re most-concerned about a product’s environmental impact. Yes, high-end brands see the environment and social consciousness as purchase-drivers.”
The Return Of Confidence(WSJ)
“After a difficult year, designers re-embrace their core visions. The shows of Ralph Lauren, Proenza Schouler, Isaac Mizrahi and Calvin Klein.”
Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2010 | Source: style.com
Alexander McQueen label will survive(Times)
“Alexander McQueen’s fashion label will live on despite the designer’s apparent suicide last week, it was announced this morning.”
PPR full year net profit increases 7 percent(AP)
“Retail-to-luxury group PPR SA reported a 7 percent increase in 2009 profits Thursday and said it is launching a sales offensive to boost revenues in fast-growing markets such as China.”
Burberry Restructures In Spain(NY Times)
“Luxury goods group Burberry will restructure its loss-making operations in Spain, ceasing the production of exclusive collections and closing a facility that will likely mean 300 job losses.”
Alexa handbag joy for Mulberry(FT)
“Strong demand for the Alexa handbag, inspired by the young British style icon Alexa Chung, prompted Mulberry to upgrade its full-year expectations.”
Next in London: A New Crop (WSJ)
“Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Jonathan Saunders aren’t famous fashion designers, at least not yet. They are three of the up-and-comers expected to receive close attention starting Friday when London Fashion Week begins.”
The future of Alexander McQueen(Telegraph)
“There has, understandably, been no official indication yet on the future of Alexander McQueen – the brand, beyond the statement by Robert Polet, Gucci Group CEO: ‘The legacy he leaves us is a rich one, and one that we will cherish and honour.’ But will they? And how?”
Clothing company Express files for $200 mln IPO(Reuters)
“Express, the sixth-largest specialty retail apparel brand in the United States, filed on Tuesday for an initial public offering of up to $200 million.”
Italy wants IT Holding to speed up asset sales(Reuters)
“The Italian government wants to speed up the sale of assets by Italian fashion group IT Holding which has been in administration since last year.”
Menswear comes into its own at NY Fashion Week(Reuters)
“Menswear at New York Fashion Week typically takes a backseat… but the collections unveiled this week show U.S. menswear designers coming into their own with strong performances, buyers and trend analysts said.”
Sportswear tops luxury on Facebook(Independent)
“A marketing company called Stylophane has developed a new index that ranks brands by Facebook followers, with its list highlighting the popularity of sportswear brands such as Nike and Adidas in comparison to luxe brands including Burberry and Gucci.”
Tara Pearls Jewelry on Gilt Groupe | Source: Gilt Groupe
What’s a Dress Worth?(NY Magazine)
“The online retailer Gilt Groupe offers a great deal: Buy designer clothes at deep discounts. But is it good or bad for fashion?”
Chanel to sell goods online(Marketing)
“Chanel is to begin selling products directly through its website later this year in a landmark decision likely to be followed by rival luxury brands.”
Carolina Herrera Sees Signs of Life in Luxury(WSJ)
“Fashion designer Carolina Herrera says she was “shocked” a few months ago when she noticed her $7,990 gray sequined tulle gowns were “selling like hotcakes,” relatively speaking.”
World’s top fashion prize increased to 220,000 euros(AFP)
“The coveted Andam fashion prize for emerging talent on Monday announced a more than 25-percent increase in its endowment, to 220,000 euros (307,000 dollars).”
London Fashion Week Preview(Fashion156)
Fashion156 launches the London Fashion Week preview issue, including coverage on womenswear, menswear, accessories, beauty and grooming.
Alexa Chung for New Look Spring 2009 | Source: New Look
New Look joins list of companies scrapping IPOs(Independent)
“The fashion chain New Look yesterday became the third major company in as many days to scrap a planned stock market flotation, blaming the lack of appetite of potential investors.”
Superdry owner SuperGroup plans stock-market flotation(Guardian)
“SuperGroup, the fashion company behind the fast-growing Superdry label, is expected to unveil plans to press ahead with a stock-market flotation today, bucking last week’s trend, in which three big companies abandoned their plans to seek a listing.”
H&M Same-Store Sales Beat Forecasts(WSJ)
“Fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz AB Monday reported a better-than-expected gain in same-store sales in January, marking the second consecutive monthly increase in sales.”
The Future of Fashion: Cathy Horyn (Style.com)
“During our conversation… she talked about the critic’s evolving role, her sense that leggings are the enemy of innovation, and her belief that, in design, technique matters now more than ever.”
At his last show, Paris October 2009 | Source: style.com
Alexander McQueen, A True Master(WWD)
“The London-born McQueen’s death unleashed a torrent of shock and anguish from designers, retailers and others in the fashion world. ‘In a world where every man and his dog is a designer, Alexander McQueen was the real deal.’”
Alexander McQueen, found dead on February 11(Telegraph)
“Alexander McQueen, who was found dead on February 11 aged 40…was celebrated as the ‘bad boy of British fashion’ – an aggressively-talented tailor who refused to compromise and was all-the-more lauded as a result.”
Alexander McQueen, Dark Star of International Fashion (IHT)
“His death at age 40 also may force the industry to examine the current environment in which a generation of young designers is under unprecedented pressure to expand each fledgling brand.”
A Visit to London(NY Times)
“He was very confident, clear, mature and certainly eager to talk about his ideas about the Web. All that fascinated him — its conceptual possibilities fascinated him, as well as its commercial realities. I think we saw that in his October show in Paris.”
A Brand’s Uncertain Future(WSJ)
“The sudden death of Alexander McQueen leaves Gucci Group, the parent company of the British designer’s eponymous fashion house, to decide whether it can chart a future for a brand that was inextricably linked to its creator.”
The Future Of Fashion, Part One: Robert Duffy(Style.com)
“That unflappability has presumably served Duffy well over the last two and a half decades, as he and Jacobs have gone from being the self-described “rebels” of American fashion to becoming the leaders of a global mega-brand. During our conversation… he talked about his experiences with tweeting and live streaming.”
Rewarding Men With a Store of Their Own(WSJ)
“High-end fashion has long catered to women more than men. Hermès and Coach are the latest fashion houses making new efforts to shrink the gender gap.”
New York Fashion Week Gets Techy (WSJ)
“New York fashion week officially kicks off Thursday morning, in what will assuredly be the most open-and-available shows to the public ever. No, that doesn’t mean just anyone can walk into the tents… But if you’ve got an Internet connection, you can do the next best thing: watch a live-stream of the show online. Fashion has finally gotten technology.”
Fashion’s Online Numbers Game: Faking an Audience(Signature 9)
“Despite a straightforward statement to the contrary, wildly inflated numbers about fashion blogs and websites abound. Sometimes the numbers come from the bloggers and websites themselves – with no verification, other times they’re seemingly pulled from thin air.”
Who Sits Where at Fashion Week and Why(Vanity Fair)
“While everyone knows that front-row seats are reserved for celebrities, V.I.P.’s, and important editors, very little is known about the strategic process that goes into filling the chairs where everyone else sits.”
Penelope Cruz Bafta 2009 Red Carpet | Source: Bafta
London fashion week meets the Baftas (Guardian)
“It’s a brilliant idea to combine the drama of the Baftas with the catwalk glamour of London fashion week. It’s just amazing no one thought of it before.”
Stores Reach Into Bag of Tactics As Luxury-Goods Sales Improve(WSJ)
“Optimism is creeping back into style, following three seasons of budget slashing, according to luxury-retail executives who will attend New York Fashion Week… Even so, there’s a focus on luring back ‘aspirational shoppers.’”
Hermès CEO sees higher taxes hitting luxury(Reuters)
“Governments worldwide will have little choice but to raise taxes on the rich to address ballooning deficits, a development that would harm luxury spending in the coming years, French luxury chain Hermès International chief executive, Patrick Thomas, said.”
Marc Jacobs Sues Christian Audigier(NY Magazine)
“Marc Jacobs is suing Christian Audigier for trade-dress and trademark infringement over a handbag that’s suspiciously similar to one he designed… Audigier’s bag is ‘confusingly similar’ to Jacobs’s, according to the suit.”
The Indian shopper’s chaos theory(Live Mint)
“Taking the Indian shopper out of chaos is like taking a fish out of water. We feel at home in the hustle bustle of local markets and start having withdrawal symptoms in a structured sterile atmosphere.”
George Davies has further designs on women(Guardian)
“The man who invented Next and George at Asda is launching a spring collection with a brand new label. …GIVe – Davies’s fourth attempt to capture the hearts and minds of British women. With the launch of its spring collection only days away, he cautiously reflects: ‘We are where I hoped we’d be when we set off. Overall, I’m happy.’”
Prada sounds positive note(FT)
“In a glimmer of good news for the luxury goods industry, Pradayesterday said its operating profit for 2009 would be better than the previous year and better than forecast in its own budget.”
Yoox ‘09 sales rose 50 percent(Reuters)
“Online fashion retailer Yoox reported on Monday a 50 percent rise in 2009 sales, as consumers grew more comfortable and confident in using the Internet to shop.”
Liberty of London creative director exits(Retail Week)
“Tamara Salman, the creative director of the Liberty of London brand, has left the business. Liberty buying director Ed Burstell is reported to be taking over her responsibilities.”
The fashion stars of Central Saint Martins(Guardian)
“As the famous fashion school prepares to leave Soho, Louise Wilson, its razor-tongued head of MA fashion, talks us through her next generation of style superstars.”
Pringle thrown an £18m as it moves to recapture the luxury market(Guardian)
“The wealthy foreign owners of Pringle of Scotland have pumped another £18m into the loss-making brand’s continuing attempt to become a Burberry-style luxury label… accounts show the company has received injections of £10m and £8m from its owners, Hong Kong textile dynasty the Fang family.”
Luxury sales reveal return of confidence for the wealthy(FT)
“More prosperous shoppers seem to be defying continuing high unemployment levels and economic uncertainty to renew their spending on luxuries such as jewellery, fashion and cosmetics.”
Burberry show to live stream in 3D(Grazia)
“While guests will be sitting watching the ‘real’ fashion show at Chelsea College of Art & Design in London on February at 4 p.m, Fashion Editors and VIP guests in the selected cities will be putting on 3D spex to watch the larger-than-life broadcast in special ‘customized screening spaces’.”
Louis Vuitton’s emotion monitoring bags(Agenda Inc.)
“According to art director Fernando Lahoz’s website, Louis Vuitton is developing a series of emotion monitoring bags – technologically designed to ‘feel what you feel’… The bag incorporates a new HERM (heart and emotion rate monitor) in the form of a beautiful piece of jewelry which can be purchased with a bag or separately at Louis Vuitton stores.”
Sustainable fashion: what does green mean?(FT)
“‘Sustainable fashion?’… ‘What’s that?’ Good question. And here’s the truth: having spent two days in Copenhagen immersed in the concept, having thought about it over the weeks since then, and having canvassed a wide variety of fashion figures… no one knows.”
Robert Rodriguez Spring/Summer 2010 | Source: Robert Rodriguez
Jones Apparel Acquires L.A. Designer Label(Apparel News)
“Jones Apparel Group Inc., the… corporation that has been on the hunt for brands, acquired Los Angeles womenswear contemporary label Robert Rodriguez for $28 million. Jones Apparel is hoping to expand the Robert Rodriguez name in other categories and other doors.”
US retail groups continue to recover(FT)
“Spending by US shoppers continued to bounce back from last year’s post-crash lows, with retailers ranging from luxury department stores to teen fashion boutiques yesterday reporting stronger sales in January.”
LVMH struggles to prise open purses of wealthy(Times Online)
“The luxury brands group, which markets Christian Dior perfume and Tag Heuer watches as well as Louis Vuitton luggage, failed to raise its game over the Christmas period. Sales in the final quarter of 2009 were flat or declining in every sector at LVMH.”
Hermès ups its 2009 profit forecast as sales excel (Reuters)
“French luxury group Hermès on Friday raised its own profit expectations for 2009 after posting forecast-beating full-year sales on the back of strong Christmas trading.”
Which Stars Sell Fashion?(WSJ)
“With the Academy Award nominations out this week, fashion designers are already jockeying to dress the stars for their big night. But rather than trying to pick the Oscar winners or the most fashionable celebrities, designers should be asking another question: Who will be the most effective at getting viewers to buy the clothes they see on the red carpet?”
