The back-to-school blitz is around the corner — and the stakes are higher than ever. The season comes as there are growing fears among executives and analysts of “a double dip” recession. On top of that, weak consumer demand in May and June has created rising inventories and the potential of steeper markdowns in a reminder of the nightmare days of late 2008. Stores ranging from Macy’s to J.C. Penney to Wal-Mart by mid-July will begin to bombard families with b-t-s campaigns, and the agenda is robust, built around digital initiatives, celebrity tie-ins, price promotions and new merchandise they can call exclusive, as retailers scramble for market share amid consumer lethargy. For these retailers, b-t-s represents the second-biggest volume period of the year, behind only Christmas. “There seems to be a frantic quality out there,” said a chief executive officer of a major specialty chain, who requested anonymity. “Everyone is concerned about second-half comparisons. Everyone must battle for someone else’s business.” Store executives are seeking low-single-digit gains for the season and are prepared to face the worst, having kept inventories and expenses down. According to Mike Berry, director of industry research for MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, current spending trends suggest flat to moderate growth. “Until consumer confidence recovers, consumers will be cautious with discretionary spending,” Berry said, explaining that kids are waiting until school is in session to shop for apparel, and that retailers probably won’t see a bump in sales until September or October. But he added: “I don’t want to paint a bleak picture….Kids grow, even in a recession.” read more
Lindsay Lohan’s trip to the big house just might benefit her fledgling fashion house. The troubled actress, who burst into tears on Tuesday as she was sentenced to 90 days in jail because she violated terms of her probation for driving under the influence of drugs in 2007, is reaping a whirlwind of publicity as she tries to grow her 6126 apparel line — with handbags launching for holiday. The collection, which is to hit stores this month, has estimated annual sales of $3 million. “Lindsay has mind share right now, so people will be interested to see what the merchandise looks like,” said Jeff Vansinderen, a senior retail analyst at B. Riley & Co. “Times are tough right now in the retail environment and if I’m a retailer, I’m going to put the merchandise out there and try to sell it. “It’s not necessarily a bad thing,” he said. “At the end of the day it may not hurt, and it could even help sales in an ironic and twisted way. It would help if she is successful in her recovery and fans get behind her. Then she could use that to her benefit to promote the line.”read more
Cathy Horyn of the New York Times gives her take on Haute Couture, where it may be headed and why it's STILL kicking...
"Like perpetually dieting designers, haute couture is definitely shrinking before our eyes. Oh, don’t be fooled by the giant lion at Chanel, which, depending on how you look at these things, is either an example of Karl Lagerfeld’s brilliant stagecraft or an advertisement for a new Disney restaurant chain. Most of the remaining half-dozen or so houses that show haute couture scaled down their presentations this week: a nip here, a tuck there and a P.R. man explaining in a hushed tone that the designer wanted to “return to couture’s roots.” Which are what, exactly? The sets for the fall collections were less extravagant than in the past. Dior’s show in a tent behind the Musée Rodin was lovely, with an orange flower as the background, but 10 years ago the house took over a wing at Versailles. Givenchy skipped a show, and instead Riccardo Tisci put 10 outfits on forms, their beading and tiny skulls meant to invoke, in part, death. Why not just hang a sign on the door that says “Shut”? Unless you have been catching up on“Gossip Girl” reruns, national deficits and unemployment do not correlate with a couture dress that costs as much as a Harvard education. Couture is slipping off people’s radars faster than a U.F.O. And virtually all of the luxury companies, while their businesses have recovered, are focused on China and the hungry Chinese consumer." keep reading
WWD has a recap of what NYC wore when NYC experienced the hottest weather in a long time. long maxi dresses,floral sun dresses, straw hats and SHORT shorts were among some of the fashion choices this weekend. Here's a slideshow of more pictures if you need ideas for the rest of the week, it's going to be a scorcher!
"Consumers throughout the Eastern U.S. sought relief from record-breaking temperatures Tuesday any way they could — including going shopping. As the thermometer topped 100 degrees in Manhattan and elsewhere, retail executives said traffic to their air-conditioned stores and malls was heavier than normal. Even the bedbug-plagued Hollister store in SoHo, which reopened Saturday, saw a large influx of consumers. The searing heat followed the warmest July 4th weekend since 2007 and the third-warmest June in 50 years. And the heat wave was forecast to continue through at least Friday, when temperatures are expected to dip to the more-normal mid-80s. Over the weekend, businesses in the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. experienced double-digit increases of seasonal purchases compared to the coldest 2009 period in a decade, according to Planalytics, which analyzes and publishes the weather’s impact on retail. While consumers on the West Coast were still waiting for summer to start and holding off on seasonal purchases, other shoppers were able to think about fall wardrobes and even boots — despite the heat. Retailers said that the gain in traffic and sales will likely last as long as the heat wave — a much-needed boost as consumers’ reluctance to spend increases along with unemployment and fears of a second recession. Cold water is likely to be splashed on retailers’ recent good mood on Thursday when stores report comparable-store sales that, while expected to show growth, also will stir concerns over margins and rising inventories going into the key back-to-school season. “We had high double-digit increases,” said Susan Davidson, president and chief executive officer of Scoop. “East Hampton was off the charts. They’re buying fall early, driven by designers like Azzedine Alaïa, Missoni, Michael Kors, Phillip Lim and Marc Jacobs. We’re selling Chloé shoes and boots. Also, swimwear, shorts and little dresses.” She said business was “off to a good start” on Tuesday." read more
Starting in September, New York City will launch one of the largest textile recycling initiatives in the nation. The aim is to make it easy to donate clothing, almost as easy as throwing it away. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans pitch almost 10 pounds of socks, jeans, shirts and sheets per year, per person. In New York, where 190,000 tons of textiles entered the city's landfills in 2008 alone, the plan would place 50 collection bins in high-traffic areas. "I moved three times in the last five years, and each time I ended up throwing away clothes," says 25-year-old Tracy Feldman. "It is just too hard to haul it all over the city. If there was a bin on my block, I wouldn't hesitate to recycle them." The city is taking bids for a 10- to 15-year contract with a nonprofit company that will be responsible for the bins. Goodwill Industries International is one of the companies bidding on the contract. "There has not been another program like this that we know of," said Goodwill spokesman Alfred Vanderbilt. "We think they are being very creative and we hope this sets a new standard." A Goodwill Industries survey of 600 adults in the United States and Canada found that more than half of people who donate clothing say they wouldn't go more than 10 minutes out of their way to make a donation. Robert Lange, the director of the Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling in New York, said his department discovered the same problem. "You can open a black bag at the landfill and see what looks like new clothing," he said. "It is easier to throw it out than recycle." Not all used clothing can be recycled into usable clothing — take those old, stinky sneakers and torn clothing. But that doesn't mean those items can't be donated. While Goodwill is mostly looking for clothing that can be resold, there are ways to recycle even the old tattered pieces. At Wearable Collections, a New Jersey-based textile recycling company, almost half of donations are good for resale, according to the owner. The other half is split nearly evenly between being used for rags for businesses like the automotive industry and being broken down for insulation. Less than 5 percent of the total is unusable and goes to the landfill. Officials say that if New York's campaign is successful, it could lead to a nationwide movement to recycle clothing." read more
Not that we would want to give her any more publicity for horrible clothing, but we are giggling a bit about the launch of her new line. When we ran into her at Fashion Week back in Feb. 2010 and couldn't stop gawking at her skin-tight clothes, we were slightly curious (just slightly) to see if she would actually follow through with her own line. Not quite sure if you would call this an accomplishment however.
"With her skimpy bikinis, tight miniskirts and plunging dresses, she's not exactly known for her sophisticated sense of style. And JWoww's new 'Filthy Couture' fashion line may have a looked a little trashy to some at its Las Vegas runway show. Models sashayed down the runway in tight padded lace mini dresses, ripped white jeans and clashing corset-style tops with plunging necklines. The Jersey Shore star's range of swimwear looked a little like lingerie, with chains added to one bikini and another decorated with black lace. 'For the bathing suits I wanted to go with a grungy, or sexy-grungy look with the chains, but I also wanted to keep it girly with the lace,’ JWoww explained to People.com, adding that she found her runway debut ‘very unreal.’ The 23-year-old star sported a low cut pink lacy dress - her own design - at the event, held at Vegas hot spot Ghost Bar. ‘I’ve had this vision for a long time, and I’ve been in school for seven years doing it but I never thought it would come true.’" read more
"Death, religion, sensuality. Provocative topics for cocktail conversation, and for fashion, as well. As starting points for Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci, the themes made for an arresting, finely honed collection. Tisci’s three-part motif stemmed from what the designer called the three obsessions of Frida Kahlo (whose 103rd birthday is today, for those into such coincidences.) The artist’s fascination with the Mexican Day of the Dead inspired the skeletal lace tracings that recurred throughout the tight, 10-look lineup, delivering ample bravura."
The free exhibit "Catwalk Sidewalk", has been open for a week now spanning up and down Broadway near 42nd street. Presented by LF USA, the Catwalk featuring outrageous designs from NY designers is up until Sept. 3rd. FYI you can look, but don't touch, there are security guards walking up and down the street alert specifically for the exhibit.
"Diane von Furstenberg's is painted in a gray-and-purple leopard print. Tommy Hilfiger's features an American flag made of melted resin that looks like it's waving in the wind. And Donna Karan's wears a cityscape dress and backpack covered in buttons celebrating New York -- from a Hell's Kitchen pin to a "Fashion Avenue" street sign. Embroidery handmade in Naeem Khan's native India brightens the middle of his mannequin, whose arms and legs are covered in stainless steel studs from Germany. Nanette Lepore's bursts with bold oversize flowers and bows, meant to symbolize the "bright lights and constant energy" of New York. And Norma Kamali's is a techie's dream. Passersby can scan bar codes with some types of phones and view 17 different videos. "Sidewalk Catwalk," presented by the company LF USA, will boast six mannequins in Macy's windows and another 26 along Broadway between 35th and 41st Sts. Besides being in the heart of the Fashion District, the strip was chosen for its high level of pedestrian traffic. Visitors often stop by the information kiosk for the Fashion Industry Business Improvement District to ask how they can get access to designers or their work." read more
Banking on a 10-year company veteran to convey a more cohesive brand image, the Salvatore Ferragamo Group has named Massimiliano Giornetti creative director for all product lines. Already in charge of men’s ready-to-wear, as well as the women’s collection beginning with the fall season, Giornetti now will oversee the creative development of all of the luxury label’s categories. In an exclusive phone interview Thursday, Giornetti said his new role evolved in “a very natural way. For 10 years, I have been working with the brand and I really understand the heritage and craftsmanship. The family and other people inside the company give me extra strength and energy for this role,” he said. “Basically, it is like I have grown up in the company. I started out as assistant to the knitwear designer in men’s wear.” Giornetti’s debut designs for Ferragamo’s women’s wear were relatively well received. As indicated by a WWD review, “The pressure was on Massimiliano Giornetti, Salvatore Ferragamo’s new designer, who has been charged with restoring luster and luxury to the house, recently mired in irrelevant design, all the while charting unfamiliar territory: women’s wear. If the collection he showed Sunday is any indication, Giornetti is up to the challenge.” read more
"A contingent of creative-minded types thinks the Bayou City deserves — and needs - its own fashion week. So on the heels of September's big spring shows in New York, they're staging one. Fashion Houston 2010 will be presented by Audi Oct. 11-15, with runway shows at the Wortham Theater Center Oct. 12-14 bookended by parties and other events. Project Runway winner Chloe Dao, Cesar Galindo and David Peck (a talented designer who recently moved here from New York) are among the locally based A-listers who will show their spring collections. Also committed to show, according to Fashion Houston president Jared Lang and organizer Neal Hamil, are Project Runway's Christian Siriano, red carpet favorite Marc Bouwer, the Milan-based luxury menswear label Kiton and Lauren Bush. Hamil said more names will be added to the roster once they're confirmed. Page Parkes Models is lining up the bodies who will show off the fashions, including mature Texas supermodel Diane DeWitt, America's Top Model winner CariDee English and Models of the Runway's Kalyn Hemphill." read more
"In an age of austerity, Macy’s Inc. is helping the arts in New York City. The Macy’s division for the first time is sponsoring Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park, while the Bloomingdale’s division will spotlight “The KedsWhitney Collection” to support the Whitney Museum of American Art. “We have a lot of wonderful corporate sponsors, but in this economy it does get harder,” acknowledged Public Theater’s director of development, Casey Reitz, backstage at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park Tuesday evening, where Macy’s had a picnic preceding a performance of “The Winter’s Tale.” “This is a natural connection between two iconic New York institutions,” said Robin Reibel, Macy’s group vice president for media relations and cause marketing. “This is high-quality theater in a gorgeous setting, free of charge.” Macy’s went the extra yard providing some men’s linen shirts for the costuming. The store also supports the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet. Bloomingdale’s will spotlight artist-designed Keds sneakers July 8 to 21 in its Lexington Avenue windows, which will go interactive with Foursquare, touch screens and art students performing their craft on canvas to celebrate American art. The Keds designs by conceptual artist Jenny Holzer and painters Laura Owens and Sarah Crowner will be sold at Bloomingdale’s with a percentage of the profits donated to the Whitney. The artists exhibited at the museum’s biennial, and the all-American Keds brand is sponsoring the Whitney’s summer season. Holzer’s look for Keds, which invokes one of her text series, “Survival: Protect Me From What I Want,” will be followed by Owens and Crowner’s interpretations in September. “It’s great that Keds and the Whitney are friends,” said Holzer. “I have a renewed respect for shoe designers.” Kristin Kohler Burrows, president of Keds, said the Whitney project is “the personification of our new brand proposition and the wide range of creative possibilities Keds offers.” read more
"Successful apparel and brand marketers recognize the need to take a fresh and multi-faceted look at today's consumer," said Jim Harold, vice president for Acxiom's retail group. "This new study provides a particularly insightful view of consumers through the lens of fashion preferences and explores variations in each preference group's intentions and expected shopping behavior -- and not just in the apparel category." The above-mentioned groups include:
-- Fashion Forward -- Consumers who are looking for the newest trends and styles
-- Conservative/Traditional -- Shoppers who prefer a more traditional look
-- Value Driven -- Consumers who seek value and comfort rather than fashion
Research showed that of the consumers surveyed, half are Value Driven, 34 percent are Conservative/Traditional and 16 percent are Fashion Forward. Though it's the smallest of the three groups, Fashion Forward women in particular spend on average 1.7 times as much on apparel as Conservative/Traditional women and 2.7 times as much as Value Driven women. "Surprisingly, women in the Fashion Forward group -- regardless of income -- spend more on average than women of the other two groups," Harold said. "Fashion Forward women collectively account for 32 percent of total women's apparel purchases, which is approximately equal to the same dollar value as either of the other two groups. "What they lack in numbers, they make up for in spending power. And to underscore their importance further, Fashion Forwards indicate an intention to spend roughly twice as much as other groups in categories such as electronics, home furnishings, sporting goods and health and beauty aids. read more
"The first half of 2010 ended Wednesday with consumer enthusiasm for apparel weak, retail stocks battered and fashion’s hopes for the year resting heavily on the fate of the back-to-school and holiday seasons. While there’s little indication the always fickle, suddenly thrifty teen crowd will come to the industry’s rescue, one symbol of the holiday season sees reason for hope: Saint Nick. “I can’t see any dramatic change downward,” said Robert Mindte, chief executive officer and founder of Santaforhire.com, which has a network of about 200 Santas-for-hire. “All the mall-type jobs I had last year, we’re having again this year. Some of them are extending the hours somewhat,” adding 10 or 20 percent. Retailers will be fortunate to generate those kinds of increases as they head into the last six months of the year. Economists and analysts expect consumers to remain conservative about their spending against a weak economic backdrop and growing uncertainty that reduced retail stocks 13 percent in May, leaving them down 6.2 percent so far this year. “Spending and sales growth are probably going to moderate a bit; we think the first quarter may well be the best quarter of the year in terms of spending growth,” said Scott Hoyt, senior director of consumer economics at Moody’s Economy.com, noting first-quarter sales rose 2 percent from the fourth quarter." read more
"Chico’s FAS Inc. and its White House|Black Market Inc. division believe Caché Inc. attempted to add to its cachet illegally. The retailer has accused two former employees, Rabia Farhang and Christine Board, of supplying Caché, their subsequent employer, with confidential information and trade secrets. The defendants were WH|BM merchandise managers until the fall and allegedly provided rival women’s apparel retailer Caché with product design and developmental plans regarding WH|BM’s seasonal lines through this year, according to court papers filed Tuesday in New York State Supreme Court. WH|BM asserted that Farhang, currently Caché’s executive vice president and general merchandise manager, and Board, a senior merchant, were “intimately involved in the conceptualization and development of WH|BM’s 2010 spring, summer and fall seasonal lines, including color palettes, themes and prints, designed styles and outfits.” Charges against the retailer and the two merchants include breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition, theft-conversion and breach of fiduciary and other legal duties. The plaintiff has requested a jury trial and is seeking unspecified compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees and costs and punitive and exemplary damages." read more
"Cher’s wardrobe in Clueless literally changed my life and apparently I’m not alone:Ilaria Urbinati, celebrity stylist and co-owner of the L.A. boutique Confederacy,gushed about her love of the film’s fashion when she was introduced to Calvin Klein Creative Director Francisco Costa.“I sort of geeked out on him, [explaining] how my formative-years love of Calvin Klein was partly based on the little white minidress Alicia Silverstone wears in Clueless,” Urbanati told us. “I reeanacted the entire scene with Cher and her father—‘Cher, what are you wearing?’ ‘A dress!’ ‘Says who?’ ‘Calvin Klein!’—and of course I said, ‘Francisco, you need to remake that dress!’”Costa was so taken with her passion that he went home, watched the scene on YouTube, had the original dress pattern dug out of the archives in Italy and had it re-created exclusively for Urbinati’s boutique. (Confederacy will begin carrying pieces from Costa’s Calvin Klein Collection this fall.) The dress, which retails for $915 and comes in Cher’s original white as well as a shade Urbinati describes as a “HOT” red, is being unpacked as we speak and will hitshopconfederacy.com in no time." read more
Being in Fashion, we decided to see if we had any sort of degree of separation to Anna Chapman aka Russian Spy, Anya Kuschenko. We did! turns out we are linked via the social networking site ASmallWorld. Or could you be connected via Linkedin? Who knows maybe it was Anna you chatted with at the Rag and Bone Party last season...
"In 2008 to 2009 the cost of high-end goods and services plummeted by nearly 4 per cent. An Affluent Luxury Living Index has reported that for the following financial year prices rose by 0.6 per cent on average. Some individual products have seen far greater price inflation. The cost of Beluga caviar and fine wines fell by about eight per cent in 2008 but the latest figures show that in the past year Beluga cavier has risen by 24.1 per cent while wine has inflated by up to 31.8 per cent. Meanwhile the cost of artworks, a box at the Royal Opera House and a 24-hour concierge service have increased by 15.2 per cent in the last year after falling by 20.5 per cent at the start of the recession. This is partly due to some record art auction results in the last year. "Investments of passion" such as, Aston Martins, Range Rovers, designer jewellery and watches, increased in cost by 5 per cent according to the new research. However, the cost of private jets, a chauffeur service and exclusive hotels in resorts such as St Tropez have only become 0.6 per cent more expensive in the 2009 to 2010. There was some good news for the super-rich however. The cost of a full-time housekeeper, Westminster School fees, Botox and rent for a family home in Kensington and Chelsea actually fell by 5.6 per cent in the last year. This is because fewer executives are being recruited to work in London while many have left leading to a decrease in demand. The Affluent Luxury Living Index was compiled by Stonehage which provides financial advice for ultra-wealthy families. It does not disclose the actual prices." read more
"Following four consecutive quarters of declines in domestic same-store sales, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Tuesday replaced the head of its U.S. operation, Eduardo Castro-Wright, with the unit’s chief operating officer, Bill Simon. Simon will assume Castro-Wright’s role as president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart U.S. Castro-Wright will remain vice chairman of the corporation and take on the previously vacant role of president and ceo of Global.com and Global Sourcing, working out of Global.com’s California offices. Global.com was formed in January and had reported to Castro-Wright. A successor for Simon has yet to be named. Simon will report, and Castro-Wright will continue to report, to Wal-Mart president and ceo Mike Duke. “As we continue to become a truly global company and address the business challenges of a rapidly changing world, it is clear that Global.com and Global Sourcing are critical to our future growth and success,” Duke said, explaining Castro-Wright’s move to California will allow him to be with his family following his wife Fabiola’s recent heart transplant. Despite speculation the management shake-up had more to do with weakness in the Bentonville, Ark.-based firm’s U.S. business than Castro-Wright’s personal life, J.P. Morgan analyst Charles Grom said that after speaking with management he believed the change in roles was a decision “made by” Castro-Wright for family reasons. While Tuesday’s move surprised many, it did not send shock waves through the investment community. Saying her firm was “not surprised” by Castro-Wright’s new role and location, Citi broadlines analyst Deb Weinswig said, “We have been impressed with Bill Simon’s trajectory at Wal-Mart and the impact he has made on the U.S. business.…We also believe he is very in tune with the U.S. grocery landscape, and he will take Wal-Mart U.S. to the next level.”
"Cameras captured the sleek-looking crook prance into the high end shoe shop about 1 p.m., wearing the mask as she browsed among the heels for about a half hour before calmly marching up to the counter, where she handed a note to a cashier and kept her hand inside her purse, all the while, unsuspecting shoppers passed in and out of the store. In the video she can clearly be scene snatching the cash from the employees hand and stuffed it into her purse then grabbed the note before calmly strutting out the door, escaping with just $86, police said. The brazen theft prompted police to release a sketch of the suspect, donning a mask with cat like features, complete with whiskers, ears and a button nose. The same female bandit has been linked to two other robberies in Queens but this time wearing a more bizarre disguise. One Friday, a woman with her head wrapped in a back scarf and only here amber eyes exposed, walked into the Body Shop on Austin Street, just five blocks from the 112th Precinct stationhouse in Forrest Hills and slipped the same threatening note a cashier. She walked away with $500. She is also a suspect in the robbery of a 9 West shoe store on Austin Street on April 23, last year. She wore the same black scarf to conceal her identity and escaped with $500, police said. The suspect is believed to be a middle eastern woman, in her 20's about 5-foot-7 inches tall and she weighs about 120 pounds, said police." read more
"It’s too early to tell what the future holds for Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, but from the look of her first collection for pre-spring, the vista is promising indeed. Case in point: the strapless and draped printed chiffon in red and black — a stunner. Inspired by Hans Bellmer’s dolls and samurai warriors, Burton said she wanted to “juxtapose the pale and the delicate with the bold and armorial. It’s about a highly structured torso that gives way to a more fluid silhouette or drop waists that lead to a finned trouser or skirt.” Materials include lacquered raffia, hand-worked lace, wool crepe and silk — in pinks and white with flashes of red, mint green and gold."
"It is celebratory, charming and accessorized to a fare-thee-well — Miuccia Prada’s sophisticated cruise lineup at Prada, that is. Many of the looks give a gypsy-caravan dimension to the idea of Sunday best. Dresses, perennial favorites here, turn up in appealing variations from ruffled, floral-print versions in bold, zesty prints that nodded to the Thirties to sleek black styles shown with colorful accessories — all presented in postcardlike country settings depicting imaginary landscapes. The vivid costume jewelry is made from methacrylate, a lightweight glasslike material. Shoes include platforms and pumps with faux-coral or beaded embellishments and ballerina flats that tied around the ankles, while the bags are fashioned from canvas and exotic skins, or mixes of the two."
"Ralph Rucci has dropped some of his signature details for what he says is “a more relaxed, fun resort mood.” He shows soft satin sarong skirts and simple little tops, lots of color and even a perfect white cotton piqué shirt. His elegant side is here, too, reflected in lean, lightweight wool dresses and suits. But this collection, as Rucci calls it, is “Chado light.”
"It was only a matter of time before Jean Paul Gaultier went legit when it comes to his lingerie designs – after all, it's only been almost 30 years since he first dabbled in ladies under things. The French designer chose esteemed lingerie house La Perla as his partner for the collection, which will be available in November at select La Perla and Gaultierboutiques, and select department stores. "Lingerie is part of my DNA and of my heritage," Gaultiersaid in a press release. "In my latest prêt-à-porter collection I revisited the conical bras and corsets worn as outerwear. This collaboration was a natural and logical step, especially since La Perla is the pearl of the lingerie, with the best savoir faire." "Cooperating with Jean Paul Gaultier filled us with satisfaction from the very start," Alain Prost, La Perla's C.E.O., said in a release. "A perfect synergy immediately came to light between his vision and the values of luxury and elegance that have always been cornerstones in La Perla's history." Two special, limited-edition pieces – a backstitch satin bra with a shoulder-strap motif and a garter belt – will make their debut at Gaultier's July 7 haute couture show in Paris." read more
"Nearly two-thirds of apparel, accessories and footwear retailers either don’t have a mobile-commerce strategy in place or are just getting started on one, according to a study on “The State of Online Retailing” released today by Forrester Research Inc. and Shop.org, the National Retail Federation’s digital division. Fifteen percent of the 26 apparel, accessories and footwear retailers included in the study said they had no mobile strategy, and another 50 percent said their strategy was at an early stage or just being developed. Nineteen percent said they had a strategy in place and were implementing or refining it, 12 percent said they had a strategy and were starting work on implementing it and 4 percent simply said they had a strategy. Among the 84 online retailers overall, 20 percent said they were implementing or refining an existing strategy, 10 percent said they were starting work on implementation and 8 percent said they had a strategy, versus 36 percent that were in the early stages of developing a strategy and 26 percent that didn’t have a strategy at the present time. Reflective of their larger size and sense of urgency about mobile commerce, general merchandisers were the furthest along of the five retail “verticals” studied, with 36 percent boasting of having already implemented a strategy and working on refining it. Along similar lines, general merchandisers have earmarked $490,000 for mobile investment this year versus an average of $65,000 for apparel, accessories and footwear retailers. Beauty and personal care retailers plan to invest $203,000 in mobile this year, on average, while sporting goods retailers have budgeted $127,000. Only home retailers, at $25,000, plan to invest less in mobile than the apparel-related specialty merchants. The average for all retailers in the study was $170,000." read more
"It’s not everyday an authentic royal prince mounts a horse and plays a polo match in the middle of New York City, so the enthusiasm of the crowds that gathered at Governors Island (just off the tip of Manhattan) on Sunday afternoon to watch Britain’s Prince Harry compete against Nacho Figueras in the third annual Veuve Cliquot Polo Classic was understandable. Despite the sweltering climes—the mercury rose well above the ninety degree mark—scores of revelers—some VIPs, most hoi polloi (the event was open and free to the public) gamely donned festive chapeaus and seersucker shorts and boarded ferries from the financial district to the fields. (Further evidence this was not your typical American sporting event: elegant flutes of the sponsor’s Champagne, rather than Big Gulps of brewski, were hawked at concession stands.)" While this year’s celeb turn out—Val Kilmer, Mary J Blige—paled in comparison to last year’s—Kate Hudson and Madonna (arguably one of the only stars who could upstage an HRH)—there was still no shortage of entertainment: Namely, Harry’s head-first tumble off his horse during a pivotal moment in the game, which drew a collective gasp from the crowd. But, for the royal, who continued to play after his spill, it was presumably worth it: festivities, which also included an exclusive tented luncheon before the match, raised funds for American Friends of Sentebale, the U.S. chapter of the charity he founded to support children in AIDs-stricken parts of Africa. What’s more, Harry, whose team ultimately lost, managed even to score a goal—though the play wasn’t exactly a highlight for everyone. “They let Harry score a goal, did they?,” quipped one skeptical onlooker. “That was nice of them.” read more
"Harrods Ltd., the iconic London department store that sells diamond-encrusted Bulgari SpA sunglasses, Yves Saint Laurent scents and DKNY bags, is now banking on the brand its customers know best. The retailer plans to create in-store shops for Harrods- branded clothing and accessories by 2012, making it the latest high-end department store to bet its name can spur sales and profit after the luxury industry’s worst-ever year. As luxury-goods makers Burberry Group Plc and Prada SpA cut their dependence on third-party distributors by opening outlets, department stores are filling selling space with their own brands. Saks Inc.’s revamped men’s collection is set to become the New York store’s largest men’s wear brand. With lower prices than mainstream luxury brands, retailers’ labels can appeal to customers who are more price-sensitive after the recession. “Department stores realize that their most valuable asset is their own name,” said Umberto Angeloni, co-owner of Italian suitmaker Raffaele Caruso SpA, which also manufactures private- label tailored clothing for retailers. At Harrods, the range of men’s clothing and accessories will be positioned as an alternative to a brand like Brioni Roman Style SpA, the Italian maker of $5,000 suits, Jason Broderick, general merchandise manager, said in an interview. The retailer, acquired last month by Qatar Holding LLC for 1.5 billion pounds ($2.3 billion), foresees a “substantial” part of future sales coming from its own brand, Broderick said. Private-label fashion is “a growing part of our business with huge potential,” he said. read more
"Forget the cranky consumer and schizophrenic investor. Global retail mergers and acquisitions are on the rebound — for now — and Europe is the center of attention. Dealmakers have been pulling billions from their coffers for the right companies, and the questionable U.S. recovery, the European debt meltdown and stock markets’ gyrations are being seen more as potholes than roadblocks. Deep-pocketed investment funds are trying to snatch up quickly growing brands on the cheap, and strategic acquirers are looking to transform and win the postrecession consumer. Already this year, the value of global acquisitions of apparel manufacturers, as well as apparel and shoe, jewelry and department stores jumped 133 percent to $11.28 billion, according to Dealogic. And Europe led the way despite questions about the viability of the euro and sovereign finances. Europe rang up $6.98 billion worth of deals in the four sectors this year, even excluding BCBG Max Azria Group and Nicolas Berggruen’s agreement to buy Karstadt Department Store Group, which is technically a holding company and not considered a retail transaction by Dealogic. The global retail M&A dollar figure advanced despite a decline in the number of deals to 207 from 280 at this time last year, indicating companies are starting to take bigger bets as they consider combinations." read more
"As a Twitter fanatic, it’s been interesting to watch as more and more luxury brands and retailers get on the “Twitter train.” In particular, I like checking out how the department stores (amidst their complex organizations) are innovating in this space. Unfortunately, not all have gotten on board, but there are a few clear standouts. Of particular note is Bergdorf Goodman, who despite a very limited retail footprint (2 stores if you count the Manhattan womens and mens stores separately) now have a larger Twitter following than Bloomingdale’s! The key to Bergdorf’s success in this arena has been in the cheery, loquacious personality of the Bergdorf teams’ Tweeter(s). Taking a look at the sheer number of tweets they’ve put out (5,032 as of this posting), especially as compared to “heavyweight” Nordstrom, shows how engaging they are. Barney’s continues to shine with a very strong follower base, but why don’t they make better use of their highly-entertaining Creative Director, Simon Doonan. I have no doubt he would quickly draw a lot of new fans. Twitter newcomer, Saks Fifth Avenue, is off to a good start but is going to have to step up their game and offer a more unified voice if they don’t want to get lost amongst their more chatty competitors." read more
"Fresh has teamed up with Sony Pictures to create the Eat, Pray, Love fragrance collection, based on the best-selling memoir of the same name by Elizabeth Gilbert. The trio is set to launch on July 15, before the movie of the same name — starring Julia Roberts — is released on Aug. 13. “We have been working for the past 18 months on several new directions for the brand,” said Jean-Marc Plisson, chief executive officer of Fresh Inc. at LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics North America. “We used to be a very fragmented brand with lots of great, but unrelated, products in the eyes of the consumer. One of our key strategies has been to create lifestyle items that you get excited about in-store. In beauty, we have to find ways that give interest to the customer to see you and feel good about it. With the Eat, Pray, Love collection, we’re partnering with Sony and with movie theaters and retailers to provide not just a product, but an experience.”
Eat has top notes of Italian lemon, basil and bergamot; a heart of plum, red current and rose, and a drydown of caramel, meringue and vanilla. Pray has top notes of elemi, pink pepper and juniper berry; middle notes of incense, peony and rose, and a drydown of patchouli, amber and musk. Love has top notes of bergamot, red currant and mango blossom; a heart of tiare and dewy jasmine, and a drydown of sandalwood, vetiver and velvet amber. Each will retail for $32 for a 1-oz. eau de parfum spray." read more
"Young labels like the Row, Jason Wu, Nellie Partow, Waris Ahluwalia and Prabal Gurung are trumpeting their New York roots on apparel and labels in an effort to create a sartorial version of the locavore movement. The idea: to link locally-made clothes with artisanal values to promote stitched-in-New York sales. As New York's Garment District struggles to survive, a consortium of designers and manufacturers have launched a campaign, Made in Midtown, in hopes that clothing shoppers will become more conscious of the impact of their purchases.
A recent study by Made in Midtown found that New York's fashion industry accounts for 5% (over 172,000) of jobs in the city. By comparison, there were more than 300,000 apparel jobs in New York in 1949. "Part of what can come out of this study is, how do you talk about locally-made products in a way that connects the consumer to making the decision [to buy them]?" says Council of Fashion Designers of America executive director Steven Kolb, adding that he hopes lessons can be borrowed from the green and local movements to promote domestic purchases of apparel." read the full article
"Paul Blum, David Yurman’s chief executive officer, is stepping down. Blum, who joined the jewelry and timepiece firm in February 2006, will remain in his role until a successor is named and become a member of its board. “Paul joined us four-and-a-half years ago and has succeeded in building an efficient organization that has helped us grow our business even through some fairly difficult times,” David Yurman, who serves as the company’s chairman, said. “While we are sorry to see Paul go, we are pleased to know he will continue to retain a voice within our company as a board member and we fully support him in his decision and in his future endeavors.” Prior to taking over the ceo role from the namesake designer, Blum had been president of Kenneth Cole. At Yurman, he is credited with transitioning the company from a largely wholesale-based operation to a multichannel business that has wholesale, freestanding retail and e-commerce. Blum also implemented a strong management structure at Yurman." read more
"The official launch of Gucci’s children’s wear line Thursday at the Pitti Bimbo trade fair in Florence coincided with a $1 million pledge from the luxury goods house to UNICEF’s Schools for Africa program.
The new initiative, aimed at increasing access to quality basic education, further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Gucci and the humanitarian association. Their six-year collaboration has helped raise more than $8 million, primarily through the house’s holiday initiative when creative director Frida Giannini develops a special gift collection whose proceeds are partly devolved to the organization.
“I am especially proud of this collection for the new creative challenge and would like to use the opportunity of this launch to reinforce Gucci’s commitment to UNICEF,” said Giannini. “I visited Malawi last November and saw the difficult situation children face in sub-Saharan Africa, where every third child doesn’t get the chance to go to school. UNICEF’s Schools for Africa program is successfully giving more children access to a good education, providing a start in life that so many of us take for granted.” read more
If you haven't had enough glitter covered Vampires in your life lately, we've come across a few articles that highlight some of the fashion on the red carpet from the recent Premiere of 'Eclipse'. In our opinion Dakota Fanning stole the show.
"In a perfect world, Dov Charney would appear in our newsfeed as little as possible. Instead, we would be greeted by headlines shouting “Alexander Wang Designs for H&M” or “Alber Elbaz Saves A Tree Full of Stray Kittens” — but we can only dream.In a perfect world, Dov Charney would appear in our newsfeed as little as possible. Instead, we would be greeted by headlines shouting “Alexander Wang Designs for H&M” or “Alber Elbaz Saves A Tree Full of Stray Kittens” — but we can only dream. Once again, American Apparel made headlines today when MSNBCpublished an article that strayed away from the company’s problems we all know too well and divert our attention to another: American Apparel is not making bank. Oh really? Guess it has been tough for our minds to wrap around that when we’ve been bombarded by the company’s other problems — like a leak of memos going into details of image policies and $1 million breach contracts. But according to the article, it turns out the recent controversies are not the crux of the financial problems that the company is currently facing. Instead, it’s the CEO’s inability to turn in his financial filings on time and production problems within the company’s Los Angeles factory. Mysteriously, Charney seems to believe that the problem is temporary and everything will be okay:
“Our company in the past has been through these types of issues before and it’s never really presented us with any particular difficulties in running our business.”
Not according to MSNBC’s recent findings, and in this paragraph they sum up what’s really going on:
Even if the clothing company is able to resolve that crisis, production problems at its factories, which are contributing to its poor financial results, could take months to work out, the company has conceded. The Los Angeles-based company also has warned that it risks having its stock delisted from the Amex because it has repeatedly been tardy with its financial filings.
Mr. Charney, please divert your attention away from your doe-eyed models and instead deal with this internal mess once and for all." read more
"Forever 21 Inc. is set to open a massive new store in New York's Times Square on Friday, the latest and most aggressive step in the low-priced fashion retailer's plan to expand from a clothing boutique into a department store. The privately held, Los Angeles-based company is expanding aggressively at a time when most retailers are holding back or downsizing, a move enabled in large part by the recession. Forever 21 snapped up real estate vacated by brands such as the now-bankrupt Mervyns LLC chain that were forced to downsize or close because of dwindling sales. Teens continue to swarm Forever 21's piles of inexpensive, high-fashion-imitating party dresses and tank tops. But moving into cavernous spaces, like the 90,000-square-foot spot near 46th and Broadway, is forcing the chain into new categories like menswear, children's clothing and beauty, where its hold on consumers is less certain." read more
"Hennes & Mauritz AB, the world’s third-largest fashion retailer, said net profits rose 24 percent in the second quarter, but sales of its spring garments were disappointing due to unusually cold weather in most of its markets. Net profits in the three months ended May 31 amounted to 5.21 billion kronor, or $710 million, on sales of 31.6 billion kronor, or $4.3 billion. Same-store sales were down by 1 percent in the quarter. Dollar figures are converted at average exchange rates for the period. Like-for-like sales fell 4 percent in May compared with the same month last year, with the retailer reporting that unspecified calendar effects had a negative impact of 3 to 4 percentage units in the month. Including new stores, sales grew 6 percent in May and 22 percent during the period of June 1-22, it added. The Swedish high-street giant said weaker-than-expected spring sales had left it with 2 percent more stock than last year. “This could lead to a higher price reduction level in the third quarter compared to the corresponding quarter last year,” it said. Gross margin — a key measure of profitability — rose to 65.9 percent in the second quarter from 61 percent a year earlier, boosted by a weaker dollar during the purchasing period for garments sold in the quarter. “Other factors, such as greater surplus capacity at suppliers, lower transportation costs, favorable raw material prices and efficiencies in the buying process also impacted the gross margin positively in the second quarter 2010,” it said. H&M announced it would enter Croatia and Romania in 2011 with store openings in Zagreb and Bucharest in the spring. Also next year, Morocco will become a new franchise market with a store opening in Casablanca in the fall. The company said it had postponed the planned opening of a COS store in Hong Kong from fall 2010 to sometime next year."
"China is beckoning mainstream U.S. retailers as never before. With the country’s middle class growing fast — projected by Euromonitor to total 700 million people in 2020 — companies such as Gap Inc., American Eagle Outfitters Inc. and Bebe Stores Inc. are making their first forays into China. Others, including Guess Inc., Iconix Brand Group Inc. and Levi Strauss & Co., are enlarging their footprints. The activity comes as China has decided to let its currency appreciate gradually against a basket of currencies, including the dollar, which could — along with rising wages for Chinese workers — boost the purchasing power of its consumers and make the world’s most populous nation an even more enticing market. The push by retail and apparel firms in China, preceded by the expansion of luxury brands, has accelerated as they seek to diversify geographically because the international economic crisis exposed the vulnerability of developed markets while China’s economy grew 8.7 percent last year."
"Macy's has released the first images of popstar Madonna and her daughter Lourdes's firstfashion range for the US department store, called Material Girl - due out for back-to-school season in August. Judging from the sketches, there will mainly be 1980s-inspired clothes (complete with a range of fingerless gloves), including flowery bustierdresses, star prints, and 'jeggings.' According to the press release, the new line relies on mixing unexpected items, "like a tutu dress and studded-combat boots, or an oversized boyfriend sweatshirt with a floral printmini skirt." Even though the fashion world is starting to get fed up with celebrity fashion lines, this collection is highly anticipated not just because of Madonna's star power, but also because of her successful design debut for Swedsih retailer H&M a few years back. All items, expected to cost under $40, will hit Macy's stores and its website on August 3." read more
"Cynthia Ruiz, the president of the city’s Department of Public Works—and also known as the mayor’s fashion ambassador—confirmed that the mayor’s Office of Economics & Business Policy, under the jurisdiction of Deputy Mayor Austin Buetner, has started to plan Los Angeles’ participation in the night-long shopping extravaganza. The U.S. edition of Fashion’s Night Out was created last year through a partnership between Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and N.Y.C. & Co. (New York City’s tourism site) as a global initiative to celebrate fashion and boost consumer confidence, shopping and the local economy. The F.N.O./L.A. committee will soon reveal how the city of Los Angeles is planning on translating this much-awaited night into sales, events and an opportunity for local designers to be showcased. “I love the idea of L.A.’s FNO having some of the elements that the Downtown L.A. Art Walk has been able to implement—a little something for everybody,” Commissioner Ruiz said. Last year during the inaugural launch of F.N.O. in New York, Los Angeles held a few in-store shopping events around town. Now, after the efforts of many, L.A. will officially join the lineup of Fashion’s Night Out cities, alongside New York and several other fashion capitals around the world."
"Deborah Lloyd’s resort and holiday collections have Kate Spade’s retro-modern whimsical spirit. Resort looks include navy-and-white-striped jersey jackets and T-shirt dresses along with ruffled blouses and dresses in a shirting fabric with a pop of color in accessories, such as a color-blocked bag or shoes. New this season are denim handbags and Lloyd’s first pair of jeans. Holiday features sparkly, shiny dresses and skirts, made more casual by adding colorful hosiery or chunky scarves."
"Creative director Rodolfo Paglialunga continues to display his knack for distinctive shapes and cuts this season. Dresses steal the spotlight at Vionnet — from loose jersey numbers to skimpier versions in two-toned sequins and ruched styles featuring rounded hems."
"Macy’s Inc.’s Web sites — macys.com and bloomingdales.com — exceeded $1 billion in sales last year, but the corporation wants much more. WWD has learned that Macy’s is developing a strategy to speed growth of its e-commerce businesses and has reassigned a top merchant, Jeff Kantor, to become president of merchandising at macys.com, effective Aug. 1. Kantor will succeed Helaine Suval, executive vice president of merchandising for macys.com, who is retiring in the spring. In the meantime, she will oversee the development of “an accelerated growth strategy for the e-commerce business,” working closely with Sachse and Kent Anderson, president of macys.com operations, Macy’s said. On the agenda, taking macys.com international. The company will begin to fulfill overseas orders later this year." read more
"Before switching career paths into jewelry design, Wendy Brandes spent 15 years in media and marketing, working at People.com, the Wall Street Journal and investment banking firm Lehman Brothers. In 2004, after designing her own engagement and wedding rings, Brandes became a full-time entrepreneur, drawing on her affinity for strong, powerful women leaders to fuel her own collection. Her website-store offers a mix of whimsical pendants, bold statement rings and eye-catching earrings, some inspired by iconic figures such as Cleopatra and Anne Boleyn, and others taking their story from more obscure sources, such as Marie-Thérèse Charlotte, the eldest daughter of Marie Antoinette. Her latest achievement? Getting a pair of her earrings into the recently released "Sex and the City" sequel. For Brandes, the allure of these luxury items - some cost as much as $15,000 - lies in the backstory of the women who have inspired them. Like so many successful entrepreneurs, Brandes has an eye for detail: Many of her items have a mechanical element, allowing them to open and close, unscrew or twist to reveal some hidden detail, such as a tiny silver chicken tucked inside a gold egg. As she steers her small company and attempts to grow its presence through social media, she draws on her own experiences with good and bad leadership and takes notes from the success and failures of famous women around the world." read the interview with Wendy Brandes and Holly Thomas of the Washington Post.
"Randy Kabat, executive vice president, marketing and advertising at Prada USA, is leaving the company, effective July 9. Kabat joined Prada in 1997, immediately taking a leadership role in a business-side trajectory that kept pace with, and reflected, Miuccia Prada’s creativity. Kabat told WWD she considers the past 13 years a privilege, having represented “this company with its incredible brands and visionary leadership...The breath and depth of my role at Prada USA over the years in marketing, advertising and communications has been truly rewarding.” She said that the time “just feels right to make a change. I'm looking forward to leveraging my experience from Prada, and some other great brands before, towards my next professional challenge.” Prior to her arrival at Prada, Kabat worked first at Giorgio Armani, and later, Swatch."
Style.com has some really cute and affordable alternatives to the light, dark and acid wash jean cutoff's you wore last summer. We love the wrap-front looks and tribal patterned jacquard pair from J.Crew. Here they are at style.com
"Albert Kriemler looks to Capri and the style of Brigitte Bardot’s character in Jean-Luc Godard’s 1963 film “Le Mépris” for inspiration this season. Working with photo prints, the designer brings scenic images of the island to life in crisp shirtdresses, easy scarfs and quirky pants. For the serious Akris customer, he focuses on sharp tailored suits, cool asymmetric tops and stylish wide-leg trousers — all with a modern minimalism."
"Hannah MacGibbon is playing sports for Chloé pre-spring, adding scuba, judo and motorcycle elements to a slightly retro lineup in her favorite neutrals — cream, beige and khaki. There are little kimono jackets, while zip-waist leather pants with knee patches are worn with a feminine silk blouse. Decorative details include whipstitching and raffia embroidery."
For pre-spring, the globe-trotting designer takes a fashion tour of North Africa, melding ethnic touches with Parisian chic and his inimitable humor. Looks range from an A-line trenchcoat paired with fluid harem pants to a military jacket and pants revved up with racy corset lacing in back. Gaultier also takes a detour down trompe l’oeil lane, layering three jackets into one or wedding a military shirt to a corset dress.
"Fendi has settled a counterfeiting lawsuit against the former Filene’s Basement operation for $2.5 million, although other related lawsuits against different parties are still in progress. According to Michael Burke, Fendi’s chief executive officer, many of the lawsuits, such as one against Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse, originate from the alleged illegal activities of Ashley Reed Trading Inc. and its owners, Scott and James Ressler. The lawsuits against Ashley Reed and the Resslers were filed both in the U.S. and in Italy, according to Burke.
“It is trickier to go after the importer than after the final retailer. The importer has no assets here, as it mostly operates offshore,” Burke said. He added the investigation surrounding the alleged Ashley Reed counterfeiting operation took time to track. “Our impression is that a great majority [of it] was manufactured in China, shipped to Italy and transshipped to the U.S. with fake invoices using fake business cards,” Burke said.
In the Burlington case, Fendi was awarded a $4.7 million contempt judgment in February. According to a court document, Burlington and co-defendant Cohoes Fashions Inc. had violated a 1987 injunction that prohibits Burlington from purchasing or selling any Fendi-branded product without prior permission. Fendi is still awaiting a decision on damages on its counterfeiting claims. As for the Filene’s Basement case, which also included as co-defendant Retail Ventures Inc., its parent when the lawsuit was filed in 2006, Fendi expects to receive its $2.5 million by the end of the month, which will be paid from Filene’s bankruptcy estate. In addition, both parties are barred from selling Fendi product without Fendi’s written permission. Filene’s was sold to Syms Corp. following bankruptcy. The sole nameplate left under RVI’s umbrella is DSW Inc. Executives at RVI and Burlington could not be reached for comment by press time Monday. Gerard Dunne, attorney for Ashley Reed and the Resslers in the lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court, said, “The court found six bags that were counterfeit over thousands sold over the years. The goods are gray-market goods — legitimate goods sold outside of the U.S. and shipped here. Most of our goods are from duty free shops and Fendi outlets in Italy. We don’t believe they were counterfeit.” According to Fendi’s Burke, the amount of money spent annually to monitor counterfeiting activity is in the “seven digits.” “We have people in Brussels, Washington, Beijing at the LVMH level, and Fendi itself has staff in Hong Kong, Rome, New York, Paris and Tokyo providing additional monitoring,” he said. “Add all that up and we’re talking 30 to 40 people, which doesn’t include prosecution, which [comes under] a separate budget.”
"Quintessentially McQueen, his final, magisterial collection was a poignant coda to a career characterized by ceaseless invention, curiosity, and lightning flashes of absolute brilliance. The collection was presented in a stately room of white and gold Louis XV boiserie, in what was once the hôtel particulier of the noble Clermont-Tonnerre family. The models appeared one by one, to the hauntingly beautiful accompaniment of Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas (the music that McQueen had been listening to as he created this collection). Their faces were powdered by Peter Philips as wan as van Eyck Madonnas, their heads were bound by Guido Palau like medieval wimples and crowned with bristling Mohican plumes, and they struck attitudes that recalled the iconic images of the Byzantine empress Theodora." read more
"Shoppers turned out for Father’s Day, lifting the spirits of retailers and affording them the opportunity to meet or exceed plan. Tailored clothing and dress shirts, along with knitwear, were among the bestsellers for most stores, stoking further confidence that the upcoming fall season will be healthy. “It was a little better than we anticipated,” said Lou Amendola, chief merchandising officer for Brooks Brothers. “Business was strong during the week leading up to Father’s Day and much stronger than in the past when it has been a Friday to Saturday event.” The bulk of the business came from the stores rather than the Internet, he noted. Among the top performers, he said, were tailored clothing and neckwear, both of which posted “nice increases over the previous year.” Although ties are an expected gift item, the strength of clothing was unusual. “It was a bit of a surprise,” he said. Knitwear was also a standout. Although its semiannual sale kicked off Monday, Brooks Bros. ran some one-day specials in the weeks before Father’s Day to draw traffic. “It wasn’t about the item that was on sale,” he said. “It was more of a way to draw them into the store.” And the strategy worked. “Customers did come out and shop,” Amendola added. “We exceeded plan, and in this day and age, that’s exactly what we want.” As a result, he is optimistic about the future. “It tells me consumers are interested in shopping again. They’re still uncertain, but unlike before, when they were unwilling to shop, now, when it comes to the 11th hour, they’ll get out and shop.” read more
"Clean lines with athletic elements sum up Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s resort lineup for The Row. The high-quality fabrics and imaginative details give the collection an austere yet luxurious feel — as in a double-face chiffon maxidress with angled stitching at the bottom or a ribbed, washed cashmere skirt and pullover that look simple but have plenty of tactile appeal."
"An architectural current courses through Vera Wang’s resort collection, grounding her signature languid, layered silhouette in smoky grays and rich jewel tones. Winding seams and asymmetric cuts have a relaxed, artsy effect on the strong knitwear — filmy cardigans and jersey T-shirts — and silk shorts, while sculptural rosettes and a bustier with a molded peplum provide a structured counterpoint to the long and lean."
"Google on Thursday released Version 2.0 of a service that it hopes the nation’s top 1,000 retailers will use to power the searches on their e-commerce sites. Unlike most competing search products, Google Commerce Search is a cloud service, so it can be set up and customized relatively quickly, and performance will not vary even during unusually busy times such as holidays and sales, according to the company.
“A good search technology dramatically improves conversion rates because users find what they are looking for,” said Google senior product manager Nitin Mangtani. For example, retailer DiscountOfficeItems.com experienced a 6 percent increase in sales revenue a few weeks after adopting the first version, which made its debut in November. Version 2.0 comes with a dashboard through which retailers can easily and quickly customize searching and browsing on their sites. For example, merchants can set up menus with categories of their choice, such as denim, tops, brands, dresses under $99 or pencil skirts. If retailers want to promote certain types of items — latest arrivals, sale or private label, for example — they can arrange to have those show up first on search results. They can also create an endless number of special promotions that automatically start and end on dates of their choosing. No coding is required."
"Over the past 20 years, Messrs. Dolce and Gabbana have built one of the biggest and most successful men's businesses by navigating the fine line between style and fashion. "Women are into fashion, men are into style," said Mr. Dolce, in between fittings for the 20th anniversary runway collection. "Style is forever."
The difference between the two meant a striped linen jacket and a silk blouse didn't make the cut from the new collection, whose motto -- "Sensual, Sartorial, Sicilian" -- marks a return to the brand's roots. A nautical theme permeated the looks that made the cut, from the sailing rope Mr. Dolce stranded through belt loops to a rugged beige fisherman's sweater. Dolce & Gabbana's show kicks off Milan men's fashion week, which runs from June 19 to 22." read more
"Rodarte’s Kate and Laura Mulleavy planned to celebrate their 2010 Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Fashion Design win by commandeering the jukebox Thursday night at their favorite Los Angeles hangout. The sisters outperformed Behnaz Sarafpour and Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for the honor. The Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum will present an array of Design awards at an Oct. 14 gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. “This is such a big deal because there is always the question [of] if you approach to design in an artistic way and whether you view your work as art,” Laura Mulleavy said. “It is amazing to have a community you are not always part of recognize your work.” As for Thursday’s celebration, she said, “The Lakers are playing tonight and they have kind of taken over our town, so we will probably just take over the jukebox at this little place we like to go to. And then, of course, we will just get back to work.” Other honorees include Stephen Doyle for Communication Design, Kiernan Timberlake for Architectural Design, William Sofield for Interior Design, Lisa Strausfeld for Interactive Design, Ralph Caplan for Design Mind, Jane Thompson for Lifetime Achievement and the U.S./Green Building Council for Corporate and Institutional Investment. First Lady Michelle Obama is honorary patron of the event, which is made possible in part by Bloomberg and Procter & Gamble. Target will once again sponsor National Design Week, which will run Oct. 9 to 17. Rodarte is a familiar name to the Cooper-Hewitt. During fashion week in February, a Quicktake exhibition of Rodarte’s designs was staged in the Upper East Side museum."
If you've ever wondered how exactly to pull off wearing an electric green watch or glowing orange silk top, here is Style.com's guide to wearing neon this summer. Personally we love the Roarke braided bracelets. Perfect for stacking and so cool for the summer!
“A little bit Lolita” was how Louis Vuitton style director Julie de Libran described Marc Jacobs’ resort lineup. That means retro, ultrafeminine clothes, with prints of fruit vines and peonies worked onto flouncy skirts, and bows adorning cinch-waisted shorts and trousers. It isn’t all flou and frou, however: There is louche glamour in the cool striped silk blouses and solid suede jackets, and a chic ease to the dresses, particularly a pale pink and cream-trimmed bouclé number with a gentle full skirt.
Lanvin Cruise 2011
"Declaring that women should “have it all,” Alber Elbaz loads Lanvin’s cruise collection with transformable clothes, many with stretch properties and all of them chic. Swimwear is a new category, and draped maillots morph into what Elbaz calls “robes de yacht,” thanks to matching short skirts. Black chemise dresses for day shelter linings of draped tulle or ruffled chiffon, reversing with one zip into fetching cocktail wear."
"Specialty stores catering to fickle 13- to 19-year-olds are struggling as these consumers grow tired of the Americana and surf-and-skate fashions they’ve long snapped up and search for a new look — even if they’re not quite sure what that look might be. Their ennui is setting off alarm bells over the crucial back-to-school season even as schools let out for the summer.
Not only is demand soft, but competition is growing. Fast-fashion retailers such as H&M, Zara and Forever 21 are gaining momentum since their looks change every six weeks or less, and mass merchants are picking up market share, as well. According to Hana Ben-Shabat, a partner in the retail practice at the A.T. Kearney consulting firm, between 4 and 6 percent of teens last year shifted from shopping at specialty stores to shopping at mass merchants and discounters.
Part of this is being driven by the hangover from the recession — and continued high unemployment. That means teens don’t have money to spend on new clothes, and nor, in many cases, do their parents. Apparel spending, which had averaged 50 percent of teens’ discretionary purchases in 2008, fell to 40 percent last year." read more
"Rain couldn't deter the good cheer on the red carpet Sunday in New York, as Broadway celebrated its biggest night, the Tony Awards. The night was perhaps a bit more glam than in previous years, as Hollywood seemed to move East for the evening. Radiant in green, Scarlett Johansson, nominated for "A View From the Bridge," waved to the crowd, gathered outside Radio City Music Hall. Her costar and fellow nominee Liev Schreiber arrived with Naomi Watts. Catherine Zeta-Jones, nominated for "A Little Night Music," was glowing in a powder blue gown.
Hamming it up on the carpet was Green Day -- Mike Dirnt, Billie Joe Armstrong and Tre Cool -- whoseshow "American Idiot" is up for best musical. Among the others making the trek includedDaniel Radcliffe,who appeared in "Equus" on Broadway in 2008; Antonio Banderas, star of "Nine" in 2003, and wife Melanie Griffith, who appeared "Chicago" that same year; and Bebe Newirth, a star of "The Addams Family" musical. And, of course, the nominees of the evening were looking their best as they headed into the hall:Laura Linney, up for "Time Stands Still"; Christopher Walken, star of "A Behanding in Spokane"; grand dame of theater Angela Lansbury, nominated for "A Little Night Music"; Kelsey Grammer, honored for "La Cage aux Folles"; and the evening's host and "Promises, Promises" nominee Sean Hayes. "Glee" was well represented, with star Lea Michelle, who appeared on Broadway in 2006 in "Spring Awakening," prepared to sing "Don't Rain on My Parade"; Matthew Morrison, who will sing "All I Need is a Girl"; Vocal Adrenaline's Jonathan Groff, another "Spring Awakening" alum, who says he'll next be appearing in "Mousetrap" in London; and Idina Menzel, Tony winner for "Wicked" who was seen recently on "Glee" arrived sans husband Taye Diggs." read more
"A federal jury in Richmond found two New York importers guilty in a landmark case involving more than $100 million in counterfeit luxury goods. In one of the largest luxury counterfeit goods prosecutions in U.S. history, Chong Lam and Siu Yung Chan, also known as Joyce Chan, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods imported from China, two counts of trafficking in counterfeit handbags, wallets, purses and carry-on bags and two counts of illegally smuggling counterfeit goods in the U.S. A third defendant, Eric Yuen, was found not guilty of the same charges. The three were charged in January 2008. Evidence presented at trial showed that Lam and Chan, along with their co-conspirators, operated an extensive international manufacturing, import and wholesale counterfeit goods business. Lam and Chan were controlling officers of at least 13 different companies in the U.S. and overseas, and were running at least eight separate factories that produced counterfeit bags, according to the Department of Justice." read more
"After a recent trip to India, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez thought about what their Proenza Schouler girl needs for resort — which went beyond the expected saris and rich embellishments. So they chose to use Bandhani tie-dyeing techniques and sweet tie closures rather than buttons and hardware. The cool tie-dye looks range from easy Ts to lightweight dresses, while textured gold dresses are rich and luxe. And beachy Baja tops and tailored coats make the perfect toppers."
"After years of talking up in-season shows, Donna Karan finally practiced what she’s been preaching on Thursday. Her first Urban Zen presentation, held in the rooftop garden of the Greenwich Street building that houses the line’s store, featured 13 models in sexy, draped pieces, grounded in T-shirt dressing from the collection that’s currently in stores. “For me, Urban Zen is about bringing it to the consumer,” said Karan. “I wanted to give an immediate experience.”
"Neiman Marcus Inc. got a thumbs-up from one ratings agency Thursday, while Barneys New York Inc. received a less flattering assessment from another.
"Moody’s Investors Service upgraded Neiman’s corporate family rating to “B3” from “Caa1” based on a “solid recovery in credit metrics,” while Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service took Barneys off CreditWatch without changing its “CCC” rating. However, S&P lowered its issue-level rating on Barneys to “CCC-minus” from “CCC” and lowered its recovery rating to 5 from 3 “based on our view that the company’s valuation has diminished over the past few years.” Barneys was placed on CreditWatch with positive implications on April 22. “The negative rating outlook reflects our concern that Barneys’ capital structure is unsustainable and that some sort of restructuring is a likely outcome,” wrote S&P credit analyst David Kuntz. He cited the store’s “weak liquidity position, participation in the narrow luxury segment, small store base, absence of a chief executive officer since mid-2008, highly leveraged capital structure and thin cash flow protection measures” in his research note explaining the action." read more
"Uma Thurman and Donna Karan are teaming to combat women’s cancer. Saks Fifth Avenue and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation tapped the actress as this year’s ambassador to the retailer’s annual Key to the Cure initiative. Karan designed the limited edition T-shirt that will be sold as part of the campaign and benefits a slew of organizations devoted to the fight against cancer. It’s a cause that Thurman and Karan take very seriously. Both have known women affected by the disease, and Thurman was particularly inspired to step up her efforts in the fight against it when she attended the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Central Park in September and shot the starting gun. “It was amazing to see so many women, both survivors and nonsurvivors alike, united in this effort,” said Thurman. “When [Key to the Cure] was presented to me, I thought, ‘This is something I want to make the time to do, something that matters a lot to me.’” Thurman joins past celebrity ambassadors including Gwyneth Paltrow, Charlize Theron, Hilary Swank, Heidi Klum, Glenn Close, Renée Zellweger and Nicole Kidman. Like them, Thurman is to appear in a national public service announcement sporting the Karan-designed T-shirt, which will be placed in September and October issues of fashion and lifestyle publications." read more
"The buoyant spirit of wealthy beach towns comes through at Marc Jacobs, where resort is flush with girlish quirks. He works a pastel palette in jumbo tweeds, webby knits and dresses with frothy, floral appliqués, all of which are feminine and flirty to the extreme in the case of full skirts — some midlength, some microsocopic — that kick out at the rear. And on the subdued side are A-line skirts, shorts suits and tipped knits for the playful preppy."
"For Stella McCartney, resort is not a question of show versus showroom, but rather how to temporarily transplant her collection to New York and upstage everyone else with a presentation-as-garden-party. This season, the venue was Gavin Brown’s enterprise staged with vignettes: models playing chess, dancing to an a cappella group, posing in a faux photoshoot (with real NYC photographers cycling through), etc. It all served as a charming, if at times chaotic, backdrop for snappy floral dresses, sporty shorts and jackets done with scalloped edges, McCartney’s signature tailored blazers, lace tops and cropped trapeze trenches. “We just try to have a bit of fun,” said McCartney, shrugging off her inspiration as “flowers, an English garden in New York.”
"The Talbots Inc. on Tuesday posted a first-quarter loss that was narrower than a year ago and smaller than analysts expected, but shares fell 9.5 percent on the retailer’s anemic second-quarter forecast and questionable inventory position. For the three months ended May 1, the net loss was $4.4 million, or 8 cents a diluted share, compared with a year-ago loss of $23.6 million, or 44 cents. On an adjusted basis, income from continuing operations, excluding one-time charges related to restructuring and its merger with BPW Acquisition Corp., was $21.7 million, or 38 cents a share, 22 cents above the 16 cents expected, on average, by analysts polled by Yahoo Finance. Sales rose 4.7 percent to $320.7 million from $306.2 million as same-store sales increased 2.4 percent, full-price selling was up 21 percent and markdown selling dropped 31 percent. Referring to these numbers, Trudy Sullivan, president and chief executive officer, told analysts on a morning conference call, “After 11 quarters of a year-over-year sales decline, we have turned the corner to positive sales growth.” read more
We've been waiting (not quite at the edges of our seats) since we saw J-Woww at NY Fashion week in September, hoping that maybe it was serving as inspiration for something wearable, but now we're not quite sure..."At Sunday night’s MTV Movie Awards, Jenni “J-Woww” Farley wasn’t shy about showcasing her latest project, clothing line Filthy Couture. The Jersey Shore star stepped onto the red carpet rocking a lacy pink minidress from the new collection, telling PEOPLE of the revealing plunge-front look, “The dress has a thousand Swarovski crystals. Farley describes her personal style as “sexy gothic,” a look that will anchor Filthy Couture, which is set to debut this July on the heels of her line of made-to-order tops. “I’m more like rocker-edgy, but very sexy,” she said. “Definitely all my dresses and bathing suits and my jeans and shirts will be like that.” And is there such thing as too risqué for the 21-year-old “guidette”? Said J-Woww, “I keep it sexy classy. I won’t go to porn star sexy. I won’t go that far.” For more info on Filthy Couture, visit jwoww.com." read more
"One of the biggest brand building mediums today is video, said Kevin Kells, national industry director of consumer packaged goods for Google Inc., which owns YouTube. It tells a story and creates an emotional connection between a brand and its customers. “The very nature of the medium forces you to be engaged with it,” he said, referring to clicking, searching, sharing and commenting. “Video is nothing more than sight, sound and motion storytelling. It’s a really powerful storytelling device.” In the last month, 77 percent of Americans online watched a video. Only five years old, YouTube garnered 2 billion views a day in May. Every 60 days, more minutes of video are uploaded than the top three broadcast channels produced in 60 years, he said. YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world after Google, and a quarter of YouTube sessions contain at least one search opportunity for brands, Kells said. Companies can advertise on the home page, next to video that’s important to customers, or they can create brand channels and archive company video." read more
