Stella's new store
Stella opened a new store in South Kensingtons Brompton Cross on Saturday. Her first Adidas by Stella McCartney store the designer had this to say...
"This store is a real celebration of what we have been building for the last eight years together with Adidas and hopefully it is going to be the home for women to go to and find everything they need for their sports - and at the same time not having in any way to sacrifice their style," said McCartney. "It's very much part of the world of the Stella McCartney store that we have opened in Brompton Cross, and it's really the icing on the cake, as far as it is expressing the different facets of the brand."
Elsa Peretti leaving Tiffany?
Seventy-four year old Italian designer, Elsa Peretti is considering retiring from Tiffany. She has been working for the brand since 1974, the iconic heart commonly associated with the brand is one of her designs. If she retires- it looks incredibily likely- Tiffany could see a massive drop in sales. With a reported 10% stemming from Elsa's designs and the brand only being able to continue selling her products for a year it seems it could mark a make or break period...
Tiffany said they "made a firm offer to Ms. Peretti in an amount that is based upon the value of the Peretti intellectual property to Tiffany," but they have been informed by Peretti's advisers that she is "considering exercising her right to terminate their licensing agreement."
Louis vuitton worlds most valuable label
Valued at 16.5 billion (pounds) Louis Vuitton has been named the most valuable luxury brand!
Beth Ditto defends Adele
Karl Lagerfield sparked controversy when he criticised Adele for being "a little too fat" last February. He has since apologised for his remarks however Beth Ditto still had this to say...
"First of all, Karl Lagerfield is not even sane," she said. "Second of all, he's not the end-all, be-all of what he does. He's really talented, but that doesn't mean he's right. Third, Karl Lagerfeld used to be this really fat, eccentric dude. He always had that fat kid fan with him too. To me, only a person who was fat could get away with saying something like that."
Shock statement from Prada CEO
Contrary to common view the CEO of Prada, Patrizio Bertelli, thinks imitation goods aren't all bad...
"Fake goods aren't totally bad, at least it created jobs at some counterfeit factories," Bertelli said during a Bloomberg television interview. "We don't want to be a brand that nobody wants to copy."
Browns New buying Director
Browns announced the name of their new buying director yesterday. Laura Larbalestier will replace Ruth Runberg next month!
"We are pleased to announce that Laura Larbalestier will be joining us as our new women's buying director in June," Browns' CEO Simon Burstein said yesterday afternoon. "Laura will replace Ruth Runberg, who is returning to the United States. Many of you will already know Laura who has been on the womenswear buying team at Selfridges for the past eight years. Laura will be supported by our existing buyers; Francoise Tessier, Rebecca Osei -Baidoo and Pam Brady."
Louis Vuitton Collaboration
Louis Vuitton is collaborating with Yayoi Kusama. Their collection will launch July 10th and will be in shops in October! Very exciting....
"Her energy is just endless," Vuitton creative director Marc Jacobs said of the artist. "Through the painstaking sort of obsession in each of her canvasses and installations that she's created, you see this world that never ends. I guess that's what I admire and that's what I respond to in terms of feeling for her and for her work."
Lagerfields highest bidder
Karl Lagerfield is set to direct a short film alongside Harvey Weinsteing to raise money for AIDS. The leading role will be given to the highest bidder at the Cinema Against AIDS gala auction, Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc in Cap d'Antibes this Thursday! I for one am eager to see how much this goes for... will be sure to keep you posted!
Gucci awarded $4.7 million
Gucci has been awarded $4.7 million in damages for Guess infringing on their signatures. However, the luxury brand is disappointed with the result as their initial claim totalled an outstanding $221 million...
"Gucci's request in court was unconscionable by its scope and the amount of damages they claimed," Guess CEO Paul Marciano said. "They 'forgot' to claim certain trademark rights that Guess used for 23 years, such as the script logo and the court sided with Guess."
Mulberry Del Rey VS Mulberry Alexa
The Mulberry Del Rey bag is taking the fashion industry by storm and may prove more popular than the Mulberry Alexa.
"The Del Rey has definitely made an impact!" a Mulberry spokesperson said today. "The deer brown colour is the most popular so far; our flagship store on Bond Street sold out in the first day - but more stock is arriving all the time. We think the bag's timeless style will appeal to lots of people, and more and more are joining the waiting list for the colours still to arrive: petrol and black forest. All of our stores have had enquiries since the Del Rey was carried by its namesake Lana Del Rey as well."
Hedi Slimane
Hedi Slimane has announced he is showcasing his first ever collection for Yves Saint Laurent at Paris Fashion Week. The Belgian designer has invited buyers to view his mens spring and womens cruise collection in June/July, despite rumours of a a public exhibiton. I guess we will just have to wait :(
Burberry awarded $100 million
Burberry was awarded $100 million by the Federal Court Manhattan on the 17th May. It ruled that Chinese counterfeiters like YESBURBERRYVISION.COM and BUYBURBERRY.COM were infringing on the companies trademark.
Hermes was also awarded $100 million last month for websites selling imitation products. Personally, I think it is about time someone cracked down on this... I for one, see more replicas than I do the real deal these days!
BREAKING NEWS: ROBBERY AT WILLIAM VINTAGE STORE
William Vintage's store in Marylebone has been broken into, thousands of pounds worth of vintage clothing taken. The star tweeted;
"We have been working all night to clear the damage and are determined to honour our 9am appt."
"We have lost Dior, Courreges, Halston, Ossie Clark and pieces I have travelled the World to find"
I sincerely hope all is returned... Will be sure to keep you posted!
Victoria's Secret- date set
Victoria's Secret have allocated a date for the opening of their new store in Bond Street. It will open on the 25th July 2012, just in time for the Olympics!
Dahl criticises the fashion industry
Sophie Dahl, ex model turned writer, blamed the small sample sizes sent in by designers for the growing pressure on models to be thin. She said "The small sample thing is ridiculous. They are too small. They are like children's clothes." She also said that the demanding lifestyle... endless fittings and fashion shoots, meant she had very little time to eat. Dahl,discovered by Isabella Blow, was the first to break the mould- she debuted at size 14! However, her new slim frame suggests she eventually succumbed to the ongoing pressure.
Armani and Penn host Haiti fundraiser
Skechers fined $40 million
Skechers have been fined $40 million for deceiving customers. The Californian based company stated that their shoes encouraged weight loss and helped with bottom-toning (hysterical). Those who purchased the shape-up, resistant runner, toners and tone up shoe can apply for a full refund.
Adele's Vogue Cover worst seller
According to the Times it was Alexander Shulman (editor of Vogue) that announced this. Did this really need to be made public? So, the singer isn't the typical cover girl- she is a damn site more talented than most of those preceding her. Ironically, they bring to the forfront only the shallowness of the industry... They could plaster a dog on the front and I would still buy a copy, surely it is suppose to be the content as opposed to the cover that generates sales??
Who said retail was a sinking ship?
With the help of Net-a-Porter Richemont has seen a 43% leap in profits. They reported profits of 1.2 billion in the year ending 31st March- can't complain! With other luxuary brands contributuing to their success- they also own Cartier and Mont Blanc- the Senior Executives said they were "cautiously optimistic". Not bad, considering the current climate!
Kloss and Wu Walk for Aids
Jason Wu and Karlie Kloss are teaming up to raise money for aids. They will partake in a 6.2 mile walk in New York this Sunday and aim to raise $50,000!
"The idea came about at the Met Ball with a mutual friend of ours," said Kloss. "We were in a sea of glamour and we looked at each other and said, 'what do we do next?' The AIDS Walk became a perfect opportunity to change our ballgown and black tie for sneakers and work-out clothes. Juicy Couture is even donating a bucket of money for me to wear their clothes for the event which is amazing - it's fantastic to see my friends in the fashion community getting behind us, come on guys!"
Selfridges wins Best Department Store
Selfridges has been named the best department store in the world for the second year running. Quite an achievement against the backdrop of Harrods, Macys and the such like...
"The Selfridges brand has gone from strength to strength worldwide, and this prestigious retail award recognises its true value as a performer and innovator," said Selfridges owner Galen Weston. "The award criteria represents our highest priorities; a strong profile, successful development and execution of products, stores and service innovation strategies, delivery of outstanding in-store experiences, excellent customer service and strong financial performance. Receiving this distinction for a second term is very gratifying."
Paul Smith set to take China
Despite closing his stores and withdrawing from the Chinese market due to low sales, Paul Smith is heading back to China. Aiming to open twenty-four new stores over the next five years, the first will be in Shanghai, it seems he is taking a bit of a risk! Good luck...
Temperley Store
Temperley is opening a flagship store in Bruton Street, Mayfair, this November. The six floor georigian set up seems perfect to house Alice's delicate designs. The street is also home to the likes of Stella McCartney and Matthew Willamson- trendy street- so she is sure to fit in nicely!
"It feels like the right time for our company to make this move and embark on the next phase of our business expansion - British fashion is at an important juncture and we are proud to have been part of the journey for the past ten years," said Temperley. "Our flagship, in one of the strongest areas of London retail will allow us to showcase what we do with passion in outstandingly beautiful surrounding, and invite the customer directly into our world. We are very excited about this next stage - it feels like the beginning of a whole new chapter."
Vogue ditch their Editor
Australian Vogue have sacked their editior Kristie Clements and replaced her with Edwina McCann, former editor of Harpers Bazaar. With sales at Vogue plumpting to lows of 51,000 while Bazaar's rocketed to 54,0000- under the guidance of McCann- it seems the company have poached the editor in an attempt to raise sales. Ohhhhhh... have to love a bit of controversey!!
Swarovski Competetion
Swarovski has once again invited established and emerging designers to apply for a grant enabling them to integrate Swarovski pieces into their collections. Created in 1999 they have collaborated with designers such as Alexander Mcqueen, Phillip Treacy, Huessein Chalayan, Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Christopher Kane, Mary Katrantzou (pictured above) and many more. I will be sure to keep you posted- the final collection is always sooooo beautiful!
Aquascutum
Tim Dally has been confirmed the new CEO of Aquascutum. Sold last week to YGM, a Hong Kong based company, it has been agreed that the UK factory will remain open, allowing the hundreds at risk of losing their jobs to take a sigh of relief.
"Aquascutum has wonderful heritage and enormous global potential," Dally told Retail Week. "I am excited by this opportunity to be at the helm of this iconic British brand."
Betsey Bankrupt
Betsey Johnson filed for bankruptcy a month or so ago under chapter 11 US bankruptcy code. This now settled, liquidation sales have begun in the US. With assets roughly amounting to 21.3 million Betsey and her daughter are said to be selling everything they own... including fittings and fixtures.
"The decision to seek protection under Chapter 11 comes after months of rigorously pursuing alternative restructuring arrangements to address Betsey Johnson LLC's cash-flow problems," said the company's chief financial officer, Jonathan Friedman. "After exhausting our resources and possibilities, it became apparent that neither a restructuring arrangement with a new equity investor nor a sale of the business enterprise as a going concern outside of bankruptcy was to be forthcoming. Accordingly, our board made the determination that a Chapter 11 store-closing process will likely be the best way to maximise the value of the company's assets, for the benefit of its creditors."
Good Luck Ladies...
Geiger and Blahnik collaboration
Manolo Blahnik and Kurt Geiger have teamed up. The new collaboration entails an allocated stand devoted to Blahnik in the Kurt Geiger section of Harrods and Liberty. Usually only available from his London store in Chelsea, this is a major leap making Blahnik's shoes all the more accessible.
"We are extremely excited and privileged to be working with Manolo Blahnik, one of the world's most inspired shoe designers," said Kurt Geiger CEO Neil Clifford. "The collections are captivating and these new boutiques will make a truly fantastic addition to the experience offered in Kurt Geiger's luxury shoe concessions in Harrods and Liberty."
"I am very excited that my shoes will reach an even broader audience through Kurt Geiger in Liberty and Harrods," said Blahnik.
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