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February 28, 2007
Wealthy Shoppers Chose Classic American Brands
Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein were the most popular brands among wealthy Americans, according to a survey by the Luxury Institute. Their desirability was rooted in the quality of their products, the Institute said, indicating that even the best-heeled shoppers are looking for value.
The survey queried 1,650 people with a household income of at least $150,000 a year.
Posted by Blacks at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)
February 27, 2007
Federated Changes Name To Macy's
Federated Department Stores is changing its name to Macy’s Group Inc. in an effort to heighten the profile of its Macy’s brand. The group, which also owns the Bloomingdale’s chain, acquired May Department Stores in August of 2005 and has been converting them to Macy’ stores nationwide.
The name change announcement came as Federated reported a 4.9% profit increase for its fourth quarter. The new name is subject to shareholder approval.
Posted by Blacks at 09:43 AM | Comments (0)
Paris Shows Light Up Fashion Crowd
Paris Fashion Week, which opened Sunday, has managed to reignite the enthusiasm of even the most worn out of fashionistas. Coming on the heels of the New York, Milan and Paris Couture shows, France’s runway extravaganza features both theatrics and stunning craftsmanship.
Take, for instance, Viktor & Rolf’s decision to send its models down the runway with their own lighting rigs. In craftsmanship, Yohji Yamamoto continues to inspire with his pleated and gathered creations.
For more Paris coverage, check in with Blacks In Fashion later this week.
Posted by Blacks at 09:13 AM | Comments (0)
February 26, 2007
Gap To Close Forth & Towne Concept Stores
In another indication that Gap is facing hard times, the company announced that it is closing its Forth & Towne division.
The Forth & Towne concept was introduced just 18 months ago as part of an effort to target women over the age of 35.
Gap said it didn’t see any long-term revenue potential in the stores and is closing all 19 locations.
Posted by Blacks at 09:38 AM | Comments (0)
February 23, 2007
Dsquared Steps Up Its Shoe Biz
Dsquared is stepping further into the footwear business through an agreement with Italy’s Pollini SpA to produce the brand’s fall/winter shoe collection.
The deal comes as Dsquared is getting ready to open its first boutique this fall.
The company hopes to triple its footwear business over the next few years from 18,000 pairs a season to 60,000 pairs a season.
Posted by Blacks at 09:36 AM | Comments (0)
February 22, 2007
Ungaro Names New Men's Wear Designer
Emanuel Ungaro has named Frank Boclet as its new men’s wear designer, in charge of expanding the company’s signature line. Boclet, who succeeds Jose Levy, will show his first collection in Paris in July.
The company has a second Ungaro Homme line through its collaboration with U.K. manufacturer Marchpole Holdings. The second line currently accounts for the lion’s share of the brand’s men’s wear business since the first line is still relatively small.
Posted by Blacks at 08:09 AM | Comments (0)
February 21, 2007
Nicole Miller Signs Tailored Clothing Deal
Nicole Miller has signed a licensing deal with Bagir Ltd. to manufacture tailored clothing for its signature collection, as well as the brand’s new line for J.C. Penney.
The deal underscores the designer’s belief that suits and tailored pieces are ready for a rebound.
Israel-based Bagir has production facilities in China, Vietnam and Egypt and has recently madea name for itself with its inventive fabrications.
Posted by Blacks at 12:44 PM | Comments (0)
February 20, 2007
La Perla Slips Into RTW & Accessories
High-end lingerie brand La Perla is expanding into ready-to-wear and accessories. The company is showing off its RTW line in Milan today and has entered into a licensing deal with Finduck for handbags and leather goods. The company even has a footwear deal in the works with Balden.
The footwear line will be available in the fall and its handbags and accessories will appear under the Grigioperla label this spring.
Posted by Blacks at 10:08 AM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2007
Milan Opens Runway Shows With Model Agreement
Milan kicked off its Fashion Week over the weekend, and this time there was a twist. The top fashion houses have signed an “anti-anorexia” agreement to ensure that only healthy models are sent down the runway.
Under the agreement, agencies and designers are supposed to send their models to doctors to be checked. The move aims to promote the image of “"healthy, sunny, generous Mediterranean beauty."
Posted by Blacks at 09:30 AM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2007
Milan Finally Gets Juicy
Juicy Couture is bringing its cheeky sex appeal to Europe with the opening of a 3,000-square-foot store in Milan. The new store carries Juicys’s men’s wear, women’s wear and children’s lines, as well as accessories.
The store is the company’s first flagship in Europe and will be used as a gateway to neighboring countries. The company says its next stop will be in England.
Posted by Blacks at 09:21 AM | Comments (0)
February 14, 2007
Jones Reports Losses For 2006
Jones Apparel Group reported fourth-quarter and full year losses for 2006, citing non-cash charges as a major factor.
In the fourth quarter, the group lost $270 million with a 0.7% dip in revenue. Jones had a full-year loss of $144 million with a 6.5% drop in revenue.
On a positive note, the company said that its Barneys New York stores continued to exceed expectation.
The group, which also owns Nine West and Enzo Angiolini, among other brands, is currently considering a breakup which would put Barneys on the block, according to reports.
Posted by Blacks at 09:55 AM | Comments (0)
February 13, 2007
Talbots Begins Search For New CEO
Talbots head Arnold B. Zetcher plans to retire in 2008, after 20 years with the company. Serving as president, chairman and CEO, Zetcher shepherded the initially regional company into a powerful industry player.
Talbots reinforced its growth last year through the acquisition of J. Jill; both companies focus on selling to women 35 and older.
The Massachusetts-based apparel firm has organized a search committee to seek Zetcher’s replacement, and is looking at candidates both inside and outside of the organization.
Posted by Blacks at 09:38 AM | Comments (0)
February 12, 2007
London Focues On Fall Fashion
London kicked off its Fashion Week on Sunday with shows by Ben de Lisi, Caroline Charles and Paul Costelloe. Collections so far are hitting all the notes we saw in New York, such as tunics over tights, turtlenecks, sequins and metallic details.
As London Fashion Week continues, check in with Blacks In Fashion for all the latest runway reviews.
Posted by Blacks at 09:54 AM | Comments (0)
February 09, 2007
Head Gap Designer Exits Company
The shakeup at Gap continued this week with the departure of the company’s head designer in North America, Charlotte Neuville.
The San Francisco-based company did not specify the circumstances of Neuville’s exit, saying only that it was looking for a replacement outside of the company.
The troubled chain has seen a series of executive changes in recent weeks, including the departure last month of president and CEO Paul Pressler.
Posted by Blacks at 09:26 AM | Comments (0)
February 08, 2007
Retailers Report Strong Jan. Sales
Retailers are reporting better-than-expected post-holiday sales. A survey of major chains showed a 3.9% increase in same store sales for January, compared to the 4.9% jump they recorded in 2006.
Federated Department Stores posted an 8.6% increase for the month after Christmas, far outpacing the chain’s own growth estimate of between 1.5% and 3%.
Even Gap posted smaller losses than expected, with a 6% decrease in sales in North America, compared to an estimated drop of 9%.
Posted by Blacks at 09:51 AM | Comments (0)
February 07, 2007
Versace Opens Updated Beverly Hills Flagship
Versace opened its renovated flagship in Beverly Hills, showing off an elegant new two-story design featuring crystal display shelves and marble floors. The remodeling is part of a campaign started in 2005 to update all of the Versace stores, with an eye toward being more modern.
The Italian company hopes that the updates will further spur sales, and lead to the opening of more retail units.
Posted by Blacks at 10:09 AM | Comments (0)
February 06, 2007
Department Stores Resume Hiring
Department stores added a seasonally adjusted 2,100 hundred jobs in January, signaling growth in the sector. The hiring surge follows a series of cuts which equaled a loss of over 50,000 jobs last year. Many of the losses resulted from consolidation, such as Federated Department Stores buy of May Department Stores.
Apparel and accessories stores fared better last year, adding 28,200 jobs to their payrolls. They trimmed back last month, however, by cutting 6,700 jobs.
Posted by Blacks at 09:34 AM | Comments (0)
February 05, 2007
Coach Concentrates On Legacy Collection
Coach is moving even further into the luxury market by expanding its Legacy label of higher-priced handbags, footwear and accessories. In addition, the company plans to open two Coach Legacy stores this fall, in Manhattan and Los Angeles.
The move is an effort to keep in step with high-end European brands, such as Gucci and Prada.
Posted by Blacks at 10:19 AM | Comments (0)
February 03, 2007
New York Kicks Off Fashion Week
Fashion madness erupted in New York on Friday with the opening of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Nicole Miller, BCBG Max Azria and Rag & Bone were among the opening lineup of designers showing off their fall ’07 ready-to-wear collections.
Check in with Blacks In Fashion for a rundown of the most buzz-worthy designs as well as insider news from our correspondent in the tents.
Posted by Blacks at 01:34 PM | Comments (0)
February 02, 2007
Gap Taps Hansen As New North American Head
Gap appointed company insider Marka Hansen as its new North America president on Thursday after Cynthia Harriss resigned from the role.
Until now Hansen has been president of the company’s Banana Republic division.
The executive shakeup comes just two weeks after the troubled chain bid adieu to president and CEO Paul Pressler for failing to lead the company to a turnaround.
Posted by Blacks at 09:34 AM | Comments (0)
February 01, 2007
Tim Gunn To Head Design At Liz Claiborne
Tim Gunn, chair of the department of fashion design at Parsons The New School for Design, is stepping down from his post to take a new role at Liz Claiborne. He has been named chief creative officer and will oversee design for the company’s 47 diverse brands.
Gunn has recently gained fame with a starring role in the reality TV show “Project Runway” and will continue to appear in the show.
Gunn’s appointment was made by new Liz Claiborne CEO William L. McComb.
Posted by Blacks at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)