News
September 17, 2007
London Fashion Week Is Bolder, Brighter
London kicked off its fashion week over the weekend with shows by Paul Costelloe, Peter Jensen and Gareth Pugh. Already the talk is about the brighter, bolder looks of London compared with New York.
Also stealing headlines is British designer Luella Bartley’s return to London after showing in New York for the last five years. Her latest collection is being described as “cartoon chic,” featuring items such as sequined miniskirts, capes and masks.
For the latest news on London Fashion Week, keep reading Blacks online.
Posted by Blacks on 05:05 PM | Comments (0)
January 11, 2006
Levi's Offers iPod-Tailored Jeans
It was bound to happen. Levi Strauss announced this week that it has designed jeans tailored for iPod music players. The jeans, called RedWire DLX, feature a joystick in the front right-hand watch pocket allowing the user to control the device. They also have a built in docking cradle and retractable earphones.
Levi’s is not the first brand to get in tune with the iPod craze. Casual jackets and even snowboarding wear has been kitted out with iPod-friendly features.
The iPod design will be available for both men and women this Fall. Pricing is not yet available.
Posted by Blacks on 09:25 AM | Comments (0)
January 03, 2006
Tokyo Story
From runway styles to brand buyouts, the fashion industry is increasingly looking to Japan to discover what’s hip and cool.
The Japanese influence is not only making designers like Yohji Yamamoto even more hot, it’s also inspiring designers like Italy’s Emanuel Ungaro and France’s Christian Lacroix to include details such as cherry blossoms and kimono sashes in their lines.
And the admiration appears to go both ways, as Japanese businesses have kicked off a flurry of M&As with foreign brands.
In May, for example, apparel maker Onward Kashiyama Co. scooped up British fashion group Joseph for 17 billion yen. The Japanese company then went on to acquire management rights in Italian shoemaker Iris, which sells the Marc Jacobs and Chloe brands.
Posted by Blacks on 09:25 AM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2005
Papal Prada
Recently-appointed Pope Benedict XVI reportedly likes stepping out in style with a red pair of Prada loafers and Gucci shades. This endorsement of the Italian brands may be unexpected, but probably not unwelcome. What luxury brand wouldn’t want to be associated with such an influential trend setter?
Of course, his Holiness’ choice of attire leaves us wondering what’s next. Would he be interested in a cassock by Armani, for example?
Posted by Blacks on 11:19 AM | Comments (0)
November 08, 2005
Prada Populi?
You have a world-recognized luxury brand known for its chic and sexy silhouettes. You’re a long-time favorite of movie stars, fashionistas and Europhiles and very recently you’ve become the label of choice for bands of loutish, street-crawling and occasionally violent British youth. Oh-uh. Prada may have a problem.
Word from across the pond is that Prada has become the latest signature style of British youth known as chavs. Until recently Burberry plaid has been their designer look (usually in knockoff form) but now they’ve taken to Prada trainers and other accessory items.
Some nightclubs in Manchester, England have even gone so far as banning Prada sneakers at the door. It will be interesting to see if this exclusive brand has to exclude some customers.
Posted by Blacks on 11:44 AM | Comments (0)
October 23, 2005
That's So SoHo
Our eagle-eyed fashion experts have been hitting the streets of SoHo to find the latest in hip New York wear. Perhaps it’s no surprise that amid the city’s urban diversity a Japanese export, Via Bus Stop, stood out as one of the hippest stores around. Featuring forward focused avant-garde presentations with a Japanese sensibility, this is one stop not to miss.
On the other hand, it would be hard to miss Victor & Rolf. Garments by these connoisseurs of cool are all over SoHo offering sophisticated lines with an edgy air.
Also on our radar: Orciani belts and Stella McCartney sneakers for Adidas. Sporty and stylish, these Stella sneaks are an absolute home run.
Posted by Blacks on 04:02 PM | Comments (0)
October 10, 2005
New York Report
Our roving style correspondents are sending flash news from the streets of New York, and for all of you not in the Big Apple the story is skirts with boots, trenches, and (gulp) gauchos.
Fittingly, New Yorkers are elated that black is back, and are wearing lots of black leather with stilettos. But the other fashion color of the season, chocolate, has hit a sweet spot with fashion mavens.
Trenches are making a showing, both long and mid-length. Beige and charcoal appear to be favorite colors for this key piece of Fall outerwear.
As we noted previously, gauchos are digging their spurs in, with loose and tight styles in a variety of fabrics. Paired with stilettos, gauchos could be this season’s poncho, with a very sharp kick.
Posted by Blacks on 12:08 PM | Comments (0)
October 07, 2005
Ford: Fashion Is Too Fast
Fashion guru Tom Ford recently declared that trends are now moving so quickly consumers can’t keep up. The former Gucci designer, famed for almost single-handedly bringing the luxury brand to prominence, took a swipe at the industry that adores him by claiming that the demand for newness is forcing artificial style changes.
None except the most dedicated fashionistas can keep up, leaving most consumers to resign themselves to T-shirts and comfortable pants, Ford said.
Although still revered as a fashion icon, Ford has moved away from the industry since leaving Gucci last year and recently signed a fragrance and cosmetics deal with Estée Lauder.
Posted by Blacks on 01:46 PM | Comments (0)
September 29, 2005
Women's Fashion Flash
Reports from our merchants indicate that women’s blazers are currently flying out the doors. Suede and mini cord fabrics in ‘dusty’ colors are the look of the day, with chocolate proving the most popular shade.
Blazers are also doing well in printed fabrics with embellishments. The blazer look may turn into one of Fall’s hottest trends.
We are also hearing rather alarming reports that gauchos are hot with ‘sloppy’ sweaters. We haven’t singled out the ‘80s look as a trend for this season, but we may have to reconsider if this keeps up.
Posted by Blacks on 12:33 PM | Comments (0)
September 23, 2005
Just In - Women's Trends
Our analysts are out in the field and womenswear reports are flooding in. The bottom line: skirts, skirts and more skirts. These items are ultra feminine, featuring prints and embellishments. The fabrics are linen and linen blends, chiffon and crinkle. Also, as much as it pains us to say it, we are seeing long shorts, or gauchos.
Tops come in knits and patterns and we’re also seeing tunics in solid color voiles with embellishments.
Jackets are short and cropped in stretch cotton and linen blends.
Posted by Blacks on 02:42 PM | Comments (0)
September 14, 2005
Early Season Trends
After working with several high-end men's stores this month our analysts are seeing a clear early trend. Sportcoats are blowing out of the shops with double-digit increases. Many merchants are already reporting product shortages. Hot labels include Armani, Zegna, Canali, Etro, and "Z".
Not to be confused with the Soft Jacket category that we have also seen growth in, this new trend is based around constructed shoulders.
The same merchants are also looking for more "non-linen" fabrics for Spring/Summer.
Posted by Blacks on 01:43 PM | Comments (2)
September 12, 2005
In the Bag
Blacks has noticed a trend in the luxury handbag market away from the ubiquitous LVs, Gs and Cs to high-end bags made by renowned apparel designers. In fact, the hottest bag right now is not a Louis Vuitton but a velvet number made by French label Lanvin. Marc Jacobs has also become popular among bag-toting fashionistas. Ladies who can afford the high-ticket items seem to already have enough consonant-clad bags and are opting for fresh designs.
Posted by Blacks on 04:14 PM | Comments (0)
