Fashion News Alert: America Ferrera’s New Gig, Travis Scott’s Trouble with Nike, and Gucci Returns to Milan Runway in 2022

November 18, 2021 by Leave a Comment

The image courtesy of thefader.com

There is more trouble for hip-hop artist Travis Scott.  Nike has decided not to move forward with its sneaker collaboration with Scott since the deadly concert debacle at the recent Astroworld festival in Houston, Texas where Travis Scott was the headliner. Ten people were killed a the Astroworld festival.

“Out of respect for everyone impacted by the tragic events at the Astroworld Festival, we are postponing the launch of the Air Max 1 x Cactus Jack,” Nike said in a statement on their website. In a statement, Scott said he was “absolutely devastated by what took place.” He pledged to work “together with the Houston community to heal and support the families in need,” as reported in a fashionnetwork.com article.

Travis Scott’s collaboration with Nike, The Nike Air Max 1 x Cactus Jack sneakers, was scheduled to drop in December. Nike has pulled the campaign.

Travis Scott has had several collaborations with brands prior to the tragedy at Astroworld. Prior collaborations include McDonald’s, Hot Wheels, Helmut Lang, and Saint Laurent. Dior currently has a menswear collaboration with Scott in the works that should be available for the spring 2022 season.

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America Ferrera and Covergirl

Actress America Ferrera has a new job!! America Ferrera is a new brand ambassador for Covergirl.

“We have admired America for years and her message about owning your identity as your superpower. She is intelligent, authentic and fearless and always honors herself, which is exactly what the Covergirl brand loves about her,” said Stefano Curti, chief brands officer, consumer beauty, at Coty, parent company to Covergirl, as reported in fashionnetwork.com.

“America is a powerful and thought-provoking role model and an advocate for individualism and inclusion, making her a natural Covergirl partner, as we continue to make beauty accessible and inclusive, through products and campaigns that speak to all audiences, including the LatinX community.”

Ferrera’s breakout role came as the heroine in the highly rated “Ugly Betty.” Since that time, Ferrera starred in and executive produced the workplace comedy “Superstore.” She is making her feature film directorial debut with “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.”

As a Covergirl brand ambassador America Ferrera will be featured in a range of campaigns. “Easy and natural makeup has always been my favorite kind of beauty. I like to feel and look like myself,” added Ferrera. “For me, beauty is about loving and accepting myself first and foremost and as a Covergirl, I want to share that message; Your uniqueness is what makes you beautiful and your authentic identity is your superpower.”

Image courtesy of wwd.com

Gucci returns to Milan Fashion Week

According to Gucci’s CEO Marco Bizzarri, the luxury brand will return to the runway during Milan Fashion Week in February 2022 for the winter 2022 season after a two-year absence.

Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele has expressed the need for change in the way that Gucci presents its collections, following his own rhythm, so to speak. “I feel the urgent need to change a lot of things in the way I work,” he wrote on his Instagram account, denouncing “deadlines which risk to humiliate creativity” and “an excessive performativity that today really has no raison d’être.”

True to his own perspective, Michele presented a short series of films in November 2020 at a festival that highlighted the new Gucci collection. And in July 2020, Michele presented his first collection via video. Gucci’s most recent collection was a live runway presentation held in Hollywood.

Gucci’s return to the runway may be an indication that digital presentations are not working for the brand, as other Kering-owned fashion brands are experiencing a similar result. Revenue for Gucci slowed in the third quarter.

 —William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Kerry Washington’s Jewelry Collection, The Row’s First Fragrance, and Roberto Cavalli’s Biopic

November 11, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of observer.com

Most of us know Kerry Washington from her role on “Scandal” and the many movies she has starred in. What might not be known is that Kerry Washington also has a jewelry collection. And she has had this jewelry collection with Aurate, an ethically sustainable jewelry brand for a few years. This is Washington’s third collection with Aurate.

“When we think about old-school glamour, we often think about Hollywood’s leading ladies throughout history,” she says. “So, we decided to create a collection that invites everybody to feel like they are the leading star in their own life story,” explained Washington in an instyle.com article.

Hollywood icons, such as Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Rita Moreno, and Barbra Streisand, inspired Washington’s “Be the Lead” Holiday collection, which features gold vermeil and topaz details and starts at $150. “Be the Lead’s” holiday collection is made from recycled gold and contains five delicate pieces.

“I really like the ‘everyday glamour’ version that Aurate puts out into the world. I like to have fun and change up my jewelry and accessories, but still have it be classic and understated with some edge here and there. That’s different, obviously, from the way I approach jewelry on the red carpet.”

“One of the things I love most about the company is its vision that everybody deserves to have access to fine jewelry. I believe in the democratization of fine jewelry—not that fine jewelry is the most important thing in the world, of course. People need education and healthcare a lot more than they need recycled gold. But everyone deserves to look and feel beautiful and have access to fine things,” detailed Washington.

The new Kerry x Aurate “Be the Lead” collection is now live and available at auratenewyork.com.

Image courtesy of fashionnetwork.com

Cavalli comes to film

Roberto Cavalli’s book “Just Me!” has been optioned by Ilbe (Iervolino and Lady Bacardi Entertainment), from Company Freedom Srl. Base. Shooting is scheduled to start in Italy in May 2022.

“Roberto Cavalli is a fashion icon whose incredible life cannot be replicated. But it can be told truthfully and amusingly, and that’s what we’re doing with this film. Monika and I are very excited to be telling this story, and we believe that the public will be fascinated by Roberto’s life,” said Andrea Iervolino, the film’s producer.

This film will catalogue Cavalli’s life from his childhood during WW2 in Florence, Italy to his early loves to his life in fashion. This biopic will also speak to Cavalli’s successes and his setbacks in fashion, his love of stretch denim and printed leather, as well as all the celebrities that are fans of his collections.

The Cavalli biopic will be directed by Giulio Base.

Image courtesy of fragrantica.com

More product from The Row

The Row is launching its first scent collection. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, the founders and the duo that leads the luxury brand, in collaboration with L’Oeil du Vert’s Haley Alexander van Oosten have created hand-blended fragrance oils in three scents.

“We met Haley through her company, L’Oeil du Vert,” said Ashley Olsen in comments made to The Wall Street Journal. “We started wearing her oils, and the idea of creating something together was a natural progression of our relationship,” as reported in fashionnetwork.com.

The oils are all anchored in sandalwood and are each named with a letter: R, O, and W. The R fragrance oil combines its sandalwood base with tobacco leaves, esfand seeds, and rose. The O fragrance oil combines notes of blue water lily, olibanum, and orris. W features amber, champa, and incense woods. The Row fragrance oils are available at The Row stores with price points ranging from $490 to $550.

—William S. Gooch
 

Fashion News Alert: Lady Gaga Spills Tea in British Vogue, Balmain Teams Up with Netflix, and Ralph Lauren Works Magic with the Winter Olympics US Closing Ceremony Uniforms

November 4, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of celebmafia.com

Fine wine gets better with time and so does Lady Gaga. For those not in the know, Lady Gaga will portray Patrizia Reggiani in the upcoming film, “House of Gucci.” (Patrizia Reggiani was married to Maurizio Gucci and was accused of hiring a hitman to kill her husband in 1995.) This scandal rocked the fashion and entertainment world.

In the December issue of British Vogue, Lady Gaga talks about how she channeled Reggiani so that she could accurately portray the infamous character.  “I only felt that I could truly do this story justice if I approached it with the eye of a curious woman who was interested in possessing a journalistic spirit so that I could read between the lines of what was happening in the film’s scenes. Meaning that nobody was going to tell me who Patrizia Gucci was, not even Patrizia Gucci,” explained Lady Gaga in the December issue of British Vogue.

Lady Gaga revealed in the interview with British Vogue’s Giles Hattersley that she has been working on her role for over three and a half years.  “It is three years since I started working on it and I will be fully honest and transparent: I lived as her (Reggiani) for a year and a half. And I spoke with an accent for nine months of that. Off camera, I never broke. I stayed with her. The 35-year-old also detailed why she dyed her hair the same chocolate brown color as La Gucci: “It was nearly impossible for me to speak in the accent as a blonde.”

Though Patrizia Reggiani has dissed Gaga for portraying her in “House of Gucci,” Gaga is still not sure she would want to me Reggiani. “Who I care the most for in this process are her children, and I extend to them love and compassion that I’m sure this movie coming out is tremendously difficult or painful for them, potentially. And I wish nothing but peace for their hearts. I did my very best to play the truth.”

“The House of Gucci,” directed by Ridley Scott will be in movie theaters on November 24.

The Winter Olympics is just a little more than three months away. (Hard to digest with the Tokyo Olympics ending two months ago.)

Image courtesy of fashionnetwork.com

Olympic Realness

As you know, fashion waits for no one. Ralph Lauren is already giving a sneak peek into the Closing Ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics. These garments were created with a commitment to sustainability. Lauren has been created uniforms for the US Olympic team since 2008.

“Ralph Lauren is incredibly proud to outfit Team USA in apparel that has been designed with integrity and purpose. For these Games, the design aesthetic of our uniform represents a modern look that feels distinctly new and fresh, created with sustainability in mind,” said David Lauren, chief branding and innovation officer, Ralph Lauren, as reported in fashionnetwork.com.

“We are highly invested in scaling sustainability solutions that have the potential to significantly reduce our and the wider industry’s impact, and we are proud to have created thoughtful apparel for Team USA that embodies this mission.”

To meet his sustainability goals, Lauren used more sustainable materials and manufacturing practices including with items made from recycled polyester, recycled down and wool sourced from Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified U.S grown wool. The commitment is in line with Ralph Lauren’s promise to use 100 percent RWS certified or recycled wool by 2025.

The 2022 Winter Olympics take place in Bejing, China from February 4 to February 20.

Image courtesy of fashionunited.com

Balmain x Netflix

Collaborations, collaborations, and more collaborations. Just like the Samuel Coleridge famous line in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” “water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink,” fashion collaborations are everywhere in the fashion industry.

That said, one of the more unlikely collaborations is Balmain’s recent collaboration with Netflix’s new western “The Harder They Fall.” Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing was invited to costume the series and from there a fashion collaboration was borne.

“… to tell you the truth, I wanted to do much, much more. So, I was thrilled when ‘The Harder They Fall’ team asked me if I’d be willing to push it a bit farther—which is how we ended up deciding to partner on a special limited-edition Balmain-The Harder They Fall collection, directly inspired by the spirit of this groundbreaking Western,” explained Rousteing in a recent news release.  

“Both on and off the catwalk Olivier Rousteing has ensured that the Balmain brand represents a strength and unity that gives equality to all irrespective of race, gender, or anything else. Much like The Harder They Fall Balmain is kick ass, taking no prisoners and showing us time and again that that the brand hasn’t come to play, it’s come to make a statement. A perfect marriage if ever there was one,” detailed Jeymes Samuel, writer, director, producer and composer of “The Harder They Fall.”

The Balmain “Harder They Fall” collection is now available on Netflix.shop, Farfetch.com, Balmain.com and in select Balmain retail flagships. 

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Madonna’s V Magazine Cover, Anna Wintour’s New Tome, and Telfar Collaborates with Moose Knuckles

October 29, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of fashionista.com

Anna Wintour continues to be in the news this week. Earlier in the week Fashion Reverie discussed how some fans of Vogue Paris were outraged at the renaming of the hallowed magazine to Vogue France. Wintour was named the culprit of this name change.

Additionally, to that new, there will soon be a new book out about Wintour. Former Cosmopolitan and The Cut editor Amy Odell in penning a biography of Anna Wintour.

Odell revealed on her Instagram, “I am beyond excited to share what I’ve been working on: I wrote a biography of Anna Wintour. It is the product of interviews with more than 250 people. I can’t wait to share more about the book and reporting process as publication date nears.” Odell’s Instagram account also reveals an initial review from author Sheila Weller who says, “Extraordinarily sweeping, astute and unputdownable.”

The book, Unputdownable, is due out on May 3, 2022. Published by Simon & Schuster, Odell encourages consumers to pre-order the $28 biography.

A press release from publishers Simon & Schuster detail, “Based on extensive interviews with Anna Wintour’s closest friends and collaborators, including some of the biggest names in fashion, journalist Amy Odell has crafted the most revealing portrait of Wintour ever published. Weaving Anna’s personal story within a larger narrative about the hierarchical dynamics of the fashion industry and the complex world of Condé Nast, Anna charts the relentless ambition of the woman who would become an icon.”

Image courtesy of fashiongonerogue.com

Madonna conjures up Marilyn, yet again

Is Madonna still relevant? Of course, she is!!

Madonna is a pop icon legend and will never go out of style. And V magazine has the photos prove that!!

The Material Girl worked with longtime collaborator Steven Klein for the cover and fashion editorial that paid homage to Marilyn Monroe. Fitting, don’t you think? This fashion editorial looks at the last photoshoot that Monroe did with legendary photographer Bert Stern.

“We were not interested in recreating the images exactly but more importantly, we wanted to explore the relationship between photographer and subject,” Klein tells Jeremy O’Harris, as reported in dailyfrontrow.com.  “Both the friendship and the artistic process, and how art can imitate life and vice versa. When I sent Madonna the photos, she was really taken by the incandescent fragility of Marilyn at that moment in her life. We decided to find a hotel suite and try to capture the liaison between a star and the camera, the mystery, and magic of this creative collaboration. We hope we have done justice to the great work of Bert Stern and Marilyn Monroe.”

For this V magazine winter issue, Madonna stars of four different covers. One of the covers features her nude on the bed with nothing on but pearls, fishnets stockings, opera gloves, and Christian Louboutin stilettos. The other three covers feature Madonna teething a strand of pearls, licking a blinged-out necklace—diamonds are a girl’s best friend, after all —and posing in profile in a fur coat, as reported in pagesix.com.

Image courtesy of fashionnetwork.com

Standout and be noticed with Telfar x Moose Knuckles

As temperatures drop, most consumers are thinking about outerwear. If you are the kind of consumer that loves to turn heads, there is no better brand or collaboration to look to than Telfar’s new collaboration with Canadian outwear brand Moose Knuckles.

In a recent press release Telfar Clemons stated this this 17-piece collaboration is inspired by New Yorkers who want to be noticed while minding their own business. “[T]his is designed specifically for everyone. If I don’t see it in the street every day it didn’t really happen,” referencing the inclusive slogan that has become the tagline of his label: “Not for you, for everyone,” explains Telfar Clemons, as reported in fashionnetwork.com.

Stand-out pieces include high-waisted snow pants with fur trim, hooded puffer jackets, cropped bombers, a double-breasted peacoat, and new versions of Telfar’s much-sought-after shopper bags featuring a quilted puzzle monogram, a pattern which appears throughout the collection. Prices for the pieces range from $195 to $4,300.

The Telfar x Moose Knuckles collection will launch on both brands e-commerce sites on November 1 and in Saks and Notre in US on November 8 and in Holt Renfrew in Canada, and Galeries Lafayette in France, as well as on the Ssense online platform.

William S. Gooch

Breaking Fashion News: Anna Wintour Stirs French Rage

October 26, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of thetimes.com

First, there was sharing content with all Condé Nast magazines. Then esteemed Vogue Paris’ esteemed editor-in-chief Emmanuelle Alt was eased out. Most recently, Condé Nast Global Chief Content Editor Anna Wintour who is also editor-in-chief of American Vogue has decided to drop the word ‘Paris’ from the Vogue title.

This elimination will take place on November 4. Vogue Paris will be renamed Vogue France, a name that many people already called the publication. Still, this name change has caused outrage among francophiles and many French citizens.

Legendary French newspaper Le Figaro decried this name change and said, “This graphic suppression is accompanied by an editorial, even ideological shift, and a massive social plan.” Le Figaro also claimed that the newly named Vogue France would lose its voice and reflect the ‘woke’ values of American culture.

Last month Condé Nast replaced Emmanuelle Alt with Wintour’s protégé Eugénie Trochu. Paris is seen as the European city that sets standards of beauty and design for the fashion industry. However, with the name change, many fashion pundits feel that Wintour is trying to change that.  And with Trochu’s appointment, many believe Wintour’s plan is on its way.

“The freedom. The freedom to dress as you like, to think differently, to put all the colors on your nails, your hair, your cheeks … To proclaim loud and clear your identity, to celebrate your differences, explained Trouchu. “The very first issue of Vogue France will pay tribute to and celebrate individuality. A passport to be oneself, to assert oneself and to ignore clichés.”

Hmm, freedom you say. Or is it staying in step and following orders. Time will tell!!

William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Zendaya Named CFDA Fashion Icon of the Year, Gucci Shows on the Streets of Hollywood, and Billie Eilish’s First Fragrance

October 21, 2021 by 1 Comment

Image courtesy of usweekly.com

It’s that time of the year, again. The time of the year when the CFDA selects their Fashion Icon of the Year. In the past, the CFDA has selected Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Naomi Campbell, Franca Sozzani, Pharrell, and Beyonce as their choice for this prestigious award.

This year the CFDA has named Zendaya as their 2021 Fashion Icon of the Year due to her global impact on fashion. Zendaya will the youngest person ever to receive the coveted CFAD Fashion Icon of the Year award.

The CFDA noted that Zendaya donning an all-white Rick Owens gown to the London premiere of “Dune” and Zendaya’s choice of a purple Versace gown that paid homage to Beyonce’s iconic 2003 Versace gown, as well as gold-plated fresh-off-the-runway Loewe dress for the Women in Film Awards, as well as other looks demonstrated her great taste and style.

The CFDA also praised Zendaya for her diversity and inclusiveness evidenced in her fashion line Daya which was an early advocate of gender-fluid designs and inclusive size ranges. Zendaya is currently a spokesperson for Valentino, Lancôme, and Bulgari.

The 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards will be held on November 10 at The Pool + The Grill, the iconic venue housed within the landmark Seagram Building on Park Avenue.

Michael Kors is not the only designer to use the streets of a major city to present his runway collections. Gucci has now followed.

Image courtesy of nssmagazine.com

Gucci takes it to the streets

Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele will present Gucci’s upcoming “Gucci Love Parade’ on the streets of Los Angeles’ Hollywood Boulevard. The live runway is scheduled for November 2.

“Gucci is proud to highlight the intersection of creativity and culture within the City of Los Angeles, poised for rebirth post pandemic,” explained the brand in a release. “As part of Gucci’s Changemakers program, powered by Gucci Equilibrium, Gucci will provide significant support to the Los Angeles and Hollywood communities through a donation to the city’s most critical needs: homelessness and mental health.”

This is not the first time Gucci has presented a runway show in the US or in Hollywood. In 2015 Gucci hosted its Cruise collection in New York City and in 2018 Gucci celebrated the launch of the brand’s Gucci Guilty fragrance in November 2018 at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Alessandro Michele has been the creative director of Gucci since 2015.

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Billie Eilish’s fashion domination

2021 has been a banner year for singer Billie Eilish. Eilish has graced the cover of British Vogue and made her first appearance at the 2021 Met Gala.

That said, like many celebrities before her, Eilish is coming out with her first fragrance. When the fashion world starts to pay attention to celebrities with a certain style, not far behind are fashion collaborations and fragrance deals.

Billie Eilish’s fragrance, ‘Eillish,’ is a vegan Amber Gourmand and described as “a warm, cozy scent that feels like home.” It combines soft spices, rich cocoa, and creamy vanilla, anchored by base notes of warm musks, tonka bean, and sleek woods.

“I wanted it to feel like a warm embrace. Like what it feels like to feel your blood rushing through you. It’s a scent that I’ve been chasing for years and years and years. It’s my favorite smell in the world,” said Billie, as reported in fashionnetwork.com.

Billie Eilish is a singular talent and the voice of a generation. She has a vision in everything she does that is unique, disruptive, and authentically hers. Partnering with Billie was natural for Parlux because we can bring a vision to life like no one else, and we were equally excited to be on this journey together,” said Lori Singer, president, Parlux. 

The bottle is inspired by Eilish’s favorite body parts, the chest, the collarbone, and neck. The fragrance bottle is gilded in a bronze amber. Eilish will retail for $68 and will launch direct-to-consumer exclusively.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Ryan Gosling Has a New Job, Olivier Rousteing Reveals Burn Injuries, and Nordstrom Partners with Dr. Martens

October 14, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of gq.com

Major fashion brands still seem to be looking to celebrities to endorse their products in the hopes that consumers will pay attention and dig deep into their pockets. Ryan Gosling is the latest celebrity that has jumped into the brand ambassador fray for a major fashion and accessories brand.

Ryan Gosling is now a brand ambassador for TAG HEUER. This is Gosling first brand ambassadorship.

Gosling will front the brand’s new 13-piece collection that reinterprets and reimagines the horological icon in four versions: the TAG Heuer Carrera Day Date 41 mm, the TAG Heuer Carrera Twin-Time Date 41 mm, The TAG Heuer Carrera Date 39 mm and the TAG Heuer Carrera Date 29 mm. The TAG HEUER Carrera collection was inspired 60 years ago by the brand’s CEO Jack Heuer who wanted to create a timepiece that that was uncluttered and perfectly harmonious—ideal for drivers who needed to tell the time at a glance while under pressure. In Spanish, Carrera means not only road and race, it can also mean course.

“TAG Heuer has quietly and consistently been a classic and iconic pillar of excellence in its field for over a hundred and sixty years. Partnering with them was an easy decision and time, in general, is just something I think a lot about now. My kids are growing up fast, so I keep an eye on the clock in a way I never used to,” explained Gosling.

Whether Gosling was chosen by TAG HEUER for his dramatic turn in “Driver” or because he does his own stunts is not known. However, Gosling does have that rugged look and magnetism that many male consumers can relate to.

Pari Dukovic who shot the TAG HEUER campaign featuring Gosling confided that, “Ryan said he wanted to do something completely different. Color has emotion and it’s completely unexpected. In creating these portraits, it was about creating something timeless and timely at the same time. TAG Heuer’s watches have a timeless quality to them and that’s exactly what we wanted to do with the campaign.” 

Image courtesy of theadvocate.com

Olivier Rousteing bounces back

We all love how Olivier Rousteing has transformed the iconic French luxury House of Balmain from a dated luxury brand that focused mostly on classic silhouettes to the sexy, in-your-face hip brand that every young consumer wish they had in their closet.

Recently, Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing revealed on Instagram that he suffered severe burn wounds from an explosion in a fireplace in his Paris apartment.

“A YEAR AGO, I finally feel ready to share this. I’ve been hiding this for too long and it’s time for you to know. Exactly a year ago, the fireplace inside my house exploded. I woke up the next morning in Paris’ Hôpital Saint Louis. The talented staff at that famous hospital, which was dealing with an incredible number of COVID cases at that same time, took amazing care of me. I cannot thank them enough. I did everything to hide this story from as many people as possible and trying to keep the secret with my teams and friends for too long,” wrote Rousteing.

Now, you may wonder that with such severe burns how did Rousteing conceal his burns from co-workers and close friends? Rousteing detailed that he his injuries by wearing COVID-19 masks and turtlenecks.

“To be honest I am not really sure why I was so ashamed, maybe this obsession with perfection that fashion is known for and my own insecurities… As I recovered, I just worked days and night to forget and creating all my collections, trying to keep the world dreaming with my collections and at the same time hiding the scars with face masks, turtlenecks, long sleeves and even multiple rings on all my fingers through many interviews or foto-shoots. And I truly realized that the power of social media is to reveal only what you want to show! Kind of allowing us to create our own special narrative that avoids what we do not wish to see or show: this is our new world. Now, a year later—healed, happy and healthy. I realize how truly blessed I am, and I thank GOD every day of my life,” he continued.

Interestingly, Rousteing’s burn injuries inspired his latest collection, which was his 10th collection for Balmain. “My last show was about the celebration of healing over pain, and I thank all the modelsm the productions my team, the models my Balmain family, my friends that came and supported not only my 10 years of Balmain but my rebirth. Today, I feel so free, so good and so lucky. I’m beginning a new chapter with a smile on my face and a heart full of gratitude,” explained Rousteing.

Image courtesy of wwd.com

Nordstorm NY teams up with Dr. Martens

Now that the economy seems to be opening up a bit, department stores are trying a variety of things to get shoppers in the stores. Nordstrom NY is now home to an immersive pop-up partnership with footwear brand Dr. Martens inviting consumers into a shoppable music venue inspired atmosphere. 

This indoor experience is a part of Nordstrom’s revolving Center Stage platform. The pop-up shop will run until November 7 with styles for men, women, and children mimics a music venue atmosphere, complete with trusses, stage lighting, graffitied furniture and even a live musical performance to kick off the shop, as reported in fashionnetwork.com. There will also be a live performance from New York City-based band on October 15 at 7pm.“We deeply value and learn from the best-in-class customer connectivity and market leading services that Nordstrom is known for across the industry. Dr. Martens is proud to launch our Nordstrom Center Stage collaboration, celebrating our strengthened brand presence and creating a special Dr. Martens experience to further our consumer connection in Nordstrom NYC.” 

Dr. Martens and Nordstrom have a long history as partners in the U.S. and Canadian markets and this year our brands have come together to build an even stronger partnership as the momentum in 2021 continues to grow,” said Lisa Kim, vice president, Dr. Martens wholesale. The collaborative collection will be available not only at the pop-up store in NYC and online but in seven other Nordstrom stores.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Adele’s Recent Fashion Covers, Schiaparelli First US Store, and John Boyega Collaborates with H&M

October 7, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of British Vogue

In case you haven’t noticed, British singer Adele has lost a lot of weight. No biggie, celebrities lose weight all the time. The question is if this weight loss helped her get on the cover of two major fashion magazines. Not really!! Adele has had covers of fashion magazines before she slimmed down.

That said, Adele is on the cover of both American and British Vogue magazines. These covers predate Adele’s new album, her first since 2015.

For the cover of American Vogue, Adele donned a green Valentino Haute Couture gown. And for her British Vogue cover, Adele was dressed in a corseted Vivienne Westwood dress.

Adele explains that her lost of weight was more about getting fit than slimming down. “It became my time,” Adele told American Vogue of her gym sessions. “I realized that when I was working out, I didn’t have any anxiety. It was never about losing weight. I thought, If I can make my body physically strong, and I can feel that and see that, then maybe one day I can make my emotions and my mind physically strong.”

Image courtesy of theimpression.com

Look out America, her comes Schiaparelli

Schiaparelli is one of those iconic fashion brands that has somewhat of a name recognition, particularly in Europe, but does not come immediately to mind in the US when thinking about luxury brands. Well, all that is about to change with the launch of the first Schiaparelli store in the US.

The US Schiaparelli is launching its own store inside the famed Bergdorf Goodman. The Schiaparelli store will be located on the fourth floor of the iconic New York City Store and will offer Schiaparelli’s ready-to-wear collection, including suits, denim parkas with bejeweled buttons, knitwear, coats and capes, dresses that transform into cocktail looks, accessories and leather goods. Additionally, there will be some evening gowns inspired by the brand’s haute couture collection, designed exclusively for Bergdorf Goodman.

Bergdorf Goodman has a long history with Schiaparelli, selling her collections in its stores from 1931 up until Elsa Schiaparelli closed her fashion house in 1954. Diego Della Valle quietly brought the brand back in 2012, first acquiring the brand’s archives and brand rights in 2006.

Since 2019, Daniel Roseberry has been creative director, and has successfully modernized Schiaparelli. “Our mission is to build an alternative couture house, and our luxury ready-to-wear line gives us the opportunity to do so. Our ready-to-wear offering is a way for us to balance the dreamlike narrative of couture with commercial credibility,” Rosebery explained in a release, as reported in fashionnetwork.com. 

The opening of the Schiaparelli salon inside Bergdorf Goodman is scheduled for October 12. The salon is modelled on the original Schiaparelli salon on Place Vendome in Paris and is designed by Roseberry and architect Daniel Romualdez.

Image courtesy of wwd.com

John Boyega’s new gig

John Boyega has a new job. In addition to his extensive acting resume, this British actor can now add fashion collaborator to his list of accomplishments.

Boyega is the newest celebrity to be a part of H&M’s ‘Edition by.’ This collaboration with H&M features key season looks constructed from recycled, organic, and innovative materials, such as Vegea—a vegan alternative to leather, partly made from waste from the winemaking industry.

In response to this collaboration, Boyega stated that this collection, “aligns my passions with purpose … sustainability to me means thinking about longevity for the benefit of those coming after us. This collaboration has already birthed opportunities for fresh dynamic creatives. Two birds with one stone,” as reported in fashionnetwork.com.

At the center of this collaboration is sustainability. The collection contains key garments such as a chore jacket (a Europe online exclusive) with a patchwork denim design constructed from collected denim garments, remade into a contemporary style; a checked coat, partly made from premium Italian recycled wool; an organic cotton striped shirt; a zip-off jacket-to-vest puffer jacket (online exclusive worldwide), crafted from Vegea.

‘Edition by John Boyega‘ will launch in H&M stores and online on October 28.

—William S. Gooch

 

Fashion News Alert: California Garments to Get Hourly Wage, Guess Launches Anna Nicole Smith Collection, and Tom Brady to Launch Fashion Line

September 30, 2021 by 1 Comment

Image courtesy of wwd.com

Some creatives become more famous after they have passed away than when they were alive. The list is long and extensive—Marilyn Monroe, Picasso, Van Gogh, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Christian Dior, George Floyd, and others.

Though Anna Nicole Smith was hugely popular while she was alive, her popularity continues with Guess launching the Anna Nicole Smith Collection as a part of their New Originals. The collection will be available in October.

“Anna Nicole Smith is essential to ‘90s fashion. Anna’s legendary beach shoot revived for this collection and the campaign with Sydney Sweeney is the perfect timeless moment to continue to celebrate one of the most iconic Guess Girls with a new generation,” said Guess’ brand partnerships director, Nicolai Marciano, as reported in fashionnetwork.com. 

The 32-piece collection which features women’s and men’s clothing looks back to some iconic vintage collections when Anna Nicole Smith was the face of Guess. The collection is inspired by the hues of the ocean which was the inspiration for the 1993 Miami photoshoot by Wayne Maser, featuring Anna Nicole Smith.

The men’s collection offers a selection of long and short-sleeve tees, sweatshirts, crewnecks, hoodies and a black denim jacket and matching pant. All the while, the women’s capsule features an array of tees, mesh shirts, bodysuits, sweaters, sweatpants, crewnecks, jumpsuits and include a matching gingham jacket and pant, as well as a teal denim jacket and pant. 

The collection will be available for purchase in select Guess retail stores and Guess Originals pop-ups globally, as well as guessoriginals.com and select styles at urbanoutfitters.com. Price points range from $12 to $248 for shirts, jackets, denim, socks, hats, and handbags.

Image courtesy of people.com

Tom Brady branches out

Athletes starting their own fashion line has been around for some time. So, it is surprising that Seven-time Superbowl Champion Tom Brady is just jumping into the fashion fray.

This past Tuesday, Tom Brady announced that is launching his own namesake fashion line. The menswear brand, called “Brady,” will launch in December. “Brady” has been in the works for three years, developed by Public School co-designer and co-founder Dao Yi Chow, and Jens Grede, who has worked with Kim Kardashian on her SKIMS brand.

The menswear collection uses “innovative technologies, advanced fabrications and more sustainable practices to offer intelligently designed and highly engineered pieces for optimal performance on and off the field,” according to a recent press release. The brand will be sold direct-to-consumer at brady-brand.com with the first drop set to feature a range of product from the ‘Train’ and ‘Live’ collections.

Image courtesy of the Los Angeles Times

Garment workers’ victory

On Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that will ensure that garments are paid an hourly wage instead of just being paid for piece work. This new bill, the Garment Workers’ Protection Act, will help workers get closer to the California minimum wage of $14 an hour.

“California is holding corporations accountable and recognizing the dignity and humanity of our workers, who have helped build the fifth-largest economy in the world,” Newsom said in a statement, as reported in fashionetwork.com. “These measures protect marginalized low-wage workers, many of whom are women of color and immigrants, ensuring they are paid what they are due and improving workplace conditions. We are committed to having their backs as we work to build a stronger, more inclusive economy.”

Some critics believe that this bill will drive garment manufacturing out of the state. Labor groups contend that this bill will be good for workers and help monitor many of the garment factories that are not well regulated in California.

 Los Angeles has the highest concentration of garment worker in US. And 85% of them do not earn minimum wage. The average take home pay is $300 a week for 60 to 80 a week.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Sonia Rykiel to BE Acquired by G-III, Gabrielle Union Relaunches Fashion Line, and Tennis Star Emma Raducanu Has a New Gig

September 23, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of e!online.com

Gabrielle Union is not letting any grass grow under feet. She has a new book out, You Got Anything Stronger, and now she is relaunching her namesake fashion line through the Saadia Group.

Union’s namesake brand originally launched in 2017 exclusively at New York & Co. with everyday wardrobe staples. The namesake brand was immediately successful. This time around Union’s namesake brand will have monthly rollouts at New York & Co. and Lord & Taylor with plans to release future drops at Fashion to Figure, a leading plus-size fashion brand.

“We are excited to have Gabrielle Union join the Saadia Group, her brand is the perfect fit for our family of brands. We are excited to offer our product development expertise to relaunch her line bigger than before, with product at New York & Company and a debut at Lord & Taylor,” said Jack Saadia, principal and cofounder of The Saadia Group, as reported in fashionnetwork.com. “Our customers have been asking for the return of her line and we are confident that Gabrielle’s creativity and authentic style will continue to resonate with them.”

“It’s great to join the Saadia Group and be back with the New York & Company family, designing my line once again!” added Union. “With every collection I design, I want to ensure the clothing reflects my personality, style and celebrates confidence. The September collection has everything from styles for work, chic and cozy knits and pops of color for a fun night out.”

The brand will feature a color palette of soft neutrals with subtle pops of color, items range from a multicolor swirl maxi dress, and bold sexy knits to matching sets. The new fall pieces embrace luxe textures and fabrics and will equally introduce denim for the first time ever.

Price points will range from 49.95-$149.95, with sizes from XS-XXL and US 0-20.

Image courtesy of vogue.fr

G-III acquires another iconic brand

Sonia Rykiel is looking to change hands, once again. The Sonia Rykiel fashion brand was liquidated in 2019, after Rykiel’s death in 2016, and acquired by Showroom Prive co-founders Eric and Michael Dayan.

Sonia Rykiel will be joining G-III, the holding company that owns Donna Karan and does private licensing for Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, and Tommy Hilfiger. The Dayan brothers held Sonia Rykiel for less than 2 years.

“We are proud to have been a part of this brand which has a deep French heritage and to be the drivers behind its relaunch. We are thrilled to have found G-III, a true apparel and accessory powerhouse with a strong portfolio of globally recognized brands, as the new owners and stewards of the Sonia Rykiel brand. With G-III’s dominance in a diversified range of lifestyle categories, along with its well-established and broad range of retail partners, we see a bright future for the growth of the Sonia Rykiel brand,” said the Dayan brothers.

G-III CEO Morris Goldfarb divulged in fashionnetwork.com article, “We believe there is significant opportunity to unlock the untapped potential of this brand as we look to accelerate our global reach,” he explained. “We will leverage the existing executive management team and infrastructure based in Europe, as well as G-III’s supply chain expertise to scale and grow the Sonia Rykiel business across apparel, accessories and numerous other lifestyle categories.”

The transaction is expected to take place by the end of October of this year. Sonia Rykiel will present a collection for the upcoming Paris Fashion Week.

Image courtesy of thetimes.com

Emma Raducanu’s brand ambassadorship

If you attended New York Fashion Week (NYFW) spring 2022 season, you may have not watched the 2021 US Open. If you missed the US Open, you missed 18-year-old Emma Raducanu winning the women’s title.

That said, the 2021 US Open is not the only thing that Raducanu is winning. Raducanu has recently acquired a brand ambassadorship with Tiffany & Co. It should be noted that Raducanu was wearing Tiffany jewelry while playing during the recent US Open.

“It’s such an iconic brand and one that I’ve felt connected to for quite some time. I wore the ring, bracelet, earrings, and cross necklace throughout the [US Open] tournament. These pieces will always be very special to me,” explained Raducanu.

Raducanu was an unexpected winner of the 2021 US Open women’s title. However, she fits in nicely with Tiffany’s rebranding in its attempt to reach out to a younger consumer. As a recent addition to LVMH’s ever-expanding portfolio of brands, Tiffany has signed Jay Z and Beyoncé, showing their embrace of diversity and inclusion, and the brand has signed 17-year-old freestyle skier Eileen Gu, reaching out to a younger audience.

—William S. Gooch

 

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