Fashion News Alert: Andre Leon Talley’s Housing Challenges, Jay Z Sells to LVMH, Megan Thee Stallion’s Harper’s Bazaar Cover, and Kris Jenner to Launch Beauty Brand

February 25, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of thenewyorktimes.com

Though Andre Leon Talley scored a hit with his second biography” Chiffon Trenches” in 2020, the flamboyant former creative director of Vogue US is now battling to stay in his home. Talley his resided at his current address, a historic 11-room colonial home with extensive gardens located in White Plains, NY since 2004.

Andre Leon Talley’s current residence was bought by George Malkemus and Anthony Yurgaitis for just over $1 million dollars in 2004. In the same year, Talley had to leave his former home due to mold and entered into a gentleman’s agreement that he would purchase the White Plains property from Yurgaitis and Malkemus, with a down payment of $120,000 dollars, paying off the remainder of costs over time.

According to Talley’s lawsuit against said owners as reported on pagesix.com, “The parties agreed that Talley would exclusively own, occupy and care for the home. It was agreed and always understood that Talley would, over time, ‘pay off’ the balance of the purchase price paid by the defendants at which point title would then formally be transferred to Talley.”

“In the meantime, the defendants would hold title for the beneficial ownership of Talley.” Yurgaitis and Malkemus contend that Talley owes over half a million dollars in back payment due to the fact that Talley’s monthly payments have been sporadic due to fluctuating income.

Talley contends that Malkemus and Yurgaitis want to sell the house at an enormous profit and that is why they are atempting to evict him. Though Talley has been residing at the house based a gentleman’s agreement, he has nothing in writing to support his continued occupancy.

Image courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

There is no stopping Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion really knows how to bring sexy to a magazine cover. For the March edition of Harper’s Bazaar, Megan dons a Chanel swimsuit, belt, and cape. She adds to this look with Bulgari earrings.

Inside the March issue, Megan Thee Stallion talks about the values of working hard, ignoring public scrutiny. She also talks about what the future holds for her after her new album drops later this year.

This has been a banner year for Megan. She strutted and sashayed at the American Music Awards, put the word out on “NPR’s Tiny Desk,” and spoke about the rights of sistas on “Saturday Night Live.” But, perhaps, a bigger accomplishment is Megan finishing her last semester at Texas Southern.  “I cannot wait. I’m going to have the biggest graduation party,” exclaims Megan.

Speaking of sexy fashion, in the inside editorial Megan flaunts Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, and Valentino. Talk about the hottie of hotties!! The March issue is available on newsstands March 2.

Image courtesy of glamtush.com

More money for Kris Jenner

“And a child shall lead them” Or so, the biblical scripture goes.

In Kris Jenner’s experience, is taking a cue from her two children Kim and Kylie. Both leading her into the beauty industry.

Kris Jenner has registered trademarks for “Kris Jenner Beauty,” “Kris Jenner Skin” and “Kris Jenner Skincare,” according to E! News. The registered trademarks will cover products including cosmetics, skincare, nail care products, false eyelashes, hair care products, fragrances and more.

And if Kim and Kyle’s beauty companies are any indication of how successful Kris Jenner will be, watch out. Kim’s beauty companies were valued at $1 billion as of June 2020, and Kyle Jenner’s beauty brands were valued at 1.2 billion in 2019.

Image courtesy of worldwine&whisky.com

LVMH goes back to its roots

For those of us in the fashion industry, we always think of (LVMH) Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy as a fashion holding company. However, the megabrand got its start with spirits. And with the fashion industry currently in a state of flux, LVMH is going back to its roots.

That said, LVMH has agreed to buy 50 percent of Armand de Brignac, the champagne brand owned by rapper icon Jay Z. The purchase being made through LVMH’s drink division, Moet Hennessy, includes distribution and a partnership with Jay Z. The sum of the purchase has not been disclosed.

Jay Z in a statement said, “it is a partnership that has felt familiar the entire time.” Jay Z added that “the sheer power of the Moet Hennessy global distribution framework, its unparalleled portfolio strength and its long-established track record of excellence in developing luxury brands will give Armand de Brignac the commercial power it needs to grow and flourish even further.”

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Century 21 Stages a Comeback, Ella Emhoff Makes NYFW Runway Debut, and Valentino Sued for Back Rent

February 18, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of cnn.com

Being in the right place at the right time could work wonders for a career, particularly if you happened to be related to the Vice President Kamala Harris and you are wearing a very stylish Miu Miu coat at the 46th Presidential Inauguration. Also having a huge social media following helps.

Ella Emhoff, VP Harris’ stepdaughter, has been signed to IMG Models and for New York Fashion Week appeared in the Proenza Schouler fall 2021 runway show. All this happened just three weeks after the presidential inauguration.

For fall 2021 Proenza Schouler produced a knitwear-heavy collection with an emphasis on comfort and practicality. “A return to a form of dressing that emphasizes ease and practicality without ever abandoning a sense of luxury and sensual, tactile pleasure,” explained the design duo in show notes.

This new direction for co-creators Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez demonstrates that these co-creators can pivot easily to what consumers are currently in the market for. Other designers/brands should take note!!

Image courtesy of thenewyorktimes.com

Century 21 returns

For those who are pining away that the Century 21 stores are no more, put away your salty tears. Century21 stores are returning, but it will make its comeback in South Korea, opening a store in Busan this year, a new nine-story, 100,000 square-foot store, in fact. There are plans for a return of Century 21 stores to New York City, but not for a while.

“We believe a New York City flagship is important,” Raymond Gindi told WWD. “It could be on 34th Street or in Times Square. But we are not working on that now. I don’t think the U.S. is ready for it.”

The Gindi family launched Century 21 stores in 1961 and with a silent partner has brought back Century 21’s intellectual property after the retail chain filed for bankruptcy in 2020. In 2020, Century 21 closed its 13 stores in New York City, New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

Image courtesy of springutlaw.com

Valentino sued

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fashion is experiencing some very strange occurrences. Who would have thought that an iconic brand like Valentino would be sued for not paying rent?

Well, it has happened. Valentino SpA is being sued for breaking the lease on its flagship Fifth Avenue store. The landlord of the flagship store contends that the Valentino SpA broke the lease and left the store in disrepair. This lawsuit follows a January 27th dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Valentino SpA seeking to void the 16-year lease on its flagship store on Fifth Avenue.

According the landlord of the flagship store, Valentino SpA owes rent through 2029, as well as $12.9 million in repairs to the store. “The building owner tried to work with Valentino during the pandemic with the understanding that these are difficult times,” the landlord’s lawyer Robert Cyruli said, as reported in fashionnetwork.com. “We look forward to presenting our case for damages in court.”

Valentino SpA is seeking to appeal the January 27th court decision made by Justice Andrew Borrok of the Manhattan Supreme Court.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Fenty Goes on Hiatus, Tommy Hilfiger Collabs with Pose’s Indya Moore, and Fern Mallis’ New Project

February 11, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of SurfaceMag

When Rihanna forged a relationship with LVMH, there was a nod of approval throughout the fashion industry. Rihanna’s clothing brand Fenty was launched with holding company partner LVMH in 2019. This was fashion brand that was owned by black person that was in LVMH coterie of fashion brands.

With LVMH as the holding company, Fenty was able to secure$115 million in Series B funding. The funding gave Fenty the ability to launch Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Savage x Fenty (Rihanna’s lingerie brand.) In other words, 2019 was a very busy year for Rihanna.

Though all this funding has been great for Rihanna’s beauty and lingerie brands, 2020 was not a good year for the clothing brand. This downturn has caused LVMH to put the Fenty clothing line on hold, “pending better conditions” in a statement, according to Footwear News, as reported in fashionweekdaily.com.

The cause of the halt on the clothing line has not been confirmed, but what is known is that the Fenty clothing line has been experiencing very low sales; perhaps, due to the high price points. Which comes as a bit of shock in that from the initial launch, the Fenty clothing line had become a top of many conversations among fashion industry professionals.

Because of the clothing line has been put on hold does not mean Fenty clothing may not experience a resurgence. The Fenty spinoff brands still have the go-ahead from LVMH and word on the street is that Rihanna is strategizing how to reinvigorate Fenty clothing.

Image courtesy of Paper Magazine

Hilfiger tries to bridge the gap

Tommy Hilfiger has announced capsule collections with Indya Moore, star of “Pose,” and streetwear designer Romeo Hunte. Romeo Hunte has long been mentored by Hilfiger.

These upcoming capsule collections are the result of Tommy Hilfiger’s partnership with People’s Place Program. According a Tommy Hilfiger press release, People’s Place Program is Hilfiger’s three-pillared platform with an initial minimum commitment of $5 million in annual funding for the next three years, that will seek to advance the representation of black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) within the fashion and creative industries. Centering around Partnerships, Career Access and Industry Leadership, the program seeks to achieve consistent, long-term change.

“We are determined to continue putting real action behind our words,” Avery Baker, president and chief brand officer, Tommy Hilfiger Global added, as reported in fashionweekdaily.com. “Equity and inclusion cannot be achieved through short-term recognition; we have to bring them to the forefront every day.”

The People’s Place Program will also be working with Harlem Fashion Row (HFR) to sponsor their 3rd Annual Digital Fashion Summit, taking place on February 18, 2021. Additionally, People’s Place Program will work with The Fashion and Race Database (FRD), to fund and support a new research study called “The Unsung History of American. Sportswear” to uncover overlooked influences from Black American culture on signature Tommy Hilfiger styles.

Image courtesy of thefashionspot.com

Another Fern Mallis project

Fern Mallis never lets any grass grow under her feet. She always stays busy with new projects.

If you didn’t get the opportunity to attend any of Fern Mallis’ conversations with fashion icons at New York City’s 92Y, don’t fret, there is still hope. Fern has launched “Fashion Icons: The Archive,” a dedicated channel that features her chats with some of the most important names in the fashion industry.

“This has been a dream of mine to share these interviews digitally, for many years,” Mallis says. “People are always asking me if they could watch replays of these conversations. I always hear from people who are sorry to have missed them live at 92Y, after the fact. And in many cases, people missed them because they were sold-out!”

Fern has interviewed over 50 fashion industry professionals in her interview chats at the 92Y. Fern has interviewed  everyone from Donna Karan and Vera Wang to Ralph Rucci, Calvin Klein, and Tom Ford to John Varvatos, Thom Browne, Christian Siriano, and many others.

—William S. Gooch

 

 

Fashion News Alert: New York Fashion Week Calendar Gets a Name Change, Black Lives Matter Italian Fashion Collective Opens Milan Fashion Week, and Gigi Hadid Is Back

February 4, 2021 by Leave a Comment

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Milan Fashion Week is finally stepping up to the plate when it comes diversity and inclusion. Milan Fashion Week will open with five black designers from the Black Lives Matter Italian Fashion Collective opening Milan Fashion Week. This is not the first time the collective has shown at Milan Fashion Week. The collective showed in September 2020, but at the end of Milan Fashion Week.

“It’s extraordinary, it’s a very strong signal the Italian Fashion Chamber is broadcasting. It will be us setting the tone,” said to AFP [to] Michelle Ngonmo, co-founder of the collective alongside designers Stella Jean and Edward Buchanan, as reported in fashionnetwork.com. However, “it took quite a fight” before the collective was able to “overcome the CNMI’s hesitation in facilitating our access to the [Milan] Fashion Week. Now, Italian Fashion Chamber (CNMI) is willing to listen to us,” added Ngonmo.

The same five black designers will show at Milan Fashion Week in February as showed in September 2020, Joy Ijeoma Meribe from Cameroon, with her Modaf Designs label; Karim Daoudi from Morocco; Nigeria-born Claudia Gisèle Ntsama, with her Gisfab label; Fabiola Manirakiza from Burundi, founder of the Frida-Kiza label; and from Senegal, Pape Mocodou Fall, a.k.a. Mokodu, as his label is known. 

Nogonmo explained that there are over 450 designers of African descent in Italy, many of whom show their collections in London, Paris, and Beijing because the discrimination they experience in Italy.  “For five years, we crashed against a wall of silence when we knocked on the CNMI’s door, but now we are an integral part of [the Chamber], without losing our identity,” Ngonmo explained. “Ours are made-in-Italy labels, we manufacture in Italy, not in Africa.”

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Gigi returns

Supermodel Gigi Hadid is back!! After a child with her partner Zayn Malik six months ago, Gigi is back gracing the March issue of Vogue US.

“I know that I’m not as small as I was before, but I also am a very realistic thinker,” said Gigi Hadid in an interview Chloe Malle for the March issue of Vogue. “ I straight up was like, ‘Yeah, I’ll shoot a Vogue cover, but I’m obviously not going to be a size 0,’ nor do I, at this point, feel like I need to be back to that. I also think it’s a blessing of this time in fashion that anyone who says that I have to be that, can suck it.”

Gigi was styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson and photographed by Ethan James Green for her recent Vogue cover. For the cover, Gigi is attired in a white and red floral Prada coat. Gigi dons the likes of Proenza Schouler, Alexander McQueen, Versace, and more for her spread in the March issue.

Image courtesy of popsugar.com

A name change can make all the difference

The New York Fashion Week (NYFW) calendar, under the auspices of Tom Ford, has a new name. For those who don’t know, NYFW was founded in 1944 by the great fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert. (NYFW was called Press Week in 1944.) Later, Press Week acquired the name New York Fashion Week and the calendar that announced all the fashion brands/designer that were officially showing at NYFW had the same name, the New York Fashion Week calendar.

All that has now changed. To adapt to changes in the market and some changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the CFDA has changed the name of the calendar to the American Collections Calendar.  Instead of covering only New York events, it will encompass all American designers, regardless of location or collection release date.

The Fashion Calendar was invented by Ruth Finley in the 1940s. Finley owned it for 80 years until she sold the calendar to the CFDA right before she died in 2014. In September 1993, Finley published the first official fashion calendar grid which included most New York fashion events, as well as fashion events around the world.

In recent years fashion industry professionals have complained the calendar is too crowded and outdated with many key American designers taking their names off the NYFW calendar, choosing to show in Europe and Asia instead. Ford and the CFDA hopes that the new name of the NYFW calendar will lure some top American designers back to NYFW and new changes to the calendar will provide more access to other American designers and brands.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Amanda Gorman Signs with IMG Models, US Female Soldiers Get Stylish, Naomi Osaka’s New Gigs, and Virtual Fashion Weeks Are an Interlude

January 28, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of ANI News

Who says you must be over 5`9 and under the age of 21 to get signed by a major model management company? Well, if you are Amanda Gorman, none of those things apply.

If you don’t know Amanda Gorman, you should!! Gorman gave the inspiring inaugural poem “The Hill We Climb” at the recent Presidential Inauguration. (“The Hill We Climb” has made Gorman a best-selling author with 3.1 million followers on Instagram.)

With the immediate popularity that has ensued from her poem, Gorman will be known for more than her poetic abilities. Gorman recently signed with IMG Models, home to supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Lily Aldridge, and Carolyn Murphy.

Who do you imagine Amanda becoming a brand ambassador for or gracing their runway show? That said, the Prada headband she wore at the Presidential Inauguration sold out almost immediately!!

Image courtesy of TAG Heuer

Naomi Osaka gets more fashionable

Grand slam tennis champion Naomi Osaka has some new gigs!! The 22-year old tennis star has signed on as brand ambassador for TAG Heuer and Louis Vuitton.

As reported on fashionweekdaily.com, Osaka detailed her familiarity with TAG Heurer and why she is excited to be working with the brand. “We have a lot in common—high precision, high performance of course—but I really relate to being innovative and forward thinking. I’m also passionate about style and fashion, so I want my watch to match my outfit and just look really good in general. I love just looking at a watch and being inspired by it for my whole outfit. In that sense I like statement pieces but also more versatile and neutral ones, so I’m quite easy to please.  At the moment, I’m using the Connected Watch a lot during my workouts, I Iove the app and the interchangeable colored straps I can match to my outfits. And if I need something less sporty, I’ll wear an Aquaracer, very elegant but still assertive.”

Naomi Osaka was on the cover of the January issue of Vogue US. “Words can’t describe how honored I was [being on the cover of Vogue US]. It was really a dream. Growing up looking at my idols on the cover and now being able to be in their position is crazy to me. I am super grateful.”

Image courtesy of fashionista.com

Virtual fashion weeks “interlude”

You must be in hibernation if you are not aware of the fact that most global fashion weeks have adopted a virtual format. The COVID-19 pandemic has facilitated this format adaptation. That said, French Fashion and Haute Couture Federation Executive President Pascal Morand contend that this new reality is only “an interlude.”

On fashionnetwork.com, Pascal Morand detailed his opinion of the current state of French fashion weeks. “We’ve fully plunged into the 21st century. In yesterday’s world, digital was a complement to physical, now it’s the opposite. Across all market segments, the share of e-tail sales has grown from 13% to 25%,” explains Morand.

When it comes to the future of runway shows, Morand concludes, “when normal life will resume, we will need to reconsider how to stage catwalk shows, how to create physical events with a digital complement. If everyone drops out of the system, everyone loses out. In the current situation, it’s good that there are safeguards, elements of credibility. The official calendar has always been a democratizing factor. Everyone on it enjoys equal standing, both major labels and those that have recently joined, despite the huge difference in revenue and reputation.”

Morand feels that audiences are crucial to the success of digital or live fashion weeks. “And audiences are a way of channeling influence, of communicating, they breathe life into events. They also have an impact on the digital dimension because show guests disseminate information.”

Image courtesy of yahoofinance.com

Fashionable soldiers

Female soldiers in the US are getting more fashionable. On Tuesday, the Pentagon announced that female soldiers can now grow their hair longer and in different styles, wear earrings and paint their nails.

There has been a push for some time for female soldiers to wear different hair styles. This new ruling allows African American female soldiers to wear their hair in braids or twists. Though this new ruling expands length and different hair styles, female soldiers’ hair still must fit under their helmets. Additionally, female soldiers that want to shave their heads are now permitted to do so.

This new ruling allows female soldiers to color their nails and wear lipstick and earrings, but not in extreme colors—blue, black, “fire-engine red,” violet and fluorescent. Earring must be in a stud form but cannot be worn during combat.

The changes are the result of a review launched last year under previous defense secretary Mark Esper. This review was a part of an examination of racial discrimination and mistreatment of minorities in the military.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: VP Kamala Harris Wears Black Designers to Inauguration, Sephora to Launch Racial Bias Initiative, Vogue to Release New Kamala Harris Cover, and Bridget Foley Leaves WWD

January 21, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

This week Vice President Kamala Harris is a headline story in fashion. First, Vogue US has decided, after much criticism, to release a second version of the February Vogue with different cover featuring VP Kamala Harris. This second version will be a limited edition.

The limited-edition version features Harris is a powder blue pantsuit. And will be available for $7.99. The original version will still be available to subscribers and available on newsstands.

VP Kamala Harris’ Vogue US February issue was not the only fashion story from Harris his week. At Joe Biden and Harris’ inauguration, Harris opted to wear black designers that were not household names. Harris’ ensemble on this history-making day was a head-to-toe black designer extravaganza.

The fantastic purple coat that Harris took her oath in was by Christopher John Rogers, the 2020 recipient of the CFDA Emerging Designer award. Her shoes were by Sergio Hudson, who has found a fan base with Michelle Obama, Rihanna, and Beyonce. And Harris’ pearls were by New York-based Puerto Rican jeweler Wilfredo Rosado.

This was first time that an elected official on Inauguration Day presented in head-to-head designers of color. But that is too be expected. VP Harris is a first on many levels; the first African American, South Asian, and Caribbean Vice President.

Image courtesy of newyorktimes.com

Bye, bye Bridget

After 35 years, WWD executive editor Bridget Foley is leaving the publication. It has been reported that Foley was dismissed from her position. It has not been established if Foley will continue to contribute to WWD in some other capacity.

“[WWD has] a huge part of my life,” Foley told The Cut. “It’s been a privilege to cover this industry through such remarkable times of change. I was privileged as a chronicler, and as a participant, to be involved at a very heady time in fashion and media.”

Foley had a regular column at WWD “Bridget Foley’s Diary.”

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Sephora steps up

Maybe the Black Lives Matter protests are having a positive effect. But not in the industry you would expect.

For decades African Americans have complained about how they are treated as consumers in US retails stores and the lack of representation in marketing and corporate positions. Well, Sephora has risen above the fray by recently establishing a new action plan to combat racial bias in its stores.

This directive coincides with by study sponsored by Sephora on racial bias in retail.  Sephora’s new initiative includes promoting more African American beauty brands and prominently promoting those African American beauty brands on the Sephora website. This new directive will also introduce a new greeting system where all Sephora shoppers are greeted the same and treated with respect. Additionally, Sephora will incorporate new training modules for all Sephora beauty advisors that include racial bias training and decrease the amount of third-party security in its stores.

“We know that we’re in a strong position to influence positive changes in the retail industry and society at large and it’s our responsibility to step up,” said Jean-André Rougeot, president and CEO, Sephora Americas. “We’re committed to doing all we can to make our U.S. retail experience more welcoming for everyone.” 

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Pat McGrath Named Dame of the British Empire, Karl Lagerfeld’s New Tell-All, Stella Tennant’s Cause of Death Confirmed, and Macy’s to Close More Stores

January 7, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of vogue.com

After 25 years in the fashion industry, British make-up artist Pat McGrath is finally getting more of the recognition she deserves. Queen Elizabeth II has named Pat McGrath, D.B.E. Dame of the British Empire for services to the Fashion and Beauty industry and Diversity. That’s right, you can now call Pat McGrath, Dame Pat McGrath.

“I am beyond humbled that I have been awarded a Damehood in the Queen’s New Year 2021 Honours List as a D.B.E–Dame of the British Empire for Services to the Fashion and Beauty Industry and Diversity,” said Dame McGrath in a release. “I am truly delighted and humbled to be given this wonderful honour. My mother’s obsession with beauty and fashion ignited my passion for this amazing industry and I feel blessed to have the privilege of working with some of the most extraordinary people throughout my career.”

This award makes Pat McGrath the first make-up artist to be named a Dame of the British Empire. McGrath is regarded by many fashion industry professionals as being one of the most influential figures in fashion beauty.

McGrath established herself as a make-up artist to be reckoned with by designing some of the avant-garde make-up looks for John Galliano’s runway shows, as well as runway shows of Miuccia Prada, Alexander McQueen, and Marc Jacobs. But it was Edward Enninful that helped kickstart McGrath’s career by making her the beauty director of i-D magazine. In 2015, McGrath launched her beauty line McGrath Labs and as of 2018 was valued at $1 billion.

Congrats, Pat. You really deserve it!

Image courtesy of DNA Models

Cause of Stella Tennant’s death confirmed

Scottish supermodel Stella Tennant passed away on December 23. At the time of her death, there was no confirmation on the cause of death.

That has all changed. In a statement published in the Telegraph, it was confirmed that Tennant suffered had mental health challenges, and her death has been ruled as a suicide.

Her family said, as reported in fashionweekdaily.com, “We have been humbled by the outpouring of messages of sympathy and support since Stella died. She was a beautiful soul, adored by a close family and good friends, a sensitive and talented woman whose creativity, intelligence and humor touched so many.”

“Stella had been unwell for some time,” the article on fashionweekdaily.com continued. “So, it is a matter of our deepest sorrow and despair that she felt unable to go on, despite the love of those closest to her. In grieving Stella’s loss, her family renews a heartfelt request that respect for their privacy should continue.”

Stella Tennant’s ascent as a fashion model was meteoric. Stella was photographed by iconic photographer Steven Meisel early in her career. Stella modeled for French, British, and Italian Vogue as well as Harper’s Bazaar. Also, early in her career, Stella Tennant became the face of Chanel with an exclusive contract. She also appeared in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Alexander McQueen, Hermes, Versace, and Burberry.

Stella Tennant is survived by her husband French photographer David Lasnet and her four children. Stella Tennant was 50 years old.

Image courtesy of pinterest.com

Lagerfeld tell-all

Fashion industry professionals and consumers are anxiously anticipating the new Karl Lagerfeld tell-all penned by his longtime bodyguard and personal assistant Sébastien Jondeau. This book will explore the close relationship between Lagerfeld and Jondeau.

Lagerfeld met Jondeau when he was 15 years old with Jondeau modeling in Chanel campaigns and walking in Chanel runway shows. Jondeau trained had a kickboxer, so, his transition to Lagerfeld’s bodyguard was an obvious career transition.

Jondeau in a 2015 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, as reported in fashionweekdaily.com, stated, “I’ve worked for Karl for more than 16 years, since I was 23, but I’ve known him since I was 15. My stepfather ran an 18th-century furniture business that I worked for sometimes, and Karl was a big collector. I was always asking Karl questions. He knows everything, and he was so much cooler than I was. I wasn’t stupid, but I was curious. I came from a place in life where you don’t really know that much. I did silly, bad things when I was young; I have so many stories. I became close with Karl because I was funnier than the other guys. I did my job, but I asked questions, and he liked that.”

Ça Va, Cher Karl? (translation: How are you, dear Karl?) will be out in Europe on January 27.

Image courtesy of fortune.com

More store closings for Macy’s

Macy’s is closing more stores. On Wednesday, it was revealed that Macy’s will close 37 locations which includes one Bloomingdale’s store and 36 namesake stores. Nine Macy’s stores have already closed this week with the rest to go into liquidation over the next 8 to 12 weeks.

A Macy’s spokesperson recently talked about “rightsizing their store fleet.” Which aligns with Macy’s redirecting resources to online and mobile capabilities.

“To that end, we announced several store closures today that align to the guidance we provided in February 2020,” the company explained. “These closures bring us closer to achieving the right mix of mall-based stores,” explains a Macy’s representative.

In October 2020, Macy’s reported a $91 million loss in the third quarter. For that same third quarter, Macy’s revenue was $4 billion, down from $5.1 billion in the prior-year period.

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Alexander Wang’s Sexual Assault Allegations, Travis Scott’s New Sneaks, and Au Revoir Pierre Cardin

January 2, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of Taylor Hill/Getty Images

There are more sexual molestations charges in the fashion industry. This time the charges are directed toward Alexander Wang.

In December, male model Owen Mooney posted two videos on Tik Tok that alleged that he was touched inappropriately and against his will by a famous fashion designer. Mooney claims that designer was Alexander Wang.

Mooney’s admission opened the floodgate of other male models and trans models who claim that Wang of either sexually assaulting or harassing them. Wang denies these charges.

In response to these allegations, Wang issued a statement to fashionista.com. ” Over the last few days, I have been on the receiving end of baseless and grotesquely false accusations. These claims have been wrongfully amplified by social media accounts infamous for posting defamatory material from undisclosed and/or anonymous sources with zero evidence or any fact-checking whatsoever,” explained Wang. 

“Seeing these lies about me being perpetuated as truths has been infuriating. I have never engaged in the atrocious behavior described and would never conduct myself in the manner that’s been alleged,” Wang continued. “I intend to get to the bottom of this and hold accountable whoever is responsible for originating these claims and viciously spreading them online.”

Time will tell. Fashion Reverie will continue to follow this story!!

Image courtesy of modernnotoreity.com

Travis Scott’s new Air Jordans

There is no doubt that Hip Hop artist Travis Scott’s collaboration with Nike has been successful. If you are not convinced, try purchasing Scott’ latest Air Jordan collaboration sneakers. They go for almost $2,000. (We checked online.) Sneakers priced way above their original retail price is a true sign of popularity.

Anyway, with the popularity of this collaboration, it was only a matter of time before a new pair of Travis Scott’s Air Jordan’s would hit the market. And that could be sooner than you anticipated!!

Travis was recently spotted flaunting an unreleased pair of Air Jordan Lows. The images were released online this weekend.

These could be the best Travis Scott Air Jordans yet!!  The sneaks in question are decorated with white and blue panels, that look like Nike’s popular “Obsidian” Air Jordan 1 Retro colorway. Branding hits include Scott’s signature reverse Swoosh on the lateral side in white, as well as Wings embroidered on the heels.

Image courtesy of dw.com

Au Revoir Pierre

Fashion icon Pierre Cardin has passed away. Most consumers thought this icon fashion designer had already passed away. That said; according to French magazine Challenges, Cardin’s fashion empire is worth 525 million euros, with hundreds of licensing deals still active.

Pierre Cardin become a critically acclaimed figure in fashion in the early 60s, making headlines with his “bubble” dress and garments that had a futuristic projection. Cardin was one of the first designers that adopting business licensing for his accessories and for product outside of the fashion industry. Cardin was often quoted as saying, “I do fashion. It is my drug.”

Cardin became known for staging extraordinary fashion shows—in the Gobi Desert, on board an aircraft carrier in Tianjin, China; on Moscow’s Red Square with over 200,000 spectators—a first in Russia; inside Rome’s prestigious Villa Medici; and at the White Palace royal residence in Belgrade, Serbia. 

Cardin continued to independently own his eponymous brand, mostly financed by his licensing deals. However, by the year 2000, Cardin only sporadically showcased his fashion collection in fashion shows. In 2019, the Brooklyn Museum produced a retrospective of his work.

Pierre Cardin died at the at a hospital in Neuilly, France on December 29. He was 98 years of age.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: NYC Loses Many Chain Stores in 2020, the FHCM Releases Paris Couture Show List, and Goodbye Stella Tennant

December 24, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of lofficielusa.com

The COVID-19 pandemic may not hinder the Paris Haute Couture shows from happening. The Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) has released the calendar for the Paris Haute Couture shows.

Because of the ensuing health pandemic, the FHCM has not confirmed if the haute couture shows will be in the format of runway, presentations or online. The format depends on the French health pandemic lockdown rules. That said; the FHCM, which is the French fashion governing body, has listed 32 shows on the haute couture calendar.

This calendar includes haute couture collections from such esteemed brands as Dior, Giorgio Armani Prive, Chanel, Schiaparelli, and Valentino, with Alber Elbaz debuting his new fashion brand AZ Factory. Kim Jones will debut his first haute couture collection for Fendi, and Chitose Abe will debut his first haute couture collection for Jean-Paul Gaultier as a guest designer.

The Haute Couture shows will take place in Paris from January 25 through January 28.

Photo by Ben Gabbe/Getty Images)

NYC retail hit hard by health pandemic

2020 has been a very tough year for the retail market, particularly in New York City. According to the Center for an Urban Future (CUF) over 1,000 stores have been shuttered by retail chains. These closings are mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manhattan saw the most store closings in 2020 of the five boroughs, closing 520 stores. There was a total of 1,057 closings in Manhattan and the boroughs.

As reported in fashionnetwork.com, both clothing and accessories stores and beauty destinations have closed 22% of their locations in New York over the last twelve months. The only other retail store category that outpaced clothing and accessories when it come to closures were vitamin and food supplement shops.

BCBG Max Azria has closed all of it six NYC stores, as did tween retail store, Justice. New York & Co. has shuttered all its 17 NYC stores. Brooklyn Industries, Lucky Brands, and Motherhood Maternity have followed suit.

CUF’s annual State of the Chains report is based on a tally of chain retailer store locations across New York City, broken down by retailer, borough and zip code.

Image courtesy of pinterest.com

Stella Tennant farewell

A few days before Christmas day, on December 23,  British Supermodel Stella Tennant suddenly passed away at her home in Duns, Scotland. According to a Scotland police spokesperson, “Officers were called to an address in Duns around 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 22, following the sudden death of a 50-year-old woman. Her next of kin have been made aware. There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

According to fashionnetwork.com, Stella Tennant’s family confirmed her death by stating, “Stella was a wonderful woman and an inspiration to us all. She will be greatly missed. Her family ask for their privacy to be respected. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date.”

Stella Tennant burst unto the fashion scene in the early 90s with iconic fashion photographer Steven Meisel shooting Tennant for the cover of Italian Vogue. Later Tennant acquired an exclusive contract from Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. Additionally, Tennant appeared in numerous campaigns for Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Hermes, and Chanel.

Tennant was a distant cousin of Princess Diana and grand-daughter of Andrew Cavendish, the 11th Duke of Devonshire. Tennant is survived by her husband, French photographer David Lasnet and her four children.

William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Anna Wintour’s New Job, French Model Agent Jean-Marc Brunel Detained, American Vogue’s January Cover

December 16, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of luxusplus.com

Does Anna Wintour need another job? Well, apparently Condé Nast thinks so.

At Condé Nast, Wintour already holds several titles—editor-in-chief of Vogue US, artistic director and global content advisor, as well as chief content officer. A heavy load indeed, but it appears that Wintour is up to the task as she has acquired more duties.

In addition to all these titles and responsibilities, Wintour will take on the role of global editorial director of Vogue. Wintour’s expanded responsibilities come on the heels of Condé Nast’s efforts to overhaul its publishing empire and organize itself for the digital age. All these efforts coincide with Condé Nast’s attempts to stay profitable, resulting in the company merging Condé Nast and Condé Nast International in 2018.

As with most companies, the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt the publishing giant’s finances. The pandemic forced Condé Nast to lay off and furlough hundreds of workers.

By unifying editorial teams, Condé Nast will be able to create the best version of each global story and customize each story for individual markets. This global consolidation includes promoting Edward Enninful to European global editorial director, which includes the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain Vogue publications, Simone Marchetti to global editorial director of Vanity Fair, and Will Welch as global editorial director of GQ.

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Diversity rules in Vogue US’ January issue

Anna Wintour is not the only one feeling Condé Nast’s expansiveness. The January issue of Vogue US is expanding to include a plus-size model on its cover.

Paloma Elsesser will grace the cover of Vogue US’ January cover. The size 14 IMG model was photographed by Annie Liebovitz and styled in a Michael Kors dress by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. This is the first time a black woman has styled a cover for Vogue US.

“When a size 14 person like myself says no to doing a show, they may not put anyone larger in that show—therefore that sample doesn’t go into the editorial season; other girls my size don’t get shot in looks that aren’t lingerie or a jacket; there’s a whole cycle happening,” says Elsesser, as reported in  fashionweekly.com. “My participation isn’t just about me.”

Pat McGrath, Elsesser’s mentor, had some great things to say about the plus-size model.  “There’s something cinematic about Paloma. She’s a modern Dorothy Dandridge or Lena Horne or Rita Hayworth. Her face, her body, and her mind are beautiful—and she has a wonderful personality brimming with fun and joy.”

And this first cover styling by a black stylist did not go unnoticed. Gabriella Karefa-Johnson commented on this incredible opportunity, “This is a dream I didn’t know if I’d realize and I’m just so proud of myself, and proud of @palomija, and proud of @iam_thechong, and proud of @okjanelle, and happy for the little black girls who can go to the newsstand and buy the world’s most powerful fashion magazine and see themselves on the cover and in the creative team that brought it to life. This is the first Vogue cover styled by a black woman. This is my first Vogue cover. It was shot by Annie Leibovitz and that’s just about the wildest thing I’ve ever heard.”

Image courtesy of OK! Magazine

Jean-Luc Brunel detained

The Jeffrey Epstein chronicles continue. Though Epstein committed suicide in prison in August of 2019, the scandal around his sexual assault and rape cases continue.

Top French model agent Jean-Luc Brunel has been detained in Paris on accusations of sex crimes which include rape, human trafficking, and sexual assault of minors. He was detained on Wednesday at Charles de Gaulle airport on his way to Senegal. Brunel was an ex-associate of Jeffrey Epstein and has been linked to Epstein web of sexual violence and rape.

Brunel was accused in American courts for procuring young girls for Epstein’s sexual abuse. “The victims have long awaited the arrest of Jean-Luc Brunel. They welcome his detention with relief and with confidence in the legal process,” said lawyer Anne-Claire Lejeune, who represents several victims, as reported in fashionnetwork.com. “This is huge news. I am crying with joy,” said Thysia Huisman, a former Dutch model who says she was “drugged and raped” by Brunel at the age of 18.

Brunel’s detention at the Charles de Gaulle airport ends of scrutiny about Brunel whereabouts. Although Brunel’s lawyers in 2019 denied Brunel association or involvement with Epstein sex crimes, Brunel was never available for questioning.

Jean-Luc Brunel was the founder of the famed Karin Models.

—William S. Gooch

 

 

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