Weekend Fashion News Alert: Did Beyonce Call Out Rachel Roy?, Karlie Kloss Makes Time Top 100, Hardwick Clothes Chosen to Dress NBC Olympics Studio Hosts, and Barbie Launches You Can Be Anything Campaign

April 24, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

Image courtesy of ew.com

Image courtesy of ew.com

This has been a fashion weekend of callouts and questions. With the long-awaited release of Beyonce’s video poem“Lemonade” on HBO over the weekend, Beyonce’s “Lemonade” speaks of a woman who is self-identified and is “not to be messed with.” There are references to the Black Lives Matter movement, female empowerment and well as some inferences of marital strife.

The infidelity inferences expressed in the “Apathy” portion of the video poem with somewhat cryptic lyrics that tell the cheater “ashes to ashes, dust to side chicks … he better call Becky with good hair,” has caused some cultural pundits and Beehive fans to conclude that paramour in question is fashion designer Rachel Roy. To make matters worse, Rachel Roy posted on Instagram immediately after the “Lemonade” HBO special, “Good hair don’t care, but we will take good lighting, for selfies, or self truths, always live in the light.”

Cultural pundits and Beehive fans blew up social media over Rachel Roy’s Instagram comments, with some mistakenly placing nasty comments on cooking host Rachel Ray’s Twitter and Instagram pages. Remember, at the 2014 Met Gala, Solange Knowles had a confrontation with Rachel Roy that resulted in harsh words and a videotaped fight with Jay Z later in the evening.

Did Beyonce call out Rachel Roy? Hmm, you decide!!

Image courtesy of elle.co.uk

Image courtesy of elle.co.uk

Influential Karlie

What does it take to make Time magazine’s top 100 influential list? Well, if you are Karlie Kloss, apparently it takes beauty, several brand campaigns, and supermodel status.

The list was released on April 21st, and Karlie Kloss is in the ‘Titan’ category. Coincidentally, she is very good company. Kloss’ 2016 co-Titans include Nicki Minaj, basketball player Stephen Curry, Pope Francis, Apple’s boss Tim Cook, Academy Award winner director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu, Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei.

 

Image courtesy of jigamaree.com

Image courtesy of jigamaree.com

Barbie’s career ambitions

Do you think you can be anything you want to be? Well, Barbie believes you can. On April 28th, for the ‘Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work’ Day Barbie launches ‘Be Anything You Want To Be’ campaign in Canada.

From April 28 to May 2, Barbie is encouraging families in Canada to share photos of their Barbie fans living out their career ambitions by using the hashtag #Youcanbeanything. Canadian girls can upload a photo of their #YouCanBeAnything girl in her career of choice to the You Can Be Anything event page.

“Barbie has always aimed to show young girls that they can be anything they can imagine from movie star to doctor. She’s always been a role model in being true to herself and making possibilities come to life, and to a child, that’s everything,” says Akram Sharkawy, Brand Communications Marketing Manager, Mattel Canada Inc, in a news statement.

Image courtesy of nbc.com

Image courtesy of nbc.com

Looking good, Olympic style

Do you want your hosts for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Rio to look stylish? Well, NBC Olympics has come up with a solution. Hardwick Clothes, the oldest tailored clothing brand in the US, has been chosen to dress the studio hosts of NBC Olympics.

Though Hardwick Clothes is not necessarily a household name, Hardwick Clothes has been in business since 1888 and is one of the few American brands that has its complete operations stateside, making its all it clothes in Cleveland, Tennessee. “As long as Hardwick clothes has been in business, we don’t have a lot of recognition on the consumer level. It’ll help reestablish Hardwick as a great American brand. It’s exposure to an audience that hasn’t heard of us before,” said Jake Cremer, Hardwick’s brand director in a fashionunited.com article.

Hardwick Clothes started working with NBC over a year and a half ago when the brand began providing clothes for NHL hosts and analysts. Later, Hardwick Clothes dressed Cris Collinsworth and Al Michaels for Sunday Night football programs.

—William S. Gooch

 

 

 

 

 

Breaking Fashion News: Francisco Costa Leaves Calvin Klein

April 19, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of CDN.com

Image courtesy of CDN.com

There are more unexpected departures in the fashion industry. With the departure of Hedi Slimane from Saint Laurent, Alber Elbaz for Balmain, and Donna Karan from eponymous brand, creative directors leaving esteemed, iconic brands seem to be the order of the day.

Add another name to the list of dramatic departures. Francisco Costa, creative director of the women’s wear division of the Calvin Klein Collection has stepped down. Italo Zuchelli, creative director of the menswear division of the Calvin Klein Collection has also departed.

For months rumors circulated that Raf Simons, former creative director of Dior, would take a top position at Calvin Klein; however, spokesmen for Calvin Klein denied the rumors. On the heels of Costa and Zuchelli departing the brand, it has been announced that Raf Simons will join the Calvin Klein Collection as sole creative director. The women’s wear and menswear division will merge into one collection as a part of the global evolution of the brand.

Image courtesy of ellecanada.com

Image courtesy of ellecanada.com

Francisco Costa has been a part of Calvin Klein since 2003 and was instrumental in making the brand a red-carpet favorite among celebrities. Before his tenure at Calvin Klein Costa worked for Oscar de la Renta and Gucci under Tom Ford. In 2006, Costa won a CFDA award for Women’s Wear of the Year.

—Staff

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Victoria Beckham’s Makeup Line, Sarah Hyland’s New Gig, Elie Saab’s New Bridal Line, and Tommy Hilfiger Joins “Buy Now, See Now” Business Model

April 17, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

Image courtesy of telegrah.co.uk

Image courtesy of telegrah.co.uk

Victoria Beckham partners with Estee Lauder to launch a signature cosmetics line.

According to vogue.com, Beckham’s new signature cosmetics line, Victoria Beckham Estee Lauder, will appeal to a wide demographic of women. Victoria Beckham Estee Lauder will project everyday wearability, refined hues, and effective color palettes. Victoria Beckham Estee Lauder is expected to go on sale in September.

Image courtesy of Elie Saab

Image courtesy of Elie Saab

Elie Saab’s ready-to-wear bridal

As New York International Bridal Week continues in New York City, Lebanese couturier Elie Saab announced that he is launching his first ready-to-wear bridal collection. The couture house’s first ready-to-wear bridal collection, Elie Saab Bridal” will contain 25 gowns and will focus on “style evolution” and “feminine and daring silhouettes.”

According to fashionunited.com the ready-to-wear bridal gowns will contain Saab’s signature design aesthetic of feathers, dotted tulle, silk chiffon and lace are represented throughout the collection, as well as ballet-inspired flat slippers, Swarovski crystal headbands, matching veils and embellished clutches to complete the whole bridal look.

Elie Saab Bridal will be available in Elie Saab stores in Paris, Beirut, Dubai, Hong Kong and Harrods store locations, with the entire collection expected to hit stores in October 2016. Bridal gowns retail price point start at 5,500 euros.

Image courtesy of imbd.com

Image courtesy of imbd.com

Hyland directs Candies

“Modern Family” star Sarah Hyland has been named creative director and the new face of Candie’s. Hyland will front the spring 2017and fall 2016 campaigns for the brand and as creative director lend her direction and ideas to the spring 2017 campaign.

“Expect color, expect prints, little fun details that will heighten a simple outfit because a lot of the time less is more. Nothing crazy busy and it has to be the right print,” says Hyland in a fashionmag.com article.

Candie’s is sold exclusively at Kohl’s stores throughout the US and at Kohls online. The Candie’s collection retails from $30 to $60.

Tommy Hilfiger spring 2016 images courtesy of zimbio.com

Tommy Hilfiger spring 2016 images courtesy of zimbio.com

Hilfiger joins “See Now, Buy Now”

The “See Now, Buy Now” movement is gathering steam. And Tommy Hilfiger has joined the small cadre of designers who are supporting this new business model.

Hilfiger is expected to sign and e-commerce deal that will allow consumers to purchase garments immediately after his runway shows. “We are negotiating a deal with a very big internet retailer—a global e-commerce partnership to ensure catwalk looks can be delivered to customers straight off runway,” said Hilfiger at the 10th annual World Retail Congress in Dubai.

“Think ahead of what the consumer wants, surprise them, think of what they want next. Young consumers today are directing us towards what they want, which is speed to market … they want fashion today, they don’t wanna wait,” continues Hilfiger.

This decision by Hilfiger and many other American designers comes on the heels of a recent survey sponsored by the CFDA and The Boston Consulting Group that examined the future of fashion weeks.

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Beyonce’s Fraud Claim, Vivienne Westwood’s New Bio Book, Naomi Campbell’s New Tome, and Gucci Ad Banned

April 10, 2016 by 1 Comment
Image courtesy of youtube.com

Image courtesy of youtube.com

Vivienne Westwood, or should I say Dame Vivienne Westwood, has a book in the works. The book, “Get a Life” is a collection of diary entries that covers Westwood interest in fashion, the environment, politics, and well, just life.

“My diaries are about the things I care about. Not just fashion but art and writing, human rights, climate change, freedom”, Vivienne Westwood said. “I call the diaries “Get a Life” as that’s how I feel: you’ve got to get involved, speak out and take action.”

“Vivienne Westwood is someone who says exactly what she thinks—all the time. That’s what makes her diaries so compelling. You never know what she’ll be writing about nor what she’ll choose to say about it,” detailed Mark Ellingham, publisher at Profile Books and Serpent’s Tail in a recent fashionmag.com.

“Get a Life” will be available on October 16, 2016.

Image courtesy of etsy.com

Image courtesy of etsy.com

Word play

Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Well, not necessarily, especially if a brand is reaping financial profits from a word play on a brand name.

Popstar extraordinaire Beyonce has filed a claim in a Manhattan federal court over a Texas company, Feyonce, which sells products using a play on her name. The said company sells a mug for $14.95 with the phrase  “he put a ring on it” emblazoned on the mug from Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” album, as well as dozens of sweatshirts, hoodies, and a sundry product using the name Feyonce.

As reported in Reuters, the lawsuit claims “defendants’ conduct described herein is intentional, fraudulent, malicious, willful and wanton.” The lawsuit also contends that the unlawful use of a word play on Beyonce’s name confuses consumers and causes her irreparable harm.

The lawsuit asks owners of Feyonce to ceases uses a play on defendant’s name and has asked for unspecified damages.

Image courtesy of rushincrash.com

Image courtesy of rushincrash.com

Naomi in two volumes

Speaking of fashion books, Supermodel Naomi Campbell celebrates her illustrious fashion career in a two-volume collector’s edition book. “Naomi Campbell The Art of Beauty,” chronicles Campbell’s 29 years in the fashion industry.

From her start in the industry at the age of fifteen to being the first black model on the cover of French Vogue and Time magazine, Naomi Campbell has become one of the most recognizable names in the fashion industry. Volume 1 of “Naomi Campbell The Art of Beauty,” contains a collection of images photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, Richard Avedon, Anton Corbijn, Patrick Demarchelier, Helmut Newton, Herb Ritts, Mario Testino, Ellen von Unwerth, and Bruce Weber. Volume 2 focuses on Naomi’s autobiography, illustrated by magazine covers, ads, never-before-seen personal snapshots, video stills, and more.

“The book is a culmination of my life’s work. It includes all that I’ve done in the fashion business for the past 29½ years. The book is a timeline of my career, and has allowed me to remember and give credit to all the wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years,” states Campbell. “Naomi Campbell The Art of Beauty,” is published by Benedikt Taschen and available now.

Image courtesy of huffingtonpost.com

Image courtesy of huffingtonpost.com

Too skinny

When is model thin too thin? Well, in Great Britain too thin is the current Gucci 2016 Cruise campaign. And Great Britain wants the ad banned for its too thin model.

This is not the first time the land of shepherd’s pie and Big Ben has wanted fashion ads banned that featured ultra thin models.  Britain’s Advertising Standard Authority (ASA) has banned fashion ads with super skinny models.

In case of the Gucci 2016 Cruise campaign, the ASA felt that the model’s body “appeared to be out of proportion with her head and lower body” and that keeping the model in the fashion ad would be “irresponsible.” The ASA requested that Gucci remove the model from the campaign and accompanying video.

Gucci responded to the ASA complaint by stating that the ad was “aimed at an older, sophisticated audience” and that they did not believe that the models in the campaign appeared unhealthy. Still, Gucci has removed the very thin model for its 2016 Cruise campaign. All these complaints are happening in the wake of France banning model management companies from using models whose weight fell below a certain body index.

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Hedi Slimane Leaves Saint Laurent, Beyonce’s Athleisure Brand, Chinese Firm Acquires French Fashion Houses, and Janice Dickinson’s Illness

April 3, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of bustle.com

Image courtesy of bustle.com

Beyonce has also jumped into the althleisure wear market. On Thursday, the pop star launched Ivy Park, a 200-piece active wear collection, i a joint venture with British businessman Sir Philip Green, who owns the Topshop fashion chain.

The ‘Beehive” also released a video where she is dancing and singing wearing “Ivy Park” in a park in Houston she played in as a child. “When I have to conquer those things, I still go back to that park. Before I hit the stage, I go back to that park. When it was time for me to give birth, I went back to that park. The park became a state of mind. The park became my strength,” explained Beyonce in a recent fashionmag.com article.

Beyonce with her athlesisure wear clothing line is in good company. In 2013 Kate Hudson founded Fabletics that recently moved to brick and mortar stores. And in 2015 Carrie Underwood launched a collection of athleisure garments, Calia by Carrie Underwood, in collaboration with Dick’s Sporting Goods retail stores.

Image courtesy of cloudfront.net

Image courtesy of cloudfront.net

Heave ho, Hedi

It has been confirmed. Hedi Slimane has officially left Saint Laurent!!

For months, rumors have circulated in fashion circles that Slimane would before the end of the year. On Friday, the Keurig Group announced that the esteemed fashion house would be getting a new creative director, Anthony Vaccarello.

The Keurig Group, which owns many European luxury houses, was fed up with some of the demands of Slimane, and when both parties could not reach compromises on Slimane’s new contract, both parties decided to part ways. Vaccarello’s, 32, style is very similar to Slimane. Vaccarello has a penchant for a rock n’ roll aesthetic, a sexy pared down look and clothes that border on androgynous. Prior to his Saint Laurent appointment, Vaccarello had has own line and served as artistic director of Versus, Versace’s clothing line aimed at young adults.

Image courtesy of nytimes.com

Image courtesy of nytimes.com

The Chinese have it

The Chinese textile company, Shangdong Ruyi has signed a deal where they will acquire controlling interest in three French fashion houses.  The fashion group, Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot (SMCP), is valued at an estimated 1.3 billion euros.

“My sister, Judith Milgrom, and I are delighted to embark on the next phase in the journey of our company alongside Shandong Ruyi Group. Judith and I reaffirm our full commitment to the business and remain focused on our goal: continuing to build the highly desirable brands Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot and further extending their reach. Shandong Ruyi Group, as business with strong values, shares this long-term vision and ambition, and is the right partner for us,” said Evelyne Chetrite, founder and managing director of SMCP.

Under the current agreement, Shangdong Ruyi will keep the current creative and design teams. “By taking on board the expertise of SMCP, a group well-rooted with strong Parisian heritage, we would combine their merits with our existing strength in Asia, in particular China, in order to take both companies forward. Not only are we very excited to be forming a promising partnership with leaders at SMCP and KKR, but we also look forward to supporting SMCP in achieving its long-term objective of becoming a global leader in accessible luxury,” explained Shandong Chairman, Yafu Qiu, in a recent fashionunited.com article.

Image courtesy of huffingtonpost.com

Image courtesy of huffingtonpost.com

Dickinson’s dilemma

Supermodel Janice Dickinson revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 61-year old Dickinson announced her diagnosis in a recent dailymail.co,uk video.

“It’s still quite shocking. You know, I’ve had plastic surgery and I’ve had breast implants and I’ve always been very vocal of what I’ve done, because I tell the truth about everything. As I am right now,” detailed Dickinson.

Dickinson was informed by her doctor two weeks ago that she had early-stage breast cancer. “I’m going to get through this. You betcha, kiddo,” she said. “And I’ll be just fine. This is not a pity party. I’m Janice Dickinson. I’m going to stick around for a long, long time.”

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Ava DuVernay’s “Battle of Versailles,” Hailey Who?, and American Eagle’s Body-Positive Men’s Underwear Launch

March 27, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of blackworldcinema.com

Image courtesy of blackworldcinema.com

The “Versailles 73’” documentary and 2015 book “Battle of Versailes” by Robin Givhan is to turned into a film on HBO. “Selma” director Ava DuVernay has been slated to direct the HBO movie.

According to deadline.com, “The movie will chronicle the November 28, 1973 fashion show that took place at the Palace of Versailles. A fundraiser for the restoration of King Louis XIV’s palace, it pitted the top five French designers (Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro, and Marc Bohan of Christian Dior) against five then-unknown Americans (Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Halston, Stephen Burrows, and Anne Klein, who brought along her then-assistant Donna Karan) in front of an audience of the world’s social elite. By the end of the night, American fashion would be born, racial barriers broken, and the industry would be left forever transformed.”

The 1973 “Battle of Versailles” also saw the emergence of black top models Pat Cleveland, Alva Chinn, Billie Blair, Norma Jean Darden, and Bethann Hardison.

DuVernay will collaborate with Michael Starrbury on the script. The release date has yet been announced by HBO.

Image courtesy of ae.org

Image courtesy of ae.org

Real men

The American consumer has witnessed the “real people” approach for scores of women’s brand. Now, American Eagle have stepped on board.

American Eagles “Aerie Man” is the brand’s underwear line targeting men with real bodies. “Aerie Man means absolutely no retouching and a new, body-positive approach to men’s underwear,” says the brand.

Aerie Man is a “collection of men’s underwear that provide the perfect foundation for your busy and athletic lifestyle. No matter your style, find it here in materials that keep you cool, collected and real, all day long.”

All this comes on the heels of IMG Models launching its Brawn division that features plus-size male models. Aerie Man has a selection of men’s underwear styles from boxers to briefs with product under $20.

Tommy Hilfiger Denim spring 2016 campaign image courtesy of tumblr.com

Tommy Hilfiger Denim spring 2016 campaign image courtesy of tumblr.com

Hailey not Hallie

Who is Hailey Baldwin, you might ask? Well, if you are up on top models, you know that Hailey is he niece of actor, Alex Baldwin.

 

Hailey has been modeling since she was 16 and recently signed a global contract with IMG Models.  In 2014 she appeared in Tatler, and in 2015 she appeared in Teen Vogue, Miss Vogue, and Love magazine. Hailey landed the cover of Wonderland’s April/May 2015 edition, and the cover of L’Officiel Netherlands’s issue of the same month.

For the 2016 shows Hailey walked for Hailey Baldwin has Tommy Hilfiger, Philipp Plein, and Sonia Rykiel. And, she currently has Ralph Lauren’s ‘Denim & Supply’ spring 2016 campaign alongside Thiago Soares. Hailey Baldwin has 4.2 Instagram followers.

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Vanessa Williams’ New Fashion Line, Lord & Taylor’s Instagram Snafu, Kanye’s Yeezys Sell for 10K, and Elliot Gant Transitions

March 20, 2016 by 1 Comment

 

Image courtesy of Twitter

Image courtesy of Twitter

Another celebrity has joined the fashion fray. Vanessa Williams of “Ugly Betty” fame has launched her first fashion line, “V by Vanessa Williams,” for the Evine shopping network.

“This collection is a combination of me as a professional, me as a mother, and me as what I wear for comfort around the house,” explained Williams in a PeopleStyle article. “It’s your urban look, it’s your suburban look, it’s your casual look, and it’s your glam look, all in one.” All this translates into looks for $100 or under.

“My friends and I complain about bra fat and loose arms. We’ve got a couple areas that we want to cover. Gone are the days when you’re 20 and you can just wear a little spaghetti strap thing and everything’s up and perky by itself. I’ve gone through my 30s, 40s, 50s and my body keeps changing with every decade. Yes, I’ve got bra fat and love handles. It’s a constant struggle. So, my view is don’t give up the fight, keep it moving, embrace where your body is going, and then dress accordingly.”

Sizes for “V by Vanessa Williams” go up to a size 24 and 26. The line debuted on evine.com on March 19.

Lord & Taylor dress image courtesy of adweek.com

Lord & Taylor dress image courtesy of adweek.com

Oh, the shame of it all!!

All tongues are wagging over the recent Lord & Taylor’s Instagram faux pas. And the situation appears to be getting more encumbered as the days progress.

It appears that Lord & Taylor paid 50 Instagram fashion aficionados that have a huge social media following $4000 per image to promote a particular dress. The Instagram influencers were to take a photo of themselves in the garment and post the image on their Instagram page. Reportedly, the images reached over 11.4 Instagram users in two days.

So, you may say what is wrong with that? Doesn’t one hand wash the other? Not exactly.

According to guidelines set by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the FTC clearly state that all paid advertisement must be identified as a paid endorsement. All this comes in the wake of recent reports that bloggers with a huge social media presence are being paid up to $10,000 per image to sit in the front row at fashion weeks and post images from certain collections.

Lord & Taylor denies that they’ve done anything wrong, even though they had to approve each image that was posted and Instagram posters had to tag Lord & Taylor’s Instagram account in their post, and use the hashtags Lord & Taylor provided.

By the way, the Lord & Taylor asymmetrical paisley dress in question sold out!! Hmm, it worked.

Image courtesy of sneakernews.com

Image courtesy of sneakernews.com

Is the price right?

Yeezy boost for $10,000. That’s right,  $10,000.

Kanye West’s Yeezy Boost, made in collaboration with Adidas, are selling on eBay for up to $10,000. The shoes originally retail starting at $225. However, Kanye fans are purchasing the shoes at retail value and reselling on eBay for much, much more.

The bids on eBay on March 13 for $238; however, by March 15 the bids had escalated to $2500 and now peaking at $10,000.

West released a recent statement on Twitter that Adidas would be making over 1 million Yeezy Boost in 2016. I guess it will be a Yeezy Boost bonanza!!

Elliot Gant and brother Robert image courtesy of NYTimes.com

Elliot Gant and brother Robert image courtesy of NYTimes.com

Goodbye Elliot Gant

Elliot Gant co-founder of Gant has passed away at the age of 89. The Gant brand became a popular menswear brand, particularly among Ivy Leaguers in the 1950s and 60s because of the particular detail found in its shirts.

Founded in 1949 with his brother Marty, the Gant shirting company was influenced by the Ivy League style of Yale University, and expanded upon that style by introducing bold colors and different fabrications. Sold to Consolidated Foods in 1968, the Gant brothers stayed with the brand and transitioned the mostly shirting company into an All-American sportswear brand.

Its first American sportswear collection was produced in 1971 and Gant Rugger was introduced in 1974. Later, accessories and trousers were added. The company is currently owned by Maus Freres.

Elliot Gant is survived by his wife Ina (Romanoff) Gant, daughter, Carol Gant Leventhal, son Bernard Gant and his wife Hallie Krechevsky, his five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News: Alber Elbaz Replaced, Caitlyn Jenner’s New Gig, Jeremy Scott’s Brand of Fashion Fun, and See Now, Buy Now Divides Fashion Industry

March 13, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of frontiersmedia.com

Image courtesy of frontiersmedia.com

Though the second season of Caitlyn Jenner’s reality television show,“I Am Cait,” may be seen as a bust to many entertainment pundits, that is not keeping the fashion industry from lining to get on the Caitlyn popularity wagon.

H&M has recently named Caitlyn Jenner as the new face of its fall 2016 Sports campaign. H&M Sport launched in 2014 and consists of active wear and accessories for women, men, and children.

“For H&M it is important to show diversity and a range of personalities in everything we do. We have picked Caitlyn Jenner, one of the world’s most celebrated athletes, as part of this H&M Sports campaign because we want to illustrate that everything is possible—in sports, and in life. It is a collection of performance sportswear made to celebrate individuality and self-belief,” detailed and H&M spokesperson.

As Bruce Jenner, the 66-year old transgendered Caitlyn Jenner was the 1976 Olympic decathlon champion.

Image courtesy of fashionone.com

Boucha Jarrar image courtesy of fashionone.com

Lanvin’s new boss

The embattled House of Lanvin has hired Bouchra Jarrar to replace long-time Creative Director Alber Elbaz. Jarrar launched her eponymous couture brand in 2010 and since 2013 has been a member of the prestigious club of Haute Couture designers. Jarrar’s design aesthetic is highlight by monochromatic themes of black and white neutral tones and feminine tuxedo jackets.

Lanvin announced that Jarrar would shut down her eponymous label to focus entirely on the House of Lanvin. It is also estimated that Lanvin will need about $100 million euros to elevate the brand to the likes of big Europeans brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Valentino.

Jeremy Scott's fall 2016 images courtesy of artoffashion.com

Jeremy Scott’s fall 2016 images courtesy of artoffashion.com

Jeremy Scott’s house of fun

My role in fashion is to bring fun,” says fashion’s enfant terrible Jeremy Scott. And if you’ve ever been to any of Jeremy Scott’s or Moschino’s fashion shows you know that fun is the name of the game.

This weekend of “CNN Style,” Scott commented on brand, fashion, his friendship with Supermodel Karlie Kloss, and fun. “My role in fashion is to bring some fun, to generate excitement, to push the envelope and always go a little bit further. People are so serious in the fashion world. There’s nothing you can do about it, it’s how it is. But if for 10 minutes, the time for a show, we could forget about all of these woes, I feel it would be a nice gift.”

“CNN Style” followed Jeremy Scott during his New York Fashion Week: The Shows fall 2016 show and the fashion marathon that ensues.

Monique Lhuillier fall 2016 images courtesy of papermothballvintage.com

Monique Lhuillier fall 2016 images courtesy of papermothballvintage.com

The surveys says

The Boston Consulting Group Fashion Week study recently released by the CFDA has caused divisions in the fashion industry on both sides of the Atlantic. While some European brands like Burberry support the “See Now, Buy Now” business model, other Europeans brands feel that business model would be destructive to their creative process.

The recently released study by The Boston Consulting Group concluded that fashion brands were loosing retail value because consumers had to wait up to six months for clothing they had already seen from current runway collections via live streaming and social media. Burberry is response to consumer demand had their fall 2016 collection available days after their fall 2016 runway show.

“If we are Instagramming, live-streaming and showing the collections, we can’t expect a customer and a consumer to tie in with a traditional kind of calendar,” Burberry Chief Executive Christopher Bailey said.

Monique Lhuillier tried out the “See Now, Buy Now” business model by releasing five garments from her fall 2016 show a few days later. And Mara Hoffman released several items from her fall 2016 show during NYFW: The Shows and witnessed almost all the items sell out.

Still, some European brands are not convinced. “I think that it is not for me, it is not for (products of) excellence,” Ermmano Scervino told Reuters. “We have long (designing) time frames. I am not interested.”

“When you want to make a collection creative, you need the time, you need to study the fabrics, specific research,” Carlo Capasa, head of Italy’s national chamber of fashion, said in a recent fashionmag.com article. Dior’s Chief Executive Sidney Toledano concurs, “that would mean we’d manufactured it six months ago and put it in the fridge … When you put a collection in the shops the following day, that means that the selection from the runway has already been made—you’re taking a risk.”

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: America’s Next Top Model Returns, Siriano Launches Handbag Line, Vietnam Factory Workers Strike, and Major French Fashion Houses Give a Negative Nod to ‘See Now, Buy Now’

February 24, 2016 by 1 Comment
Image courtesy of dekhnews.com

Image courtesy of dekhnews.com

Just when it seemed that America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) would end after a successful 22-cycle run, VH1 announced that it would bring ANTM back without Tyra Banks as the host.

Banks, will continue to be affiliated with ANTM as one of its executive producers while fielding other business opportunities. “After creating an incredible, global brand, I am beyond excited to have the show reborn,” Banks told Deadline. “I will continue as executive producer, but must turn my attention to new business endeavors, so I want to find a new host. I’m pumped to identify that person and bring back the show. Top Model fans, you demanded that the show come back, and VH1 answered the call. Get ready for a fierce-a-fied rebirth!”

ANTM without Tyra Banks, hmm, we shall see?

Image courtesy of beautimode.com

Image courtesy of beautimode.com

Consumers want it now?

There has been much talk in fashion retail circle of making garments from recent collections immediately available after consumers have seen those collections online or during live streaming of said fashion shows. Even the CFDA has hired The Boston Consulting Group to look into the viability of garments immediately available due to consumer demand. This fast availability will eliminate the time gap between fashion seasons and the presence of garments in department stores; a gap that can expand over four or five months.

This proposed change could also affect the timing of fashion weeks and the availability of luxury fabrics and textiles. And to this readjustment of fashion weeks, the esteemed French houses of Chanel, Dior, Hermes, and Saint Laurent have chorused a resounding, ‘No.’

“Reversing the cycle and starting off with a commercial presentation would kill creativity,” declared to daily paper Le Figaro the French Fashion Federation’s President, Ralph Toledano. Kerig CEO, François-Henri Pinault, also contends that early availability will stifle creativity and that it brands’—Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Gucci— consumers have never complained about the fashion calendar.

This speculation all comes on the heels of Tom Ford and Burberry making garments from their fall 2016 collections immediately available to consumers after their fall 2016 runway presentations. Many fashion insiders also feel that immediate availability will eliminate imitations from mega retail discount brands such as H&M and ZARA.

Still, readjustment is a huge project, and many forces within the fashion industry are not convinced that speedy availability will increase sales. The French Fashion Federation contends based on a recent survey that “no customer has ever complained for not being able to buy in-store a product seen on the web.”

Image courtesy of thanhnienews.com

Image courtesy of thanhnienews.com

Vietnamese factory workers strike

While the Republicans battle it out over which candidate should receive the Republican nomination, 17,000 Vietnamese factory workers battle factory owners that produce Nike and Adidas products. Vietnamese workers are striking over new company policies that lower salaries over missed days of work.

Taiwanese-based garment maker Pou Chen Corp. has put in place new labor practices that deduct wages and bonuses from workers who miss work with or without management permission. According Doan Van Day, deputy chairman of the government-controlled trade union in Dong Nai, only 20 percent of the 20,000 workers at said factory are still working while negotiations around new labor practices are being discussed.

Image courtesy of fashionmag.com

Image courtesy of fashionmag.com

Siriano expands his empire

Christian Siriano is prolific. There is no doubt about that. From his own signature, ready-to-wear collections, his shoe line for Payless, a clothing line for Lane Bryant, Christian Siriano’s has expanded his name recognition beyond winning “Project Runway” to being a recognizable American brand.

Add to this market proliferation, Siriano’s new handbag collection. Recognizing that fashion should be inclusive and wearable, Siriano’s handbag line also encompasses accessibility through price points that range from $98–$350. “That’s actually what jumped off the bag line, wanting to give retailers overseas something at a more accessible price point,” said Siriano in a recent fashionmag.com article.

Christian Siriano handbags will be available online at the designer’s website, as well as on Bloomingdales.com and Farfetch.com.

—William S. Gooch

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weekend Fashion News Alert: David Beckham’s New Bodywear Collection, Barbie Goes Curvy, And Kanye West’s NYFW Extravaganza

January 31, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of designntrend.com

Image courtesy of designntrend.com

Big, bold and brash and three adjectives that could be used to describe Kanye West. His style is bold, his words are brash and now his fashion show will be big.

As reported in Fashion Reverie’s last fashion news alert, Kanye will be renting out Madison Square Garden for his February 11 New York Fashion Week show. And, the ticket price will be steep!!

Now, for those who have attended NYFW in the past, NYFW is an industry event and admission is by invitation only!! Rarely, do designers/brands charge admission. But, we are talking about Kanye here and as we all know, he breaks the rules. Especially, when financial gain is involved.

Though West will be debuting his new album, “Waves,” he will not be performing at this event. “He’s not performing. It’s not a concert. He’ll premiere his new album, so it’s sort of like an album preview party and fashion preview,” a source told pagesix.com.

Image courtesy of usatoday.com

Image courtesy of usatoday.com

A more inclusive Barbie

A Barbie with curves, yeah, right? Jump back, it is now true!! Barbie is no longer only blond, blue-eyed and very slender.

For the past three to four decades Barbie has gone beyond the beauty archetype that persisted when she first premiered in 1959. However, the new and improved Barbie embraces race, diversity and curviness. All this is an effort to pump up sales and appeal to consumers who have moved away from toys to digital games.

We are excited to literally be changing the face of the brand,” Evelyn Mazzocco, senior vice president and global general manager of the Barbie brand, said in a statement published in fashionmag.com. “These new dolls represent a line that is more reflective of the world girls see around them—the variety in body type, skin tones and style allows girls to find a doll that speaks to them.

The new Barbie comes in seven skin tones, 22 eye colors, 24 hairstyles, and new clothes and accessories. She also has a bigger bust, thigh, and rear.

Image courtesy of H&M

Image courtesy of H&M

Another Beckham/H&M collaboration

David Beckham again collaborates with mega retailer, H&M. This time it is on a bodywear collection.

Everything about my Bodywear for H&M has to be authentic. If I wouldn’t wear it then it doesn’t go in the collection,” said Beckham in a statement.

“I want to choose a range that has great quality and design but is affordable. I’m always trying to evolve the Bodywear collection, and include classic pieces like sweaters and track pants that I would wear out or at home.”

The new collection of loungewear includes crewneck sweatshirts with side zippers, box-cut T-shirts, skinny sweatpants, and swim trunks. Interestingly, the collection launches in H&M stores on February 4, the last day of New York Fashion Week: Men’s.

—William S. Gooch

 

 

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