Fashion News Alert: Justin, Kendall, and Calvin, La Perla’s New Creative Director, Kanye Debuts Album during NYFW, and Dwayne Johnson Partners with Under Armour

January 27, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

Image courtesy of tumblr.com

Image courtesy of tumblr.com

Does anything come between Justin Bieber and Kendall Jenner’s calvins? Apparently not, especially if you are the face on Calvin Klein’s new global underwear campaign. Using the hashtag #mycalvins, the ad’s tagline is “What do you do in yours?”

Tyrone Lebon photographed this new global underwear campaign. Other models for the campaign includes Kendrick Lamar, KA twigs, Joey Bada$$, Fetty Wap, Abbey Lee Kershaw, and Sung Jin Park.

Image courtesy of fastcodesign.com

Image courtesy of fastcodesign.com

Another Kanye NYFW stunt

Kanye West is always full of surprises. And that is what keeps him in the press with tongues wagging.

The latest Kayne media blitz is the announcement that he will debut his new album during New York Fashion Week: The Shows (NYFWS). According to billboard.com, West will release his seventh album “Swish to Waves” during his Yeezy fashion presentation at Madison Square Garden on February 11.

The ten-track album will include previously released tracks “Real Friends” and “No More Parties in L.A.” featuring Kendrick Lamar. This not the first time Kanye has released music during his runway/presentations during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). “Fade” and “Wolves” debuted at previous NYFW seasons.

Image courtesy of aloalobahia.com

Image courtesy of aloalobahia.com

La Perla appoints Pedro Lourenco

Pedro Lourenco has been appointed the creative director of La Perla with his collection for the esteemed brand being fall/winter 2016. Lourenco will be responsible for lingerie, sleepwear, beachwear, loungewear, accessories, menswear, as well as the Atelier collection.

“I am fascinated by the early days of the brand: a small atelier focusing on corsetry made to the highest standards and designed to enhance the beauty of women. The founder, Ada Masotti, a visionary woman, was aware of the fact that fashion was constantly being revolutionized and lingerie had to change with it. In her universe, modernity walked hand-in-hand with femininity and functionality did not preclude creativity. She changed the way the world thinks of lingerie. I am amazed by the philosophy she created and I want to bring it back today,” details Lorenco.

“The talent, style and creative maturity of Pedro Lourenço are the reasons of our choice, ”says La Perla Chairman Silvio Scaglia. “His approach and style relate to our founding values and reflect the path overtaken by the brand in the last two years. The sartorial excellence and sensibility for the female body combined with a quest for innovation are pillars of La Perla and match the skills and talent of this young designer. La Perla, together with Pedro Lourenço, will blur the boundaries between lingerie, beachwear and outerwear, extending its natural focus on sensuality, elegance and preciousness”.

Image courtesy of pinterest

Image courtesy of pinterest

“The Rock” rocks Under Armour

Dwayne Johnson, formally known as “The Rock,” under this partnership will play an important role in the creation of footwear, apparel, and accessories. One of the first products to come out of this partnership will be a Rock-inspired backpack and duffle bag that will launch on the Under Armour website and at select brand houses in the coming weeks.

Johnson will also play an integral part in the promotion of Under Armour’s Connected Fitness platforms that recently debuted the Under Armour HealthBox and Record applications. Other recent Under Armour celebrity partnerships include Stephen Curry, Tom Brady, Cam Newton, Misty Copeland, Jordan Spieth, Lindsey Vonn, Andy Murray, and Michael Phelps.

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Wintour Hosts Hillary Clinton Fundraiser, Pharrell Williams’ Fashion Buyback, Jenner Sisters Go Retro, and China’s Online Audience Nears 700 Million

January 24, 2016 by 1 Comment
Image courtesy of fortune.com

Image courtesy of fortune.com

With Hillary Clinton, according to some polls, 30 points behind Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders leading up to the Iowa and New Hampshire Democratic primaries, the Clintons have pulled out all the stops, enlisting the help of Anna Wintour.

This is not the first at the Clinton fundraising rodeo for Wintour. In 2015, Anna hosted an event in Paris along with Clinton aide Huma Abedin at the residence of American financier James Cook. The Paris fundraising event’s purpose was to tap into wealthy Americans who live abroad.

The current fundraising event, which takes place on February 23, the last day of London Fashion Week, will be co-hosted by Wintour and Chelsea Clinton. The event will be held at the home of Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massent with tickets costing $500 for guests and $1000 for supporters of Hillary Clinton.

Now, who says fashion is not political?

Image courtesy of BBC Miami/fashionunited.com

Image courtesy of BBC Miami/fashionunited.com

Pharell’s fashion empire

Pharrell Williams continues to rack up the credits when it comes to his investment in the fashion industry. Recently, Williams bought back Billionaires Boys Club from apparel conglomerate, Iconix Brand Group. Pharrell Williams co-founded Billionaires Boys Club in 2005.

According to wwd.com, Williams and his partners BBC Miami repurchased a 50 percent stake in BBC Ice Cream LLC, the legal entity of the Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream streetwear brands. Billionaire Boys Club in sold in stores and boutiques in the US, London, and Tokyo.

“The sale of our interest in BBC and Ice Cream was a strategic decision to rationalise smaller noncore assets in the Iconix portfolio, allowing us to focus our time and resources on the larger cash flow generating brands. BBC and Ice Cream represented less than 1 percent of our total business,” expressed an Iconix spokeswoman.

Image courtesy of yibada.com

Image courtesy of yibada.com

Booming China

China now has the world’s largest online population. On Friday, reports revealed that China’s online population is now nearing 700 million, even though Beijing imposes strict controls on online content.

According to the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), in December 2015 China’s online population stood at 688 million with 90% of the population accessing the Internet through mobile phones. This number represents almost half of China’s population.

Though the Chinese government attempts to block online access to websites with political they deem inappropriate and social media companies heavily monitor and censor user-generated content, these restrictions have not hindered China’s online audience growth. All this growth fuels China’s billion-dollar e-commerce sites, like Jack Ma’s Alibaba.

Image courtesy of thegloss.com

Image courtesy of thegloss.com

70s babes

Kendall and Kylie Jenner’s fashion domination continues to gather seemingly unstoppable momentum. And this time they have delved into retro fashion.

PacSun, for the second year running have employed the Jenner Sister as the face of their spring 2016 collection. The PacSun x Kendall and Kylie collection pulls inspiration from the early 1970s evidenced in vintage floral prints, flared jeans, and soft hues.

Price points for the PacSun/Jenner collaboration range from $22.95 to $64.95 and is available at PacSun stores nationwide and on the PacSun website.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Ariana Grande’s New Fragrance, Grace Coddington Bids Adieu, Sophie Loren’s New Campaign, FABLife Bites the Dust, and the NFL Bespoke Footballs

January 20, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of PR News Foto/LUXE Brands

Image courtesy of PR News Foto/LUXE Brands

Ariana Grande has a new fragrance, but she didn’t come up with the fragrance by herself. Grande created the unisex fragrance, “Frankie by Ariana Grande” with her actor brother Frankie. “Frankie by Ariana Grande” is set to launch on Valentine’s Day.

“I really love how it smells … it’s energetic, sexy and so addictive,” says Ariana in a fashionmag.com article. “We love the bright silver metallic bottle … now everyone can shine bright like a Frankie!”

“I absolutely love Ari and was thrilled with the idea of creating an original scent with my amazing sister, Ariana. We wanted to spice it up for Valentine’s Day and come out with a new fragrance for all. Yes! Him, her and everyone can spray all day and share the love! And I’m obsessed with this scent … it has a fresh, playful and sexy little personality … Now you can shine bright like a Frankie and smell bright like a Grande!,” explains Ariana’s brother, Frankie.

“Frankie by Ariana Grande” contains fruity and musky notes. Created in conjunction with Luxe Brands, “Franke by Ariana Grande” also contains notes of pink pepper, pear, apricot, wild orchid, cedar wood, sandalwood, and sugar crystals.

Image courtesy of styleblazer.com

Image courtesy of styleblazer.com

Gracefully bowing out

Grace Coddington has resigned as the Creative Director of American Vogue. After 30 years at American Vogue, preceded by over a decade at British Vogue, Coddington has decided to relinquish her position.

“I’m not running away from Vogue, because it has opened so many doors. But it will be nice to collaborate, and nice to go out [and] give talks to people. It’s just another approach. I’m certainly not going into retirement. I don’t want to sit around,” explained Coddington.

Grace Coddington will continue to work at American Vogue as creative director-at-large and will produce four editorials a year.

Image courtesy of hollywoodreporter.com

Image courtesy of hollywoodreporter.com

She still has it

Who says youth is the only thing that fashion sells? Veteran actress and international icon Sophia Loren and Dolce and Gabbana are proving otherwise.

The Oscar-winning actress has been chosen by Dolce & Gabbana for their spring campaign, ‘Rosa Excelsa.’ This is not the first time Sophia Loren has a part of a D&G campaign. In September, the ‘Sophia Loren N°1 lipstick’ was revealed.

Sophia Loren will be featured in a series of video clips that highlight two generations of Italian families. Loren will star as a mother of five sons who are restoring their generational family property to his Renaissance glory.

Image courtesy of wwd.com

Image courtesy of wwd.com

Football glam

Have you ever wanted a fashionable, bespoke football? Well, if you have deep pocket, you could have one the 50 bespoke footballs designed by designers in collaboration with the NFL and the CFDA.

“We are pleased to partner with the NFL once again on this creative endeavor, which highlights CFDA Members unique talents and passion for creativity while giving back to youth and important fundraising initiatives,” said Adam Roth, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the CFDA in a fashionmag.com article. “With our collaboration, the NFL offers a unique take on the iconic football, particularly for women who care about fashion and also love the game.”

Some of the designers who created these one-of-a-kind bespoke footballs include, but are not limited to, Kenneth Cole, Prabal Gurung, Rachel Zoe, Rebecca Minkoff, Betsey Johnson, Tanya Taylor, Siki Im, Alice+Olivia, Rag & Bone, Billy Reid, Robert Geller, Mark McNairy, Michael Bastian, Orley, Veronica Beard, and Shinola among others. And true to form, many of the bespoke footballs are embellished with pearls, chains, metals, and a variety of fabrications and textures.

The bespoke on now on sale on the NFL website January 20 through February 14. Proceeds from the auction go to NFL charities.

FABLife_10news

Image courtesy of 10news.com

“FABLife” flatlines

Things have not been going according to play for Tyra Banks since the cancellation of “America’s Next Top Model” (ANTM).

ANTM ended after 22 cycles in December and Banks also announced that show be leaving “FabLife” as co-host but would stay on as the talk show’s producer. On Wednesday it was announced that “FABLife” was cancelled mid-season.

The cancellation of “FABLife” was not totally unexpected because of low ratings and huge turnover in the behind-the-scene-staff with over 30% of original staffers leaving the show.  The “FABLife” featured co-hosts, Chrissy Teigen, Joe Zee, Leah Ashley, and Lauren Makk. The “FABLife” will continue to broadcast through April 2016.

—William S. Gooch

 

 

 

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Jared Leto’s New Gig, American Apparel Rejects Offer, Another Spring 2016 Campaign for Kendall Jenner, and Tiffany & Co. Documentary

January 17, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Images courtesy of Wetherly Group

Images courtesy of Wetherly Group

This is a good year in fashion for Academy Award–winner Jared Leto. In December of 2015, he was named the face of Gucci’s Guilty fragrance.

Now, Leto has another fashion job. Leto is the new face of the 2016 Carrera Eyewear campaign. Carrera, an Italian lifestyle eyewear brand, is celebrating its 60th Anniversary with a new “Maverick” collection.

“I’ve known of Carrera since I was a kid,” says Leto, “and when I came across the Maverick project I was immediately connected to it as it talks about people that are brave, bold, that take risks, the wild horses, the people that are not afraid to fail, the type of people who have inspired my whole life.”

”I am enthusiastic about this collaboration and about Jared’s commitment to this project,” says Massimo Pozzetti, Global General Manager of Carrera. “Carrera chose him because he perfectly embodies the boldness and spontaneity of the new Maverick collection and with great joy we found out that he was already a follower of the brand.”

The international advertising campaign will launch worldwide starting February 2016.

Image courtesy of PMK BNC

Image courtesy of PMK BNC

Diamonds are forever

On February 18, jewelry fans will have the opportunity to watch “Crazy About Tiffany’s,” an independent documentary on the brand’s storied history, its unbeknownst impact on pop culture, and unique insights from celebrities. This incredible documentary that features Jessica Biel, Katie Couric, Rachel Zoe, and filmmaker Baz Luhrmann will be available on Tugg, the web-based platform that allows consumers to bring movies to their own local theater for fan or group screenings.

“After three years of being afforded a rare glimpse behind the scenes at Tiffany, I’m thrilled to get this film out there, and because the Tiffany reach is so vast, I’m grateful that Gravitas Ventures allows for distribution channels to reach those who share my curiosity about such an iconic New York institution,” explains “Crazy About Tiffany’s” Director Michael Miele.

“Crazy About Tiffany’s” will also be released in select theaters in the US and Canada on February 19.

Image courtesy of fortune.com

Image courtesy of fortune.com

American Apparel says no

Earlier in the week the financially strapped American Apparel was offered a $300 million dollar bid from a group investors who wanted to bring back ousted founder Dov Charney. Charney was fired from American Apparel in December. The $300 million dollar proposal, which came from Hagan Capital Group and Silver Creek Capital Partners, includes $90 million of new equity and a $40 million term loan, as well as business strategies from Charney.

The American Apparel board rejected the proposal. However, sources contend that American Apparel is open to a revised proposal.

Image courtesy of fashionmag.com

Image courtesy of fashionmag.com

Kendall proliferation

Kendall Jenner has landed yet another campaign. And Mango is the lucky brand.

Kendall is the face of Mango’s “Tribal Spirit” spring 2016 campaign. “Tribal Spirit” represents the brand’s new emphasis on digital campaigns over it annual catalog that the brand is phasing out.

Mango plans to release a new digital campaign each month with a beautiful model fronting each campaign that will represent a monthly trend. All this comes on the heels of the Spanish retailer announcing it will not be participating in Barcelona Fashion Week.

—William S. Gooch

 

 

 

Fashion News Alert: Reese Witherspoon Is the New 40, Saint Laurent Moves Fall 2016 Men’s Show to LA, Fairy Tale Fashion at F.I.T, and Fashion Looks to Porn and Hookup Sites

January 13, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of fashionnewsdaily.com

Image courtesy of fashionnewsdaily.com/Harper’s Bazaar

Reese Witherspoon looks fit and fabulous on the cusp of turning 40. And she celebrates turning 40 on the February cover of Harper’s Bazaar.

Shot in Nashville, Witherspoon is clad in Michael Kors Collection for the cover and for the inside interview and editorial she dons Gucci, Manolo Blahnik, Tiffany & Co., and her own fashion brand, Draper James. Witherspoon talks about her many projects, Draper James, and how she plans to celebrate the big 40.

Saint Laurent fall 2015 images courtesy of hollywoodreporter.com

Images courtesy of hollywoodreporter.com

Au revoir Paris

Amid rumors of Hedi Slimane leaving Saint Laurent, the well-known French fashion brand has opted out of showing their fall 2016 menswear collection during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. The new locale for Saint Laurent’s men’s fall 2016 show is Los Angeles on February 10. The collection will be shown at the Hollywood Palladium five days before the Grammys.

Hedi Slimane lives in LA and moved the brand’s design studio to Tinseltown against the advice of many. And, since 2008 Slimane has pushed Saint Laurent to embrace a more Hollywood rock n’ roll aesthetic. “Creating a high fashion design studio in Los Angeles was novel in 2012,” the Saint Laurent statement added, “but the city has started to attract more and more high fashion projects.”

Image courtesy of nydailynews.com/facebook

Image courtesy of nydailynews.com/facebook

When in doubt, go to porn

Earlier in the week, J. W. Anderson live streamed his fall 2016 menswear show during London’s Men’s Fashion week on Grindr. For those not in the know, Grindr is a gay, immediate gratification hookup site with a downloadable phone app that finds hookups within location range of its users.

On the heels of this unusual fashion broadcasts, Diesel recently threw its bid into the Grindr fray by announcing that it would launch its underwear line on Grindr, Tinder, Pornhub, and YouPorn this spring. “To support the launch of our underwear line, we’re going to be the first brand to ever advertise on Grindr and we’re the first fashion brand to be working with Pornhub too,” said Diesel Artistic Director, Nicola Formichetti in a recent nydailynews.com article.

“This is where people are now, we live on our phones. I want to go where people are. Tinder, Grindr and Pornhub might appear a little left field but it’s Diesel, we can do it, we’re not scared of these places, we’re not high fashion, we are street.”

Pornhub and YouPorn rank among the top 175 online destinations. Are retail sales so dismal that the porn industry is becoming a viable option to attract consumers? Hmm, time will tell!!

Comme des Garcons' "Little Red Riding Hood" image courtesy of fashionmag.com

Comme des Garcons’ “Little Red Riding Hood” image courtesy of fashionmag.com

Hans Christian Anderson and the Grimm Brothers

Fashion editor extraordinaire the late, great Diana Vreeland believed that fashion should transport consumers to places they’ve never been and evoke images of fantasy and freedom. With that motivation in mind, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) debuts its “Fairy Tale Fashion” exhibition on January 15 at The Museum at FIT.

Curated by Associate Curator Colleen Hill the exhibit contains over 80 fashion objects and garments embedded in a fantasy setting designed by Kim Ackert. Designers who have contributed to this exhibit include Alexander McQueen, Comme des Garcons, Rodarte, Walter van Beirendonck, Thom Brown, Rick Owens, Marchesa, Mary Katrantzou, Dolce & Gabbana, Giles, Prada, Manish Arora, Thierry Mugler, and Tom Ford.

Fairy Tale Fashion, which illustrates 15 fairy tales, will be on display through April 16, 2016.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: The Beckhams’ Financials, Karlie Kloss’ New Gig, Dolce & Gabbana’s Foray into Muslim Fashion,and South America Get $4 Billion Retail Investment

January 6, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of eonline.com

Image courtesy of eonline.com

Wonder how much David and Victoria Beckham are worth? Well, according to fashionmag.com, accounts filed at the United Kingdom’s Companies House reveal that the Beckham’s Beckham Brand Holdings made a profit after taxes in 2014 of £12.69m. In addition, Victoria Beckham Limited posted a 34% increase in revenue, which rose to £34.08m, in the 2014 fiscal year. Profit after tax for the company was £1.23m.

David Beckham’s Footwork Productions made a profit after tax of £9.8m. The combined profit after tax from all three Beckham companies was over £23m.  Hmm, there’s a lot of gold in them there hills!!

Image courtesy of fashionunited.com

Image courtesy of fashionunited.com

D&G debuts hajib

The Muslim world is in the news a lot these days, but its relationship to fashion goes way under the radar. Dolce & Gabbana seeks to change that with its new debut collection of clothes for Muslim women.

“I’m really fascinated with the Middle East and we’ve just completed a prêt-a-porter collection of abayas and sheylas,” says Stefano Gabbana in the Middle Eastern newspaper, The National, “Pieces have some lace, embroidery and some prints—but not too much. They will be available in the UAE this October.”

The Dolce & Gabbana design duo is tapping into a void in the fashion industry that has more or less ignored the fact that Muslims make up 22 percent of the world’s population. And with their debut hajib collection, Dolce & Gabbana will be one of the first luxury brands to appeal to Muslim women.

The collection was unveiled earlier this week with style.com/arabia.

Image courtesy of telegraph.co.uk

Image courtesy of telegraph.co.uk

She’s the tops, again

Karlie Kloss is again the face of Topshop. Kloss fronts the British retailer’s spring/summer 2016 campaign. This is the second time around for the American supermodel. In 2008, Kloss and British supermodel Jourdan Dunn were the faces of Topshop.

“It is thrilling to have Karlie back, eight years after her first modeling job and first Topshop campaign alongside Jourdan Dunn. She is the ultimate Topshop girl and modern super—a world-renowned fashion figure, businesswoman, entrepreneur and philanthropist who will resonate with our global customers through her many talents, ambitions and passions,” detailed Topshop’s Creative Director, Kate Phelan in a recent fashionmag.com article.

Image courtesy of jinhanfair.com

Image courtesy of jinhanfair.com

The $4 billion dollar expansion

Over the next three years, Chilean retail giant Falabella will inject over 4 billion dollars into South America’s retail market. 44 percent of the 4 billion will be set aside to open 131 stores and 10 shopping malls. 26 percent will go to remodel and enlarge 450 of its stores, as well as 40 shopping malls. And 30% of the remaining projected amount will go toward infrastructure, IT, and logististics.

“These investments will enable us to improve efficiency and productivity in our different businesses and to strengthen our physical and digital presence,” reported Falabella general manager Sandro Solari in WWD article. “In line with our profitable growth strategy, we will remain alert to the evolution of the different markets and opportunities that could emerge in the current economic context.”

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Jaden Smith Wins Louis Vuitton Spring 2016 Campaign, SEC Investigates the Iconix Brand Group, and US Apparel Market Hurt by Warm Holiday Weather

January 3, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of Instagram

Image courtesy of Instagram

It is already evident that 2016 is going to about gender fluidity and diversity. And Louis Vuitton is ahead of the game by putting Jaden Smith in their spring 2016 campaign.

So, you say what is so fluid and diverse about that?  Fashion brands have used models and celebrities of colors in campaigns for over five decades. True; however, this inclusion is a bit more special. Jaden Smith is the male scion of Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith and the campaign in question is Louis Vuitton’s women’s spring 2016 campaign.

On Friday, Louis Vuitton creative director Nicholas Ghesquiere released images of Smith on his personal Instagam account. Gender fluidity is often talked about in fashion, but Louis Vuitton has ramped up the conversation by using Jaden Smith in their women’s spring 2016 campaign.

That said; Jaden is not the only model in the campaign. Jaden wears the black and white designs and is flanked by Sarah Brannon, Rianne Van Rompaey, and Jean Campbell. And he is not the male model prop.

Now, female models now have to contend not only with female celebs grabbing the campaigns, but possibly male celebrities. Wow, what an industry!!

Image courtesy of jenkemmag.com

Image courtesy of jenkemmag.com

Iconix Brand Group investigated

On December 28 the Securities Exchange Commission issued an order of investigation to the Iconix Brand Group concerning accounting on joint ventures that took place in China and Latin America. This investigation has had a negative impact on the company. By December 29, stock had decreased by 20 percent.

Iconix Brand Group labels include London Fog, Rampage, Mossimo, Ed Hardy, Zoo York, Rocawear, Ecko Unltd, and more.

Image courtesy of unionleader.com

Image courtesy of unionleader.com

Winter discount troubles

On the east coast it has finally gotten colder. But, not in time to effect sales of winter clothes, just ask Macy’s and JC Penney.

Both retailers depend heavily on holiday sales to determine their financial health, and the unseasonably warm weather had an adverse effect on their bottom line. Macy’s attempted to rally back with as much as a 65% off some parkas and coats. Other retailers offered 40% to 50% off heavy coats and up to 65% off sweaters.

This deep discounting is hurting profits and retail-consulting firms expect this downward trend continue unless retail stores can a way to turn the discount tide around. Still, winter storms in the Midwest did provide a boost of $200 million to holiday sales.

—William S. Gooch

 

 

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Beyoncé and Rihanna Settle, Ralph Rucci Returns to NYFW, and the CFDA Announces Designers for NYFW: Men’s Fall 2016

December 27, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of urbanoutiffers.co.uk

Image courtesy of urbanoutiffers.co.uk

Beyoncé and Rihanna along with Pharrell, Jay Z, and Kanye West have reached a settlement with French retailer Eleven Paris over likeness merchandise used without the permission of said claimants. The lawsuit was filed in October.

According to The Fashion Law, the settled lawsuit results in the discontinuation of manufacturing of offending items by Eleven Paris. Details about the financial settlement have not been disclosed.

Image courtesy of Ernest Green/fashionreverie.com

Image courtesy of Ernest Green/fashionreverie.com

Rucci returns

Ralph Rucci returns to New York Fashion Week for the fall 2016 collections.

After leaving his eponymous brand in 2014 many fashion pundits wondered what was next for Ralph Rucci. As the last American designer to show couture designs during Paris Fashion Week, Rucci departure from the fashion industry in 2014 was seen as a huge loss for American fashion.

According to the CFDA–owned Fashion Calendar, Ralph Rucci will have a presentation for the fall 2016 season on February 16. Rucci is slated to show at a Times Square location. There appears to be no more information at this time.

Image courtesy of craveonline.com

Image courtesy of craveonline.com

NYFWM’s preliminary schedule

The CFDA has announced its preliminary list of designers showing fall 2016 collections during New York Fashion Week: Men’s (NYFWM). Menswear designers will again showcase their collections at Superindustrio Studio and Skylight Clarskson North.

The designer roster for fall 2016 includes some newcomers, Max n’ Chester, Suit Supply, Deveaux, Palmiers du Mal, Brett Johnson, Eidos, Krammer and Stoudt, Ryan Knew, and Devon Halfnight Defluffy. Returning menswear designers include John Varvatos, Calvin Klein Collection, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Perry Ellis, Billy Reid, Todd Snyder, Coach, Greg Lauren, Nautica, Cadet, Ovadia & Sons, Loris Diran, Rochambeau, Carlos Campos, Robert Geller, Parke & Ronen, Pyer Moss, Tim Coppens, Nick Graham, and Timo Weiland.

NYFW: Men’s take place on February 1–4.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Michael Phelps’ New Swimwear Sponsor, Bill Cosby Sues Beverly Johnson, and the “Devil Wears Prada” Returns

December 23, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of adweek.com

Image courtesy of adweek.com

Bill Cosby’s legal team has a plan. Get them before they destroy you!! And that includes supermodel Beverly Johnson.

In Vanity Fair article in late 21014, Beverly Johnson insinuated that Bill Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her in his New York home in the mid-80s. On Monday, Cosby filed a lawsuit against Johnson alleging that Johnson lied about the sexual assault in an attempt to revitalize her career and sell copies of her recent memoir.

“I am aware of the statements from Bill Cosby,” Johnson said in a statement. “In cases of rape and abuse, abusers will do whatever they can to intimidate and weaken their victims to force them to stop fighting. I ask for your support of all of the victims involved.”

Cosby in the lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and removal of the alleged drugging and sexual assault from a chapter in Johnson’s memoir, The Face That Change It All.

Image courtesy of yahoonews.com

Image courtesy of yahoonews.com

Phelps opts for Aqua Sphere

Michael Phelps will not be wearing Speedos at his next Olympic appearance. Phelps, instead, will be donning a suit designed by Aqua Sphere, a virtual unknown in swim racing that is making its Games debut at Rio de Janeiro next year.

“When he announced he was coming back, there wasn’t a swimwear company that didn’t aggressively court him,” said Phelps’ agent, Peter Carlisle, who is a managing director at talent agency Octagon, a unit of Interpublic Group in a recent Reuters news release. “The offer that stood out as being the most compelling was launching his own brand with Aqua Sphere.”

Should Phelps qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympic, Phelps will be wearing a range of swim products—suit, goggles, and cap—that he helped design with Aqua Sphere with his initials, MP, on them. FINA, the international swimming governing body, has approved Aqua Sphere’s swimsuits.

The_Devil_Wears_Prada_main_onesheet

“The Devil Wears Prada” comeback

“The Devil Wears Prada” is back!! Well, it never really went away. This time the beloved fashion film loosely based on Anna Wintour returns in an anniversary edition. Can you believe the film was made 10 years ago?

Twentieth Century Fox is creating a special anniversary issue in 2016 with feature audio commentary with director David Frankel, producer Wendy Finerman, costume designer Patricia Field, screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, editor Mark Livolsi, and director of photography Florian Ballhaus, as well as deleted scenes, a trivia track and some gag footage from Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.

There is also slated to be a “The Devil Wears Prada” anniversary kickoff event. I hope Fashion Reverie’s invitation is sent out, hint, hint!!

—William S. Gooch

 

 

 

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Margaret Cho’s New Fashion Job, Goodbye Supper Skinny Models, and yet Another Gig for Gigi

December 19, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of thewrap.com

Image courtesy of thewrap.com

The embattled “Fashion Police” has found a possible solution to low ratings and its disappearing audience, Margaret Cho.

Margaret Cho has had some guest spots on the “Fashion Police.” Come January 2016 right after the Golden Globes, Cho will assume a permanent spot on the fashion red carpet E! show. Though Cho has only signed up for one season, Cho has expressed that she already feels comfortable with the show’s co-hosts Melissa Rivers, Brad Goretski, and Guiliana Rancic. “It makes me happiest to spend time with Melissa, and when I see her laugh at my joke, I feel like Joan [Rivers] is smiling, somewhere,” Cho told the Hollywood Reporter.

Image courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger/fashionmag.com

Image courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger/fashionmag.com

Gigging Gigi

The fashion accolades and jobs keep coming in for Gigi Hadid. From her recent gig with the Victoria Secret’s Fashion show to walking in the shows from Balmain, Elie Saab, Giambattista Valli, Versace, and Jeremy Scott to covers of Vogue Italia, Elle Canada, and British Vogue, 2015 has been a banner year for Giig Hadid.

Add to all these accomplishments is Gigi new brand ambassador job with Tommy Hilfiger. In her new job, Gigi will collaborate with Hilfiger on a fall 2016 capsule collection that will include sportswear, shoes, accessories, and even a new fragrance.

Now the question is did Gigi get this gig because she has a great American sportswear sense that matches Hilfiger’s iconic American sportswear aesthetic or because she is one of the fashion queens of social media with followers in the 8 digits.  Hmm, you judge!!

Image courtesy of agoramedia.com

Image courtesy of agoramedia.com

Skinny models

Do you like your models svelte and shapely or gaunt and otherworldly spectres? Well, if you live in Paris you might have to get used to models with a little more flesh on their bones.

On Thursday, French lawmakers put in place a bill forcing ultra-thin models to furnish a doctor’s certificate confirming they are healthy and magazines that Photoshop their silhouette to tag the images as “touched up.” Models health will be measured by the standards of body mass index (BMI). Breaches in conduct can result in a six-month jail term and a monetary fine of 75,000 euros (82,000 dollars).

—William S. Gooch

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