Fashion News Alert: Black Diesel Gold’s NYFW Defection, Hilary Rhoda Collaborates with Via Spiga, and Jeremy Scott and Longchamp Celebrate Ten Years

November 11, 2015 by Leave a Comment

DieselBlackGold_SpringSummer2015_NYFW_1There is continued trouble at New York Fashion Week: The Shows (NYFWS). After a rather lackluster spring 2016 with many complaints by editors, designers and photographers over the change of venue and the draconian elimination of many seasoned industry professionals from the approved media list, NYFWS is still having experiencing the backlash from its spring 2016 season.

On Tuesday Black Diesel Gold announced that it would switch venues for its fall 2016 season and opt to show in Milan instead of New York City in February. Black Diesel Gold has shown consistently in NYC for several seasons and is one of the sought after fashion shows during the fall/winter season in NYC.

Creative director, Andreas Melbostad, stated that the move from NYC to Milan “signals a homecoming for the Italian company, and will also align it with the menswear collection—which already shows in Milan—creatively and geographically.” Hmm, the NYFWS deluge begins!!

Image courtesy of lesfacons.com

Image courtesy of C & M Media

Hilary Rhoda’s new job

Supermodel Hilary Rhoda has another gig. Rhoda has partnered with Via Spiga to create a limited edition holiday collection of footwear.

To celebrate the brand’s 30th anniversary, Rhoda pulled inspiration from Via Spiga’s archives.  Classic silhouettes served as the foundation for the collection, and she added a modern touch with mirrored, metallic leathers. The brand tapped Hilary for her poise, beauty and refined sense of style that is evident in the details throughout the collection.

“I was looking for a go-to shoe for a special occasion. With so many events, especially around the holiday season, I wanted to design a collection of essential styles that are festive and timeless,” said Rhoda.

The collection includes three styles, in three colorways—black, gold, and silver.  Each unique style caters to a sparkly, festive look, just in time for the holiday season.

Image courtesy of lesfacons.com

Image courtesy of lesfacons.com

Jeremy’s Empire

Jeremy Scott may be the anointed, go-to designer for pop art fashion for a lot of young fashionistas. However, he has been on the fashion scene for two decades. And Jeremy Scott’s 10-year collaboration with Longchamp demonstrates that Scott has deep roots in the fashion industry.

“It’s like I’m part of the family! From the second I started working on that project, falling in love with the Le Pliage bag and being asked to design a special edition for my collection, I just fell head over heels for the brand and the people who created it. Longchamp is a family business,” said Scott.

This limited edition Le Pilage bag is a result of a great collaboration since 2005. May Jeremy Scott’s fashion market proliferation continue!!

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Layoffs at GQ, Irving Penn Retrospective, Target Closes Stores, and “Homme Less” Available on iTunes

November 7, 2015 by 1 Comment
Irving Penn's "Woman in Chicken Hat," image courtesy of photogriffon.com

Irving Penn’s “Woman in Chicken Hat,” image courtesy of photogriffon.com

The Smithsonian Museum is currently hosting the first Irving Penn exhibit in over 20 years. Irving Penn was one of the first photographers to present fashion as an art form.  A significant amount of Penn’s fashion photography appeared in Vogue in the 1950s.

Entitled “Irving Penn: Beyond Beauty,” the retrospective consists of 146 photographs from the museum’s permanent collection. The retrospective also includes 100 debut photos that were recently donated to the museum by the Irving Penn Foundation. The exhibit displays street scenes from the late 1930s, photos of the American south from the 1940s, celebrity portraits, fashion photographs, still life images and private studio images.

“Irving Penn: Beyond Beauty” will be on view at the Smithsonian through March 20, 2016.

GQ_cover_01

Cuts at GQ

Amid a budget reshuffling at Conde Nast, GQ has laid off seven staffers. WWD confirmed that positions affected by this new stream of layoffs includes managing editor, senior digital editor, entertainment editor, market associate, business manager, and business assistant.

As Conde Nast continues to reorganize after budget cuts, it is expected that other Conde Nast publications will experience layoffs. Rumors predict that Glamour might be next in line.

 

Image courtesy of squarespace.com

Image courtesy of squarespace.com

Target shuts down 13

Is the retail discount store boom starting to take an economic turn southward? Target’s closing of 13 stores may be an indication of that particular economic downward trend.

Recently, it was announced that the mega retail chain would be shuttering the doors of 13 stores in Austin North East in Austin, TX; Suncoast Pasco County in Odessa, FL; Casa Grande, AZ; 
Victorville, CA; East Flint in Flint, MI; 
Columbus Southwest in Columbus, OH; Springfield, OH; Northridge in Milwaukee, WI; Superior, WI; 
New Ulm, MN; Ottumwa, IA; Anderson, IN, and Dixie Highway in Louisville, KY, as detailed in a fashionmag.com article. “Typically, a store is closed as a result of seeing several years of decreasing profitability,” a representative of Target told CNN.

This announcement comes on the heels of Target’s plan to discontinue operations in Canada in April of 2016. Currently, Target operates 1,800 stores nationwide.

Image courtesy of cdn.com

Image courtesy of cdn.com

“Homme Less” on iTunes

The groundbreaking documentary “Homme Less” is now available on iTunes in the US and Canada.

Directed by Thomas Wirthensohn, “Homme Less” chronicles the unbelievable journey of former fashion model and current fashion photographer Mark Reay as he lives on the roof of a friend’s New York City apartment. “Homme Less”  is about the underbelly of the American Dream, the hidden backyard of our society. Mark’s life stands as a metaphor for the struggle of the vanishing middle class in America.

You can order it at, https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/homme-less/id1046669928.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Lanvin Rebellion, Kanye’s Yeezy 1 Sells Out, and China’s Shoddy Product

November 4, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of wwd.com

Image courtesy of wwd.com

Let’s talk about a revolution!! A fashion revolution, that is!!

And it’s happening at Lanvin. 350 Lanvin workers are demanding that Lanvin majority shareholder, Shaw Lan Wang, bring back Lanvin creative director Alber Elbaz. Elbaz was ousted from his position as creative director on October 28, 2015. Many insiders believe that Shaw Lan Wang instigated Elbaz’s removal.

On French radio channel, RTL, it was revealed that Lanvin workers are considering taking legal recourse with the Paris commercial court. Alber Elbaz has yet to comment on his exit from Lanvin.

Image courtesy of timesofindia.com

Image courtesy of timesofindia.com

Fake product

According to a report from the Xinhua news agency, 40% of goods sold online in China in 2014 were of bad quality or counterfeit. This report, issued to Chinese lawmakers on Monday, concluded that less than 59% of products sold online were genuine or/and of good quality.

Online retail sales have increased to 40% in the past year, adding up to 2.8 trillion yuan ($441.84 billion). The report added customer complaints about online orders hit 77,800 in 2014, a steep jump of 356.6 percent against 2013.

Image courtesy of destinyconnect.com

Image courtesy of destinyconnect.com

Yeezy 1 sells out

In less than a week of being available, Kanye West’s Yeezy 1 collection has completely sold out at retail value. Amidst the criticism that Kanye West is not a real fashion designer and his clothes have no retail value, West has proven fashion critics wrong by doing something that very few brands can accomplish.

But, selling out fashion product is nothing new to Kanye West. West’s Yeezy 950 boots sold out last week in 24 hours. West’s Yeezy Boots 350s, which launched in June, were sold out at stores in both the US and UK within approximately three hours of their release.

Tom Kalenderian, executive vice president and general merchandiser of men’s at Barney’s New York, told WWD that, “the product is right for the moment.” That may be true, but the price tag may not be right for a lot of male consumers. The Yeezy 1 collection ranges in price from $880 to upward of $1760.

Hmm, I guess the price tag didn’t stop consumers from buying out the collection.

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Ariana Grande Partners with MAC, Victoria’s Secret New Angel, and Zara Launches a Men’s Studio Collection

October 31, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of cocoperez.com

Image courtesy of cocoperez.com

Gigi Hadid keeps expanding her fashion palette. Hadid was recently added to Victoria Angel’s roster of top models. “Couldn’t keep back my tears!!!! Anyone that grew up with me knows that getting this show has been a dream of mine forever!,” Hadid wrote on Instagram.

Hadid auditioned to be a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2014, but didn’t make the cut. Gigi will undulate her Angel wings with the likes of Adiana Lima for the Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show to be telecast on CBS on December 8, 10pm EST.

Image courtesy of Mac Cosmetics

Image courtesy of Mac Cosmetics

Ariana’s New Gig

Ariana Grande has an exciting new job. “The new Viva Glam MAC girl is me!” Grande said. “… I’m so excited, thank you MAC.” Ariana Grand is in very good company, former Viva Glam MAC girls include Rupaul, Fergie, Nicki Minaj, and Miley Cyrus.

In her role at MAC Cosmetics Ariana has created two new MAC colors: a dark matte plum lipstick and a shimmering pink lipgloss. Grande wants these colors to help the MAC girl channel her inner good girl and bad girl.

Image courtesy of racked.com

Image courtesy of racked.com

Zara expands

Zara continues to expand its retail market proliferation. In the past, the mega-retail  store has had several studio women’s collections. Now, Zara is about to launch a men’s studio collection.

Unlike the women’s studio collection that includes mostly staple items, the men’s studio collection will be more fashion forward including suiting options, a plaid blazer, peaked-lapel topcoat, and shacket come in a nubby boucle wool as well as plenty of fall sweaters including turtlenecks, boat necks and crew necks.

Zara hopes that this new addition will add a luxurious look to Zara’s menswear. Some clothing items will appear on Zara’s website and select stores on November 1.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Brad Pitt’s V Magazine Cover, Elbaz Exits Lanvin, and Coco Rocha’s New Holiday Bags

October 28, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of ftape.com

Image courtesy of ftape.com

Alber Elbaz is out. Out of Lanvin that is. After 14 years, creative director Alber Elbaz has left the House of Lanvin. Now, the big question is did Elbaz leave on his own accord or was he forced out?

With so many creative directors leaving iconic fashion houses of late—Donna Karan, Ralph Rucci, Raf Simons, Frida Giannini—one wonders if there is something fishy at the House of Lanvin. Tongues are wagging that Elbaz may take the reins at Dior now that Simons has been given the proverbial boot!!

According to wwd.com, early Wednesday morning Lanvin employees were informed of Elbaz’s departure. Sources confirm that Elbaz had actually cleaned out his desk Tuesday night. Wednesday morning angry and disgruntled Lanvin employees expressed support of Elbaz and demanded to know the future of the company and their jobs.

I wish to express my gratitude and warm thoughts to all those who have worked with me passionately on the revival of Lanvin over the last 14 years; express my affection to all my wonderful colleagues in the Lanvin ateliers who accompanied me, and who enriched and supported my work,” Elbaz wrote. “Together, we have met the creative challenge presented by Lanvin and have restored its radiance and returned it to its rightful position among France’s absolute luxury fashion houses.”

Though Elbaz is credited for reviving the House of Lanvin in recent months there was reported contention with company principals Shaw-Lan Wang and Michele Huiban. Oh, the power of the corporate boardroom at the expense of creativity!!

Image courtesy of cbsnews.com

Image courtesy of cbsnews.com

Is this Brad Pitt?

Is that Brad Pitt or a young Robert Redford on the November cover of V magazine? In the November issue of V, Pitt talks about his kids and marriage to Angelina Jolie and their recent film project, “By the Sea.”

“By the Sea’ deals with that period when the honeymoon is well over and the couple is faced with the banality of every day and the pains of the unplanned. There are no Hallmark cards that define the next chapter, or the value of a history together. So who are you?” explained Pitt in a recent cbsnews.com article.

The 70s–inspired photo shoot of the 51-year old actor was shot by Inez & Vinoodh. Still, it does look like Robert Redford!!

Image courtesy of Twitter

Image courtesy of Twitter

The new bag lady

There is a new bag lady in town and it’s not anyone you might think. It’s supermodel Coco Rocha. Coco Rocha did you say? Yes, that’s right Coco Rocha.

Coco has recently been tapped to design a line of holiday handbags for Botkier. This exclusive holiday collection will hits stores in November and contain six distinct styles. Famous fashion capitals around the world inspire the style and design of the bags.

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Raf Simons’ Dior Departure, Galliano’s New Plans, and Perry Ellis’ Racial Problems

October 24, 2015 by Leave a Comment

 

Image courtesy of opticalnewdaily.com

Image courtesy of opticalnewdaily.com

Racial discrimination lawsuits seem to be the order of the day in the fashion industry, recently. First, there was Tiffany & Co., and Alexander McQueen. Now, Perry Ellis International has stepped into the racial discrimination fray.

On Wednesday, Joseph Cook, the president of PEI-owned Original Penguin’s wholesale division, filed a lawsuit against the company in Manhattan Federal Court.

Cook contends in his lawsuit that he has suffered homophobic and racism at the hands of Original Penguin’s President and COO Peter Feldenkreis.

Cook alleges that in 2013 Feldenkreis instructed him that there should be “no blacks in my ads” and that he “did not want anyone who looked too gay.” Cook is openly homosexual.

PEI responded to the allegations in an article in Vogue UK “Perry Ellis is a company that promotes equal opportunity and a positive working environment. The company is proud of the fact that it is probably one of the most diverse companies in the apparel business following its multicultural roots, stemming from Puerto Rico and Cuba. Perry Ellis categorically denies any allegations to the contrary. The claims that have been asserted will be vigorously defended against.”

PEI’s fall 2015 campaign includes models of color. Hmm, maybe Black Lives Matter should step in!!

image courtesy of rockthetrend.com

image courtesy of rockthetrend.com

Raf Simons exits

After three years at the helm of the House of Dior, Raf Simons has called it quits. The Dior spring 2016 presented during Paris Fashion Week was the last Raf Simons’ collection for the esteemed Parisian fashion house.

“It’s after deep reflection that I have decided to quit my post as creative director for Christian Dior’s women’s collection,” Raf Simons said in a statement in a fashionmag.com article. “It’s a decision founded on one hand by my desire to concentrate on other centres of interest in my life, notably my own label, as well as the passions that motivate me beyond my professional activities,” Simons said, adding that it had been an “immense privilege” to work for Dior.

Raf Simons assumed the position of creative director for Dior after John Galliano was fired from the brand in 2011.

Image courtesy of thestyleofthecase.com

Image courtesy of thestyleofthecase.com

Galliano expands Maison Margiela

John Galliano lets no grass grow under his feet. Since his appointment as creative director of Maison Margiela, Galliano has big plans for the international European fashion house.

It was revealed in WWD, that Galliano has plans for the luxury brand to produce more product categories including menswear and women’s perfume. L’Oreal will release the women’s perfume in 2017, and the brand’s menswear line will debut in 2016.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Amy Adams’ “A” Bag, “Fantastic Man’s” New Book, and Donna Karan’s New Memoir

October 20, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of fashionweekdaily.com

Image courtesy of fashionweekdaily.com

Talk about designer and celebrity collaborations. Max Mara loves using film stars in his fashion campaigns. In fact, the brand has used Amy Adams for the past four years.

With the launch of the “A” Bag, the brand expands its collaboration with one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses. “It’s wonderful to work with Max Mara,” said Adams. “I joked they were going to have a hard time getting rid of me, and I was right. It’s really awesome to work with such a reputable brand with a reputation for quality and for supporting women in various arenas. They have such respect for women in the way they design, and it’s a wonderful company to work with,” explained Adams in a recent forbes.com article.

The “A” Bag retails for $1750 and each bag has its own individual number up to the number 300. The “A” Bag will be available in Max Mara flagship stores for spring 2016.

Fantastic_Man_Cover

Image courtesy of fashionweekdaily.com

Fantastic Man celebrates 10 years

Dutch publication Fantastic Man celebrates its tenth anniversary with a 288-page hardcover book: Fantastic Man: Men of Great Style and Substance (Phaidon 2015). Launched in 2005 by Gert Jonkers and Jop van Bennekom, Fantastic Man became known for its edgy, avant-garde take on masculinity.

Fantastic Man: Men of Great Style and Substance will be released on October 26 will contain 300 images of from the 21 issues of Fantastic Man. Some of the great photographers who have shot for Fantastic Man include Juergen Teller, Bruce Weber, and Wolfgang Tillmans with photos of David Beckham, Ai Weiwei, Bret Easton Ellis, Bryan Ferry, Helmut Lang, Ewan McGregor, Tom Ford, Jonathan Adler, Spike Jonze, and many others.

Alongside the photographs are intimate, original interviews with the 69 different subjects from issues past, as well as brief profiles on what previous celebrities are up to now. Collier Shorr shot the Ollie Edwards’ cover of Fantastic Man: Men of Great Style and Substance.

Image courtesy of penguinrandomhouse.com

Image courtesy of penguinrandomhouse.com

Donna Karan tell all

Donna Karan is in the news a lot lately. On Monday, Pierre-Yves Roussel, chairman and chief executive of LVMH Fashion Group, hosted a party to celebrate the release of Donna Karan’s new memoir, My Journey.

LVMH purchased Donna Karan’s fashion brands in 2001. This summer, Karan announced that she was stepping down as creative director of DKNY with Public School’s Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow taking over the more popular DKNY brand. Some might contend that LVMH’s Roussel and Donna Karan are strange bedfellows. Karan commented in a recent New York Times article that she felt she got the “cold shoulder” for LVMH executives.

The forward for My Journey is by Barbra Streisand. The 384-page memoir shares intimate details of Donna Karan’s life. Penguin Random House publishes My Journey.

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Sean John’s Macy’s Deal, American Apparels Future Projection, and Bye Bye America’s Next Top Model

October 17, 2015 by Leave a Comment

SeanJohn_03Sean John has renewed its exclusive retailer contract with Macy’s. Sean John will continue to be carried in over 400 stores nationwide, including the megastore’s flagship at Herald Square in NYC.

“Macy’s and Sean John have had a synergistic partnership that has thrived over the last 15 years and I am beyond pleased to continue our partnership with such an iconic American retailer. I am excited by the opportunity that this extended deal will continue to give the Sean John brand and all of our licensing partners,” explained Founder and CEO Sean “Diddy” Combs in fashionmag.com article.

“This extended partnership enhances an already strong business and personal relationship that has been built over the last 15 years and will prove to be a great step in growing the already lucrative apparel and accessory business at Macy’s,” said Sean John President and CEO, Jeff Tweedy. “It is and will always be our goal to provide trend-focused fashion for the Macy’s consumer. Our focus is to have a larger footprint in current Macy’s doors and expand to new doors.”

Image courtesy of coedmonkey.com

Image courtesy of coedmonkey.com

Sunny days for American Apparel

American Apparel projects that in 2018 it will be profitable again if the beleaguered retail store gets the bankruptcy turnaround it is hoping for. By 2020, the company projected a net profit of $23.7 million, well above its previous peak in 2007.

American Apparel is presently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and has promised unsecured creditors—that are owned $145 million dollars—on Thursday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware that their Chapter 11 filing will lower interest rates and that they would like to continue contracts with landlords and suppliers. Also, according to a fashionmag.com article, American Apparel assured that it will pay $1 million to unsecured creditors.

By eliminating $200 million in bonds, American Apparel plans to stabilize its finances by granting the bondholders, a group of hedge funds, ownership of the company.

Image courtesy of cw.com

Image courtesy of cw.com

“America’s Next Top Model” ends

The CW has canceled “America’s Next Top Model (ANTM).” The Cycle 22 finale on December 4 will be the last episode of “ANTM.”

“America’s Next Top Model was a successful franchise for two networks, first at UPN and then The CW, and it became not just a ratings hit, but a global pop culture phenomenon,” CW President Mark Pedowitz said in a statement. “I want to thank Tyra and Ken for all their years of success in establishing a show that was not just popular in the U.S., but all across the world.”

“ANTM” premiered in 2003 as model competition reality show hosted by Supermodel Tyra Banks. The reason for cancellation was low ratings.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Zac Posen Collaborates with M.AC., Stella McCartney Sues Steve Madden, Victoria’s Secret Announces Performers, and Kendall Jenner Opts out of Shanghai Fashion Week

October 14, 2015 by 1 Comment

 

Image courtesy of playbuzz.com

Image courtesy of playbuzz.com

Victoria’s Secret has revealed the pop artists that will perform at its Catwalk spectacular on December 8. The main attraction—other than the Victoria’s Secret cadre of 16 top model Angels—is Rihanna flanked by Selena Gomez and The Weekend.

Victoria’s Secret Angels include Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel and Lily Aldridge. The cast of models will also include some of the lingerie brand’s newest faces, like Elsa Hosk, Jac Jagaciak, Jasmine Tookes, Kate Grigorieva, Lais Ribeiro, Martha Hunt, Romee Strijd, Sara Sampaio, Stella Maxwell, Taylor Hill and Rachel Hilbert.

Last year the show featured Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Hozier, and Ed Sheeran. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion show will air live on CBS on December 8, at 10pm, EST.

Image courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

Image courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

ZAC x M.A.C.

Zac Posen has teamed up with M.A.C. Cosmetics for a line of cosmetics to be released in February. The collaboration will put a special emphasis on Posen’s love of Hollywood glamour.

“Over the past 15 years I have learned a great deal from M.A.C. about beauty. Fashion and beauty go hand-in-hand and I have always wanted to create a makeup collection to complement my designs and brand. It was only natural to work with M.A.C. to create my first ever signature collection. I wanted to keep it luxurious, a little mysterious and clean with a large dose of star wattage,” said Posen in a harpersbazaar.com article.

#MACZacPosen is available February 2016 at M.A.C. stores and maccosmetics.com.

 

Image courtesy of eonline.com

Image courtesy of eonline.com

Kendall Jenner ditches Shanghai for Las Vegas

Kendall Jenner is one of the top runway fashion models walking in shows from NYC and Paris to London and Milan. According to the dailymail.co.uk, Jenner has decided not to continue her runway duties in Shanghai to be at the side of brother-in-law, Lamar Odom.

Odom is in a Las Vegas hospital on life support after he was found unconscious in a brothel. Kendall Jenner issued a tweet to Odom, “Please don’t go.” Sisters Khloe, Kim, and Kourtney joined Kendall visiting Lamar Odom today in Las Vegas.

Stella McCartney's 'Falabella' handbag image courtesy of fashionmag.com

Stella McCartney’s ‘Falabella’ handbag image courtesy of fashionmag.com

McCartney ripoff?

Does Stella McCartney need the money? Probably not, but that hasn’t kept her from suing footwear and accessories giant Steve Madden for copying her ‘Falabella’ handbag.

‘Falabella’ is McCartney most popular handbag. McCartney filed a complaint in the Southern district of New York against Steve Madden claiming that his ‘BTotally’ handbag is a knockoff of her ‘Falabella’ handbag. McCartney is asking Madden to discontinue his ‘BTotally’ bag and a full accounting of his profits.

McCartney’s ‘Falabella’ bag sells for $1,195, Madden’s for $108. According to fashionmag.com, Steve Madden has been sued for copying higher-end products numerous times before, by brands including Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen.

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Gina Rodriguez Co-Partners with Naja Lingerie, Migrant Fashion Shoot under Fire, and Marissa Webb Steps Down

October 11, 2015 by 1 Comment
Naja Lingerie image courtesy of Naja

Naja Lingerie image courtesy of Naja

“Jane the Virgin’s” Gina Rodriguez has a new gig and its not another acting job. Rodriguez has partnered with Colombia-based lingerie line, Naja Lingerie, a year old e-commerce only lingerie brand.

Rodriguez’s role will more than a brand ambassador or spokesperson. Rodriguez will be intimately involved in the design and manufacture of the lingerie brand.

Naja Lingerie seeks to help impoverished women and the environment. “Ensuring that women are employed is ensuring that the next generation is educated, this is good for society as a whole and helps in the elimination of poverty. At Naja, we provide special benefits to all of our employees with children so that these children can be ensured an education,” explained Rodriquez in a refinery29.com article.

Founder and CEO Catalina Girald employs mostly single Colombian mothers in the brand’s factory in Colombia. The brand also is environmentally conscious by using synthetics that have been fabricated from recycled plastic bottles. “When we make new nylon or new polyester, we are making more synthetic fabrics that will ultimately turn into unused waste when people tire of the clothing,” Girald said in a release. “But by using recycled plastic bottles we are taking existing waste and repurposing it; it’s so much better for the world.”

Image courtesy of fashionmag.com

Image courtesy of fashionmag.com

Migrant controversy

A Hungarian photographer has been asked to take down a ‘migrant-inspired’ photo editorial from his website. Norbert Baksa’s “Der Migrant” series shows a scantily clad model being pulled away from a border fence similar to the ones erected in Hungary. The series was taken down 48 hours after the posting.

“The aim of the photo shooting was precisely to make people examine the situation from different angles and judge from different points of view,” said Baksa on his Twitter accounted as detailed in a fashionmag.com article. “The situation is very ambiguous and we wanted to represent this ambiguity (by photographing) someone who is miserable but at the same time very beautiful, and who despite the situation owns good quality clothing and a smartphone.”

Baksa’s photography had been seen in Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Playboy.

Image courtesy of somamagazine.com

Image courtesy of somamagazine.com

Marissa transitions

After 18 months, Marissa Webb has stepped down as creative director of Banana Republic. Webb will remain as creative advisor with a design team designing for the struggling brand.

“Marissa has brought incredible passion and leadership to Banana Republic over the last year and a half. I admire her talent and tenacity and the creative spirit that she’s infused within our brand, all while further establishing her private label. With a very

strong product team in place at Banana Republic, this is the right time to evolve her role. We’ll continue to support Marissa and her success in the future,” said Andi Owen, Banana Republic’s global brand president.

Marissa Webb will continue to focus on her eponymous brand, Marissa Webb.

—William S. Gooch

« Previous Page
Next Page »
Copyright © 2012-2025 | Fashion Reverie Publications, LLC - All Rights Reserved