Fashion News Alert: Donna Karan Steps Down, Naomi Campbell’s La Perla Campaign, Kanye’s Yeezy Boost Sells Out, Givenchy to Show at New York Fashion Week, and Obama’s Trade Bill

June 30, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of allure.com

Image courtesy of allure.com

Fashion insiders have been intimating that it was coming for some time and their predictions have come true. Today, Donna Karan announced that she is stepping down as chief designer for Donna Karan, International and suspend all runway shows and collections for a period of time. She will serve as a close advisor while she focuses on her Urban Zen Company and foundation.

“Donna Karan New York is a part of me, past, present and future,” said Karan as detailed in a fashionmag.com article. “It has been an honor to speak woman to woman about Seven Easy Pieces that forever changed the way women dress. I want to express my gratitude and my deepest feelings to the dozens and dozens of colleagues over the years who have helped take Donna Karan New York far beyond my wildest dreams.”

The company has selected Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne of Public School to be creative directors for the DKNY line.

Image courtesy of twitter.com

Image courtesy of twitter.com

Naomi Campbell still reigns 

Age truly aint nothing but a number, particularly if you look like Naomi Campbell. And apparently at 45-years of age she’s got the right stuff for La Perla.

For over three decades, Campbell has sizzled on catwalks, in photo editorials for some of the industry’s most hallowed fashion publications, starred in music videos, hosted a reality television fashion competition and squired numerous fashion and beauty campaigns. And nothing seems to be slowing her down.

Recently, on Twitter an image from the “La Perla Made to Measure Atelier,” the brand’s collection of pieces that can be tailored for a custom-made fit, was released with Campbell looking all moist, oiled and sizzling hot. Campbell is attired in a bathing suit featuring a golden-hued bandeau bra, halter strap and central band running down to the torso to the anchor-shaped brief.

 

Image courtesy of sneakernews.com

Image courtesy of sneakernews.com

The new Air Jordans?

Fashion pundits may contend that Kanye West is a over the top and media baiting with his fashion rants. Still, rants aside, Kanye West is laughing all the way to the bank!!

Released during New York Fashion in February, West’s sneaker, Yeezy Boost 350 sold out online in 27 minues in the US and one hour in Canada and Europe on Saturday, June 27, according a Footwear News report. There are currently no plans to restock. The only sneaker line that has had this phenomenal sale explosion upon immediate is Nike’s Air Jordans.

Yeezy Boost 350 retails for $200, but if purchased on Ebay expect to pay 10 to 20 times that amount. Ka Ching!!

Image courtesy of washingtontimes.com

Image courtesy of washingtontimes.com

Rough times ahead for trade bill

Though President Barack Obama’s trade bill was signed into law on Monday, he expects rough battles ahead for the embattled trade legislation.

“We still have some tough negotiations that are going to be taking place,” Obama said at a signing ceremony. He noted that lawmakers and the public will be able to scrutinize the trade deal before it is finalized. “The debate will not end with this bill signing,” he said.

“I think it’s fair to say that getting these bills through Congress has not been easy. They’ve been declared dead more than once,” Obama said, thanking Republican leaders by name as well as Democratic supporters “who took tough votes” to get the bills passed.

Detractors of the trade bill feel that American workers may lose jobs as a result of this trade bill package. “I would not be signing these bills if I was not absolutely convinced that these pieces of legislation are ultimately good for American workers,” explained Obama.

As reported in fashionmag.com, the onus of this trade bill is the administration’s foreign policy pivot to Asia and to help serve as a counterweight to the economic might of China.

Image courtesy of fashionweekdaily.com

Image courtesy of fashionweekdaily.com

Givenchy in New York

Huh, Givenchy showing in New York; yes, you heard it right. The iconic brand is showing in New York in September during New York Fashion Week.

The New York Fashion Week show is coming on the heels of the brand opening a nearly 5,000-foot space at 747 Madison Avenue on 65th Street in August. Though Givenchy had a store in NYC before, the original store closed in 2006. The only other Givenchy store in the US is in Miami. The brand is also looking to open a series of stores in major fashion cities.

The 2016 spring/summer runway show in NYC is scheduled to take place on September 11, followed by an after party celebrating artistic director Riccardo Tisci’s 10-year anniversary with the iconic fashion house. New York Fashion Week is scheduled for September 10–17.

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Rihanna Launches Fashion Label, Marc Jacobs Partners with Disney, Michael Kors Reveals Fall Ad Campaign Images, and Congress Introduces Bill to End Animal Cosmetic Testing

June 27, 2015 by 3 Comments
Image courtesy of youtube.com

Image courtesy of youtube.com

Rihanna may have briefly stepped away from the music industry to delve headfirst into a new career as a fashion designer. The pop sensation’s company, Roraj Trade, LLC, filed a trademark for the name, $CHOOL KILLS last month in New York.

According to Grazia, $CHOOL KIlLS will be an accessories line that will later expand into clothing. In past seasons Rihanna has been named the creative director of Puma, collaborated with River Island on a collection shown during London Fashion Week and received the Fashion Icon Award in 2014 at the CFDA Awards.

Image courtesy of fashiontimes.com

Image courtesy of fashiontimes.com

Marc and Disney

Marc Jacobs partners with Disney in a new line of accessories inspired by Disney’s new “Alice Through the Looking Glass” film starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Anne Hathaway. The film is scheduled for a release in May 2016.

The accessory collection will include backpacks totes, phone cases, jewelry, watches, sweatshirts, and other fairy tale-like gear. Prices will range from $60 to $400 with Marc Jacobs Alice in Wonderland–inspired window displays in select stores.

This all is occurring as Jacobs is integrated his Marc by Marc Jacobs line into his namesake Marc Jacobs main line with Resort 2016 being the last collection under the Marc by Marc Jacobs label.

Natasha Poly in Michael Kors fall 2015 campaign. Image courtesy of Mario Testino/Michael Kors

Natasha Poly in Michael Kors fall 2015 campaign. Image courtesy of Mario Testino/Michael Kors

Kors day to night

Michael Kors, American sportswear designer extraordinaire, has revealed campaign images from Michael Kors Collection and MICHAEL Michael Kors fall 2015 campaigns featuring Natasha Poly, Karmen Pedaru, and Benjamin Eidem. The overall theme of the fall 2015 campaigns is restrained opulence and decadence, photographed by Mario Testino.

Kors was inspired by the idea of luxury styles that can be worn in the daytime as well as at night. The campaign will appear in the biggest fashion stores of 39 countries in North America, Europe and Asia, as well as on social media networks, starting in July.

animal_testing_beautybybrookeleanne

Animal rights

The U.S. House of Representatives have introduced a bill that puts an end on cosmetic testing of animals. The Humane Cosmetic Act, if passed, will put an end to animal testing of cosmetic products and ingredients.

Currently, there is no prohibition of cosmetic testing in the US of animals. Though 73% of Americans in a recent poll felt that the testing of cosmetic products and ingredients on animals should be banned, thousands of animals like mice, rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs suffer and die due to product tests that require substances to be forced down their throats, dripped into their eyes, and smeared onto their skin.

“Given the ready availability of alternatives, there is no compelling reason to continue using outdated animal testing methods that cause tremendous animal suffering. So many companies are already using non-animal tests for shampoos, makeups and other products sold around the world, and the United States can help accelerate that trend,” states Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States in a recent fashionmag.com article.

The Humane Cosmetic Act is endorsed by The HSUS and HSLF, spearheading the #BeCrueltyFree campaign in the US, and Humane Society International leading the campaign globally. Lush, Coty, The Body Shop, Overstock, Paul Mitchell, and over 140 cosmetics companies also support this initiative.

—Staff

Fashion News Alert: Carmen Marc Valvo Partners with Group JS International

June 25, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Collages187For over 25 years Carmen Marc Valvo has been a regular presence during New York Fashion Week and has created sophisticated cocktails dresses and evening gowns worn by the world’s most glamorous and accomplished women. His celebrity client list has included Vanessa Williams, Beyonce, Kate Winslett, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, and Katie Couric, just to name a few.

Carmen Marc Valvo has entered into a licensing agreement with Group JS International to produce Carmen Marc Valvo Infusion, a collection of cocktail dresses and gowns retailing from $228 to $348. The collection will begin hitting stores in October 2015. The fall/holiday collection consists of approximately 30 styles and will be sold in specialty stores and selects department stores including Bloomingdales and Nordstrom. Fabrics will be primarily novelty driven, and will include luxurious and light brocades, taffeta jacquards, novelty mixes, as well as crepe and chiffon.

“I am so thrilled to partner with Group JS International for the new launch of Carmen Marc Valvo Infusion as it is a perfect marriage, giving us the opportunity to bring our reputation for sophisticated evening wear to a larger audience,” states Carmen Marc Valvo.

Images courtesy of Group JS International

Images courtesy of Group JS International

“We are very excited and proud to be entering this new partnership with Carmen Marc Valvo, one of the most talented American eveningwear designers,” exclaims Mitchell Hops, Chief Executive Officer of Group JS International. “We believe that the Carmen Marc Valvo brand position and innovative fashion design fit perfectly within our portfolio. We are confident that this partnership will have great success.”

Group JS International has been a dynamic presence on the North American fashion scene for over 40 years. Today, Group JS International has six strong divisions and is widely recognized as one of the leading suppliers of ladies’ dresses and eveningwear available in specialty stores, major chain stores and department stores around the world. Operating out of its office in Montreal, Canada, and with offices in New York, Toronto, and London, the privately held company is an innovative force in the global marketplace.

—Staff

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Coco Rocha Defects, Missoni Outfits Motorcycles, Anthony Kiedis and Marc Jacobs, and Wal-Mart Minimizes Taxes by Using Offshore Tax Havens

June 20, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of fashionmag.com

Image courtesy of fashionmag.com

Well, it looks like Cher and Willow Smith have company. Marc Jacobs has enlisted Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers as one of the faces for his fall 2015 campaign. David Sims photographed Kiedis and his son Everly Bear for the Marc Jacobs fall 2015 campaign.

Kiedis and his son join a long list of celebs that have fronted Marc Jacobs’ campaigns. As reported in fashionmag.com the list includes Victoria Beckham, Jamie Bochert, Jarvis Cocker, Sofia Coppola, Miley Cyrus, Stephen Malkmus, Kate Moss, Charlotte Rampling, Stephanie Seymour, Michael Stipe and Rufus Wainwright, among others.

Image courtesy of huffingtonpost.com

Image courtesy of huffingtonpost.com

Coco Rocha Walks

After being represented by Wilhelmina Model Management for several years, Supermodel Coca Rocha has signed with IMG for worldwide representation. The new mom and former host of “The Face” has walked for Marc Jacobs, Versace, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Anna Sui, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Zac Posen, and Balenciaga; and worked with leading photographers including Steven Meisel, Patrick Demarchelier, Mario Testino, Arthur Elgort, Nathaniel Goldberg, Mikael Jansson, Steven Klein, Annie Leibowitz, Peter Lindbergh, Nick Night, Rankin, Ellen Von Unwerth and Solve Sundsbo. She has also appeared on the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, Numero, V, Elle, and many other publications.

Rocha published her first book, Study of Pose: 1,000 Poses by Coco Rocha, in 2014, which features a foreword by longtime collaborator Jean Paul Gaultier and photos by renowned photographer Steven Sebring. The digital version of the book contained a staggering 100,000 unique images showcasing Coco’s mastery of the art of modeling.

One of the first models to embrace social media, Rocha has an Instagram following of 950,000 and a Twitter following of 930,000.

walmart1

Pay your share

Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, has found yet another way to get around paying its share in taxes. According to Americans for Tax Fairness, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has built a network of 78 subsidiaries and branches in 15 offshore tax havens to minimize taxes on its operations outside the United States. Americans for Tax Fairness is a tax reform advocacy group.

Detailed in the report Wal-Mart does not list these subsidiaries in its annual filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The report also explains that Wal-Mart owns at least $76 billion in assets through shell companies domiciled in Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Wal-Mart was not available for comment.

Image courtesy of C&M Media

Image courtesy of C&M Media

Rev up your engines

From a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns to outfitting motorcycles, when it comes to color combinations, no one has more of a unique perspective than Missoni. For the Superbike race in Misano on June 21, Jules Cluzel and Lorenzo Zanetti will ride Agusta F3 MV motorcycles, and  Léon Camier will be  riding an Augusta F4. All three riders will be attired in special Missoni outfits.

Missoni and Agusta’s partnership showcase the best of “Made in Italy” with the blending of different aesthetics, as well as promoting strong local ties, in this case, Varese province out of which both companies have made their stories.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Bye Bye Lucky, The Gap Closes Stores, and Elie Tahari Sued for Sexual Harassment

June 16, 2015 by Leave a Comment

 

Image courtesy of etonline.com

Image courtesy of etonline.com

Weeks after Lucky magazine announced that it would be going quarterly and laying off 14 staffers, inside sources confirm that the Lucky Group will layout off its entire staff and will be closing shop.

As reported in The Daily, The Lucky Group was formed in 2014 as a joint venture between Conde Nast and BeachMint. According to inside sources expected investment dollars did not materialize.

Staffers, including those with long-term tenure will receive only two-weeks severance pay. Chief creative officer Eva Chen resigned in late April. There has been no comment from representatives of The Lucky Group.

Image courtesy of shedoesthecity.com

Image courtesy of shedoesthecity.com

The Gap leaves a gap

Due to a continuing slump in retail sales, megastore The Gap is closing a quarter of its specialty stores in North America and cutting about 250 jobs at its headquarters over the next few years. That will add up to 140 stores this year.

As detailed in a recent report from Reuters, the embattled megastore has been losing customers to H&M, Zara, and Forever 21 due to quality and fit issues, as well as being out of step with current trends. After the closures there will be 500 specialty stores in North America, as well as 300 outlets.

elietahari

Tahari brought up on charges

A former employee, Marcy Castelgrande, of fashion designer Elie Tahari has claimed that Tahari sexually harassed her and fired her two hours after she made complaints to the company’s HR department.

“Mr. Tahari, unlawfully and inappropriately touched Ms. Castelgrande in the area of her private parts while she was modeling a skirt before a public crowd of at least ten people,” the lawsuit states, according to Page Six and goes on to claim the designer told the room of employees following the incident that the model was “too sensitive” and that he could not work with her as he “had lawsuits in the past and cannot deal with another one.”

In a statement to The Cut, the Tahari fashion house says, “Elie Tahari Ltd and Elie Tahari both deny the allegations contained in the judicial complaint filed by Marcy Castelgrande and are prepared to vigorously defend the matter.”

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Katy Perry Featured in Moschino Campaign, J. Crew Eliminates 175 Jobs, and Sarah Jessica Parker and Jordache

June 13, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of fashioncopious.typepad.com

Image courtesy of fashioncopious.typepad.com

Another celebrity with another fashion campaign, so what’s new and shocking about that? Well, what’s news is that the celebrity is Katy Perry, and this is the first time that Jeremy Scott has pegged a celebrity for a campaign since he took over the reins at the embattled brand in February of 2014. Also, Katy Perry has rarely been seen on tour or on any red carpet without donning Moschino. In other words, this didn’t come out of nowhere.

Early in the week it was revealed on Instagram that Perry had been chosen for the fall 2015 campaign. Perry was photographed by Inez and Vinoodh and styled by Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele in a patchwork denim jacket, a gold bustier and heaped on chain accessories.

Score another one for the celebs!!

Image courtesy of dealbook.nytimes.com

Image courtesy of dealbook.nytimes.com

Layoffs at J. Crew

With sales down in the first quarter, J. Crew has issued a restructuring of  the company. As part of the recent restructure of J. Crew is the elimination of 175 jobs, 12% of the workforce in its New York headquarters.

As reported in fashionmag.com, the deficit in the first quarter was more than 500 million dollars. There have recent articles in The Wall Street Journal and other publications of consumers’ complaints over the past seasons of the direction of the brand and a downgrade in the quality of the clothes.

“In the past, I felt like J. Crew would last forever,” Ms. French, a San Diego native says. “The quality is just not the same,” as, reported in a recent WSJ article.

“We are making meaningful and strategic changes across our organization to better position us for future growth.  While many of these decisions were difficult, they are necessary,” said J.Crew Chairman and CEO Millard Drexler.

Image courtesy of Michael Thompson/jordache

Image courtesy of Michael Thompson/Jordache

And another one

If you remember and have a predilection for Jordache jeans, you might be dating yourself. Time capsule aside, Sarah Jessica Parker is not concerned if the public knows her real age.  Age in real time doesn’t matter when you’ve scored yet another fashion campaign!!

“It’s simple: everyone loves Sarah Jessica Parker!” wrote Liz Berlinger, president of Jordache, in an email. “She is authentic and has staying power. Sarah Jessica Parker is stylish, talented, personable and family-oriented. We love that she is a mother, and as a fashion brand, we appreciate that she is a respected influencer in the industry.”

Parker will be featured in campaigns for both Jordache lines, the women’s lines sold exclusively at Walmart and the Jordache Look, a vintage-inspired line, sold on the company’s new e-commerce site.  The Walmart exclusive line starts at $16.99, while the Jordache Look price points start at $89 and go upward of $300.

Hmm, the price may have gone up but the fit is still tight!! Now, what is the celebrity tally for the weekend? I remember; it is two.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Cadillac Rallies Behind New York Fashion Week: Men, Cher and Willow Fizzle in Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2015 Campaign, Supermodel Sean O’Pry in Testino Towel Series, and Theia Creative Director Receives Honorary Doctorate

June 9, 2015 by Leave a Comment

parismen_sopener_2457290aCadillac has extended its foray into fashion by putting support behind the inaugural New York Fashion Week: Men’s spring 2016 collections, partnering with the CFDA.  For the past three seasons, Cadillac has been a sponsor of New York Men’s Day (NYMD) that occurs the Wednesday before the official first day of NYFW.

“The rise of menswear in the world of style provides a great opportunity to celebrate those who are true risk takers and innovators,” said Melody Lee, director of Brand Strategy & Planning, Cadillac,“ as reported in fashionmag.com. “As the presenting sponsor of New York Men’s Day and a supporting partner of New York Fashion Week: Men’s, Cadillac will play a significant role in unifying the world of men’s fashion and further enabling those who dare greatly.”

“We are very pleased to partner with Cadillac on the inaugural New York Fashion Week: Men’s,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA. “The partnership is a natural fit given Cadillac’s commitment to design.”

New York Fashion Week: Men’s will take place at Skylight Clarkson Square from July 14th to 16th. As many as 28 designers will present their spring 2016 collections which such menswear luminaries as Calvin Klein, John Varvatos, Michael Bastian, Tommy Hilfiger, Thom Browne, and Public School included in the roster.

Images courtesty stylevitae.com

Images courtesty stylevitae.com

No snap or pop

Using celebrities as the face of fashion collections is not new in the industry; however, the huge amount of celebrities now fronting for well-known fashion housing has reached an unprecedented numbers. New to the list of celebrities acquiring coveted campaigns with major fashion houses is celebrity icon Cher and teen sensation Willow Smith.

“This season’s ads feature friends, each of whom evoke a sense of intrigue and inspiration, and collectively provoke a true consideration for individuality. Here today I would like to share (not CHER) with you first, the talented, stylish, and charming Willow Smith,” detailed Marc Jacobs in caption accompanying his Instagram campaign photo and announcement.

While Jacobs’ use of 69-year old Cher and 14-year old Willow Smith demonstrates that Jacobs’ isn’t age exclusive, some fashion pundits contend that the fall 2015 campaign photos renders up images of the 80s cult classic Beetlejuice.” And unfortunately, Willow Smith resembles a prepubescent, broken-down doll, no snap, pop, or sizzle.

Intriguing, perhaps, inspirational, maybe, but a far cry from a fashion campaign. Can anybody say movie poster?

Image courtesy of fashionisto.com

Image courtesy of fashionisto.com

White towels anyone?

Supermodel Sean O’Pry joins the list of models recently photographed by fashion photographer extraordinaire Mario Testino in his towel series. O’Pry is currently the highest earning male model in the world.

Sean O’Pry was photographed in just a white towel, joining the ranks of David Gandy, Gaspard Ulliel, Ronaldo Cristiano, and several others. Now, there is some snap, sizzle, and pop!!

Image courtesy of irishcentral.com

Image courtesy of irishcentral.com

O’Neill honored

Theia fashion designer and creative director, Don O’Neill, has been will receive an honorary doctorate of Arts from the University College Cork. The honorary doctorate is the highest degree that can be bestowed by the university.

“It is truly humbling to be recognized that what I do is making a positive impact, and inspiring new waves of creative young men and women to follow their dreams. This Honor has brought about a pause, a time to stop and reflect on my career, which I rarely if ever do, as I work like a mad man running head long in to each new collection at a pace that seems to only be accelerating.  It is good to look back, take a breath, to see and appreciate how richly I have been blessed and guided, and to recognize how many good people helped me along the way,” stated O’Neill in a press release.

Launched in 2009, Theia is a bridal and eveningwear collection that combines sophisticated elegance and styling with luxurious silks, European brocades, laces, and prints. Since its inception Taylor Swift, Emma Rossum, Oprah Winfrey, Carrie Underwood, Idina Menzel, Khloe Kardashian, Amy Poehler, and many others have worn the fashion brand.

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Sarah Jessica Parker Launches SJP Collection, Rodarte Sisters Turn to Filmmaking, and Ivory Coasts Puts Ban on Skin-Lightening Creams

May 16, 2015 by 1 Comment
Image courtesy of profashioneye.com

Image courtesy of profashioneye.com

Though Sarah Jessica Parker tried to keep her accessories collection under wraps, as a crowd of onlookers observed her shooting the brand’s campaign atop the Bloomingdales sign on East 59th street, the cat was out of the bag, so to speak. “Well. I guess the cat’s out of the (little brown) bag. As usual, we will keep you posted on every detail as we are able. I’m under a strict gag order until then. Xx, Sj,” said the Parker via Instagram as reported in a fashionmag.com article.

Found in 2014 with business partner George Malkemus III, the SJP collection is inspired by Parker’s love of the 1970’s and the single sole shoe. The collection is due to launch in mid-June at select Bloomingdale locations and on the Bloomingdale’s website.

Image courtesy of junkee.com

Image courtesy of junkee.com

Rodarte sisters branch into film

While there is lots of fashion currently going on at the Cannes Film Festival, one of the biggest Cannes fashion­ stories is the film written and to be directed by Rodarte co-founders Kate and Laura Mulleavy. Their feature film, “Woodshock,” is set to star Kirsten Dunst, a friend to brand, and may be of the science fiction genre—though mums the word.

Though the Mulleavy sisters have had some fashion predecessors that spanned the worlds of fashion and film—Tom Ford is working on his second feature film, Karl Lagerfeld shot took a film turn in Chanel’s “Reincarnation” starring Pharrell Williams and Cara Delevinge, this particular foray is a path that is not easily trodden by the fashion cognoscenti.  And success in one genre doesn’t portend success in the other!!

“Woodshock” is currently in pre-production.

Image courtesy of ireportstv.co

Image courtesy of ireportstv.co

No more skin-lightening creams

Skin-lightening creams have been popular in the US, South America, the Caribbean, Asia and now Africa for several decades, if not centuries. However, the Ivory Coast has decided to do something about the potential harm that these creams can do to pigment.

“Cosmetic lightening and hygiene creams … that de-pigment the skin … are now forbidden,” the ministry of the Ivory Coast said in a statement. “The number of people with side effects caused by these medicines is really high,” said Christian Doudouko, a member of Ivory Coast’s pharmaceutical authority, warning that they could cause skin cancer as reported in fashionmag.com.

Many whitening creams and lotions contain mercury and its derivatives, cortisone, vitamin A or more than two percent hydroquinine, a lightening agent that is used to develop photographs.

Women on the African continent, the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean, the US, India, Pakistan, Japan, and other Asian countries readily use lightening creams because lighter skin is sometimes considered more beautiful among these populations. This practice is also starting to spread to men as well.

“What we see in the media is the lighter one’s skin is, the better one’s life,” adds Elidje Ekra, a dermatologist at Abidjan’s Treichville University Hospital, referring to advertisements in Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s biggest city, that show models with lighter-than-average skin.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Kim Kardashian Ventures Into the Curvy Fashion Market, Predictions for Retail Wage Hikes, and Lindsay Lohan Fashion Return

May 12, 2015 by 1 Comment
Image courtesy of dailymailuk.com

Image courtesy of dailymailuk.com

Reality TV star and fashion celebrity Kim Kardashian has launched a new fashion line in Brazil for full-figured or curvy women. This fashion line will be a part of Kardashian’s West collection for retail chain C&A, which has a strong presence in Brazil.

“I wanted to show the Brazilian woman and her curves,” explained Kardashian.
“Back in the States we have different opinions, different styles, and this was all me, so I could do whatever I wanted. I just went with everything I felt that I would really wear.”

The “simple and sexy” elastic range in the clothes can adapt to any body type. The 20-piece collection will range in price from $9–$65 in C&A stores across Brazil, targeting a 200 million-customer market.

retailworkers_03

Higher wages for retail workers

With many wage debates increasing as many presidential candidates have thrown their hats into the upcoming presidential market, US retailers have been put under pressure to raise workers’ hourly wages. Wal-Mart, Target Corp, T.J. Maxx, and The Gap, have already announced wage increases, on the back of lower unemployment numbers announced last week and hourly wage increases going up 3 cents in April.

“The competition for that job is tougher for the employer. The employee has choices now,” said Thomas Sudyka, managing director at investment management firm Lawson Kroeker based in Omaha, Nebraska.”We are modeling an increase in our investments in compensation and benefits beyond what we have always historically planned for, to continue to assure that we preserve our ability to attract, and retain, the best associates,” Sue Lattmann, Bed, Bath & Beyond’s chief financial officer told investors as reported in fashionmag.com.

Workers’ wage increases may result in higher retail prices with companies attempting to reduce costs. “Even if companies can’t pass on the costs, it’s a one-time hit and we can grow from there,” said Sudyka.

Image courtesy of tomandlorenzo.com

Image courtesy of tomandlorenzo.com

Lindsay’s return

The last time Lindsay Lohan was associated with fashion it was her stint as a fashion collaborator in iconic fashion brand, Ungaro in 2009. Unfortunately, that collaboration was not successful.

Recently, the troubled actress announced on Instagram that she would be modeling and collaborating with UK fashion retail Lavish Alice. Lohan also collaborated with PacSun on a fashion line.

Hmm, the third time will be the charm. Good luck over across the Big Pond!!

—William S. Gooch

Weekend Fashion News Alert: Reese Witherspoon Ventures into Fashion, Adriana Lima’s New Campaign, and Miami Swim Week Cancelled?

May 9, 2015 by 1 Comment

 

Image courtesy of deadline.com

Image courtesy of deadline.com

If winning an Oscar and having an Oscar nomination in 2015 isn’t enough, Academy Award–winning actress Reese Witherspoon has launched a fashion website that promotes her love of style, clothes and her Southern heritage.  Known for her classic Southern belle style, Witherspoon’s e-commerce site, Draper James, will feature clothing, accessories and home décor, with an emphasis on bright colors and pretty patterns created by Southern craft workers, artists or designers

“Women in the South love to dress up,” explains Witherspoon in fashionmag.com article. “They love color and prints and generally love to look put together. Depending on the occasion, several days of thought can go into one outfit!

The site will have a special “Made in the South” section with everything from napkin sets to notepads and stationery. Elsewhere on the site, the collections comprise jewelry ranges, with prices ranging from $25 to pieces over $200.

Image courtesy of stylemagz.com

Image courtesy of stylemagz.com

Adriana Lima scores another one

While celebrities seem to be scoring a lot of the 2015 campaigns, some fashion models still have drawing power in the industry. If Marc Jacobs’ escort at the 2015 Met Gala was any indication of who would get his Decadence fragrance campaign, then Supermodel Adriana Lima wins the campaign hands down.

WWD reports that Decadence is a departure from Jacobs’ youthful “Daisy” perfume. “It’s very high quality, opulent, very elegant and sophisticated,” Lori Singer, scent licensee for Marc Jacobs told WWD. “Daisy is more casual and whimsical and naïve.”

Miami-Swim-Fashion-Week-20112012

Bye, bye Miami?

Though fashion media powerhouse IMG has cancelled Miami Swim Week, swimwear designers are saying no way, Jose!!

Funkshion Fashion Week Miami Beach owner Sale Stojanovic has committed to putting up tents between 21st and 22nd streets off Collins Avenue to accommodate some of the designers who would have participated in the IMG shows. “You can imagine my phone was off the hook the last two days, people calling and asking what we are doing,” said Stojanovic, who will put on a series of swimwear-related events between July 15 and 20, in a miamiherald.com article.

IIMG’s decision to cancel Miami Swim Week is the result of them being taken over by the William Morris Endeavor in 2013 and a retooling of IMG–sponsored fashion weeks globally.  Also the organizers were having difficulty finding a new venue to host the event.

“We’ve been assured by IMG personally that because of the new owners and the new vision, that they were going to take what has been a great solid trade event … to a very broad consumer lifestyle fashion event,” explained Rolando Aedo, chief marketing officer and executive vice president at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We don’t have the specifics.”

—William S. Gooch

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