Fashion Faux Pas: Are Denim Skirts Coming Back?

I hate denim mini skirts. Yes, I said it. When I hear the word “Jean skirt” I think of 6 inches of fabric “distressed” to shreds and sold from a store with insufficient lighting and eagles everywhere. I see pre-teens wearing them with their clopping flip flops, or worse…with leggings and Uggs.

Unfortunately for spring I’m noticing jean skirts coming back into play. Retailers are selling jean monstrosities once again. So where do we go from here?

Okay, so you’re going to want to buy a denim skirt. We understand, we really do. Try to resist. If you can’t resist, go with a darker wash and something in a more feminine cut. Think thinner and in a flowy A-line mini versus the usual straight down distressed option.

Wear your superior version with a tucked in a blouse and some ballet flats. And don’t you dare put on rubber flip flops!

-Kat Bremhorst

Source & Photo: Glamour.com

Today’s Fashion Headlines. February 22, 2012

See by Chloé goes virtual, MAC honors Marilyn Monroe and Andrej Pejic joins the new campaign for the JPG fragrance

See by Chloé Showing on the Web

Not at Paris Fashion Week to see See by Chloé? No worries! You can now see it online. KCD’s new digital platform DigitalFashionShows.com will introduce Chloé’s contemporary label See by Chloé for its Fall 2012 collection. The show will air February 29.

This is the first time See by Chloé will be showcased in a runway-show format, albeit prerecorded for an online audience. Previously, the line has been presented in a traditional showroom setting. Starting at 10:30 a.m. on the first day of the Paris shows, invited retailers and editors can log in to begin viewing the See by Chloé show online. Thirty minutes after the industry debut, the video footage is to become available on Chloé’s Facebook page.

MAC Snags Some Marilyn Monroe

MAC Cosmetics will celebrate Marilyn Monroe’s legacy and iconic beauty look with a limited edition color cosmetics collection, due at all worldwide MAC locations in October. Launched in partnership with Authentic Brands Group LLC, which acquired the intellectual property of Marilyn Monroe LLC in January 2011, the range will feature about 30 custom-designed stockkeeping units, priced from $15 to $27, and include eye shadows, lipsticks, nail lacquers and eyeliners.

Andrej Pejic Gets Kokorico

According to sources, androgynous model Andrej Pejic has signed his first major beauty deal as the face of Jean Paul Gaultier’s new men’s fragrance, Kokorico. Gaultier’s first men’s fragrance in 16 years since the launch of the best-selling Le Male, Kokorico was originally released in France last July. The launch ad campaign revolved around a series of black-and-white television spots shot by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, starring Spanish model Jon Kortajarena in a feathered tuxedo.

- Taneisha Jordan

Source & Photo: WWD

Today’s Fashion Headlines. February 21, 2012

Robert Rodriguez’s Early Edition

Robert Rodriguez wants his ladies to be covered 24/7, so he’s introducing a line called Edition at the Fashion Coterie show in New York today to fit the need for day-into-evening pieces.

“These are sexy, everyday pieces to complete a woman’s wardrobe that will sit with my signature line,” he said. “The main thing about the line is that it is sexy and comfortable. It is still on-trend, but these are more seasonless pieces a woman can wear again and again, whereas my other line is more fashion-driven.”

The 50-piece line, featuring body-conscious separates, soft suiting, dressed-up knits and dresses, will wholesale from $195 to $395.

Macy’s Earnings Rise

Macy’s Inc. reported 2011 adjusted earnings per diluted share rose 36 percent to $2.92, from $1.98 in 2010, marking the chain’s third consecutive year of significantly improved financial performance. Net income for the year rose to $1.26 billion from $847 million the year before while sales reached $26.4 billion, from $25 billion the year before. Comparable store sales rose 5.2 percent.

For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 28, earnings per share were $1.74, compared to $1.55 the year before, while sales came to $8.7 billion compared to $8.3 billion in the year ago period. Macy’s said the results beat its  expectations.

“We have more than doubled our earnings over the past three years, driven by innovative strategic initiatives that are being executed with discipline at both Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s,” said Macy’s Inc. chairman, chief executive and president Terry Lundgren.

Vivienne Westwood Thinks We Dress Horribly

The third day of London Fashion Week may have showcased some of the strongest home-grown players in the industry, but Dame Vivienne Westwood thinks we have much to learn. Showcasing the autumn 2012 collection of her Red Label line at London Fashion Week, the designer said the rise of disposable fashion had made people look too similar.

“In history people dressed much better than we do… If you saw Queen Elizabeth it would be amazing, she came from another planet. She was so attractive in what she was wearing,” she said. .”People have never looked so ugly… We are so conformist, nobody is thinking. I’m a fashion designer and people think ‘what do I know?’ but I’m talking about all this disposable crap. So I’m saying buy less, choose well, make it last.”

- Taneisha Jordan

Source: Independent UK; WWD
Photo: WWD

Today’s Fashion Headlines. February 17, 2012.

Bags from the IIIBeca by Joy Gryson Collection

Joy Gryson’s Affordable Luxury: IIIBeca

The six year old Gryson handbag company is now creating a more affordable luxury label called IIIBeca. The line, priced lower than the original collection, bares five different styles and multiple colors all for under $200. These vachetta leather bags will be offered in tan, natural and black, bright red, royal blue, mustard, orange, and green. The main focus for the line is versatility, functionality, and wearability, according to Gryson, with the signature braided handles the designer has become known for being taken away.

IIIBeca will be the third line for the designer, including her original Joy Gryson line and Olivia Harris label that was launched in 2007. The popular handbag designer was also added into the Council of Fashion Designers of America last year. The donations she is giving from sales is also what inspired the name: “beca” is part of TriBeCa and the three organizations are represented by the Roman numeral “III” in the title. Gryson plans on donating nearly ten percent of wholesale sales to three organizations (three percent each): the 9/11 Memorial, Family Focus Adoption Services, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Brooks Bros.’s Creative Twist

Classics and casual-wear for Brooks Bros. will be given a creative twist when it comes to displays for fall. Traditional suits and tweeds will be shown along with tweeds skirts and merino silk cardigans for casual-wear appeal. There is also supposed to be a flannel gray formal tuxedo that pairs the jacket with a simple pair of Levi’s. Lou Amendola, the chief merchandising officer, says that this is Brooks Bros. step towards appealing towards multiple generations.

Other pieces that have been offered through the brand includes bright shoes and novelty socks, showcasing the details that still tie into the traditional Brooks Bros. style. Along with giving the line a sporty change up, advancements including innovations water-repelling fabric softer and feminine pieces for the women’s line were included in the fall collection.

Future Designer Collaborations for Lord & Taylor

Lord & Taylor might not offer the same products as Macy’s Inc. or Target Corp., however soon they will take a step in that direction. The department store will soon be offering “capsule” collections with contemporary designers. Although L&T does not know how many designer collaborations will be offered, it is known that Yoana Baraschi will kick off the collaboration. Yoana by Yoana Baraschi will only be sold at eleven locations with a twelve piece line that will hit the sales floor beginning in spring and summer.

This line has a broader customer base than Yoana Baraschi’s personal line, with pieces that are playful and chic. Ponte knit fabrics, color-blocked dresses, nautical blazers, and prints will all play a part in the line. From sportswear items like a printed pencil skirt at $150 and a blazer for $190, nothing is over $200. The best part: unlike competitors, Yoana by Yoana Baraschi will continue to receive replenishment on a monthly basis, making it accessible throughout the season.

–Lindsay Grundy

Source: WWD

Photo:WWD, by Courtesy Photo

Today’s Fashion Headlines. February 16, 2012

Lord & Taylor Plans Designer Collections, The Limited spends big money on spring campaign and Burberry launches a scholarship program

Lord  & Taylor Plans Designer Collaborations 

For Lord & Taylor, a regional store smaller than Target or Macy’s, exclusive collections do not come easy. Lord &  Taylor merchants are working on a series of “capsule” collections with many contemporary designers in hopes to even out the playing field.  “We don’t have a specific number of collaborations planned, but we believe it’s a new opportunity and will grow in the future both at Lord & Taylor and The Bay,” said Liz Rodbell, executive vice president of merchandising at Hudson’s Bay Company, which operates Lord & Taylor in the U.S. and The Bay department stores in Canada.

Yoana by Yoana Baraschi will be Lord & Taylors first collaborative collection. It will be sold at only 11 Lord & Taylor locations. Baraschi said Yoana Baraschi will be a 12-piece collection that “crystallizes the playfulness and chic of my signature collection and makes it available to a broader customer base.” She said to look for knit fabrics, slimming color-blocking dresses, whimsical prints and striped nautical blazers for her Lord & Taylor collection. All of Yoana by Yoana Baraschi merchandise will be under $200.

White House|Black Market, The Limited Tap Top Models for Spring

The Limited is spending big on its spring campaign, which involves a supermodel and a supersized media plan.  The brand is usually not in the race to get a big name model, but all indicators show they are ready to compete with the hire of Karolina Kurkova for the spring campaign.

White House Black Market has also hired a well-know model for the season. “On Monday, its first spot featuring Coco Rocha will run during prime-time TV, a first for the brand.”

Burberry Launches Scholarship With London School

Burberry has launched a scholarship program with London’s Royal College of Art.  Over a ten-year period, Burberry will be choosing over 25 master’s students and will pay for their full two-year tuition.  The scholarship will be open to students studying for master’s degrees in architecture, design interactions, fashion, innovation design engineering, photography, textiles and visual communications. Each recipient will receive an iPad to assist with their studies, and that opportunity to undertake in a two-week internship at Burberry each year of their degree.

Christopher Bailey, chief creative officer at Burberry said, “It’s for this reason that I feel so proud that we at Burberry are able to offer this opportunity to the creative talent of tomorrow, giving a new generation of designers the chance to benefit from the world-class expertise, facilities, teaching, experience and mentoring that this collaboration will bring,”

-Katie Schmitz

Source & Photo: WWD 

Today’s Fashion Headlines. February 15, 2012.

Diesel's Black Gold First Shop in SoHo

Liliane Bettencourt Says Goodbye to L’Oréal

The biggest makeup company is the world is having their largest shareholder, Liliane Bettencourt, step down from the L’Oréal board. In her place her twenty-five year old grandson, Jean-Victor Meyers, will be stepping up. The Bettencourt family holds a thirty-one percent stake of the company and have maintain a long standing support for L’Oréal, whose second-largest share happens to be Nestlé. Liliane’s father, Eugène Schueller, was the founder of the company.

Although L’Oréal is loosing a long time board member who provided much dedication and support, the company continues to grow. All the divisions are expanding, with sales rising 5.6 percent ($7.1 billion). L’Oréal Luxury has done very well due to Lancôme, Giorgio Armani and Kiehl’s. Profits are expected to increase over 2012, where new markets will be set for the company.

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Action Plan

Diane Von Furstenberg, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney  met this week about the future of American designers. Bloomberg spoke about about fashion shows are expected to generate $865 million in economic development. With the shows bringing in 232,ooo visitors every year those involved in the meeting wants to make sure the fashion industry will continue to grow. The mayor’s administration Fashion NYC 2020 plans on using five tactics to help build the industry.

Free mini M.B.A.-type programs for thirty-five lucky students will be offered at the Fashion Institute of Technology and a search for NYC’s most innovative retailer will lead to temporary free retail space, marketing, and public relations. A fund to provide loans to up-and-coming designers that use local manufacturers will be created, and a fellowship program for fashion management will be offered through collaboration with Parsons The New School for Design. Bloomberg also plans on setting up a job placement program for recent college graduates. With the fashion industry employing 173,00 people and generates $2 billion just in tax revenue annually, the New York City government is making sure than anyone within the city is able to benefit from the fashion industry and continue on the legacy.

Diesel Starts New Beginnings in SoHo

Diesel is finally showcasing the work of their contemporary division Diesel Black Gold by opening a store in SoHo. The four year old division has advanced styles including sportswear and jackets along with accessories and leather, which is the heart and core of the division. The 2,500-square-foot store will feature mirror monoliths, dark wood floors, suede walls, zebra print rugs, and vintage furniture within the interior design. A thirteen foot long window will give plenty of room for displays and graphics along with a 800-square-foot raised area for accessories.

Black Gold has been given a cleaner look than the typical Diesel line, with sophisticated shapes, and higher quality materials for an older target market with more discretionary income. Denim sold through the Black Gold label are between $250 and $800, some skirts as high as $900, clutches around $430, and leather items for men priced around $950 to $1,800. The company is also planning on opening more Diesel Black Gold stores in Los Angeles over the next year along with Japan and Europe being considered.

– Lindsay Grundy

Source: WWD

Photo: Style.com, Evan Sung

Today’s Fashion Headlines. February 14, 2012

Stuart Weitzman launches new spring campaign, Diesel Black Gold opens in SoHo and Narciso Rodriguez launches accessories collection

Stuart Weitzman Taps Natalia Vodianova for Spring

The spring Stuart Weitzman campaign features Natalia Vodianova, wearing a little more than her “Stuarts.” “Vodianova was chosen as the face of the brand not only because of her sex appeal, but because of her approachable girl-next-door allure, according to the company.” The spring campaign will showcase the new “Stuart Weitzman New York” logo design.

The company will spend 3.5 million this spring on advertisement, double last year’s budget. Ads will run in March in the U.S., Italy, France, Spain and Asia. In the U.S., ads will appear in Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, W, Interview and InStyle.

Diesel Black Gold Opens Unit in SoHo

Diesel Black Gold, the four year old division of Diesel, finally has its own store front in SoHo. Leather represents the core of the collection. The Black Gold look tends to be cleaner than Diesel, and has sophisticated silhouettes.  With higher quality materials being used, Black Gold’s audience could be older with greater discretionary income than Diesel’s main clientele.

“We’ve built up the brand enough so that now we are comfortable providing consumers with its full expression,” said Cristiano Quieti, chief executive officer of Diesel in the U.S., during a preview of the first Diesel Black Gold store, opening today at 68 Greene Street in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood.”

Narciso Rodriguez to Launch Accessories Collection

Narciso Rodriquez will launch an official accessories collection at his Tuesday runway show. He has shown shoes in past collections, but they haven’t gone to production since 2007. The fall line up will consist of seven shoe styles and eight handbags. The shoes and handbags will be made out of alligator, ostrich, lizard and suede.

“The inspiration came directly from the ready-to-wear,” said Rodriguez, “with a mix of precious materials applied in new ways.”

-Katie Schmitz

Source & Photo: WWD

Trending For Spring 2012: Bright Suits

If you are anything like me, looking into your closet can be like looking into a sea full of grey and black. A bright suit can be the piece to bring your closet back to life. These suits come across as being professional, while still fun and trend setting. It catches your attention by itself, so wear a neutral or white shirt under the outfit. One of the best parts about having a bright suit in your closet, is you can wear it with many of your other outfits. You can wear the blazer with your favorite little black dress and the pants with your favorite blouse. Here are six bright suits we are loving for Spring 2012:

1. Preen Hutchinson Cutout Wool-Blend Jacket, $1,645
Preen Razor Wool-Blend Pants, $1,050

2. Rebecca Minkoff Becky Jacket, $328
Rebecca Minkoff Sanna Pants, $298

3. Rebecca Minkoff Becky Jacket, $328
Rebecca Minkoff Sanna Pants, now $208.60

4. Sonia Rykiel Double Breasted Blazer, $1,495
 Sonia Sykiel Suiting Shorts, $595

5. Rachel Zoe Hutton Tux Jacket, $425
Rachel Zoe Tipi Boot Cut Pants, $295

6. The Row Kevington Jacket, $2,090
The Row Stretch Pant, $990

- Katie Schmitz

Image Layout: Kristine Horton

Today’s Fashion Headlines. February 10, 2012

Jennifer Lopez

The Demand for the Brand Hermès

The current focus for Hermès International is to simply keep up with the demand for the famous Birkin bags and silk scarves. The demand for the French luxury brand has allowed the company to beat its sale target in 2011, and, if they can keep up with the demand, revenues are expected to grow into double-digits. This year the brand is opening up two leather good factories in France and plans on adding 600 employees to the company.

Eight stores have been renovated or enlarged over the course of 2011 along with another fifteen stores stores that are planned on being opened or renovated by the end of 2012. Hermès reported a 15.8% increase, or $1.15 billion, during the last period. Due to their increase in revenue and interest, the company is approaching 2012 with confidence, as said Mireille Maury, managing director of finance and administration at Hermès.

A Fashion Show With Heart

Many celebrities took their turn down the runway for The Heart Truth fashion show last night. The Heart Truth, who holds the benefit show every year, is a campaign for women and dangers of heart disease. Actresses like Rose McGowan and other VIP’s slipped into red numbers and tried to make it down the runway.

Not all made it down smoothly, though. Minka Kelly happened to lose a shoe while showing off her Diane von Furstenberg dress while Christie Brinkley’s Pamella Roland gown almost caused a fall when the gown caught on to her four-inch heel. At the end of the night, however, a great show allowed women to show off fabulous dresses for a great purpose. See our Second City Style review here.

The Glow of J. Lo

Jennifer Lopez has a lot on her career plate right now. From TV shows to her new album, she has been quite busy. A new creation includes Glowing, her newest perfume that hits shelves this May. After her original fragrance, Glow, took on the market ten years ago making over $100 million globally within the first year, Lopez is simply building on to her fragrance empire.

Glowing  is the new scent, as Lopez stated, that is “a step beyond Glow.” Meant to have a “clean” smell and woodsy scent, it shows the evolution of Lopez’s taste over the past decade.  Scents from cassia flower to amber sultan were used to created this earthy fragrance. Three sizes, 1 oz., 1.7 oz., and 2.5 oz. will be sold from prices ranges of $39 to $65. Also offered will be a 6.7 oz. of body lotion. 

- Lindsay Grundy

Source: WWD

Photo: Stephen Sullivan for WWD

Today’s Fashion Headlines. February 9, 2012.

Victor Cruz kicking off the beginning of New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

And So Begins New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Today marks the beginning of New York’s Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, with many things to look forward to for both those attending and those at home. Almost every major designer has opted to have a live-stream of their runway shows, along with the typical social media updates from Twitter and Facebook. From apps to websites, there are many ways to connect to the runway this week.

Some, however, are taking a step away from the computer to see the shows live. The influence of fashion blogger has changed the invite list for many designers. Once thought of as fans of couture, bloggers are now thought of as specialists in the field. As Tom Tom Julian, owner of the Tom Julian Group, says, “Some bloggers are quantifiable and qualified, and you can’t ignore that.” No matter where the fashionista is, however, a large amount of exposure is expected for fashion week.

The Demise of American Living at J.C. Penney

In 2008 Ralph Lauren began a label called American Living in collaboration with J.C. Penney. As of this week, Ralph Lauren announced that the shipments for the spring-summer season will be the last shipments for the brand. Although rumors spread at the end of 2011 about reinventing the label, it did not become clear what was going to happen to the label until last month when Ron Johnson, J.C. Penney Co. Inc.’s chief executive officer, showed signs that the five year old brand might not fit the current vision of the store.

Many do not believe this will be a problem for the Ralph Lauren Co.. Total sales have rose 17.2%, with Club Monaco, owned by Ralph Lauren Co., gaining a 17% percent increase in sales. Now focus is being shifted to the company investing in new stores and a worldwide presence on the internet. The company is planning on launching the Club Monaco e-commerce site in the U.S. and Canada in March and gaining a large global presence over the next few years.

$51 Million Spent on Fake “Sex and the City” Perfume

U.S. Customs & Border Protection official released the list of seizures for 2011, which included the counterfeit version of the “Sex and the City” perfume, based off of the popular HBO TV series and movies. Just over the course of one year over $51 million was spent on the counterfeit goods.

When Customs recently focused on a 138 commercial shipments of perfume, they seized 52 of the shipments for infringement of the “Sex and the City” trademark. The 52 shipments were valued at $8 million; the value of the authentic versions selling at retail would total more than $45 million. Customs will continue to search and seize counterfeit goods to avoid harmful or unknown chemicals being brought into the U.S.

- Lindsay Grundy

Source: WWD

Photo: George Chinsee for WWD