UK:Womenswear brand Arrogant Cat to make debut at Pure

 

London based label, Arrogant Cat is making a debuting at Pure London this weekend. The edgy womenswear brand will be exhibiting a mixture of street chic and divine femininity that creates trends away from the mainstream labels. Arrogant Cat is not just a name. It's a philosophy!

Arrogant Cat started life in the heart of London on the famous Portobello and Spitalfields Markets by founder and Creative director Somi. In 2001 the first store was opened and since then it has grown from strength to strength and now boasts six UK stores.

The label is a firm favourite with A-list celebrity starlets such as Lindsey Lohan, Mischa Barton, Kate Bosworth, Paris Hilton, Alexa Chung and Amy Winehouse.

This season the Spirit section is set to host the hottest line up to date. Amazing new signings include UK label Supreme Being with their streetwear collection, FILA Vintage Collection with a range of sporty silhouettes and bold colours, Baby Phat which was launched 10 years ago by supermodel Kimora Lee Simmons, with preppy and stylish attire Original Penguin will add a unique feminine twist to the section and a brand guaranteed to fly out of the door Rare. 

USA:Olympic champion Dwyane Wade joins Team Jordan familyPeugeot RCZ confirmed for Australia

UK:Hayley Mac wins title of Miss Galaxy UK & International 2009/10

 

Clarisse, the popular line of evening wear and prom dresses, provided the winning gowns for Miss Galaxy-UK and Miss Teen Galaxy-UK 2009/10. These prestigious competitions are the most prominent pageants in the United Kingdom. Young ladies from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland compete for the title Miss Galaxy-UK and Miss Teen Galaxy-UK. Winners go on to an international competition in Florida. An important and vital part of both competitions are the formal dresses.

For both competitions, Clarisse provided the glamour and elegance with their stunning and breath-taking dresses. The winner of the Miss Galaxy competition, Hayley Mac, and the winner of the Miss Teen Galaxy competition, Emma McInnes, both advanced to the international competition in Florida. There, they both won the international title and also the award for best in evening wear. When each young lady won, she was wearing a Clarisse gown.

Clarisse provides all types of elegant and flirty dresses for young girls through their website Clarisse.us as well as retail stores. From proms, to parties, to formal settings, Clarisse has something for every occasion. Stunning long evening gowns, short prom dresses, homecoming gowns and more are all part of the collection offered.

In addition to this, Promgirl.net was a prize sponsor of Miss Galaxy 2009/10 awarding the winners with beautiful dresses from their collection. Promgirl.net is one of the leading online retailers of prom dresses, party dresses, and evening gowns. They sell some of the very same dresses that can be seen on celebrities at red carpet events.

Both companies are taking advantage of a fast growing trend of online buying. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, online sales have doubled since 2000 and are still growing. Consumer concerns about spending money on gas to travel from location to location and the willingness of some online sellers to drop ship directly adds to the allure for shoppers. The prom dress buying age group is online to begin with, and therefore, it makes sense that many teens will buy prom dresses online.

Promgirl.net carries some of the top brands in evening gowns such as Mori Lee, Clarisse, Jovani, Sherri Hill, and Paris. Their prom dresses are often top picks for pageant participants because of the many choices, styles, colors, fabrics, and looks. Due to the online access, it is easy to look at a variety of dresses and pick the right one.

When the winners of Miss Galaxy-UK and Miss Teen Galaxy-UK went on to the international final in Florida, their Clarisse dresses were provided by Promgirl.net. The best part is that these dresses aren't just available to pageant participants. They are available to any girl who wants to stand out at her prom, a special event, or party.

In a time when online shopping is at an all time high, both Clarisse and Promgirl.net provide young ladies with the choice, customer service,and fast delivery they are looking for. Parents of prom go-ers like the sites for the same reasons. These sites pride themselves on helping girls to have the best prom or other special occasion. From the time girls start to look through the websites for dresses to the time they arrive in the mail, the experience is top notch.

Due to these reasons and more, Promgirl.net was proud to sponsor Miss Galaxy 2009/10 and Miss Teen Galaxy 2009/10. Clarisse was equally as proud to provide the gorgeous winners with best dresses that just added to their beauty. 

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Italy:UCB women collection, smart start for fall/winter season

 

United Colors of Benetton launches fall/winter 2009/2010 collection for women. The byword is understated elegance, just what is needed for a day at work or in town. The colour is sober yet never banal, with a palette full of blues, greys and blacks illuminated by touches of red. The collection is built on fabrics with modern, sophisticated weaves that nonetheless reflect a textile tradition of sewn garments and outerwear.

Haute couture atmospheres in jacquard, waffle or ottoman fabrics ideal for chic little coats or well-proportioned short jackets. Satin crepe, on the other hand, is perfect for cocktail dresses or edgy trousers. Soft, drapey jersey, made of viscose, is just right for simple, close-fitting tops with stripes or all-over prints. Knitwear reveals discreet patterns of cables and diamonds. Classic poplin for shirts rounds off the collection. The city is ready for an elegant, self-aware woman, who avoids exaggeration. The lines of each garment are simply appropriate, a “natural” reflection of her taste.

“BRIT” TASTE – The quiet, serious English countryside in its traditional shades of browns and greens enlivened by flashes of turquoise.

Textiles represent the British style, with the reversible fabrics that are perfect for outerwear; warm Shetland for knitted and sewn apparel; tweed or Prince of Wales patterns appropriate for short jackets or coats. Wool cloth plays a leading role for the new duffel coat, while Oxford is the perfect match for the ever-fashionable classic shirt. Lastly, jersey articles embellished with draping and soft weaves display mottled and grisaille effects. A strictly formal silhouette with sober, figure-hugging lines to enhance femininity. And trousers borrow from equestrian sports.

CABBAGE PATCH DOLLS – A journey around the world of folk-romantic “dolls” that appear amused and amusing in their use of strong, deep colours for a winter in cornflower blue, orange, pink and purple.

Wool, the primary fabric, has a fulled or slightly shrunk look, while cotton has a warm, soft hand. Jersey gets closer to the knitting world in the form of angoretta and mohair. There are also lots of salt-and-pepper-effect, macro checks and chevron patterns on skirts and outerwear. A special mention for rubber-coated, bomber-style nylon padded jackets. An abundance of colours and various fabrics teamed with soft, rounded, enveloping shapes with a vaguely childish look. 

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USA:Target Style sponsors runway shows for two prestigious brands

 

Target Style was the only Spanish publication that represented as a media partner for the prestigious Mercedes Benz Fashion Week event that took place last weekend in Miami Beach.

Target Style sponsored runway shows for two prestigious brands including True Religion and Ed Hardy, who awed guests with their latest collections. "We are truly proud to have been part of this cutting edge event that symbolizes a fashion forward sense in Miami. We look to position Target Style as being at the forefront of the current world fashion trends by participating and bringing to our readers coverage that they could feel identified within our magazine," stated Nancy Clara, editor of Target Style.

Every year the prestigious Mercedes Benz Fashion Week takes place in our city at the historical Miami Beach Raleigh Hotel where the most influential designers from the around the country represent the world of Fashion. VIP celebrities including Ana Kournikova, Billy Zane, Dennis Rodman, Irene Marie, and Cindy Taylor amongst many others are accompanied by a myriad of international press.

This year, Target Style magazine sponsored the swimsuit collection runway show for the brand True Religion which took place on Friday, July 17th. Ed Hardy, the renowned designer presented his exclusive swimwear in a grand affair attended by a significant list of VIP's on Saturday, July 18th showcasing the runway with vanguard bathing suits and a "must" have for the seasons sarongs and bandana accents with the designer's signature prints. Ed Hardy was one of the few designers that showcased a swim wear collection for men. In his collection, he featured a youthful spirit inspired by utilizing prints, stripes and vibrant colors. 

Porsche merged into VolkswagenUSA:M*A*C-Milk to offer designers multilayered support at NYFW

Norway:Helly Hansen Spring/Summer styles are clean & classic

 

Helly Hansen has thrived as a water sports and outdoor apparel and footwear brand for more than 130 years based on the company’s headstrong commitment to innovation. Helly offers premium products that simply work better for their intended uses on a boat deck or in the mountains. If a product doesn’t add anything new to the game it gets cut, no questions asked.

The Spring/Summer 2009 Collection is no exception. Innovation is rampant and the styles are clean and classic with Scandinavian influences. Notable themes:

Outdoor Apparel
Helly Hansen added multiple softshells to the collection to accommodate the growing number of outdoor enthusiasts who prefer the highly breathable, weather resistant designs for running, cycling, walking and hiking in the warmer months. Check out the Men’s Barrier Softshell with high density weave construction, and the women’s hooded Converter Softshell.

The Ekolab R&D Project, an earth-friendly design collection, expanded with the men’s Ekolab Converter Jacket (a three-layer shell), and three men’s and women’s casual lifestyle footwear models made with sustainable materials and processes.

Watersports Apparel Helly grew its technical apparel series for top-tier sailors with the new Ocean Smock for men and women’s Offshore Jacket made with Helly Tech XP waterproof breathable fabrics. Several new jacket styles were added with classic nautical styles to progressive prints that buck tradition, notably the men’s and women’s Lift II jackets.

Baselayer
Helly Hansen hands down makes the best performing next-to-skin layers for all levels of activities in hot or cold climates. The men’s and women’s Trailwizard shortsleeve jersey’s made with HH Cool move moisture better on hot days than any alternatives. Plus, LIFA® Stay Dry Technology is now available in casual men’s and women’s polos ideal for sailing or socializing.

Watersports Footwear
Helly introduces the men’s and women’s Hydro North, the first softshell sailing shoe that breathes and repels wind and waves in style. For wet and muddy days, seven new models of Welly rubber boots were added to the line. And Helly’s popular leather and canvas deck shoe collection expanded with several new models from the traditional to progressive.

Outdoor Footwear
A new rugged hiking shoe called the Elevate was added the to men’s and women’s collections. And the retro Trail Cutter 2, a runner that fits like a slipper, is definitely worth testing. You don’t know what you’re missing.

 

India:Bata India shows remarkable growth in tough timesFerrari announces HGTE pack for 599

USA:Mr Jessup to become Coldwater EVP, Creative Director

 

Coldwater Creek announced that effective August 3, 2009, Jerome Jessup will be joining the company as Executive Vice President, Creative Director, reporting directly to Daniel Griesemer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Coldwater Creek Inc. In this newly created role, Mr. Jessup will have functional responsibility for brand management, creative services and visual merchandising.

"We are pleased to welcome Jerome to the Coldwater Creek organization," said Daniel Griesemer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Coldwater Creek. "Over the past year we have implemented several key strategic initiatives to improve our business, and we are confident that now is the time to invest in further developing our capabilities. We believe that Jerome will be a great addition to our management team and that his extensive retail experience and creative skills will enable us to further strengthen our brand. Georgia Shonk-Simmons' exceptional talents and merchandising expertise, combined with Jerome's insight and direction on the creative and visual aspects of the brand, create a powerful combination that will significantly elevate our assortment and customer experience."

Mr. Jessup is an experienced retail veteran, having spent the last four years running his own fashion collection and consulting practice. Prior to that, he was the senior executive vice president of design and merchandising for Ann Taylor. Mr. Jessup also spent ten years with Gap Inc., leading the design and product development functions for Banana Republic as well as for Gap, GapKids, babyGap and GapBody divisions. He started his career as a designer working with brands like Liz Claiborne and Perry Ellis International. 

USA:M*A*C-Milk to offer designers multilayered support at NYFWGM takes clean sweep of management

USA:M*A*C-Milk to offer designers multilayered support at NYFW

 

M*A*C Cosmetics announced today that it will host a series of runway shows, presentations, special events and other creative activities at Milk Studios during New York Fashion Week (September 10-17) for the Spring 2010 season.

M*A*C and Milk will offer designers multilayered support including; space for their shows, presentations and press appointments. A designer will also have the option to hold castings, hair and makeup tests and look book shoots at The Milk Building (450 West 15th Street) throughout the duration of Fashion Week.

Supporting designers and the fashion community has always been part of both M*A*C and Milk's DNA and is the driving force behind this project. The objective for both partners, already entrenched in the fashion and design community, is to create a space where designers, makeup artists, hair stylists, photographers, media, retailers, design schools and students can come together. The desired result for this collaboration is to inspire new ways of presenting and showing collections in a unique environment, fostering the evolution of Fashion Week in New York.

To date, the designers who have confirmed participation including runway shows, presentations, creative projects, or special events, are: Adam Lippes, Alexander Wang, Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Barbara Tfank, Costello Tagliapietra, Erin Fetherston, Pamela Love, Peter Som, Preen, Proenza Schouler, Temperley London and threeASFOUR.

Estee Lauder Group President John Demsey, commented, "As a longtime supporter of New York Fashion Week, M*A*C is proud to take its advocacy to the next level with this initiative. The M*A*C brand celebrates fashion and encourages creativity. We are delighted to help bring the vision of these talented designers to fruition."

Milk Studios founder and Creative Director Mazdack Rassi added, "Historically, Milk Studios has been a mecca for the fashion industry. I am so thrilled to partner with M*A*C in order to continue our mission of creating a space where some of the most exciting and creative designers of our time can flourish."

"M*A*C PRO Artists have been permanent fixtures backstage during New York Fashion Week for nearly 15 years. The M*A*C and Milk initiative is an exciting opportunity. We look forward to continuing to provide makeup artistry support to renowned and emerging designers showing their collections in all New York Fashion Week venues," says Gordon Espinet, Vice President of Global Makeup Artistry, M*A*C Cosmetics. 

Japan:Talk show event вЂFashion x Beauty’ at JFW-IFFMercedes-AMG to introduce electric SLS

India:Bata India shows remarkable growth in tough times

 

Bata, India’s leading footwear retailer and manufacturer announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009. The Company posted a 8% growth in revenue at Rs. 30,862.6 lacs as against a revenue of Rs. 28,578.2 lacs in the same period last year. The Profit before Tax grew 26% at Rs. 2,718.4 lacs as against a PBT of Rs.2,158.1 lacs in the same period last year.

Announcing the results, Mr. Marcelo Villagran, Managing Director,Bata India Limited said, “Even during the tough economic times, our business has performed remarkably. Our strategy of opening large format stores continues to give us success and we continue to invest in expanding our retail business. The new trendy Bata collection and better shoe designs, value pricing, coupled with improved customer service, has helped us to grow.”

Bata India continues to show a marked growth in the current economic scenario and opened 12 new retail stores and also renovated 25 existing stores during this period. The new Bata shoe stores are based on the international format of Bata Stores and have a minimum area of 3000 sft.

Primarily located in Tier 1 & 2 cities, such as Ahmednagar,Anand,Belgaum, Bhopal, Cochin, Jabalpur, Mohali, Mangalore, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and many others, apart from the metros, these new stores continue to deliver to customers in these small cities, the new contemporary and trendy range of Bata footwear sold in an international style outlet.

Bata continues to focus on continuous improvement of it shoe designs for the youth and women segments. The company introduced a spring summer collection and monsoon collection to meet the growing demand for shoes in these categories.

Bata India is the only retailer to be listed in the top 50 companies of Brand Equity’s Most Trusted Brands 2009. This independent nationwide survey conducted for Brand Equity by Nielsen is the benchmark for Trust, an ageless virtue and the ultimate pinnacle that every marketer and every brand wants to achieve. 

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USA:InnoSera announces Kumiko Uehara of BABY as Guest of Honor

 

Kumiko Uehara, Chief Fashion Designer of Baby, The Stars Shine Bright will be a Guest of Honor at Innocente Seraphim 2009, the nation’s first J-fashion and BJD convention held August 8-9, 2009 at the Westin Bellevue, in Bellevue Washington.

Miss Kumiko Uehara dreamed of becoming a fashion designer as a child. When she was a teen-ager, she discovered the world of lolita fashion. In 1999 she graduated from Bunka Women's University and started her own clothing brand. In 2000, Miss Uehara was recruited by BABY as a designer of dresses, purses and umbrellas. Her masterpiece dresses include the "Elizabeth", the "Cinderella" and the "Yukinonamidahime". In 2009, she was recognized and invited as the designer of BABY to the Japan Pop Cultural Festival. Attendees of InnoSera will have an opportunity to meet Miss Uehara in person, attend a fashion show featuring Baby, The Stars Shine Bright fashions, and buy BABY fashions and accessories at InnoSera plus enjoy panels, workshops, an exhibitor’s hall, anime showings, and dances.

Baby, The Stars Shine Bright is the lolita fashion house created in 1988 by Akinori Isobe and his wife, Fumiyo. Featured in the film, Kamikaze Girls, Baby, The Stars Shine Bright specializes in Sweet Lolita and has another fashion line called Alice and the Pirates. Baby, The Stars Shine Bright opened their first international retail store outside of Japan in Paris, France and is planning to open their first American retail store in San Francisco, California on August 14, 2009.

Lolita Fashion is a fashion subculture originating in Japan. It is influenced by Victorian children's clothing as well as elements from goth-culture and the Rococo period. Lolita fashion has evolved into several different sub styles and has a devoted following of fashionistas around the world. The Lolita look consists primarily of a knee length skirt or dress, blouse, petticoat, knee high socks or stockings and rocking horse or high heel/platform shoes with specific accessories including parasols, bonnets or mini-top hats, and lace gloves.

Innocente Seraphim 2009 will be held August 8 and 9 at the Westin Bellevue in Bellevue Washington.

Innocente Seraphim is a two-day event celebrating modern Asian Ball-Jointed Dolls and Japanese Street Fashion such as Gothic and Sweet Lolita, FRUiTs, and Visual Kei that is created and produced by Valkyries, LLC. An annual event, it will be held this year at the Westin Bellevue in Bellevue Washington on August 8-9, 2009. The event serves as a gathering place for the general public, designers and industry artisans to celebrate, explore, foster trade and communicate about J-fashion and ABJD’s.

Valkyries, LLC is a progressive not-just-for-profit event company specializing in events that foster popular trends and cross-cultural communication. Created by three long time planners of fan-based events, the owners of Valkyries LLC recognized the need for innovative niche-market events produced with quality, fiscal responsibility and an eye for the wants of the attendee. Valkyries LLC continues to look to the fore-front of popular cultural trends and strives to bring those trends to the North American Market. 

Japan:Talk show event вЂFashion x Beauty’ at JFW-IFFFerrari announces HGTE pack for 599

USA:Olympic champion Dwyane Wade joins Team Jordan family

 

Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE Inc, announces the signing of All Star guard and Olympic champion Dwyane Wade to its roster of Team Jordan athletes. Wade joins an illustrious line-up which includes fellow All Stars Derek Jeter, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony to name a few.

Wade’s shift to Jordan Brand fulfills a lifelong dream that started in the early days of his basketball career on the playgrounds of the Windy City. A winner at all levels of his career; Wade set multiple basketball records while playing at Harold L. Richards High School in Oaklawn, Illinois. He later went on to become an All-American at Marquette University and was the 5th pick in the 2003 draft which included current Team Jordan athlete Carmelo Anthony. As a pro basketball scoring leader, he’s accumulated many accolades including a gold medal as part of the U.S. Men’s Basketball Team at the 2008 Summer Olympics, five-time All Star, named the finals MVP in 2006 and led his team to a world championship in the same year.

“For me, the move to Jordan Brand is a dream come true,” said Dwyane Wade. “As a kid, I grew up on the south side of Chicago idolizing Michael Jordan and have worked hard to achieve the same success that he’s had on the court. I have enormous respect for this brand and all that it stands for. I’m humbled to be a part of the Team Jordan family and I’m looking forward to a great future.”

Team Jordan athletes embody the principles that have defined Michael Jordan’s athletic and professional career – dedication, excellence, innovation, and achievement. An elite group of athletes hand-picked by Michael Jordan, they individually excel both as athletes within their respective sports and as members of their communities.

“I’m thrilled to have Dwyane Wade join the Team Jordan family,” said Michael Jordan. “In his short time in the league, Dwyane has transformed himself into one of the game’s best and is the embodiment of leadership both on and off the court, a signature trait of our athletes. As the Jordan franchise approaches its silver anniversary, Dwyane will become a pinnacle member of the Jordan roster poised to help lead the Brand for years to come.”

A division of NIKE, Inc., Jordan Brand is a premium brand of footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan. The Jordan Brand made its debut in 1997 and has grown into a complete collection of performance and lifestyle products. The Jordan Brand remains active in the community by donating a portion of its proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals, an education grants program for teachers.
 

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USA:Models of the Runway offer viewers a no-holds-look

 

Lifetime Television and The Weinstein Company gives Project Runway fans the ultimate, all-access backstage pass with the dazzling new companion series, Models of the Runway, premiering Thursday, August 20, at 11PM ET/PT. Models of the Runway offers viewers - for the first time ever - a no-holds-look at everyone's favorite design series from the models' perspective. The 16 women vie to be paired with the winning designer of Project Runway for a $25,000 cash prize from L'Oreal Skin Genesis and a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine.

The Season One Models of the Runway contestants are as follows:

1.Celine Chua - Hometown: Singapore; Resides in New York, NY
2.Ebony Jointer - Hometown: Bellflower, CA; Resides in Hacienda Heights, CA
3.Emarie Wiltz - Hometown: New Orleans, LA; Resides in New York, NY
4.Erica Milde - Hometown: Chicago, IL; Resides in Milwaukee, WI
5.Erika Macke - Hometown: Redondo Beach, CA; Resides in Beverly Hills, CA
6.Fatma Dabo - Hometown: The Gambia; Resides in Los Angeles, CA
7.Kayln Hemphill - Hometown: Lake Jackson, TX; Resides in New York, NY
8.Katie Sticksel - Hometown: Cleveland, OH; Resides in Los Angeles, CA
9.Kojii Helnwein - Hometown: Ireland; Resides in Los Angeles, CA
10.Lisa Blades - Hometown: Owensboro, KY; Resides in Los Angeles, CA
11.Matar Cohen - Hometown: Israel; Resides in New York, NY
12.Tanisha Harper - Hometown: Japan; Resides in Los Angeles, CA
13.Tara Egan - Hometown: Elmhurst, IL; Resides in Chicago, IL
14.Valerie Roy - Hometown/Resides in New York, NY
15.Vanessa Fitzgerald - Hometown: New York, NY; Resides in Los Angeles, CA/ New York, NY
16.Yosuzi Sylvester - Hometown: Venezuela; Resides in Los Angeles, CA

Hosted by supermodel and fashion maven Heidi Klum, the hit series Project Runway provides budding designers with an opportunity to launch their careers in fashion, under the watchful eye of mentor and Liz Claiborne Chief Creative Officer Tim Gunn. The wildly successful competition reality series has proven to be one of television's most talked about shows and was the highest rated unscripted competition on all of cable for 2008.

Models of the Runway, an exciting new companion series to Project Runway, will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the reality competition - from the models' perspective. Viewers can experience the drama, anxiety, joys, tears and frustrations as the models themselves face elimination each week and compete for a cash prize and photo spread in Marie Claire magazine.

Produced by The Weinstein Company, Miramax Films, Bunim-Murray Productions and Full Picture Productions, Project Runway and Models of the Runway are executive produced by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Co-Chairmen of The Weinstein Company, and Jon Murray and Sara Rea of Bunim-Murray Productions (The Real World). Heidi Klum, Jane Cha and Desiree Gruber of Full Picture Productions also executive produce both series. Barbara Schneeweiss oversees the production on behalf of The Weinstein Company. 

USA:Etcetera unveils fall collectionToyota to build Corolla hybrid - reports

India:FDDI provides training at Yash Exports under PLSDP

 

The 'Placement Linked Skill Development Programme' (PLSDP) under the XIth Five Year Plan of the Government of India is being efficiently implemented by Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) in association with Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).

FDDI is implementing the PLSDP through establishment of training centers at Kanpur, Agra and at various on-site locations across the country where unemployed youths are being selected, trained and provided assistance to get employment in the footwear industry at the shop floor level operations.

Initially, basic courses in cutting and closing operations are being carried out. The training for specific requirements of other skills of footwear manufacturing is being conducted at the factory premises.

According to Mr. Rajeev Lakhara, IRS, Managing Director, FDDI, “The programme which targets to train 12,000 workers in three years time has been meticulously devised after a series of brainstorming session with several manufacturers & exporters of leather & leather products.”

“PLSDP tries to resolve one the major problems of the Indian leather and footwear industry i.e. the shortage of trained manpower at the operator level,” added Mr. Lakhara.

Recently, under the PLSDP, FDDI provided training to 57 persons at the factory premises of Yash Exports, in Rewari, Haryana which is a unit of Zeta Leathers, Manesar.

The training in cutting & closing department was imparted by Mr. Deepak Choudhary - Sr. Faculty Member (HoD), FDDI where the trainees gained knowledge on various operations like Hand & Machine Cutting, Leather Tracing, Blade Making, Upper Making, Skiving etc.

Sharing the details, Mr. Shashi Bhushan Shukla, IRS, Secretary, FDDI, said “The fresh youngsters learn a great deal from this programme through specially designed course curriculum, training material and multimedia.”

“Relevant information in the form of specially designed booklet, multimedia course modules & Swayam Siddha Manuals (the art of self learning) of FDDI, is being provided during the training programme to the trainees,” added Mr. Shukla.

So far, FDDI has covered a total number of 1,117 trainees through the training centers in Kanpur, Agra and other on-site locations all over India. The trainees who have completed their training have been successfully placed in footwear industries. Apart from imparting training through established training centers in Kanpur and Agra, FDDI is actively involved in selection and training of fresh workers in various on-site locations.

FDDI has already trained new workers and operators for M/s TATA International, Dewas, M/s Zermatt Shoe Company Pvt. Ltd, Ambur, M/s Zeta Shoes, Manesar, M/s Tej Shoes, Agra, M/s Jas Exports, Agra, M/s Super House Ltd., Unnao, M/s Uday Shoes, Agra, M/s Amrin Leather Tex, Kanpur, M/s NMZ, Ambur, M/s Rogen Bagen Footwear, Bangalore. 

Holden set for massive boost to China engine exportsJapan:Talk show event вЂFashion x Beauty’ at JFW-IFF

Japan:Talk show event вЂFashion x Beauty’ at JFW-IFF

 

JFW-IFF - Organized by Senken Shimbun Co Ltd, "the JFW International Fashion Fair (IFF)" one of the largest comprehensive trade shows in Japan, will take place at the Tokyo Big Sight from July 22nd to 24th. A bout 800 exhibitors from Japan and 14 other countries and regions such as Europe and Asia will be participating.

The fair has always been well received by the visitors for its wide selection of fashion related products from apparel to accessories as well as the specialized section "Creator's Village (CV)" where you can meet small new but unique distinctive brands. Also as a new section, the fair presents a joint exhibition called "ZACCA COURT.”, in which the buyers can find a broad range of fashion accessories such as bags, hats, and etc with affordable price range at an intimate atmosphere.

In the overseas booth, India is participating with the largest number of 49 companies. The country lately started being recognized as a production center of fashion merchandises, an alternative to China.

The booths with the “China Plus 1” manufacturing countries will definitely meet the demands of the buyers. Don’t forget to check the upscale of the overseas exhibiters section.

- a fashion show, a talk show and the installation, the fair supports the upcoming young designer’s ambitions with various kind of activities!

Starting from the January Fair in the year 2000, IFF has reached the 20th time with this fair. From July edition in 2008, the exhibitions have become more fulfilled as JFW-IFF, and started in full swing from 2009. In this fair, young creator's incubation events will flourish the exhibition, such as Japan Fashion Week Organization's "New Fashion Designer Grand Prix" and the "School Section" of fashion art colleges.

Also, during the fair, a talk show event "Fashion x Beauty," will be held hosting the stylist Mr. Masami Oka and the hair and makeup artist Mr. Futoshi Someya for the three days. There will also be a fashion show held by the Apparel Export Promotion Council India.

Under the sluggish condition in the fashion market, we, the organizer, strongly feels that the JFW-IFF, the largest fashion trade fair in Japan with 800 exhibitors, can somehow provide the solution to make a breakthrough for those who come visit the fair.

We would very much appreciate it if you take this opportunity to cover the IFF and TERROIR.

Information
JFW International Fashion Fair (JFW-IFF)
Date: July 22nd (Wed)-24th (Fri), 2009
Time: 10:00 - 18:00 *Close 17:.00 on July 24th
Venue: TOKYO BIG SIGHT * West Hall
Organizer: SENKEN SHIMBUN
Support:

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan Fashion Association, Japan Textiles Exporters Association, The Japan Textiles Importers Association, Japan Apparel Industry Council, Japan Women's & Children's Wear Manufacturers Association,Japan Retailers Association, Japan Department Stores Association, Japan Chain Stores Association, Japan Specialtystore Association, Japan Council of Shopping Centers, Council of Fashion Designers, Tokyo

Exhibition Scale:
800 exhibitors (From total of 15 countries / regions including Japan, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Australia, Russian,
China, India, Korea, Thailand and Hong Kong)

Visitors: 30,000 (estimated) 

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USA:Etcetera unveils fall collection

 

With summer in full gear, savvy women who plan ahead will be happy to know that the Etcetera Fall 2009 collection is available for selecting must-have wardrobe pieces well in advance of next season. The Etcetera contemporary women's clothing line is known for providing chic, everyday wear to busy, fashionable women via a direct sales, personalized shopping experience. The new Fall collection can be previewed at etcetera.com.

In all, Etcetera's designers have come up with over 200 unique pieces for Fall that work both separately and together to give women the most exciting wardrobe possible for their money. The new collection is now available via appointment-only trunk shows in consultants' homes across the country.

Straight from the Etcetera design team, here are just a few of the must-have trends for Fall which stylish women can incorporate into their wardrobes via the new Etcetera collection:

THINK BIG: Turn up the volume with shapes that are looser, easier and more exaggerated than ever. The must-have look is a jacket lusciously layered over something lean for a look that is effortlessly stylish. Step straight off the runway into something sassy like a hot pink cocoon that sashes in the front but swings loose in the back. Also be on the lookout for a re-styled retro cape shape in the form of a double-faced poncho, a cape-slung sweater or a trapeze jacket of metallic jacquard. This look arrives in many forms for day or night.

BRONZED GODDESS: This fresh metallic hue is the new neutral for the season and truly updates every outfit, giving the season its sizzle. Pair it as a dramatic but glamorous neutral with the unexpected pop-artistic colors of the season. A lean velvet dress in bronze brings a new look for day and night, belted and magical! Jackets are zapped with a burnished glaze, fabrics are threaded with glimmer throughout their rib, and bronze is swagged and zagged in accessories, as well as in featured hardware ranging from zippers to beading.

SCHOOL GIRL PLAID AND EXECUTIVE HOUNDSTOOTH TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE: We're mad for plaid this season, where prepster meets hipster, creating one of fashion's coolest 'prints.' Tartan is worn like never before - sculpted and scooped, far from schoolgirl - showing up in a dishy little dress, a trendy trouser, and a bias cut in a ruffled shirt. If plaid isn't for you - grab a lean, exaggerated hounds tooth print dress and pop on a voluminous, contrasting patent leather coat lined with matching houndstooth trim. Watch heads turn as a result!

KNIT WIT: There's nothing like luxurious knits to exude easy elegance. They provide a no-stress solution to looking terrific in no time! Top-of-the-trends are streamlined sweaters that stand-in for jackets, tweedy 'swing' cardies and double-breasted empire sweater-coats. Be on everyone's best-dressed list with one of this season's free falling sweater dresses in light latte with a chunky rib knit cowl that truly romances the neck! Or in a heathered-charcoal, elbow-cropped, empire waist.
 

Italy:Luxottica closes acquisition of 40% participation in Multiopticas

 

Luxottica Group S.p.A., a leader in the designing, manufacturing and distribution of fashion, luxury and sports eyewear, announces the closing of its acquisition of a 40 percent participation in Multiopticas Internacional S.L. - previously announced on May 27.

This transaction, which is worth approximately Euro 40 million, marks Luxottica's entry into the retail business in South America, a region with excellent growth potential and where the Group already has a solid presence through its wholesale network.

Luxottica Group is a leader in premium fashion, luxury and sports eyewear, with over 6,150 optical and sun retail stores in North America, Asia-Pacific, China, South Africa and Europe and a strong and well balanced brand portfolio.

Luxottica's key house brands include Ray-Ban, the best known sun eyewear brand in the world, Oakley, Vogue, Persol, Oliver Peoples, Arnette and REVO, while license brands include Bvlgari, Burberry, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tiffany and Versace.

Multiopticas Internacional was incorporated in Spain in 1987 and started that year its operations in Portugal where it became over a period of ten years the leading eyewear company in the country. In 1999 it started its operations in South America, first in Chile, followed by Peru. 

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