USA:Soft Star Shoes launches RunAmoc

 

Last fall Soft Star Shoes noticed a sharp increase in calls from customers requesting modifications to their existing line of glove-like moccasins. They were surprised to learn that people weren't only wearing them around the house, but to run trails, marathons and even ultra marathons. With interest increasing in barefoot running due, in part, to the popularity of Christopher McDougall's book "Born to Run," Soft Star developed a minimal running "moccasin."

Soft Star worked with the online community to solicit input on features, prototypes, and names for the new shoe. The result was a lighter, ventilated shoe with a super-thin, flexible running sole. The RunAmoc weighs less than 6 oz. and is available with both 2mm "street" and 5mm "trail" soles.

Soft Star Shoes is a 25-year-old family-run manufacturing company located in Corvallis, Oregon. The company specializes in barefoot-like designs for children and adults. All Soft Star Shoes are 100% handcrafted in the U.S.A in their solar-powered workshop. 

ANCAP ratings announcedUSA:Running brand seizes industry awards - KARHU

Germany:BREAD & BUTTER announces winter date 2011

 

The worldwide leading trade show for Street and Urbanwear BREAD & BUTTER – tradeshow for selected brands takes place in the upcoming winter from 19 – 21 January 2011, as usual on the event days Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The upcoming event dates of Bread & Butter Berlin are as follows:
SUMMER 2010 Wednesday, 7 July to Friday, 9 July 2010
WINTER 2011 Wednesday, 19 January to Friday, 21 January 2011

As an international specialist trade fair for Street and Urban Wear, BREAD & BUTTER represents a marketing and communication platform for brands, labels and designers from the areas of Denim, Sportswear, Street Fashion, Function Wear and Casual Dressed Up. 

Nissan is Official Car for the FIA GT1 World ChampionshipUSA:ASR aligns 2011 show dates to best serve industryВ№s future needs

USA:Sunglass Hut celebrates New York flagship opening

 

Sunglass Hut, the leading global sunglass retailer, celebrates the opening of its New York Flagship store with a star-studded event hosted by Sunglass Hut's Style Director, Rachel Bilson.

The Sunglass Hut flagship concept was inspired by style savvy consumers providing a fun, innovative experience that celebrates fashion and shopping. Fifth Avenue passersby will be attracted by the entirely lit up building and will then be able to experience first hand an interactive motion touch screen. In addition, they'll be able to interact with additional screens inside: taking pictures of themselves, and ultimately playing them through a sensitive touch screen.

The Sunglass Hut Fifth Avenue Flagship store is 6,000 square feet and spans two floors including a mezzanine level. The ground floor features displays that will showcase the latest sunglass collections from leading brands. Full-length oversized mirrors will also allow consumers to try sunglasses on to complete their total look. The second floor, a dedicated VIP area, overlooks bustling Fifth Avenue, known for attracting global travelers and fashion focused consumers. A Sunglass Hut SocialSun station, the retailer's proprietary interactive retail concept, will be a major feature.

The celebration kicked off in New York on April 28th and will be followed by an event in London the day after. These concurrent events in these two major gateway cities mark an unprecedented commitment to the eyewear category.

The flagship locations will feature an expanded brand assortment that truly reflects Sunglass Hut's personality and editorial voice with a focus on Burberry, Bvlgari, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Persol, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co., and Versace, plus newly launched brands such as Tory Burch and Stella McCartney. Special editions found only in this premier Sunglass Hut include Tom Ford and Badgley Mischka. Consumers will also be able to find classic sunglass brands like Ray-Ban, and Oakley. With over 30 designer brands in today's must-have silhouettes such as aviator and cat-eye, consumers will be able to reinvent themselves and convey new looks with the simple act of wearing new shades.

Sunglass Hut is one of the retail brands of Luxottica Group, the global leader in eyewear. 

MyFord Touch technology to teach fuel efficient driving techniquesUSA:Caron Wheeler to attend FTF’s opening of New Bay Plaza Store

Europe:Bergio announces European expansion

 

Bergio International, Inc., a leading jeweler creating one of the world's largest diversified jewelry designers and manufacturers through acquisitions and consolidation in the estimated $160 billion a year highly fragmented mom and pop jewelry industry, is pleased to announce that the company's first retail site is planned in Munich in the fourth quarter 2010 .

Berge Abajian, CEO of Bergio International, Inc., states, "I'm very excited about the prospect of our first flagship store and promise it to be a standard for future locations proposed in Milan and Zurich. Additionally, this should further deepen the brand domestically as well by making it an international jewelry organization."

Management believes that completion of this store will aid the company in attracting more favorable candidates to embark on its acquisition strategy providing targeted acquisition candidates with a model to work from. 

Switzerland:Charles VГ¶gele becomes title sponsor of Fashion Days ZurichŠkoda Octavia MingRui set to star at Beijing Motor Show

USA:Andres Aquino receives Style Fashion Leader & Inspiration Award

 

Couture Fashion Week founder and producer Andres Aquino received the “Style Fashion Leader & Inspiration Award” from SUNY Westchester Community College. In a special ceremony andreception held at the elegant La Panetiere restaurant in Rye, NY,the award was presented by Professor Phyllis Fein, Curriculum Chair Fashion Merchandising on April 16, 2010.

Over the last few years Mr. Aquino has developed a dynamic relationship with SUNY WCC. Each season many of the college’s fashion merchandising students volunteer at Couture Fashion Week sharpening their skills with hands-on experience at the prestigious fashion event with activities ranging from assisting designers backstage to technical and front-of-house assignments.

SUNY Westchester Community College is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its fashion program and is introducing The FashionTechnology & Production Degree. During summer 2010 SUNY WCC fashion students will be taking part in a special study abroad collaboration with the Scuola Leonardo Da Vinci in Milan.

“It is indeed an honor to receive this special award,” said Andres Aquino. “The experience of working with Professor Fein and the enthusiastic and energetic fashion students has been a very positive one for Couture Fashion Week. We look forward to continuing our partnership with this great fashion merchandising school, and wish the program much continued success as it grows.”In addition his role as producer of Couture Fashion Week, Andres Aquino is also an accomplished fashion designer. He has presentedhis designs at fashion events worldwide, including Romania,India,Dubai, and the Dominican Republic as well as Palm Beach and New York City, and his fashion accomplishments have been covered by press around the globe.

Upcoming shows by Mr. Aquino include a gala couture fashion show in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands in May 2010 as part of a literacyfundraiser, and a new collection to be featured at CoutureFashion Week at 8:00 p.m. on September 11, 2010 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. 

UAE:Andres Aquino’s collection at DFW continues building of Intl brandMINI Countryman, fourth model in lineup, revealed at Milan launch party

UK:Barnet College on the catwalk at Alternative Fashion Week

 

Work by Silvana Seseri and Rachael McKenzie-Sealy, both Year 2 students, and Lorein Manyika, who is in her first year, was featured in the event held at Spitalfields Market on 22 April. Photographs of the catwalk shows were taken by Efstathia Josif, who is studying BTEC National Diploma Photography at Barnet College.

The fashion courses at Barnet College encourage creative design and prepare learners for the challenges of the fashion industry. The College will be showcasing these and other art, design and performing arts courses at the Graseby House open evening on 6 May 2010.

Barnet College’s next Open Evenings are on 4, 5 and 6 May. See our website for full details. 

MINI Countryman, fourth model in lineup, revealed at Milan launch partyGlobal:Gulf countries proving to be fashion hubs - Cinco

USA:Shop in Style fashion design contest launch

 

Independent Retail Week New York City held June 7th - 13th, Philadelphia held June 14th - 20th and Chicago October 2010, created by Nolcha, kicks off the spring retail celebration by launching Shop in Style contest for consumers to design the official shopping tote to be used by fashion lovers in New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago.

The contest is in partnership with My Virtual Model and focuses on engaging the consumer to share their style while promoting greener shopping; a reusable tote is a must-have accessory. Entries will be voted on by fellow peers via social media and oneentrant will have the chance to win over $650 in goodies;including an Escada Beach Bag, 1oz Escada Marine Groove Fragrance, Escada t-shirt, Escada beach scarf and Maleku Citrine and Silver Jewelry Set.

Gregory Saumier-Finch, General Manager at My Virtual Model states: "Teaming up with Nolcha for Independent Retail Week provides My Virtual Model users an opportunity to express their fashion style and actively participate in shaping the fashion industry. After all shopping is a social activity. The millions of registered users for My Virtual Model are sure to love this challenge, and opportunity, to design the official Shopping Tote for Independent Retail Week and get their friends and family to vote for their designs."

Independent Retail Week offers independent fashion boutiques a platform to reach thousands of consumers via a week-longcity-wide shopping extravaganza and increase brand awareness.There is something for everybody: those who want to be pampered with beauty samples and spa treatments, parties for the fashionista who wants to grab the latest trends at one week only promotions and style consultancy parties where consumers can get advice from the retailers themselves.

"Through the Shop in Style fashion design contest, consumers willbe given the rare chance to take creative license in making a lasting impression with their vision for the totes' aesthetic," shares Lynn Furge, Creative Director of Nolcha. "Now more than ever the industry is really listening to the consumer and what better way to let us know than by showing us while having the chance to win some amazing prizes." 

Global:Gulf countries proving to be fashion hubs - CincoMINI Countryman, fourth model in lineup, revealed at Milan launch party

Singapore:N-W bags Global Award for Best Airport Travel Retailer

 

Nuance-Watson (Singapore) is the proud recipient of the 2010 Duty Free News International (DFNI) Global Award for “Best Airport Travel Retailer”. The winners for 2010 were announced at the DFNI Charity Ball in London on Friday April 23rd. The recipients of these prestigious awards were determined from votes cast by suppliers in the travel retail business.

Ken Tse, Managing Director, Nuance-Watson (Singapore), commented: “This is a great night for Changi Airport, as besides Nuance-Watson (Singapore) winning, we were delighted to note that Changi Airport Group was also recognized.”

Ken Tse further added “We are very pleased to have been given the prestigious award of Best Airport Travel Retailer. Our success this year can be attributed to the hard work and immense dedication of my team, generating new ideas and growth strategies during the tough Global Financial Crisis. This hard work resulted in the Nuance-Watson Perfume & Cosmetics stores at Changi International Airport achieving sales growth during 2009 despite the downturn in passenger travel” 

Hyundai i30 sells 500,000 units worldwide, Australian sales strongUSA:Nordstrom to retail Briggs & Riley travel goods

UK:Lily Allen to launch fashion label via reality show

 

Although, singer, actor and host, Lily Allen has announced that she would be breaking away from her music career, she has planned to remain in the limelight by deciding to act in a television reality show that will showcase her new fashion store and also her new apparel line.

Allen would be introducing her new apparel line, вЂLucy in Disguise’, with her half-sister Sarah Owen at Vintage during the Goodwood festival in August.

In a joint venture with a UK-based television channel, it was decided that Allen’s line of apparels will be recorded from the time she would design and promote the same at her store and during the Goodwood event.

Through this show, Allen’s experiences, while working on her fashion boutique, will be portrayed to the viewers and it is scheduled to go on air early next year.

This, apparently has not been Allen’s first brisk with fashion. A couple of years ago she had designed summer apparel line and other outfits for a high-end apparel brand.
 

Switzerland:Charles Vögele becomes title sponsor of Fashion Days ZurichMINI Countryman, fourth model in lineup, revealed at Milan launch party

UK:Gucci opens new concept flash sneaker store

 

Last night Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini celebrated the opening of the new Gucci Icon-Temporary store on Earlham Street, Seven Dials, Covent Garden. London is the third stop in a four city tour for this new concept flash sneaker store.

Giannini was joined by award winning music producer and artist Mark Ronson who collaborated on the design of a limited edition Gucci-Ronson Sneaker available in the store. The evening featured a cocktail party for VIP guests and music by The Misshapes' Geordon Nicol & Leigh Lezark.

The London opening was followed by an after party at Ronnie Scotts, Soho where Giannini & friend Jefferson Hack welcomed over 400 guests to the renowned Jazz club. Music was provided by DJs Seb Chew, Mathew Stone, Trevor Jackson and Pipa & Iwan with performances by Friendly Fires, Patrick Wolf & Chauffeur.

The following celebrities and VIPs attended the evening:

Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon & Nick Rhodes, Dominic Cooper, Ben Hudson, Johnny Borrell, Jamie Campbell Bower, Bonnie Wright , Natalie Press, Julia Restoin, Keli Okoreke, Margo Stilley, Anouska Beckwith, Lorahlee Astor, Tolula Adeyemi. 

USA:Caron Wheeler to attend FTF’s opening of New Bay Plaza StoreMINI Countryman, fourth model in lineup, revealed at Milan launch party

USA:Torrid hosts House of Dreams Model Search

 

Torrid, the fashion destination for plus-size young women, is coming to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to host its first-ever House of Dreams Model Search on the island. The event kicks off with an open casting call on Thursday, May 6, 2010, at the famous Plaza las Américas shopping mall. Ten finalists will be chosen to walk the runway and one winner will be selected at Torrid’s runway show at Plaza las Américas on Saturday, May 8, 2010, at 6:00 p.m.

The winner will receive an all-expense-paid, luxury trip to Hollywood, California, where she will walk the runway in a blow-out fashion event and rock a photo shoot to become the new face of Torrid.com.

This event helps celebrate the new Torrid retail space at Plaza las AmГ©ricas, which will bring the one-of-a-kind Torrid shopping experience to the women of Puerto Rico. With styles taken straight from the runway, chic accessories and great-fitting denim, Torrid will provide the community with a new destination for the country’s most fashionable trendsetters. 

USA:Teen fashion icon Miley Cyrus kicks off Habbo RunwayMINI Countryman, fourth model in lineup, revealed at Milan launch party

USA:Teen fashion icon Miley Cyrus kicks off Habbo Runway

 

Habbo Hotel, the world's largest virtual community, has turned into a fashion house, as the Habbo Runway campaign launched with a search for the best Habbo Fashion Designer. The competition will be judged by multi-platinum Hollywood Records' recording artist and teen fashion icon Miley Cyrus, who kicked off the campaign.

Habbo Runway is a global fashion campaign, taking place in all 31 Habbo Hotel communities around the world. A celebration of teen creativity during the four weeks of fashion campaign, millions of Habbo users will be able to participate in various beauty and fashion-related activities. The campaign's highlight is the fashion designer competition, as all Habbo users around the world will have the chance to compete for the title of the Best Habbo Fashion Designer.

After local competition rounds and user voting, Habbo's fabulous celebrity judge, Miley Cyrus, will select and announce the global winner. In addition to fame and fortune in the virtual community, the winner will get his/her winning clothing designs produced and released as Habbo Hotel virtual clothing, available to millions of users around the world.

"I'm honored to choose the global winner and crown the Best Habbo Fashion Designer! I'm looking forward to see lots of creativity and innovative designs throughout the challenge," Habbo Runway's judge Miley Cyrus comments. 

USA:Short teen models to stand tall at 4th Annual Charity Fashion ShowNissan is Official Car for the FIA GT1 World Championship

India:Future Group forays into вЂNew’ private label category

 

Future Group announced the launch of вЂJohn Miller’ range of body deodorant sprays in three refreshing fragrances under sub-brands PowerPlay, Flirt & DarkNight. After its success in men’s formal wear category in and outside Future Group stores, John Miller has marked its foray in men’s grooming category with the launch of its new range of body deodorant sprays.

Speaking on the Launch , Mr. Devendra Chawla, Business Head - Private Brands said, “Increasingly consumers are graduating to wearing different accessories (like footwear) & apparels for different occasions like Office wear, Casual wear & Evening wear, we capitalized on this insight and developed fragrances that would match different occasions/moods and thus drive consumption . John Miller range of Deodorant Sprays has three refreshing fragrances that would appeal to the lifestyle of the consumers-on-the-go.

PowerPlay: This vitalizing fragrance is for the вЂMe at Work’ mood wanting to climb the corporate ladder with skilled maneuver.

Flirt: This sparkling cool fragrance is for the †relaxed †mood enriching experiences like after office hangouts, outings with friends, movie’s and those relaxed weekends.

DarkNight: This musky and woody fragrance is for the вЂMe at Party Time’ mood resonating with high energy and appetite for adventure unleashing the wild side.

John Miller range of Deodorants will initially be available at all Big Bazaar & Food Bazaar outlets across the country and thereon at other Future Group formats at a special introductory price of Rs 99/- for 150ML. The smart pricing is to encourage the consumer to pick more variants for various occasions, thus drive consumption.

“John Miller is aimed at mid-level executives who aspire to play the bigger game in corporate life and outsmart competition by their non-linear, smooth actions. John Miller Deos reflect this effortless, charmingly wicked and playful brand personality. The brand communication campaign вЂGood Looking rascal †makes it looks easy.” explained Mr. Atulit Saxena. 

Switzerland:Charles Vögele becomes title sponsor of Fashion Days ZurichSubaru Impreza WRX STI spec C gains FIA Group N homologation

USA:Hilary Duff showcases latest fashions from Arefeh

 

ABC's recent prime-time movie "Beauty and the Briefcase" starring Hilary Duff showcases the latest fashions from wedding and evening gown designer Arefeh Mansouri.

"As an up and coming designer, it was great to see some of my favorite handywork on the silver screen. I wanted to display a wide range of designs from avant-garde to simple and chic," says designer Arefeh Mansouri.

This year has been very busy for the renowned designer. After designing her beautiful tote bags for both the Emmy and Oscar charity events, Arefeh Mansouri feels this to be a great start since starting her line in the US only 3 years ago. 

NUMMI produces last vehicle, future EV production a possibilityUAE:Alain Germain to visit Esmod Dubai

UAE:Damas unveils five-petal flowers bloom splendour jewellery

 

On the auspicious occasion of the South Indian Hindu festival Akshaya Tritiya, Damas launches an exotic new collection of jewels under its highly popular Kiku Pearls brand where five-petal flowers bloom in splendour amidst 18k yellow gold settings, diamonds, pearls, rubies, sapphires and emeralds presenting vibrant pendant chains, stud earrings and rings.

Akshaya Tritiya is considered to be one of the most sacred festivals due to the rare positioning of beneficial planets, which augurs eternal prosperity and success for any new beginnings made and for valuables bought on that particular day.

The Kiku Pearls special Akshaya Tritiya collection’s central motif is a five-petal bloom at the heart of which is embedded a peerless round diamond brilliant set in a five-pointed star. It is ringed by rubies, sapphires or emer-alds and further encircled by large вЂpetals’ featuring freshwater pearls.

Interspersed by sparkling diamond bril-liants their lustrous beauty is further enhanced. Damas then displays its creative touch by featuring each of its magical blossoms on large stud earrings, pendants and rings of fantasy.

Bold yet feminine, this array of festive jewels is available in three options featuring rubies, sapphires and emeralds and comes in extremely price friendly options: pendant AED 1,090, earrings AED 1,370 and ring at AED 1,090. The total set is priced at AED 3,550.

Tamjid Abdullah of Damas Jewellery commented, “We are indeed very happy to present the special Kiku Pearls Akshaya Tritiya collection. Floral inspired and visually splendorous, it perfectly reflects the joyous mood of an ancient festival. By blending a rich and colourful array of precious materials it unfurls grand options as adornment for jewellery lovers seeking opulent and extraordinary options as adornment.”

Ajay Pandey – GM Category & Marketing Head of Damas jewellery said, “Indians form one of our largest section of shoppers and the new Kiku Pearls Akshaya Tritiya collection is designed to perfectly capture the mood of the occasion. As Damas has always been sensitive to both the needs of its customers as well as to market fluctua-tions these jewels come at very attractive price options too.”

Discover Damas’ floral artistry in its special Kiku Pearls Akshaya Tritiya collection now available at select Damas outlets across the UAE.
 

Volkswagen Passat CC now with five seats, but not in AustraliaUAE:Discover splendor of вЂMichael Cinco’ at Dubai Fashion Week

Global:Gulf countries proving to be fashion hubs - Cinco

 

Michael Cinco, one of gulf regions finest fashion designers, showcased his latest Autumn Winter Collections for the year 2010 on April 6, 2010, at the Godolphin Ballroom of the Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

With an excitement, of his collections being featured, in the second annual fashion calendar, Michael Cinco, in a chat with fibre2fashion speaks about his experiences in the fashion industry, his signature styles and concepts, fashion shows and more.

On questioning about his tenure in the fashion and glamour industry, and his experience following it, he replied, “As a child I was enthralled watching Hollywood female movie stars in black and white. It is then that I realized I wanted to be a part of this wonderful industry.

It’s been 17 years in the industry and every moment in my life has been challenging for me, so as to create a unique design that, will make every woman look like a Hollywood star. The best moment, according to me, is when the most fashionable people in the industry appreciate your unique creations.”

Cinco’s design philosophy as a designer is based purely on aesthetics. He says, “My design aesthetics is classy and fabulous. Also, for a woman, it’s not necessary to follow the on-going trends all the time. What she wears and how, should be of her own choice and that for me, is вЂstyle’, an вЂindividual’ statement that is above the on-going trend.”

Continuing with his explanation on style, “As I said, style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. And fashion is something that comes after style. Its unnecessary for clothes to always be overly dramatic and outlandish, just to create drama and attention. Style can neither be seen nor touched. It is felt within your soul.”

Other than Dubai fashion week, Cinco has also participated in Miami Fashion Week and Philippine Fashion Week and he is likely to participate this year, in the New York Couture Fashion Week.

Speaking about his latest Autumn Winter 2010 collection that Cinco showcased at the Dubai Fashion Week 2010 he said that, “My collection is inspired by my favorite opera, вЂMadame Butterfly’.

From culture to people to the cherry blossoms, the colours and also the character of Cho Cho San, the lead actress of the opera, were displayed in my creations. These are things that first strike my mind when I think about Japan, its culture and the opera.”

Speaking about his attraction towards Dubai fashion week that keeps bringing him back, season after season, Cinco said, “I think this fashion week is an excellent platform for all the UAE based designers, to put forth their creations to the world.

It gives an excellent exposure for designers like me to inform other international markets that the fashion business in Gulf countries is thriving and is luckily not affected by the economic downturn. More so, Arab women from UAE, Saudi and other Gulf countries comprise most of the clientele for the European designers, from Paris and Milan.”
 

MINI Countryman, fourth model in lineup, revealed at Milan launch partyUAE:Discover splendor of вЂMichael Cinco’ at Dubai Fashion Week

USA:Coach continues to experience rapid growth in China

 

Coach, Inc., a leading marketer of modern classic American accessories, reported sales of $831 million for its third fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2010, compared with $740 million reported in the same period of the prior year, an increase of 12%. Earnings per diluted share totaled $0.50 for the quarter compared to $0.36 a year ago, an increase of 40%. Net income rose 37% to $158 million from $115 million reported for the prior year. It should be noted, last year’s third quarter included a one-time charge related to certain cost reduction measures of $13 million before tax and $8 million after tax. Excluding this one-time charge from prior year results, net income rose 28% and earnings per share increased 31%.

The company also announced that its Board of Directors has voted to double its cash dividend, raising it to an annual rate of $0.60 per share starting with the dividend to be paid to stockholders in July 2010. Concurrently, the Board has authorized the repurchase of up to $1 billion of its outstanding common stock by June 30, 2012.

Lew Frankfort, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Coach, Inc. said, “Our excellent third quarter results showed further strengthening of our full-priced businesses across all geographies and channels. These trends reflect the traction of the strategies we put into place entering 2010, positioning Coach well for the future. Further, the announcements of the doubling of our dividend and the authorization of a new buyback program reflect our financial strength and our confidence in Coach’s business outlook.”

“We were very pleased to achieve results which showed double-digit increases in each key financial metric – sales, operating income, net income and earnings per share. Importantly, we are also making significant strides in the globalization of the Coach brand. In China, we’re continuing to experience rapid growth and our business is trending about a year ahead of our originally articulated plan. We’re now targeting to achieve about $250 million in sales during FY12. In addition, we’re opening our first mainland China flagship, in Shanghai, this week.”

“Looking beyond North America and Asia, we’re pleased to announce our expansion plans into Western Europe. Through an agreement with Printemps, the renowned French department store group, we plan to open at least 14 locations in Printemps stores throughout France over the next three years. Our first will be a 1,700 square foot shop in their flagship boulevard Haussmann store in Paris this June. In addition, we’ve reached an agreement in principle to establish a joint venture with Hackett Limited, the iconic British retailer, to open Coach stores in the U.K., Spain, Portugal and Ireland. We expect that the first locations in the U.K. and Spain will open during the next twelve months. We’re confident that the Coach proposition of New York fashion and accessible luxury will resonate with the stylish European consumer, as ithas throughout North America, Asia, and the Middle East,” Mr. Frankfort added.
 

Hyundai i30 sells 500,000 units worldwide, Australian sales strongUSA:Wolverine’s branded wholesale footwear delivers excellent results

USA:Caron Wheeler to attend FTF’s opening of New Bay Plaza Store

 

On Saturday May 1st, 2010, two-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Caron Wheeler will attend Fashion To Figure’s (FTF) grand opening celebration of its newest store at Bay Plaza Shopping Center, in the Bronx, New York. 10% of all sales from the day will be donated to VH1’s Save The Music Foundation. FTF is Caron’s favorite clothing store and she remarked, “Fashion To Figure inspires, encourages and enlightens me to do more even beyond my own performance craft with such great style.”

FTF is excited to partner with Ms. Wheeler for this Grand Opening event to help support the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, whose mission is to “ensure that every child has access to a complete education that includes the benefits of music instruction,” and operates in many schools across New York City, including fifty-nine schools in the Bronx. “Caron is a fantastic musician and performer. It is great to have her as a customer and friend at FTF,” said FTF Co-Founder and CEO Michael Kaplan. Kaplan went on to say: “We are delighted to team-up with Caron and VH1 to raise awareness about the importance of music as part of children’s education, as well as fulfill the FTF mission of making people’s lives better through providing them with the ultimate full-fashion shopping experience. The chance to support music education efforts in the Bronx means a lot to Caron and the entire FTF Family as well as to our customers and their families.”

FTF is pleased to announce that 10% of all sales from the day will be donated to VH1’s Save The Music Foundation. Representatives from the VH1 Save The Music Foundation will also accept direct donations at the event. Guests are invited to shop, enjoy complimentary light refreshments, and enter a raffle give-away to win a guitar, courtesy of VH1 Save The Music.

Details:
Saturday, May 1st, 2010 12:00 – 4:00pm
Fashion To Figure
2252 Bartow Avenue
Bronx, NY 10475 

USA:Uptown to have newest Columbia branded storeMINI Countryman, fourth model in lineup, revealed at Milan launch party

UK:Growth in fragrance & watch royalties, Burberry

 

Burberry Group plc, the global luxury company, reports on trading for the six months to 31 March 2010.

Angela Ahrendts, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“With a stronger finish to the year than we had anticipated in both retail and wholesale, we now expect Burberry to deliver adjusted profit before tax in the year just finished slightly above current market consensus.

Looking forward to 2010/11, while the pace and level of the global economic recovery remain unclear, we remain confident that our strategies will continue to build momentum in the business. To drive growth, we will increase investment in new regions, initiatives and digital commerce, while taking further action to enhance the brand.”

Retail
Retail sales, which accounted for over 60% of total revenue in the second half, increased by 15% on an underlying basis (14% reported). New space contributed 5% to this growth.

Comparable store sales in the half increased by 10%. The sales momentum in the third quarter (up 10%) continued into the fourth quarter (up 11%), driven by strong full price sell-through of Spring/Summer 2010 ranges. Both average selling price and gross margin increased compared to last year. Non-apparel was again the strongest performing division across all sub-categories, especially in shoes and soft accessories. In apparel, outerwear again performed well, with awareness driven by the social media site, artofthetrench.com.

Double-digit comparable store sales growth continued in Asia Pacific and Europe. Hong Kong, the UK and the United Arab Emirates were among the best performing markets. There was an improving trend in the Americas, particularly in the fourth quarter, resulting in mid single-digit percentage growth in the second half as a whole.

The net increase of nine mainline stores in the second half included new stores in Paris and Venice and three openings in the Americas (a flagship in Toronto and standalone Burberry London and Burberry Brit stores on Madison Avenue, New York). Average selling space in the second half increased, as planned, by 6%.

Wholesale
Wholesale revenue, which accounted for about 30% of total sales in the second half, declined by 6% on an underlying basis (7% reported). This decline includes the impact of Burberry’s own actions, such as closing certain specialty accounts in Europe, and continued weakness in Spain (which sells a domestic collection unique to that market). Excluding these factors, sales of the global collection grew by a mid single-digit percentage, led by Emerging Markets, the Americas and Travel Retail.

The 6% underlying decline in wholesale revenue is about a ВЈ10m improvement on previous guidance of down 10-12%. This outperformance was driven by higher in-season orders than expected due to strong consumer demand and lower cancellation rates due to improved shipping.

A net seven franchise stores were opened during the second half, including the first Burberry stores in Lebanon and Serbia. During the period, China continued to perform very strongly, as did Turkey. Russia and Eastern Europe remained more volatile.
 

Hyundai i30 sells 500,000 units worldwide, Australian sales strongUSA:Wolverine’s branded wholesale footwear delivers excellent results

USA:JCPenney collaborates with People StyleWatch

 

J.C. Penney Company Inc. and People StyleWatch have teamed up to make it easier than ever to find the latest celebrity-inspired fashion looks and trends. Beginning September 2010, People StyleWatch editors will select “Must Have” items from JCPenney’s fashion assortment that will be showcased in JCPenney stores, online at jcp.com and through print and digital media. This will be a first-of-its-kind collaboration for People StyleWatch and an apparel retailer.

“We’re focused on being the leading destination for affordable, high-quality fashion,” said Liz Sweney, EVP and senior general merchandise manager of Women's apparel, accessories, handbags, shoes and fine jewelry for JCPenney. “Aligning with one of today’s leading fashion magazines lends great credibility to our style authority and encourages customers to discover the new, higher level of fashion in our merchandise assortments. Furthermore, by highlighting People StyleWatch’s selected items for our customers, we are making it easier than ever to locate the season’s must-have items and we know that People StyleWatch’s endorsement will ensure that our customers are confident that their look is trend-right.”

Throughout the year, People StyleWatch editors will work with JCPenney’s trend and merchandising team to select items from JCPenney’s fashion assortment, focusing on Women’s and Juniors apparel, accessories and footwear. Featuring the hottest trends of the season, these items will be branded “People StyleWatch Must Haves” and will be clearly highlighted for JCPenney customers. “People StyleWatch Must Haves” branded in-store merchandise displays will be rolled out to all JCPenney stores and be refreshed up to 10 times a year to showcase People StyleWatch’s latest fashion picks. The selected items will also be highlighted on jcp.com with a special “People StyleWatch Must Haves” call-out and will also be communicated to customers through JCPenney’s print, social and mobile marketing efforts.

Additionally, beginning February 2011, JCPenney customers will be able to purchase special in-store subscription offers to popular Time Inc publications – including People, People StyleWatch and InStyle – in all of JCPenney’s 1,110 stores, making it the largest subscription program of its kind that Time Inc has launched with an apparel retailer. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the subscriptions will go to JCPenney’s signature cause, afterschool, which provides local children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool programs that inspire them to be smart, strong and socially responsible.

“People StyleWatch is dedicated to making fashion and beauty trends accessible, affordable and fun. By teaming up with JCPenney, we are able to bring our famed вЂMust Haves’ feature to life and show our readers how they can easily wear today’s celebrity-inspired looks with the exciting, affordable fashions found at JCPenney,” said Paul Caine, president and group publisher of Time Inc Style & Entertainment Group. “This collaboration allows us to bring our leading women’s fashion, beauty, lifestyle and entertainment publications directly to the JCPenney customer.”
 

USA:Fred & Daman give insider scoop on hottest spring trendsFisker Karma plug-in hybrid to tour US, Canada this month

USA:Wolverine’s branded wholesale footwear delivers excellent results

 

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. reported that strong revenue growth, gross margin expansion and operating expense leverage combined to generate record earnings in the first quarter of 2010.

Reported revenue for the first quarter was $284.9 million, an increase of 11.6% versus the prior year. Foreign exchange had a positive impact of 3.6% on revenue growth in the quarter. During the quarter, all four of the Company's branded operating groups posted mid-single to double-digit revenue increases, balanced across all market segments and geographies.

Excluding $1.5 million of charges in the quarter related to the Company's nearly-completed strategic restructuring plan, fully diluted earnings were a record $0.56 per share, compared to 2009 adjusted fully diluted earnings of $0.41 per share, an increase of 36.6%. Reported fully diluted earnings in the quarter were $0.54 per share compared to $0.21 per share in the first quarter of 2009.

"Wolverine World Wide had an exceptional start to the fiscal year, as clearly demonstrated by our excellent revenue growth and record earnings per share," stated Blake W. Krueger, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Rigorous and consistent execution of our global business model has the Company well positioned to take advantage of improving global economic conditions.

Krueger concluded, "We are extremely pleased with the Company's performance in the first quarter of 2010 and the momentum in the business. We believe that the actions taken in 2009 to streamline our infrastructure, redouble our focus on product and brand innovation, and maintain the full price nature of our brands, combined with our ongoing financial discipline, have positioned the Company for an outstanding 2010."

"Our strong performance in the quarter was broad-based, with all of our branded wholesale footwear groups delivering excellent results and continued outstanding performance from our consumer direct business. While the Outdoor Group, led by the Merrell brand, remains the Company's leading profit contributor, our Heritage Brands Group, Wolverine Footwear Group and Hush Puppies Group all contributed to our robust performance, posting strong double-digit earnings increases during the quarter."

Don Grimes, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, commented, "Trading conditions and consumer confidence in most of our major markets have significantly improved, but we believe our performance in the quarter and our outlook for the balance of the year are driven not just by macroeconomic trends, but also by our brand portfolio's differentiated product offerings and increasingly deep consumer connections."

Highlights for the quarter:

The Company's geographic diversification remains a key competitive advantage. During the quarter, international revenue accounted for 41.5% of the Company's consolidated revenue versus 38.0% in the prior year.

Adjusted for restructuring and related charges in both years, gross margin in the quarter was 41.6%, compared to prior-year gross margin of 41.2%. Reported gross margin in the quarter was 41.3% versus 40.3% for the first quarter 2009.
 

USA:Uptown to have newest Columbia branded storeSubaru Impreza WRX STI spec C gains FIA Group N homologation

Japan:PremiГЁre Vision Tokyo/JITAC: a promising first show

 

Fabric professionals gathered at the Tokyo International Forum this past 23 to 25 March for the first edition of PremiГЁre Vision Tokyo/JITAC. Nearly 3,000 Japanese buyers and designers,inaddition to a number of overseas visitors, came to discover the new show,which brought together for the first time agentsbelonging to JITAC, representing mostly European weavers, and a direct presence of weaver-exhibitors proposed by PremiГЁre Vision.

After a relatively calm start due to Japanese companies returningto business following the spring festival, the show's second and third days were marked by a positive business climate, fed by renewed dynamism in the national market. Japanese buyers,especially concerned about prices recently, turned up in great numbers and demonstrated a renewed interest in high-quality, creative, top-of-the-range products. They appreciated the richness and diversity of the offer (fabrics and accessories), aswell as the range of fashion services put in place to help them ready their spring summer 2011 collections. A full house of over 100 participants attended the seminar presented by the PremiГЁre Vision Fashion Team.

JITAC agents and Première Vision exhibitors both expressed satisfaction with this new, firsttime formula in Japan. "It was our first fair in Japan and we found the fair positive for us.Theshow was professionally organized and the customers who visited were good profile,” said Seyhan Aktemur of Soktas, a renowned maker of shirting fabrics.

Spanish weaver Juan Boluda SA also confirmed a positive first encounter with the Japanese market: “Première Vision Tokyo/JITAC was quite good for us and we had a success with our collection we didn't expect initially.”

The next edition of PremiГЁre Vision Tokyo/JITAC, dedicated to theautumn-winter II I2 season, will be held 26 to 28 October 2010 at the Tokyo International Forum. 

Russia:PremiГЁre Vision marked by innovation & creativityMazda to unveil Mazda8 people mover at Beijing Motor Show

UAE:Andres Aquino’s collection at DFW continues building of Intl brand

 

New York-based fashion show producer and designer Andres Aquino continues to build his international brand worldwide. His recent fashion show at Dubai Fashion Week was a well-received dramatic experience for a market is that heavily inclined to more conservative and traditional fashion collections and presentation styles.

Held on April 3, 2010 in the Godolphin Ballroom of the luxurious Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Mr. Aquino's fashion show at Dubai Fashion Week featured his trademark theatrical elements enhancingthe stunning ensembles shown on the runway. The show opened with a performance by Italian singer/dancer Cecilia Herrera Frioni wearing a tropical dress by Andres Aquino, and continued with vignettes and tableaux of models showcasing a range of gowns in different colors and styles. Artistic hair styles were beautifully executed by the Juice team and the creative makeup was done by the L’Oreal team. The overall style of the fashion designs was sophisticated, elegant and bright. Many gowns were enhanced by custom made oversized necklaces by Toronto-based jewelry designer Lek Nasuwan of Siam Gallery.

“My theater background played a lot into my designs", notes Mr. Aquino. "I think women are dramatic in the way they walk, speak, and express themselves. I create clothes for many different typesof women because every woman is different. No two women are the same, so the clothing should reflect their personality, like a character on stage."

Andres Aquino's worldwide fashion journey has seen him showing his collections in New York, Palm Beach, the Dominican Republic, Romania, Mexico, India, Dubai and soon in St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. In each destination he leaves an impression of fashion as fun and entertaining by incorporating theatrical elements, dance, songs and drama into his runway shows. “I am flattered to see that other designers are starting to copy some of my stage presentation formula," says Mr.Aquino. "It certainly makes fashion shows more exciting." Andres Aquino is also the founder and producer of Couture Fashion Week.

"Aquino did his bit to inject a bit of drama and theatrics onto the catwalk. Kicking off with a live rendition of a love song,themodels strutted down in a string of vintage gowns made in satin and lace and pleated dresses…Models who doubled up as celebritiestrying to ward off paparazzi and women who shrugged off their suitors added much-needed drama… The accessories — the chunky pearls and metallic chokers (by Lek Nasuwan) — added a zanytouch.”

“Andres Aquino, based in New York, is a tireless fashion industryproducer and designer. He has been featured in numerous magazines, newspapers and TV channels worldwide including FashionTV, Collezioni, Book Moda and Moda Style International. His artistic endeavors have taken him from theater directing and writing to fashion design, whilst his designs have graced CoutureFashion Week runways for several years. The object of his Autumn/Winter 2010 collection is to bring out the inner divinity in every woman.” --  

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USA:Sal Lauretta’s fashion show to benefit Eva’s Village

 

Sal Lauretta for Men, one of the area’s most exclusive shops for menswear and custom tailoring, recently announced that it will be hosting a fashion show on June 7th to benefit Eva’s Village, a non-profit comprehensive social service organization located in Paterson, NJ. The exclusive fashion show will highlight the new Spring/Summer lines currently on display at the store, featuring Lauretta’s #1 selling sportswear brand, The Robert Graham Collection. The event will occur from 6-10pm at Bottagra restaurant, located at 80 Wagaraw Road in Hawthorne, which has also graciously donated the food and beverages for the fashion show.

This event will help support the many anti-poverty programs at Eva’s Village, whose mission is to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, treat the addicted and provide medical care to the poor with respect for the human dignity of each individual.

“As a retailer that is dedicated to helping those less fortunate, Sal Lauretta for Men is proud to be supporting the mission of Eva’s Village,” said Ralph Lauretta, Owner of Sal Lauretta for Men. “It is inspiring to be a part of something that is bringing the community together and helping to raise the money that is so desperately needed to help fund the programs at Eva’s Village.” 

Mazda to unveil Mazda8 people mover at Beijing Motor ShowFrance:Messe Frankfurt taking over Ethical Fashion Show

USA:Miraclebody launches search for вЂWomen Who Shape our Lives’

 

Miraclesuit, the #1 brand in designer fashion shaping swimwear, has launched a line of Miraclebody Jeans, with a patented tummy control feature and innovative shaping construction. In launching this new collection, Miraclebody announces a Search for “Women Who Shape our Lives.” Seeking entries from women who can nominate themselves or others, this contest will honor and share inspirational stories about remarkable women from all walks of life who have made a significant difference.

Miraclesuit swimwear has a 37 year heritage of shaping women. This brand has built its strong reputation by providing innovative fabrics and unique designs to contour, shape, slim and firm the body, giving women confidence in their brand promise to “Look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds”.

“We realized swimwear and jeans have a lot in common,” says Jay Feigenbaum, President of both Miraclesuit swimwear and Miraclebody Jeans.

“Both garments have become universal expressions of self-esteem and consumer research shows that proper fit and shaping are of utmost importance to the purchase process and satisfaction for both these categories,” comments Feigenbaum. “Our challenge was to take our expertise in fashion shaping for swimwear and apply and adapt the concepts for a premium denim line.” The collection has a super soft patented Miratex fabric with two times the amount of stretch as most premium denim, a patent-pending tummy control panel, and washes, stitching and design constructions engineered to enhance assets and hide figure flaws.

“At Miraclebody Jeans, we believe in the principle that you don’t have to be a size 0 to look and feel great in a pair of designer jeans. Our technology is designed to allow the wearer to look “10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds” just like in our swimwear, and still feel amazingly comfortable and confident.” Product is available in size 2-18, and will soon be available in sizes 18w to 22w.

The denim has been in limited distribution in 2009 and is now expanding and available through e-commerce at www.miraclebody.com. To support this expansion, Miraclebody Jeans has launched a search for “Women Who Shape our Lives”. Winning entrants will receive a trip to NYC, a style consultation from Robert Verdi, a makeover at the Sally Hershberger Downtown salon, an appearance in a PEOPLE StyleWatch ad, and a denim wardrobe. Contest rules on www.weshapewomen.com. Selected entries, videos, and photos will be posted on the website, on Facebook, and shared with national media outlets. Entrants must be received by May 15, 2010.  

MINI Countryman, fourth model in lineup, revealed at Milan launch partyUSA:True brand comes to White Plains

China:The Chinese Fashion World applauds PremiГЁre Vision China

 

For its 13th edition, Première Vision China took place inBeijing, on Wednesday 31 March and Thursday 1 April 2010, at the Kunlun Hotel. This twice-yearly event organised by Première Vision, the world’s premier fabric show, is a distinctive exhibition that brings together top weavers with creative Chinesefashion professionals.

For this edition, dedicated to spring-summer 11, the club-like show welcomed 34 participants and registered 1,556 visits, an 8% increase in visitors’ attendance over the prior Beijing edition. At the close of the 2 days, participants and guests voiced their great satisfaction with the contacts forged and the extremely upbeat business climate. Participants underlined the arrival of new contacts who corresponded perfectly to their client profiles.This demonstrates the dynamism of the Chinese fashion market.

As for visitors, the club-like format of the event matched the expectations of this market, which is in constant activity and seeking creative and quality products.

PremiГЁre Vision fashion information at the show included the Colour Range, the "Vision spring summer 11" inspirational film and the season's Bests (an audiovisual synthesis of the colours and fabrics selected by international buyers during PremiГЁre Vision Paris in February 2010). The fashion seminar, tailored to the Chinese market and presented by Sabine Le Chatelier,registered a record number of 173 participants.

In the guests' own words
“We have placed orders in Premiere Vision China which is a very focus exhibition tailored for the Asian market. The show was an effective tool for us to get design inspiration and new ideas. Itis really good to catch up with people from the fashion industry in Premiere Vision. ”

Mr. Kelvin SUN, Gay Giano, Hong Kong “Première Vision China was nicely organized and we visited it for almost every session. The fashion information and color range in Premiere Vision China werevery useful for us.” Mr. Zhiguang CHEN, Mixmind Art & Design Co.,Ltd, Guangzhou China.

"We like to work directly with the weavers. We give ourselves time to get to know each other, we visit the factories. Our suppliers are very familiar with our needs. I came to PremiГЁre Vision China to find news and make new contacts. I plan on going to Europe to attend PremiГЁre Vision in Paris and I'll take advantage of being there to visit the factories and make my selections at that time." Rich Fu, chief designer, White Collor.

"The spring-summer season is particularly important for us. I wasat PremiГЁre Vision in Paris in February, and this time I am in Peking to complete and finalize certain collections that I targeted in Paris. As I am based in Shanghai, I make a special trip to Beijing for PremiГЁre Vision China. And it is really worththe trip." Ms. Helene Hu, chief designer of Decoster (Shanghai).

 

Mazda to unveil Mazda8 people mover at Beijing Motor ShowRussia:PremiГЁre Vision marked by innovation & creativity

France:Messe Frankfurt taking over Ethical Fashion Show

 

Messe Frankfurt’s French subsidiary has taken over the Ethical Fashion Show in Paris. The company announced this at a press conference in the French capital.

The Ethical Fashion Show is a trade fair for ethical fashion, now featuring more than a hundred brands. This successful event was created in 2004 by Isabelle QuГ©hГ©.

Through the takeover, Messe Frankfurt – the world market leader with 31 textile fairs around the world – has added a new segment to its portfolio of events.

With the event, which focuses exclusively on ecological, socially responsible and environmentally friendly garment production, the fair and exhibition company is opening up a new growth market and also gives customers the chance to enter the garment-manufacturing business. Thus, Messe Frankfurt now covers the entire value chain in the textile-fair sector all over the world. 

Switzerland:Charles Vögele becomes title sponsor of Fashion Days ZurichNissan is Official Car for the FIA GT1 World Championship

UAE:Alain Germain to visit Esmod Dubai

 

French Fashion University Esmod - Dubai, the leading fashion institution in the Middle East, is currently hosting renowned French fashion designer Alain Germain, who is engaging the students in a unique project that involves the creation of dresses inspired by illustrious 20th century artists. Select paintings of Picasso and other famous painters will be used by students as themes to create garments, which will also depict the cultural diversity of the 47 different nationalities at the University. The students of Esmod Dubai will be displaying their final creations at an exhibition organised at the University campus on Thursday, April 15, 2010.

Germain is known for his distinctive costume designs that are inspired by simple objects, household articles and paintings, which is a novel design concept for fashion students in the region. Last year Germain collaborated with Esmod Dubai for an вЂobject costume’ exhibition where students had to create garmentsand stage costumes made up of common objects such as paper, glasses, plastic cups, ceramic plates, kitchen objects and even shoes.

“Fashion designing is all about creative expression and I believethat thinking out of the box opens unlimited opportunities for young fashion designers. This is my second visit to Esmod Dubai and I am impressed with the talent, creativity and enthusiasm of the students here. The University is offering them the right platform to nurture their skill and understand the nuances of theever-evolving fashion industry,” said Germain.

Tamara Hostal, Director and Founder, FFUE, said, “Having world-renowned fashion designers such as Alain Germain closely interactwith our students has tremendously benefited them as it has widened their perspective about fashion designing. Our underlining goal of exposing our students to works ofinternational designers is to make them eventually stand out withtheir own distinct creations. I believe the most important thing that they would have learnt from Alain Germain is how one can create brilliant designs by creatively using simple, everyday objects.”

French Fashion University Esmod - Dubai is one of 21 fashion schools under the umbrella of Esmod International Fashion University Group, the world’s first and oldest fashion design school. Esmod Dubai offers a 3-years diploma program equivalent to a BA degree; publicly-accessible short programs and customizedshort courses in make-up and fashion. 

UAE:Experts from hair & beauty industry together at Bride Show2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

Hong Kong:Create - Fashion – YDC at Causeway

 

“Create - Fashion - YDC”, an exhibition of new designs by past and recent winners of the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest(YDC), is being staged until 20 April at the Open Piazza, Times Square, Causeway Bay.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), YDChas become one of the premier events on Hong Kong’s fashion calendar since its inception in 1977. In addition to information about the contest’s judges and prizes, the exhibition features the winning designs of YDC 2010, which was held in January duringFashion Week for Fall/Winter, along with the full video record ofthe contest.

Also on display are the latest collections of 11 selected YDC winners and finalists from previous years: Baldwin Pui, Barney Cheng, Cecilia Yau, Chow Tan Tan, Coney Ko, Harrison Wong, Hin Lee, Mandy Cheng, Kevin Ng, Michael Lau and Timbee Lo.

Application forms for YDC 2011 can be picked up at the exhibition. The deadline for entering next year’s contest is 31 August 2010. 

Hong Kong:Expansion of Le Saunda with Fashion ShowMazda to unveil Mazda8 people mover at Beijing Motor Show

Switzerland:Charles Vögele becomes title sponsor of Fashion Days Zurich

 

Charles Vögele Group, one of Europe's leading vertical fashion companies, is title sponsor of the inaugural Fashion Days Zurich. The company has signed a three-year contract with the event's organizer, International Management Group (Schweiz) AG. André Maeder, CEO of Charles Vögele Group: "Fashion Days Zurich provides a great platform for presenting fashion shows, which are normally only accessible to industry specialists, to a broad audience. The international focus of this event is one of the main reasons we decided to sign up as title sponsor."

Between 3 and 6 November 2010, up-and-coming talents and internationally known designers will present their spring/summer 2011 collections. The opening night of Fashion Days Zurich will feature a fashion event staged by Charles Vögele Group. A particular highpoint will be the launch of a new brand. This new brand's collection will be presented in public for the first time during the Fashion Days. The event will close with a fashion show centred on Charles Vögele's attractive children's wear.

The prestigious independent "Swiss Textiles Award" and "annabelle Award" will be presented during the Charles VГ¶gele Fashion Days Zurich. The Charles VГ¶gele Fashion Days Zurich will be held every year in November. 

Toyota Camry Hybrid set to race in Targa TasmaniaUSA:Phetus helps MBFW for Vevant

USA:Fashion bags made of Tyvek hit the Red Carpet

 

This year, every esteemed presenter and all the talented performers at the 82nd Academy Awards ceremony received a colorful, reusable bag made of DuPont Tyvek, courtesy of Earthwise Bag Company, Inc.

Earthwise, the largest reusable bag distributor in the U.S. was asked to provide a polypropylene bag to hold give-away items, and they decided to include a complimentary, colorful Tyvek reusable bag for each presenter and performer.

“We thought we would bring a little вЂgreen’ to the red carpet by sharing our new fashion bags made of DuPont Tyvek,” said Stan Joffe, president, Earthwise Bag Company. “We’ve had great response to these lightweight tote bags that are strong, portable, reusable and machine washable. And, when customers decide to dispose of them, they’re completely recyclable. There is no other reusable bag material that has all of these features, and we’re excited to include Tyvek in our product line.”

“Retailers around the world are making pledges to eliminate disposable bags from their stores,” said Alice Jarvis, DuPont Tyvek champion who spearheaded the Tyvek bag program. “Bags made from Tyvek fill a niche and price point that no other reusable bag can match. That opens up an outstanding opportunity for bag companies who are responding to today’s environmentally-conscious consumer.” 

Subaru Forester X adds adventure-ready accessory pack for AprilUK:Karen Millen’s lighter theme to hit House of Fraser

UAE:Celebrity make up artist at The Bride Show Dubai

 

Atlantis Palm Jumeirah is expecting to book at least 25 weddings within the next year as a result of its participation in The Bride Show Dubai this week, according to Heba Rumheim, Senior Consultant to the Dubai landmark hotel.

Participating in the largest bridal event in the Middle East for the first time, Rumheim has been inundated with enquiries from Emirati, Western, Iranian and Indian women planning their weddings, one of the most important and lucrative celebrations for the hospitality industry.

Speaking from their spectacular exhibition stand at The Bride Show Dubai, which finishes on Saturday 10 April, Rumheim said, “Weddings are big business for hotels and especially so for Atlantis Palm Jumeirah because, with six beaches, a grand ballroom and a number of banquet areas we can cater for intimate family events and large scale celebrations.

And while the wedding industry has survived through the global economic downturn, with the average cost of a wedding in this region staying at approximately AED300,000 for the last three years, the tastes of Middle Eastern brides has evolved.

Rumheim added, “There has been a definite shift in the last four years in terms of the styles of weddings requested in this region. We have seen huge Western influences and a bigger focus on the theme and decorations of a wedding rather than the food. Brides want classic designs and elegance; the exhibition has allowed us to raise awareness of the ballroom at Atlantis Palm Jumeirah which can cater for up to 1,500 people.”

Another newcomer to The Bride Show Dubai who has also reported a good level of interest this week is celebrity make up artist Nina Ubhi from the UK. Nina has booked four weddings taking place within the next three weeks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as a result of her participation in the event, which offers a one-stop shop for brides planning their wedding.

Ubhi, who is the beauty editor of UK magazine Asian Woman, as well as running her successful make up company is now planning to set up a studio in Dubai due to the demand in this region for her services.

“I was determined not to adapt my style to slot into this region and offer what is already available; I provide something different to women here – Asian, Middle Eastern and Western – and the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive,” Ubhi said.

Using products from MAC Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown, Make Up Forever and Screen Face, a brand not currently available in the UAE, Ubhi is also noticing a trend towards subtlety for bridal make up in the region. Her top tip for brides-to-be is to scour magazines for inspiration, piecing together looks and being realistic in expectations. Her must-have beauty treatment is a mirco-dermabrasion facial, which should start at least three months before the wedding.

Ubhi, who can be contacted through her website, will return to Dubai in June 2010 following bookings in Europe andIndia.
 

Holden appoint Mike Deveraux as Chairman & Managing DirectorUAE:Experts from hair & beauty industry together at Bride Show

UK:Karen Millen’s lighter theme to hit House of Fraser

 

House of Fraser has introduced the new 2010 spring/summer collection from Karen Millen to its online store.

The collection heralds in a new, relaxed mood with elegant, draped pieces tailor-made for the season's artful layering. Fluid fabrics, easy cuts and feminine details are combined with a cool palette of calm neutrals. The lighter theme continues with pretty lingerie detailing while slick sporty pieces add a modern, urban twist. Hot tropical colours and dazzling prints bring vibrancy to the mix. Customers can now purchase their favourite fashion pieces from Karen Millen, online at House of Fraser.

The Karen Millen collection at website incorporates the latest trends for fashion conscious women. Collections range from edgy black and white monochrome prints to vibrant tropical shades for the coming summer months.

Underwear becomes outerwear as lingerie and corsetry details appear in elegant tops and dresses within the Karen Millen collection. A sculpted black jumpsuit and form-fitting dresses are cut with corsetry details and peek-a-boo chiffon panels. Vintage slips inspire a nude silk halter-top trimmed with delicate lace. Beautiful French lace is cut into a delicate jacket to dress up or down, or into feminine dresses with seductive drape details.

The Karen Millen collection also provides some of the season's most graphic combinations. The collection is predominately black and white featuring sharply-cut body con dresses with origami fold neckline in strong monochromatic stripes. A tailored gingham dress has a softly voluminous skirt while crisp white shirts are cut with drape and ruche details. A black and white oversized clutch or white leather bags with tassels or fringe continue the monochrome theme.

The new collection also features garments sporting vibrant cobalt blue, coral and sunshine yellow, adding pops of bold, uplifting colour. Abstract digital prints from Karen Millen give summer dresses a cool, futuristic feel while a taffeta trench in dazzling chartreuse is spring's ultimate eye-catching cover-up.

The new accessories range from Karen Millen include the gladiator which has received an update with studding, metallic finishes or sparkling crystal embellishment, while Karen Millen handbags continue the soft and slouchy aesthetic of the main collection with oversized super-soft leather bags in primary brights, cool neutrals or chic leopard prints. Fringing, tassels and circle cut-outs in leather add texture to day bags while bangles embellished with glittering crystals provide the perfect finishing touch. 

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USA:True brand comes to White Plains

 

True Religion Apparel Inc announced the opening of a new branded retail store at The Westchester in White Plains, New York. The 1,500 square-foot branded retail store will offer shoppers the entire True Religion collection for men, women and kids, including its signature jean styles, its expanding denim, sportswear and handbag collection, and a full range of licensed merchandise.

The Westchester is located in the heart of White Plains, with convenient access to I-287 and less than two miles from I-684, which connects White Plains to all of Westchester County. With over 900 thousand square feet of retail space, The Westchester is one of suburban New York City's premier shopping destinations and is home to high-end retailers including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Gucci, Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry. The Westchester generates sales per square foot in excess of $850.

"We are excited to join The Westchester's premier collection of luxury retail brands," said Jeffrey Lubell, chairman, chief executive officer and chief merchant of True Religion Apparel, Inc. "With its prime location in White Plains, The Westchester caters to upscale and fashionable consumers. We are confident that True Religion's collection of premium jeans, sportswear and accessories will resonate well with suburban New York City shoppers."

"With high sales per square foot, The Westchester is the ideal location for a True Religion premium branded store," said Michael Buckley, president of True Religion Apparel, Inc. "Our research indicates that The Westchester is located within five miles of over 200,000 residents earning average annual household incomes in excess of $150,000. These strong demographics combined with complementary retail partners will enable our new location to deliver strong results." 

Toyota set to realign its Japanese manufacturing operationsUSA:Uptown to have newest Columbia branded store

USA:Four new retailers from fashion industry join NRF

 

The National Retail Federation announced that several dozen organizations have joined NRF’s growing membership in the first quarter of 2010. This diverse group of retailers, restaurants and vendors has recognized the value and services NRF offers to its members along with the personalized resources and innovative services that the association provides, including more than 70 operational committees and councils.

Leading retailers who have joined NRF in the past three months include Carlson Restaurants, which owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries; Signet Jewelers, the world’s largest specialty retail jeweler by sales with stores in the US, UK, Republic of Ireland and ChannelIslands; ULTA Salon, Cosmetics and Fragrance Inc., the largest beauty retailer that provides one-stop shopping for prestige, mass and salon products and salon services in the United States; Under Armour, a leader in the sports apparel, footwear and accessories industry and the originator of performance apparel designed for athletes.

“Ulta Beauty looks forward to its new membership with the National Retail Federation and its strong resource base and advocacy for the retail industry,” said Lyn Kirby, President and CEO, ULTA Beauty.

Other prominent retail members to join NRF in the last three months include iParty, a party supplies store with locations throughout New England and Florida; Mail Boxes, Etc., the world'slargest franchisor of retail shipping, postal and business service centers; Sony Corporation of America, a leading audio-visual electronics and information technology company in the U.S. and worldwide with more than 171,000 employees; and The Donna Karan Company Store, a fashion empire launched in 1985 in New York whose namesake designs clothes, legwear and accessories.

NRF offers its members a variety of benefits, including:

Advocacy
NRF is deeply engaged with the nation's lawmakers in advocating the retail perspective on a number of highly volatile issues such as the economy, tax policy, health care costs, internationaltrade, labor-management relations, data security, gift card regulation, and swipe fees. NRF members lead the charge in shaping the industry’s position on legislation and regulations that affect retail companies.

Community
NRF's operating committees, which span over 70 areas of specialization, are composed of leading retail experts engaged in identifying what works best on any number of retail challengesfrom sustainability to loss prevention and supply chain. NRF members have exclusive access to industry studies, transcripts, conference call briefings, webinars, surveys and newsletters. NRF's four divisions operate in specialty areas of retail including advertising and marketing, digital retailing, chain restaurants, and technology standards.

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NRF also provides timely industry research, such as RetailHorizons, the definitive industry benchmarking study; NRF's Retail Sales Outlook, a quarterly report on industry sales which provides a thorough overview of the current retail climate; and the State of Retailing Online, a  

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USA:Jackie Rogers unveils Fall 2010 luxury collection

 

Jackie Rogers, the celebrated couturier to high-profile women and men in entertainment and high society, introduced her Fall 2010 luxury collections with an exclusive runway presentation held March 31 at her Madison Avenue boutique here. The event marked a return to menswear for Ms. Rogers.

Jackie Rogers’ Fall women’s designs were strongly influenced by Asian culture with inspired styling elements including asymmetric closures, mandarin collars, and richly appointed dimensional accents such as braiding, leather trim, floral rosettes, and contour quilting that are both modern and chic. Ms. Rogers’ signature silhouette, the jumpsuit, is making a return in a number of fabrications. A sophisticated style, it flatters and enhances a woman’s curves. “The jumpsuit has been a favorite style of many of my customers,” says Rogers. “It slims and elongates a woman’s proportions giving her a statuesque look.”

A staunch believer in natural fabrics, Jackie Rogers incorporates ultra-luxurious cashmeres, supple wool gabardines, flowing crepes, lavish velvets and sumptuous silk satins for Fall 2010. And that’s where it all begins. A design comes alive at Jackie Rogers’ hand after a fabric is draped and molded to the desired shape. Each season has a point of view that emanates from the selected fabric. Clean, linear jackets and coats gently follow the female form, creating looks that are as comfortable in executive suites as they are at social luncheons.

Ms. Rogers’ couture clientele is a Who’s Who of high-profile women, including The First Lady of Malaysia, New York State’s First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson, and Madame Amal Alankary. Broadway stars Patti LuPone and Christine Baranski, singer Roberta Flack and Oscar-winning actress Marisa Tomei are also among her loyal customers.

Jackie Rogers’ relaunched menswear collection was created for the man with a passion for refined taste, impeccable fit and expert tailoring. The collection boasts sports suits, jackets, sexy trousers and shirts that reflect clean, elegant design. Created in only the finest natural fabrics, the designs are built on rich cashmeres, fine and textured woolens, and sumptuous, supple gabardines. “I only design in the finest, most exclusive fabrics and it’s these fabrics that lead me to shaping the final garments,” says Rogers.

Jackie Rogers originals are available at her namesake high-end boutiques in the exclusive shopping districts of New York City and and Palm Beach, Florida. 

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USA:Nordstrom to retail Briggs & Riley travel goods

 

Briggs & Riley Travelware, the favored brand of discerning travelers, announced that Seattle-based Nordstrom Inc has begun distribution of Briggs & Riley products in stores throughout the United States. The partnership also includes online distribution at shop.nordstrom.com.

Briggs & Riley travel goods will be sold at Nordstrom stores in major U.S. cities, including: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis and Denver.

"We are very pleased to have Nordstrom represent our brand," said Jim Lahren, vice president of marketing at Briggs & Riley. "Like Briggs & Riley, Nordstrom puts customer commitment and service quality first. Our shared core values will ensure a strong and successful partnership."

Consumers can now find more than 70 styles from Briggs & Riley's Baseline, @Work and Verb collections at Nordstrom. Items available include wheeled luggage, carry-ons, duffles, rolling cases, backpacks, business cases and laptop briefs. Briggs & Riley products are renowned for the company's Simple as that lifetime performance warranty, that even covers airline damage. The company is well-known for its Outsider Handle System that eliminates bars from inside the bag, providing a flat packing area, to keep garments wrinkle free.

The Baseline Collection, Briggs & Riley's flagship luggage collection with over 40 styles, is designed for the frequent traveler, emphasizing function and innovation. Both the SpeedThru Security Pocket and the Outsider Pocket provide quick storage and retrieval of personal and essential travel items. Every bag in the Baseline Collection is designed to work together.

@Work laptop briefs and rolling cases give professionals supreme organization with timeless style. The entire @Work Collection is checkpoint-friendly so that business travelers speed through airport security. @Work is designed to coordinate with Briggs & Riley's Baseline Luggage Collection.

The Verb Collection provides stylish versatility for tech-savvy professionals. These business cases and laptop bags are ideal for those on the go. Many Verb styles are checkpoint-friendly. 

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USA:Short teen models to stand tall at 4th Annual Charity Fashion Show

 

4 Years ago, at the age of 15, Olivia Mignone could not accept that her 5’2” limitation was going to keep her from her dream being a runway model. To overcome the industry’s height bias, send a message to the fashion world, and to empower young woman to love themselves for who they are, Olivia created Shortstack. Shortstack is a teen founded and driven modeling fashion program that provides young woman who do not meet the “normal” industry standards an opportunity to become involved in charitable fashion events, professional photo shoots, fashion design, and photography. Now, at the age of 19, Olivia is about to step out on the runway at The Midtown Loft & Terrace on 5th Avenue in the heart of Manhattan, during the 4th Annual Shortstack Charity Fashion Show.

“This is an exhilarating time for me”, explains Olivia when speaking of the upcoming show. “I had the pleasure of showcasing fashions from wonderful designers such as Betsey Johnson, Kathlin Argiro, and companies such as Hot Topic and David’s Bridal. “ Shortstack has created many opportunities for the youth in their program such as meeting America Next Top Model’s contestants Kim Stolz, Bianca Golden and Claire Unabia, to appearing in local papers, The Daily News, Fox-5 Television, and being featured on the cover and in a 7 page spread of A&U Magazine.

Shortstack’s Fashion Show is taking place on June 18th, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. and the $50 price of admission includes a rooftop cocktail hour and an entertaining fashion show. Money raised is going to two worthy causes. The first, Windows of Opportunity, Inc. (http://www.wooinc) is a non profit innovative youth empowerment program that creates unique and impactful approaches to empower and educate youth on such areas as HIV Awareness, Eating Disorder Prevention and Leadership Development. Additional money raised will go to Jayden Zapata, a 6 year old boy who needs a cord blood transplant so he can have the opportunity to walk, a procedure not covered by insurance.

“We have been blessed to have incredible sponsors currently and in the past such as Kenneth Cole, Chanel, IDT, U.S. Diamond Jewelry, and Long Island’s Rock Station WBAB, but we welcome additional clothing, financial and product sponsors” states Ms. Mignone. When asked where she sees Shortstack in the next 5 years, Olivia’s eyes light up stating, “I see several Shortstack programs across the country, media in major fashion magazines, coverage on television, people from the fashion industry attending our events, and Shortstack models on the runway at major fashion shows. Someone out there is going to give us an opportunity to show that we can walk the runway as well as models currently in the industry.” 

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USA:Running brand seizes industry awards - KARHU

 

Despite intense marketplace competition, one running shoe brand with a huge international following proved a powerful draw for US running specialty retail. KARHU celebrates its 100th specialty partnership and a 10+ major city half-marathon sponsorship of the 13.1 Marathon race series. Despite the economic crisis of the past year and heavy investment from established sport shoes brands, this emerging brand is realizing strong growth leading into 2010.

KARHU prioritizes product excellence and invests heavily in product research utilizing one of Europe’s leading bio-mechanical testing and research institutes, the Neuromuscular Research Center of University of Jyväskylä (UoJ). Independent testing compared KARHU’s patented fulcrum technology to the competition and test results prove KARHU running shoes have less vertical oscillation, is more efficient and more balanced than the established competition.

“We’re thrilled that independent testing proved what we know – that our product collaborates with the foot to convert your body’s natural energy into forward momentum – that is what we think is natural running.” said Jay Duke, President of KARHU. “While everyone else is focused on cushioning running and barefoot running – even niche brands like Newton, KARHU is focused on vertical oscillation. KARHU product helps you to Move Forward and the other brands will follow soon our lead. It is already happening with Nike and Newton.”

KARHU’s launch success in 2009 is bolstered in 2010 with major new investments to create consumer demand. They have recently signed multiple multi-year sponsorships with major races. As the exclusive apparel and footwear sponsors of the 10+ major city 13.1 Marathon series, CRAFT and KARHU will reach over 50,000 runners in the first sponsorship year. All participants will get first hand experience to try on a pair of KARHU footwear. KARHU also continues its race sponsorship of the Nations Triathlon in Washington DC.

“The leading running specialty retailers realize they need a dedicated specialty brand in KARHU. With Foot Locker and Dick’s Sporting Goods attacking their space, we will not compete on price. Differentiation and service are paramount and that is what we work on with our specialty partners.” said Duke, “For consumers, 2009 showed they understand our product is simply different in how it works and what benefits it provides. Runners seek to move forward. Our shoes help you do this naturally, efficiently with great stability and results in a great run for all types of runners.”

Continuing to Move Forward throughout 2010, KARHU launches a comprehensive global website with enhanced brand and product communication in May. It will support sell-through at Running specialty with an integrated marketing campaign around its focus to Move Forward at the editorial and retail level. Additionally, through in-store try-ons running consumers are offered the once in a lifetime opportunity trip to Helsinki, the birthplace of KARHU. And after a successful year in 2009 KARHU will once again partner with 3point5.com to train retail sales clerks on product and entering them in the Helsinki Sweepstakes. 

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