USA:Bloomingdale's to open 80,000 sq ft store in Santa Monica

 

Bloomingdale's announces its August 6, 2010, opening in Santa Monica, CA. Fashioned after New York City's Soho location, Bloomingdale's Santa Monica will anchor the Santa Monica Place shopping center located between the iconic Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica pier.

This contemporary men's and women's specialty store occupies over 80,000 square feet of selling space, and was designed to capture the diversity and culture of Santa Monica while adding a distinctive Bloomingdale's presence.

"The opportunity to extend our brand in Southern California is exciting," said Michael Gould, chairman and CEO of Bloomingdale's. "We have designed a store that will provide a sophisticated shopping experience with the sensibility of a beach community and hope it will become Santa Monica's newest neighborhood store."

The renovation and restoration of the building was done in an effort to maintain the integrity of the space and respect for the environment. "We created a space which reflects the local beach community, but with a unique blend of luxe materials in new ways," said Jack Hruska, executive vice president of creative services at Bloomingdale's.

Highlights of the renovation can be seen even before stepping a foot inside. The outside of the building features a dramatic glass box on the corner of the building, which acts as the entrance to the shopping part of the city of Santa Monica.

Newly installed windows at both the pedestrian and first floor level allows for more light to shine inside. Shimmering aluminum discs suspended on three-inch pins offer reflective animation under the Southern California sun. A signature Bloomingdale's black panel puts the finishing touch on the exterior.

Inside, you'll find a unique blend of the original raw industrial elements paired with an influence of the local beach community -- all with a luxe, high-end spin that Bloomingdale's is known for.

Floor by Floor:
Upon entering, customers will be greeted with a new take on the trademark Bloomingdale's signature black and white checkerboard flooring. The traditional black and white marble was swapped out for a staining technique directly on the concrete floor to coordinate with the overall industrial chic feeling.

The checkered pattern leads customers through an innovative cosmetic area complete with brands like Space NK, Trish McEvoy, and La Prairie, amongst others. Highlights including interactive treatment bars such as the Benefit Brow Bar and a French-inspired perfumery including Chanel, Creed, and Jo Malone will complete the experience.

The first floor will also house an elaborate women's shoes area which is another example of the unique industrial meets posh pairing as cement floor aisles run alongside rich patterned rugs featuring glowing luminous white boxes displaying the shoes.

In this area you'll find such designers as Stuart Weitzman, Loeffler Randall, Belle by Sigerson Morrison, Tory Burch, and many more. A mural of the Santa Monica Pier constructed of glittering sequins reflects Bloomingdale's commitment to intertwine the nearby beach community into the overall design of the store.
 

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USA:Janie Bryant partners with Maidenform

 

Call it a revealing look at underwear: Janie Bryant, the costume designer for the AMC TV hit series “Mad Men,” has partnered with Maidenform Brands, Inc. to help enlighten and guide women on the importance of intimate apparel as the foundation for creating personal style.

In her role as Maidenform’s Wardrobe Expert, Ms. Bryant who won an Emmy for her work on HBO’s “Deadwood” western themed series and is now a multiple Emmy nominee for her work on “Mad Men,” will join Maidenform in helping educate consumers by offering flattering fit and styling tips as well as share her expertise in dressing an array of body types, a skill honed while working on the set.

“Usually, the television-viewing audience doesn’t see the foundation pieces, but it’s so important to me that the actors not only feel their character on the outside, but on the inside as well, and that is why intimates plays an integral role,” said Ms. Bryant.

“I am thrilled to be teaming up with Maidenform to help educate women on the role of intimate apparel as the ultimate foundation of fashion. Maidenform has a strong heritage of product innovation and fit expertise, and I share the same passion and commitment to helping every woman look and feel her best which starts with the first thing she puts on.”

The collaboration with Maidenform will take Ms. Bryant to social media and consumer events across the country throughout this year and next.

“Throughout our 88-year history, Maidenform has been committed to providing women with innovative and truly comfortable underpinnings to help them look and feel their best,” said Maidenform CEO Maurice Reznik. “Enlisting the expertise of Ms. Bryant gives our consumers professional advice from the world of celebrity wardrobing and stresses the importance of the role intimate apparel plays in the foundation of fashion.”

“The partnership with Janie and Maidenform is an exciting and unique venture. We share like brand philosophies, are passionate about the importance of foundations as part of a woman’s wardrobe and fundamentally agree on empowering women to enhance their sensuality and confidence,” said Lucille DeHart Chief Marketing Officer.

The collaboration will coincide with the publication of Ms. Bryant’s style tome “The Fashion File” set for release this fall, which aims to help women “tap into their inner leading lady.” 

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USA:Kenny Powers endorses K-SWISS TUBES

 

Inciting curious smirks, and even causing some to blush, California Sports Company K-SWISS is pushing the envelope this season with its irreverent new TUBES training footwear ad campaign featuring Kenny Powers, the fictional character played by Danny McBride in HBO'S hit series Eastbound & Down.

The campaign will break nationally with national television spots, in-theatre spots, print media, digital/interactive campaigns and outdoor (OOH) and will lead in to the return of the critically-acclaimed series, which will debut on Sunday, September 26th.

The campaign pits Powers, a slightly delusional ex-professional baseball player who still summons personal illusions of grandeur, against renowned athletes including Jeremy Shockey of the New Orleans Saints, Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers, and Urijah Faber, the MMA Fighter and WEC Champion known as The California Kid. In small acts of comic genius in which Powers demonstrates glaring bravado, each iteration of the campaign touts the shoes' virtues in an effective, but playful way.

"We wanted to deliver unfiltered straight talk about how awesome TUBES are. Who better to do that than Kenny Powers?" said David Nichols, executive vice-president of K-SWISS. "This approach is attention grabbing – progressive, creative and playful, which is our marketing mantra."

K-SWISS TUBES training collection has caught fire as one of the brand's most successful styles. The lightweight training shoe features the patented TUBES cushioning technology. Each execution of the campaign reinforces TUBES performance story; lightweight, cushioning, stability, and flexibility.

Designed in partnership with Los Angeles-based 72andSunny, the campaign will target the younger male demographic in a broad variety of media touch points. The campaign roll out includes: billboards in Times Square and Venice Beach; a campaign micro-site with exclusive content; and NYC subway posters and bi-coastal wild postings with some featuring a 1-888 number where callers can phone-in and hear an inspirational message from Powers.

Spots will also appear on ESPN and Comedy Central as well as in movie theaters nationwide. Additional touch points include a focused print media buy including ESPN Magazine, rich banners as well as Facebook Reach Block and a Facebook App called 'Workout Wingman' where Powers will take over your Facebook page while you're at the gym training. 

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USA:The Designer Lingerie & Swim Show in North America

 

The Council of Fashion Designers of America and CURVExpo have formed a partnership promoting fashion designers in the lingerie, swimwear and men’s underwear categories in the fashion space.

This partnership also includes support of the CFDAвЂs charitable initiative, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.

A kick-off event is being hosted by CURVExpo on Monday, August 2 (6pm – 7 pm) in the South Concourse of the Javits Center, to celebrate the newly formed partnership and to mark the launch of CURVExpo’s support of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC).

"As CURVExpo's first charitable partner, we are thrilled that Fashion Targets Breast Cancer will have the chance to reach an entirely new audience. The generous donations of the lingerie and swim community will help with our ongoing commitment to providing aid and information for breast cancer patients and their families around the globe" - Diane Von Furstenberg, CFDA president

Speakers at the event include: Betsey Johnson – CFDA Member and long-time avid supportor of FTBC, Carole Hochman – Designer and CFDA Member, Josie Natori – Designer and CFDA Member, Steven Kolb – CFDA Executive Director, Jean – Luc Teinturier – CURVExpo President Carole Hochman Group. Chantelle, Cosabella, Hanky Panky, Le Mystere, Natori Company and Wacoal have all agreed to join CURVExpo’s efforts to support FTBC and will take a leadership role on the FTBC advisory committee for 2011 planning. 

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India:Van Heusen ties up with Atlas for Leather Accessories

 

Van Heusen, the premium apparel lifestyle brand for men, women & youth, has renewed its exclusive license agreement with Atlas Brands, for manufacturing & distribution of Leather Accessories for the brands Van Heusen & V Dot. The two companies have worked together since 2003.

Atlas Brands introduced premium Italian leatherwear in 1988, and has grown to being a leader in the leather accessories business. With a presence of over 800 outlets across the country, it also markets other premium accessory brands like Bulchee in India.

Commenting on the association, Mr. Shital Mehta, COO, Van Heusen, said: “Atlas Brands brings in sound Product & Market knowledge in the business of accessories. Van Heusen considers the accessories business as a large & growing market fuelled by newer consumer aspirations. We are looking forward to offering a range of exciting accessories by providing a line befitting our apparel”

Van Heusen is the world’s No.1 Dress Shirt brand. It’s no different in India, except that it is also the country’s No. 1 premium lifestyle brand for men, women and youth. With a rich heritage of 128 years, the brand entered India in 1990. It has had the unique distinction of establishing not only the brand, but also the ready-to-wear category. 

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USA:Debut of Christie Brinkley Jewelry Collection

 

All-American beauty Christie Brinkley is bringing her latest collection of fresh, nature-inspired fine jewelry to QVC. The multi-talented model and actress is scheduled to appear on Sunday, August 1 at 9 PM (ET) to debut the Christie Brinkley Jewelry Collection and give viewers an inside look at the inspiration behind the pieces.

"This line is a celebration of all the things I love," states Brinkley. "I'm excited to work with QVC to share these bright and beautiful pieces with so many women at such affordable prices."

Each piece appearing on QVC reflects nature's effortless beauty and was created especially for QVC. Brinkley's ultra-feminine bracelets, cocktail rings and dangle earrings feature luminous gemstones such as Sky Blue Topaz and Moonstone, reminiscent of the ocean waves near her Hamptons home.

Flowers are also an echoing theme with a braided leather bracelet updated with a sterling rosette, a Blue Lace Agate statement necklace with floral accents and a flower bouquet ring and earrings. Brinkley believes that every day is an occasion to celebrate and each piece is designed to be a visual reminder of this philosophy.

"Christie's unique aesthetic will resonate with our viewers," said Diane Paccione, vice president of merchandising for QVC. "As one of the most recognizable and enduring style icons, she is a fantastic addition to our ever-growing list of celebrity designers."

The Christie Brinkley Jewelry Collection will be available beginning August 1 through QVC at QVC.com. 

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Brazil:Couromoda opens the sales season of the footwear market

 

The 38th edition of COUROMODA - International Shoes, Sportsgoods and Leather Goods Fair will be held in the city of SГЈo Paulo, from January, 17 to 20. The event that launches the new fashion collections of 3,000 brands of shoes, sneakers, handbags, travel and sports goods, garments and fashion accessories, presented by 1,100 companies from 13 states of Brazil.

COUROMODA, the second largest trade fair of the sector in the world, it will occupy an area of 80.000 square meters at the Anhembi Exhibition Complex, in the city of SГЈo Paulo. This is the first major trade show of the Brazilian calendar and it opens the season of footwear, accessories and garments industry sales, More than 65 thousand retailers, distributors, importers and businessmen are expected at the fair.

Exhibitors of COUROMODA account for 90% of the Brazilian footwear production, which in 2010 totaled 725 million pairs, of which 660 million are sold in the domestic market.  

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