USA:Crack your look and hug Crocs style

 

Crocs, Inc invites footwear fans to “Feel the Love” with the debut of its new Spring/Summer shoe line for women, men and children. Full of fresh, colorful, casual styles for any occasion and every lifestyle, Crocs’ seasonal footwear collections offer industry-leading profound comfort and support that is only available with the Company’s proprietary Croslite material. In the heart of every pair of Crocs shoes, Croslite material is an intuitive technology that works to conform to and cushion feet for a wearable hug.

“In the past, I only thought of Crocs footwear as a one shoe brand. I was completely surprised to find so many different and fun shoes that fit my anything-but-ordinary lifestyle and can be worn to the beach, running errands or to an afternoon barbeque with friends,” said Alison Deyette, Founder of AliOnTheGo.com and nationally recognized lifestyle and personal style expert. “From cute peep toes and sandals, to wedges, flats and West Coast-inspired loafers, this line allows consumers to select shoes that express their individual style and enjoy the comfort they crave.”

“These new shoe styles reflect our expertise in the design, development and marketing of custom contouring footwear,” said Ken Chaplin, Global Vice President of Marketing. “At the core of our business is Croslite material, which produces footwear that is comfortable, soft, lightweight, non-marking, and odor-resistant; all important qualities that make Crocs footwear revolutionary. We continue to expand the types of shoes we create, introducing new spring styles that can be worn by anyone for a wide variety of occasions. Now, your Crocs shoes can go anywhere you do with style, ease and a lot of TLC.”

Key Crocs Shoes Spring/Summer 2010 Styles for Women, Men and Children

• For women, Lady is an über comfortable, ultra chic, peep-toe, sling- back flat for women. It’s the ideal shoe for dressing up simple summer dresses, capris or jeans, and comes in a wide range of colors, including Navy, Gold, Bubblegum, Parrot Green, Black and Oyster. The new women’s collections also feature Farrah a stylish open-toe wedge with a 3 1/3 inch heel in Navy, Gold, Parrot Green and Black.
• For men, coastal living-inspired Melbourne and Santa Cruz are laid back, comfy alternatives to the traditional loafer. Melbourne comes in Espresso and Khaki colors, while Santa Cruz is available in Black, Chocolate, Khaki, Navy and Grey. Both styles are available in sizes 7-13.
• Exclusively for kids, Electro Slide is a two-toned slip-on that boys and girls can customize and personalize with Jibbitz shoe charms. With extra heel cushioning for little feet on the go, Electro Slide is available in a variety of adventurous color combinations, including Sky Blue with Dahlia, Fuchsia and Bubblegum, and Red with Light Grey.

Other style collections within the Spring/Summer 2010 line include:

• ABF: The almost barefoot feeling, ergonomic fit, maximum cushioning and encouragement of natural movement for men and women are at the center of ABF design. This collection includes the ABF Flip and ABF Slide in a variety of colors.
 

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Japan:Now вЂRuby’ on your watch

 

Kyocera Corporation announced that the company's recrystallized ruby also known as 'created ruby' has been employed for the first time in a decorative design application as watch parts. Previously the company's original crystal technology, which produces synthetic gemstones with crystalline structures identical to naturally occurring gemstones, was only used for traditional jewelry applications.

The ruby material has been utilized in the design of the limited-edition model MR-G, the highest-end series in Casio Computer Co., Ltd.'s shock-resistant G-Shock brand watches. 4.85 carats (approx. 0.97g) of Kyocera's recrystallized ruby has been set into the inner-casing around the numerals in the city code display design. The recrystallized ruby rough stone is precisely cut into a ring shape of roughly 3cm in diameter — a size and shape that otherwise could only be made possible with natural ruby if the highest quality stone was used. Furthermore, the pure ruby-red coloration only attainable in a recrystallized ruby is the perfect embodiment of the MR-G's theme color, Japanese traditional deep red, and boldly expresses the strength and beauty of the watch.

"Conventionally, our recrystallized gemstones have primarily been used for jewelry applications, but starting from last autumn, we have been developing them to be used in a wider range of decorative applications," stated Takafumi Matsuda, Executive Officer & General Manager of the Kyocera Corporation Jewelry & Application Products Division. "Kyocera will utilize the know-how accumulated in the 35-years of experience since the creation of our recrystallized gemstones to expand the business beyond jewelry and build a pillar for business in diverse decorative material applications."

The limited-edition watch which utilizes Kyocera's recrystallized ruby will be featured at Casio's booth in one of the world's largest international watch and jewelry shows, BASELWORLD 2010 (Palace 4), taking place in Basel, Switzerland from March 18-25. 

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China:Shanghai & Beijing get Origins

 

Origins Natural Resources Inc and The EstГ©e Lauder Companies Inc announced the launch of the Origins brand in mainland China, at the Parkson Department Store in Shanghai. The brand expects to open four more doors in Shanghai and Beijing by June 30, 2010.

Origins was introduced by The Estée Lauder Companies in 1990 as a plant-based line of skin care, makeup and aromatherapy products that combine time-tested botanical ingredients with modern science. The brand’s mission is to create high-performance natural skin care that is powered by nature and proven by science by using potent plants, natural and organic ingredients and 100 percent natural essential oils. Origins’ long-standing commitment to protect the planet, its resources and all those who populate it is reaffirmed by its earth-friendly practices, packaging and policies.

“This is such an exciting day for Origins,” said Jane Lauder, Senior Vice President, General Manager of Origins, and a member of The Estée Lauder Companies’ Board of Directors. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer Chinese consumers the opportunity to experience Origins’ diverse range of high performance skin care products that are powered by nature and proven by science.”

“Chinese consumers are passionate about skin care and natural ingredients, so Origins will be very relevant to this market,” Carol Shen, General Manager of The EstГ©e Lauder Companies in China, said. “In fact, the main ingredient in one of Origins most popular anti-aging collections, called вЂA Perfect World,’ is White Tea, an extremely potent antioxidant which comes from the mountains of the Fujian Province in southeast China.”

Attending the Origins launch with Ms. Lauder and Ms. Shen were William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman of The EstГ©e Lauder Companies, who was one of the founders of the brand, Lynne Greene, Global Brand President for Clinique, Origins and Ojon, along with other Company executives.

“It’s great to be back in China. We’re delighted to introduce another one of our prestige brands into this fast-growing market,” Mr. Lauder said. “China is strategically important for our Company and we expect that Origins will help fuel our continued expansion here.”

In keeping with its long-standing mission to protect the planet, Origins has partnered with “Million Forest,” a reforestation project organized by The Climate Group, United Nations Environment Programme and China Green Foundation, to help preserve the trees and habitats of the Gansu Province. Origins will plant a tree for every product purchased in China through June 30, 2010, from its “A Perfect World” and “Make A Difference” collections.

The launch of Origins in China was also commemorated by a symbolic tree planting near the Origins counter inside the Parkson Department Store in Shanghai. Origins products are currently sold in more than 30 countries and territories. Through the years, the brand’s practices and partnerships have made an environmental impact that is equivalent to planting 2,800 acres or 2.2 square kilometers of trees worldwide. 

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New Zealand:Igor Galas scoops top prizes at iD Emerging Designer Awards

 

Igor Galas, graduate of the Faculty of Textile Design, Zagreb, Croatia, with his collection Protector from Knitted Galaxy, thrilled audiences at tonight’s iD Dunedin Fashion Week Emerging Designer Awards and takes home the Life Pharmacy top prize of $5,000. Igor Galas has also been awarded the ever-popular Mittelmoda prize, which allows him direct entry to show at Mittelmoda in Italy.

The judges said Igor’s collection had a strong, cohesive theme and demonstrated a great range of skills, including the traditional handcraft of knitting.

Key points
Ryota Shiga, Sugina Fashion College, Japan, won the Dunedin City Council second place and $3,000, while Ichiro Suzuki, London College of Fashion, UK, was awarded the Mild Red third place and $1,000.

Winner of the inaugural Golden Centre jewellery design award and $1,000 is Paula Kyle Walden, from Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.

A three-month residency at the Dunedin Fashion Incubator was awarded to Brooke Fairgray from Whitecliffe College of Art and Design, Auckland for her collection It’s What You do to Me.

Sandra Tupu, Auckland University of Technology, won the $2,500 Otago Institute of Design Sustainability Award. Sandra’s collection brings a fresh approach to contemporary Pasifika fashion and explores the reconnection to her roots through the use of recycled natural fabrics, including old blankets and antique flour bags.

The Pacific Blue Emerging Designer Travel Prize was awarded to Otago Polytechnic graduate, Laura Marshall. The Pacific Blue Lucky Boarding Pass draw including two return flights to Brisbane went to Geoff Schaumann from Dunedin.

Glenn Yungnickel, with his collection In the Red, won the Pulp Magazine "Pulp Fashion Culture Award" which secures him an editorial spread and a one-year magazine subscription.

Judges for the 2010 Emerging Designer Awards were: Zandra Rhodes, international fashion designer; Stefano Sopelza, Mittelmoda Fashion Award Project Supervisor, Italy; Katie Newton, fashion and beauty editor of the Sunday Star Times, Sunday Magazine; and, Isaac Hindin-Miller, fashion blogger. Judges for the jewellery section of the Awards are: David McLeod, Dunedin sculptor and jeweller; and, Andrew Logan, international sculptor and jewellery designer.

iD Dunedin Fashion Week culminates with two spectacular fashion events, with tickets still available to the iD Dunedin Fashion Show at the city’s captivating railway station now over two nights on Friday 12 March and Saturday 13 March.

Quotes
Igor Galas, Faculty of Textile Design, Zagreb, Croatia
"My collection is my dream of a Protector who will come from the knitted galaxy and save the earth from the phenomenon of global warming. My dream is linked with the fact that wool, and only wool, has the characteristic of being warm in winter and cool in summer. This is the balance that is needed so that the Earth can move forward and be green and beautiful. When I heard that the Emerging Designer Awards was one of the best competitions I decided to do everything to make sure I secured a spot!"
 

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USA:Shaun White to design skate-inspired shoes for Target

 

Target announces the launch of Shaun White Shoes, an exclusive collection, which will debut nationwide in early fall 2010. An expansion of Target's strong relationship with Shaun White, the line will feature skate-inspired shoes for boys and young men.

"Over the past eight years, we have had the chance to work with Shaun on a variety of different projects, including his apparel line, video game and philanthropic partnership with Target House," said Troy Michels, Target Lifestyle Marketing. "We are proud to continue this partnership with the addition of Shaun White Shoes."

The collection of shoes will be designed by Shaun in collaboration with his brother, Jesse, and will feature styles influenced by the professional skateboarder's lifestyle.

"It's been a lot of fun working with Target for the past few years on my clothing line," said Shaun. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to bring some authentic skate shoes into the mix."

Starting this fall, Target guests can find Shaun White Shoes alongside Shaun's clothing and the exclusive version of his video game, Shaun White Snowboarding, at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com. 

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Italy:Trade Unions to start CIGS procedure at IT Holding

 

The Extraordinary Commissioners of IT Holding S.p.A. in a.s. announced that they have reached and signed the Group's agreement with Trade Unions to start the procedures for the activation of the CIGS (social safety net).

The agreement allows to accelerate the activation of social safety nets to protect all employees of the company, and it is connected to the business plan aimed at ensuring a solid future for the Group's companies, through the enhancement of its three business units, "ITTIERRE", "MALO" and "GIANFRANCO FERRÉ".

The confrontation on the business plan with the Trade Unions was characterized by a strong sense of responsibility that has allowed to reach an agreement on adopting the necessary social safety nets with the aim of promoting the possible relocation and the future retraining of all resources involved.

The parties have agreed on the future steps to implement the CIGS at local level.

In this regard, the parties will jointly ask for the involvement of the Molise Region, in order to implement and fund the retraining of the personnel involved in the CIGS procedure, and to develop new business opportunities and local employment. These actions will be aimed at encouraging the potential absorption of the personnel working in the Molise industrial plant.  

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Turkey:Igedo to launch CPI – Collection Premiere

 

ITKIB, the Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporter’s Association, will organise the new trade fair in CPI – Collection premiere Istanbul close cooperation with the Düsseldorf Igedo Company in the period end of August / mid of September. In parallel with the Istanbul Fashion Week the ITKIB will present around 300 selected international brands in the Turkish fashion and lifestyle metropolis. Representatives of ITKIB and the Igedo Company presented the project to the public in Istanbul on Wednesday.

While the ITKIB is responsible for the organisation of the event, visitor marketing and recruitment of national exhibitors, the Igedo Company will take over international sales, part of the communication and also support the ITKIB in a consultingcapacity. The exact date and the venue for CPI will be announced shortly. The trade fair is to be held in the immediate vicinity of the Istanbul Fashion Week which took place for the second time in February.

“CPI will soon become established as the most important fashion fair in the region because it pursues a clearly defined, international direction,” explains ITKIB President HikmetTanriverdi and goes on to say: “By enlisting the Igedo Company we were able to win over a highly competent and reliable cooperation partner that has successfully organised fashion fairs in Düsseldorf and Moscow for many years now. The ITKIB and the Igedo Company are therefore synonymous with highly professional events geared to market needs.”

Explaining the move in Istanbul Mirjam Dietz, Executive Director Fashion at the Igedo Company said: “We already discussed the CPI project with many exhibitors at CPM in Moscow and virtually charged at an open door. There is definitely interest. The market and the project are extraordinarily exciting, the chemistry is great between the partners and with our know-how and our contacts we can make a valuable contribution to the success of CPI. Wevery much look forward to cooperating with the ITKIB.”

Over the past two decades Turkey has become established as the leading manufacturing power in the European fashion industry. In this the sixth largest European economy the textile and clothing industry is among the key industries. Fashion and textilesaccount for one quarter of all goods exported from the country.Atthe same time, the Turkish industry is undergoing major change increasingly focusing on the development and marketing of own brands that are created with and by Turkish and international designers. And this fashion business is primarily done inIstanbul, the No. 1 hub for handling goods in the Near/Middle East with very strong links to Europe.

Istanbul has attracted the fashion and apparel industry with its special charm since the year dot. The city between East and West with its twelve million inhabitants inspires the sector with a fascinating mix of cultures and has always been considered a strong marketplace for Europe and the Near/Middle East. 

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