USA:вЂI Am Beautiful!’ starring new face of plus-size fashion

 

IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel, a premiere American designer brand of contemporary plus-size collections with a mission to transform the world’s view of beauty launches a powerful visual campaign; “I Am Beautiful!” starring the new face of plus-size fashion, Rosie Mercado, and directed by world-renowned fashion photographer and film maker, Marc de Paola.

“I Am Beautiful!” showcases the raw emotional journey of a traditionally disregarded, in fashion and overall in life, size 26 woman discovering her authentic beauty with-in herself and her powerful and moving declaration; “I Am Beautiful!”. It reaffirms IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel’s stance that beauty is not a matter of a dress size, scale number, age, height or anything else that are held so important in our society, but a matter of an attitude, poise, self-confidence, a positive mind-set and most importantly being in harmony with one’s self.

“My mission is to change the misperceptions surrounding beauty, and I am thrilled to work with Rosie on this project.” said Yuliya Raquel, IGIGI Designer and Founder. “She represents the confident, stylish, curvaceous woman who is beautiful and comfortable in her own skin. She is over society’s restrictions, and she is most definitely sick of the phrase вЂYou have such a beautiful face! If only you lost some weight!’ Every woman is already truly beautiful, but many still need to have the right tools to be able to express that. I create my designs to serve as a tool to remind the curvaceous women about the beauty that’s already within them and to help them express it onto the world.”

Rosie added “To say that I am beautiful feels amazing but to show other women that I am beautiful at my size is powerful, and I want to be a part of an empowering movement of self confidence, love and beauty.”

“I Am Beautiful!” showcases the raw emotional journey of a traditionally disregarded, in fashion and overall in life, size 26 woman discovering her authentic beauty with-in herself and her powerful and moving declaration; “I Am Beautiful!”. It reaffirms IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel’s stance that beauty is not a matter of a dress size, scale number, age, height or anything else that are held so important in our society, but a matter of an attitude, poise, self-confidence, a positive mind-set and most importantly being in harmony with one’s self.

“My mission is to change the misperceptions surrounding beauty, and I am thrilled to work with Rosie on this project.” said Yuliya Raquel, IGIGI Designer and Founder. She represents the confident, stylish, curvaceous woman who is beautiful and comfortable in her own skin. She is over society’s restrictions, and she is most definitely sick of the phrase “You have such a beautiful face! If only you lost some weight!” Every woman is already truly beautiful, but many still need to have the right tools to be able to express that. I create my designs to serve as a tool to remind the curvaceous women about the beauty that’s already within them and to help them express it onto the world.”
 

USA:Launch of The Fashion File

UK:Stella McCartney launches first kids' collection

 

Stella McCartney launches her first kids' collection with a capsule collection for Holiday 2010.

Stella McCartney Kids, reflecting the designer's signature modern aesthetic and ethical values, is launching with a primarily online distribution. The fun and modern styles for boys and girls, aged newborn to 12 years, will be available to ship in up to 200 countries.

Stella McCartney comments: "I wanted this first collection to include basic pieces that are comfortable and that address a child's needs, without sacrificing the fun and carefree elements."

Each piece from the Stella McCartney Kids collection which also includes styles that have been adapted and shrunken from the main line; has been given a kid's first name. The Lara tee, an organic cotton two-tone baseball shirt with a stripe and floral print; a knitted reindeer intarsia cashmere jumper called Luis for boys, and Frida, a dress version.

The range also includes unisex pieces like the Sam double-breasted pea coat with two chest and flap pockets in deep blue, the Lee military jacket with embroidery and epaulette details. Other highlights within the collection are playful pieces like the Andrea and the Stephane pyjamas featuring a glow in the dark bumblebee and sheriff uniform print respectively in 100% organic cotton. Additionally, a percentage of online sales of the Leo fox-print sweatshirt, also made of organic cotton, will benefit "Meat Free Monday."

The Stella McCartney Kids website will have interactive functions for both parents and kids, such as the 'playground section,' where kids can have fun and explore various features like downloading wallpapers that are a print from the collection or a drawing game. The "Stella's picks" section highlights the designer's personal favorites from the collection.

The Stella McCartney Kids iPhone application includes special features such as a mechanical drawing game and the ability to instantly shop and browse the designer's collections through the online store.

In addition to the online shopping service, the collection is also available in Stella McCartney stores in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait, Riyadh, Jeddah, Beirut and the soon to open location in Las Vegas. In March, a full range Spring-Summer collection will hit stores with an expanded retail distribution. 

France:FLORIAN DENICOURT launches S/S collection for men

USA:Launch of The Fashion File

 

Janie Bryant, Maidenform Wardrobe Expert and “Mad Men” Costume Designer, knows that all looks start with the most important element: foundations. In Bryant’s book The Fashion File, launching November 1, she shows women how to be their own leading ladies, highlighting foundations in the chapter titled “Defining your Silhouette.”

On Thursday, November 4, Bryant is teaming up with ELLE Magazine, Maidenform and JCPenney at Manhattan Mall in New York City from 12-2PM. Bryant will be sharing tips on how to accentuate your assets with bras and shapewear from Maidenform and Flexees in the intimate apparel department. She will be signing copies of her book and taking photographs with the first 100 customers who make a qualifying purchase of Maidenform and/or Flexees products. Maidenform’s Bod Squad will also be on site offering complimentary bra and shapewear fittings.

Some of Bryant’s favorite products from Maidenform include the Maidenform Custom Lift T-Back Bra, Maidenform Custom Lift Strapless Longline Bra, Flexees Firm Control Wear Your Own Bra (W.Y.O.B.) Hi-Waist Legging, Flexees Decadence Full Brief, and Flexees Fat Free Dressing Leggings and Slip Dress.

The collaboration with Maidenform allows Bryant to help educate consumers by offering flattering fit and style tips as well as share her expertise in dressing an array of body types, a skill honed while working on the set. “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,” Bryant said. Her new book, The Fashion File features a chapter on the importance of intimate apparel including instructions on how to fit yourself and bras every woman should own including Maidenform’s new Ultimate Push Up Bra. 

Tanzania:Fashion institute to be set up in Dar es Saalam

Malaysia:Top European fashion designers impressed by batik & songket

 

An intense interest has been expressed by leading designers Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Prada and Zara in batik and songket designs of Terengganu state of Malaysia.

In a promotional blitz by the state government in Milan, Barcelona, London, and Paris, representatives of all the above mentioned companies showed their interests in the Malaysian state's local textiles.

The elaborate patterns and designs of batik and songket impressed the European designers the most. Several top European fashion designers are also very interested in creating their collections using these textiles.

These textiles have also impressed the fashion writers in Barcelona. It is expected that Terengganu’s textile industry will emerge as a high-revenue generator of the state because of its European connections.

Batik is a popular textile design in Malaysia which has been flaunted by several politicians at public places. In a bid to endorse state’s local textile industry, the state government will further keep on inviting fashion designers of other countries.

 

France:171 exhibitors to partake at ‘Direction by Indigo’ show

USA:Nolcha designers selected for New York City Pop Up Store

 

Farasha Style announces launch of New York City couture pop-up boutique in the Lower East Side at Grand Opening, November 4th-7th, featuring a selection of designers sourced via Nolcha including Chako, Chak Chel, Elly Clay, Jess Rizutti, Lara Miller, M. Brulee Inc, Maleku, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Nora del Busto and Serpico.

Crystal Haylett, Elly Clay, states: "As always, as a designer connected to Nolcha, Elly Clay has been presented with another great opportunity to get more exposure for our brand. We are so excited about participating in the Farasha Pop Up store in New York and expect a great turn out."

Farasha operates as an incubator space featuring fashion-forward and emergent designers from all around the globe including Canada, Costa Rica, Japan, and Uruguay; as well as fashion cities across the U.S. such as Chicago, LA, & New York. By creating this unique shopping-environment, consumers are able to experience a worldly perspective of design and fashion from strikingly talented designers. Within this one of a kind atelier setting, Farasha provides their clients with a rare opportunity to discover new clothing lines and shop eclectic collections from an array of modern designers.

Vanessa Di Palma Wright, Farasha Owner, shares: "Launching a NYC pop-up boutique is an exciting undertaking for Farasha as we strive to be a recognized and respected forum for emerging designers from around the globe to gain notice and expand to other markets. The partnership we have with Nolcha has been extremely valuable as they have identified and facilitated collaborations with diverse, talented, and unique designers. I look forward to a successful debut in the big apple."

The boutique will feature several exclusive collections from 25 remarkable designers and will be held at Grand Opening on 139 Norfolk Street, NY, between Rivington & Stanton. 

USA:Jimmy Au’s For Men 5′8″ and Under to dispaly line in New York

Germany:Gross profit margin improves by 5.4% at HUGO BOSS

 

Fiscal 2010 will be a year of growth again for HUGO BOSS AG. The company generated significant double-digit increases in sales and profit in the third quarter.

“Our growth in the third quarter is broad-based, with all regions, distribution channels and brands contributing to it,” said Claus-Dietrich Lahrs, CEO and Chairman of the Managing Board of HUGO BOSS AG, of the publication of the quarterly report. “The results show that we have chosen the right path to achieve our goals for 2015.”

EBITDA before special items up 42% in Q3
In the third quarter of 2010, HUGO BOSS Group sales were up 14% on a currency-neutral basis. In euro terms, the Group posted a sales increase of 19% to EUR 538 million (2009: EUR 450 million). The improvement was supported by double-digit currency-neutral growth in all regions (Europe +12%, America +13%, Asia/Pacific +27%). Wholesale revenues were 6% higher than in the previous year after adjustment for currency effects. Retail sales (including outlets and online) increased by 36% after adjustment for currency effects.

The first-time consolidation of the joint venture with the Rainbow Group in China supported this development. On a like-for-like basis, revenues at directly operated retail stores rose by 15% after adjustment for currency effects. As a result of the growing share of retail sales, a consistent pricing policy and efficiency improvements in production and sourcing activities, the gross profit margin increased by 4.9 percentage points to 59.2% (2009: 54.3%). The rise in the gross profit margin also resulted in an increase of 4.5 percentage points in the EBITDA margin before special items, which amounted to 27.9% (2009: 23.4%).

Gross profit margin improves by 5.4 percentage points after nine months In the first nine months of 2010, HUGO BOSS Group sales were up 2% on a currency-neutral basis. In the reporting currency, revenues increased 6% to EUR 1,307 million (2009: EUR 1,238 million). Europe posted a currency-neutral decline of 2%, whereas sales in America and Asia/Pacific improved by 11% and 16% respectively. While wholesale revenues were down 8% after adjustment for currency effects, retail sales rose 27% in the first nine months. On a like-for-like basis and after adjustment for currency effects, the sales increase at directly operated retail stores amounted to 10%. The gross profit margin grew by 5.4 percentage points to 58.0% (2009: 52.6%). The EBITDA margin before special items rose by 3.1 percentage points to 20.9% (2009: 17.8%).

Considerable decrease in debt
Strict monitoring of net working capital led to a year-on-year improvement of 15% to EUR 265 million (September 30, 2009: EUR 311 million). The net financial position decreased by 34% to EUR 304 million (September 30, 2009: EUR 459 million).

Sales and earnings forecast raised
As third quarter results were considerably better than originally expected, the Group has raised its forecasts for the full year. Management now anticipates a currency-neutral sales increase of 5% for fiscal 2010 (previously: increase between 3% and 5%). As a result of significant improvements in the gross profit margin, operating income (EBITDA before special items) is expected to see stronger growth than sales of approximately 20% (previously: between 10% and 12%). 

Spain:Scarlett poses with new designs of MANGO winter

Spain:Poppy Delevingne poses with Mango’s winter designs

 

MANGO, Spain’s most international fashion company, will feature Poppy Delevingne in its November catalogue.

The daughter of the model Pandora Delevingne, this British model has become one of the most sought-after faces in the fashion world. Discovered by Sarah Doukas, of the Storm Model Management agency, she has appeared in the advertising campaigns of Anya Hindmarch, Laura Ashley, Clarke Astley and Bamford & Sons, among many others. We have also seen her on the covers of various fashion magazines.

The photo shoot took place at Barcelona's Hotel Palace, formerly the Ritz Hotel, one of the most emblematic hotels in the city. The photographer Txema Yeste arrived to do the photo shoot and immortalised Poppy Delevingne’s feminine and natural charm to perfection. The styling was done by the MANGO team, while the make-up and hair styling was the responsibility of Jordi Fontanals and Christoph Hasenbein respectively. During the photo shoot, the model declared: Working with MANGO is an honour because it is a brilliant brand, and it is great to be a part of it. I consider myself very fortunate.

In this new catalogue, with its evening ambience, romantic and masculine looks have been combined. It reveals the more feminine and glamorous side of the MANGO woman.
This season, the Spanish firm continues to reinterpret traditional country garments, such as the cape, garments with leather and suede applications, or thick knits with a handmade appearance. All of them feature a range of camel tones and winter reds, combined with touches of grey and blue. For evening wear, the brand has gone for a theatrical and romantic air by applying elements such as feathers, sequins or stones. The colour palette comprises tones associated with vintage, such as make-up and beige, mixed with chocolate and caramel, while gold and copper add a touch of light.

MANGO, which opened its first store in Barcelona’s Passeig de GrГ cia in 1984, now has over 1,600 stores in 100 countries. It is Spain’s second biggest fashion export company and its concept is based on an alliance between a quality product, in accordance with the latest fashion trends, and an affordable price. The brand image is reinforced by its stores, which benefit from a dynamic image in accordance with the personality of its customers, and represent the calling card for the brand. 

Spain:Scarlett poses with new designs of MANGO winter