Dressing Michelle: Major Designers Wait for First Lady's Call
By: Bridget Foley
Source: http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/major-designers-wait-for-first-ladys-call-2090453?module=most_emailed#/article/fashion-news/major-designers-wait-for-first-ladys-call-2090453?full=true
"For his part, de la Renta notes that, in recent history, first ladies have always had direct contact with a designer, typically relying on one or two. He suggests that, designer or otherwise, Obama would benefit from expanding her current range of fashion advisers, particularly on matters of protocol. 'You don’t,' he declares definitively, 'go to Buckingham Palace in a sweater.'"
I think this passage generally sums up this article. Foley goes into detail about First Lady Obama's fashion selections. Many high end designers seem to almost be whining about the fact that she hasn't given them much of a shot. They seem to be lining up at the chance to dress the First Lady, if not only to gain some response from the public during this time of recession.
I personally think it's a great thing that she seems be be giving young, up-and-coming designers some support. However, I'm beginning to think she simply wears what she likes. She did give Michael Kors an opportunity to dress her. There were several other high end designers lining up such as Donna Karan and Carolina Herrera. There are a numerous list of designers yet to show up on her roster including Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs.
I think over time she will venture away from the young designers and start to wear more famous names. I think she has to. de la Renta makes a valid point. There is eventually going to be a time that she has to wear something to an event that isn't "a cardigan." I do however, think she is making a valiant effort to be "accessible" to all people.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Blog #9
Topshop Lands in New York
By: David Moin
Source: http://www.wwd.com/retail-news/topshop-lands-in-new-york-2087669/?module=most_emailed
Despite the recession and many many obstacles, Topshop launches its American flagship store in SoHo. London-based retailer opens to high expectations and years of anticipation.
It's 4 floors of over the top rock and roll merchandise. Topshop caters to all--they have $18 for 2 cardigans within $500 dresses. They specialize in irreverant clothes and don't intend to hold back at their big American debut. They have been holding parties for socialites and Kate Moss will be at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
"Asked about the projected revenues, Green (owner of Arcadia Group) replied: 'It’s impossible to know, but we have shipped in a lot of inventory. This is a learning curve. Am I nervous? Absolutely not. If we do our job well, people will shop here. You get a ‘wow’ feeling, even when the store is empty of shoppers. Imagine what it will be like with people shopping.'"
I personally am thrilled about this flagship store opening in New York. I intend to milk the benefits of being there this summer. I think it's great that they are coming to the US. And just as H&M and Zara have, I think they will be very successful here.
By: David Moin
Source: http://www.wwd.com/retail-news/topshop-lands-in-new-york-2087669/?module=most_emailed
Despite the recession and many many obstacles, Topshop launches its American flagship store in SoHo. London-based retailer opens to high expectations and years of anticipation.
It's 4 floors of over the top rock and roll merchandise. Topshop caters to all--they have $18 for 2 cardigans within $500 dresses. They specialize in irreverant clothes and don't intend to hold back at their big American debut. They have been holding parties for socialites and Kate Moss will be at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
"Asked about the projected revenues, Green (owner of Arcadia Group) replied: 'It’s impossible to know, but we have shipped in a lot of inventory. This is a learning curve. Am I nervous? Absolutely not. If we do our job well, people will shop here. You get a ‘wow’ feeling, even when the store is empty of shoppers. Imagine what it will be like with people shopping.'"
I personally am thrilled about this flagship store opening in New York. I intend to milk the benefits of being there this summer. I think it's great that they are coming to the US. And just as H&M and Zara have, I think they will be very successful here.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Blog #8
The End of Excess: Is this Crisis Good for America?
By: Kurt Andersen
Source: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1887728,00.html
"During the '80s and '90s, we were Wile E. Coyote racing heedlessly across the endless American landscape at maximum speed and then spent the beginning of the 21st century suspended in midair just past the end of the cliff; gravity reasserted itself, and we plummeted."
The perfect analogy for Americans these past 20 some years. Andersen vividly sums up how the American lifestyle has continued to grow ever since the 80s and has yet to stop until now. And we wonder why we didn't see it coming?
Since the 80s Americans have been indulging in the excess of society. In '82, Americans saved an average of 11% of their disposable income. That number has plummeted to less than 1%! The price of a new American home has quadrupled. And now a third of Americans are obese, where as in the 70s only 15% were.
"Golden ages and empires do come to an end." Basically, there has to be and there will be a change in America. Americans can not return to the way things have been for the past 20 plus years. There must be change and great change if we are to remain on top. Americans are going to have to revamp their mindset and shift their way of thinking. We must break our addiction. "We are like substance abusers coming off a long bender, hitting bottom (we can only hope) and taking the messes we've made as a sobering wake-up call."
Andersen concluded his vat of knowledge with this and show shall I: Now that we're accustomed to the unthinkable suddenly becoming not just thinkable but actual, we ought to be able to think the unthinkable on the upside, as America plots its reconstruction and reinvention.
By: Kurt Andersen
Source: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1887728,00.html
"During the '80s and '90s, we were Wile E. Coyote racing heedlessly across the endless American landscape at maximum speed and then spent the beginning of the 21st century suspended in midair just past the end of the cliff; gravity reasserted itself, and we plummeted."
The perfect analogy for Americans these past 20 some years. Andersen vividly sums up how the American lifestyle has continued to grow ever since the 80s and has yet to stop until now. And we wonder why we didn't see it coming?
Since the 80s Americans have been indulging in the excess of society. In '82, Americans saved an average of 11% of their disposable income. That number has plummeted to less than 1%! The price of a new American home has quadrupled. And now a third of Americans are obese, where as in the 70s only 15% were.
"Golden ages and empires do come to an end." Basically, there has to be and there will be a change in America. Americans can not return to the way things have been for the past 20 plus years. There must be change and great change if we are to remain on top. Americans are going to have to revamp their mindset and shift their way of thinking. We must break our addiction. "We are like substance abusers coming off a long bender, hitting bottom (we can only hope) and taking the messes we've made as a sobering wake-up call."
Andersen concluded his vat of knowledge with this and show shall I: Now that we're accustomed to the unthinkable suddenly becoming not just thinkable but actual, we ought to be able to think the unthinkable on the upside, as America plots its reconstruction and reinvention.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Blog #7
Jil Sander Takes On Design Role at Uniqlo
By: Amanda Kaiser
Source:http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/jil-sander-said-to-take-on-design-role-at-uniqlo-2072975?module=most_emailed
Jil Sander is making a comeback! She signed an agreement with Uniqlo that states she will oversee men's and women's apparel.
"The challenge is for me to establish a premium quality in a democratically priced range," states Sander.
Sander is not receiving an official title (which I find strange) but will have creative reign over everything except accessories and children's wear. There is also discussion of a special collection that emphasizes Sander's minimalist design aesthetic.
Uniqlo is collaborated with other designers such as Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang.
Evidently Uniqlo is one of the few retailers succeeding in the Japan through its recession. Uniqlo focuses on colorful basics. I think that says a lot about what people are focusing on considering the lack of funds. It's not surprising that a brand providing basics is doing so well through the recession. All the blog spots that I've written seem to have a reoccurring trend that focuses on the economic recession and how companies are changing and at least handling the situation.
After Sander's second exit from Prada, at 65 she is hoping to take on the fashion industry. I wish her the best of luck.
By: Amanda Kaiser
Source:http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/jil-sander-said-to-take-on-design-role-at-uniqlo-2072975?module=most_emailed
Jil Sander is making a comeback! She signed an agreement with Uniqlo that states she will oversee men's and women's apparel.
"The challenge is for me to establish a premium quality in a democratically priced range," states Sander.
Sander is not receiving an official title (which I find strange) but will have creative reign over everything except accessories and children's wear. There is also discussion of a special collection that emphasizes Sander's minimalist design aesthetic.
Uniqlo is collaborated with other designers such as Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang.
Evidently Uniqlo is one of the few retailers succeeding in the Japan through its recession. Uniqlo focuses on colorful basics. I think that says a lot about what people are focusing on considering the lack of funds. It's not surprising that a brand providing basics is doing so well through the recession. All the blog spots that I've written seem to have a reoccurring trend that focuses on the economic recession and how companies are changing and at least handling the situation.
After Sander's second exit from Prada, at 65 she is hoping to take on the fashion industry. I wish her the best of luck.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Blog #6
Retail Sales Slide Further, Except at Wal-Mart
By: Stephanie Rosenbloom
Source:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/business/economy/06retail.html?_r=1&hp
“We believe falling gas prices significantly boosted household disposable income in February and therefore allowed for both more trips and more spending towards discretionary categories.” That's what Wal-Mart said when announcing it's results. Evidently Wal-Mart exceeded analysts expectations in February sales. It's obvious with the drop in gas prices, as well as the continued economic recession, consumers are turning to Wal-Mart, the nation's largest retailer, for necessities.
The retail industry had not posted a positive sales figure since September. Since Wal-Mart did well in February is caused a slight increase, less than 1%, but it was an increase nonetheless.
In comparison to a year ago, analyst are saying not to read too much into the little bump. Fact is many retail stores are still declining. The clothing retailers are hurting the most. The biggest drop came from Abercrombie and Fitch, whom had a 30% drop from last year's numbers. Numbers weren't as huge in other clothing retail stores, but the only increase showed in February was with discount stores such as Costco and BJ's Wholesale Club. However, some stores stayed flat or even dropped, such as Target who had a 4.1% decrease.
It looks as though there isn't going to be much change in March. I, for one, am ready for the economy to pick up.
By: Stephanie Rosenbloom
Source:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/business/economy/06retail.html?_r=1&hp
“We believe falling gas prices significantly boosted household disposable income in February and therefore allowed for both more trips and more spending towards discretionary categories.” That's what Wal-Mart said when announcing it's results. Evidently Wal-Mart exceeded analysts expectations in February sales. It's obvious with the drop in gas prices, as well as the continued economic recession, consumers are turning to Wal-Mart, the nation's largest retailer, for necessities.
The retail industry had not posted a positive sales figure since September. Since Wal-Mart did well in February is caused a slight increase, less than 1%, but it was an increase nonetheless.
In comparison to a year ago, analyst are saying not to read too much into the little bump. Fact is many retail stores are still declining. The clothing retailers are hurting the most. The biggest drop came from Abercrombie and Fitch, whom had a 30% drop from last year's numbers. Numbers weren't as huge in other clothing retail stores, but the only increase showed in February was with discount stores such as Costco and BJ's Wholesale Club. However, some stores stayed flat or even dropped, such as Target who had a 4.1% decrease.
It looks as though there isn't going to be much change in March. I, for one, am ready for the economy to pick up.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Blog #5
Crowds Flock to YSL Art Exhibit
By: WWD Staff
Source:http://www.wwd.com/lifestyle-news/crowds-flock-to-ysl-art-exhibit-2025715
By 7:30 Sunday morning thousands of people had wrapped around the building to attend late Yves Saint Laurent's art collection. A collection of 700 pieces by artists such as Picasso and Matisse filled the Grand Palais in an exhibit made to look like YSL's apartment.
Givinchy commented that it was "a beautiful homage, but it's very sad." Scenographer Criniere said that it was important to display the works the way they had because they were "still part of life."
The plan is to auction most of the pieces off that same week. There are a select few pieces that won't be for sale. Berge, YSL's partner, plans to hold on to Warhol's portrait of YSL, along with some others. Others he donated.
I think this is all very fascinating. I wish I could simply see his collection, however, I know I could never afford anything up for auction. It was a beautiful tribute paid to such an honored designer of our time, but it really is sad to see it end.
By: WWD Staff
Source:http://www.wwd.com/lifestyle-news/crowds-flock-to-ysl-art-exhibit-2025715
By 7:30 Sunday morning thousands of people had wrapped around the building to attend late Yves Saint Laurent's art collection. A collection of 700 pieces by artists such as Picasso and Matisse filled the Grand Palais in an exhibit made to look like YSL's apartment.
Givinchy commented that it was "a beautiful homage, but it's very sad." Scenographer Criniere said that it was important to display the works the way they had because they were "still part of life."
The plan is to auction most of the pieces off that same week. There are a select few pieces that won't be for sale. Berge, YSL's partner, plans to hold on to Warhol's portrait of YSL, along with some others. Others he donated.
I think this is all very fascinating. I wish I could simply see his collection, however, I know I could never afford anything up for auction. It was a beautiful tribute paid to such an honored designer of our time, but it really is sad to see it end.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Blog #4
L'Oreal Lays Out '09 Game Plan
By: Jennifer Weil
Source:http://www.wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/loral-lays-out-09-game-plan-2009010?module=most_emailed#/article/beauty-industry-news/loral-lays-out-09-game-plan-2009010?full=true
"It could be 'leaner and meaner.'"
That's L'Oreal's slogan for 2009. Their plans include "up(ping) its advertising outlay while at the same time cutting its number of stockkeeping units, introducing lower-priced items, implementing a hiring freeze in certain markets and focusing on innovative products."
Currently their greatest worry is their luxury products, which is why they are shifting their focus back to the basics. They had some troubles in 2008, but they are staying positive for the upcoming year. CEO Agon thinks they "put up good resistance." And I'm not really all that surprised. They way I see it, make up is a basic necessity for most women. Also, I think make up is very brand conscious. I, for one, am very picky about the products I use on my face. I think lots of women will continue to purchase the basics and if their brand is offered at a cheaper price, as L'Oreal is suggesting they will, then they will continue to purchase the brand they are comfortable with.
I think the strategy of remaining strong with advertising, while being aware of the "buyer's market" that they are currently facing is smart. Give the women what they want.
By: Jennifer Weil
Source:http://www.wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/loral-lays-out-09-game-plan-2009010?module=most_emailed#/article/beauty-industry-news/loral-lays-out-09-game-plan-2009010?full=true
"It could be 'leaner and meaner.'"
That's L'Oreal's slogan for 2009. Their plans include "up(ping) its advertising outlay while at the same time cutting its number of stockkeeping units, introducing lower-priced items, implementing a hiring freeze in certain markets and focusing on innovative products."
Currently their greatest worry is their luxury products, which is why they are shifting their focus back to the basics. They had some troubles in 2008, but they are staying positive for the upcoming year. CEO Agon thinks they "put up good resistance." And I'm not really all that surprised. They way I see it, make up is a basic necessity for most women. Also, I think make up is very brand conscious. I, for one, am very picky about the products I use on my face. I think lots of women will continue to purchase the basics and if their brand is offered at a cheaper price, as L'Oreal is suggesting they will, then they will continue to purchase the brand they are comfortable with.
I think the strategy of remaining strong with advertising, while being aware of the "buyer's market" that they are currently facing is smart. Give the women what they want.
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