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Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Roberto Cavalli party collection


Over the weekend H&M's latest collaboration collection by Roberto Cavalli was presented to the international press at a gala event in Rome's Salone delle Fontane. Stars from the music- and movie business, as well as fashionista's came to celebrate new collection with Roberto Cavalli in Italian rock’n roll style. 'Roberto Cavalli is one of my personal favourites. His clothes are sexy, and he is always on the edge and changes before other designers. I think the collaboration with H&M is great because now all women can wear his designs', says Halle Berry.

The Roberto Cavalli party was star studded where, among others, Sharon Stone and Halle Berry were spotted in the crowd. The Italian fashion designer and his wive Eva arrived per helicopter, together with a trail of models wearing the 'Roberto Cavalli at H&M' collection. Roberto Cavalli said: 'This party for the launch of the Roberto Cavalli at H&M collection is truly amazing! The atmosphere is electrifying, glamorous and full of positive and young energy. It's a magical night that I will never forget'.

Models Erin Wasson and Jessica Stam showed Roberto Cavalli's famous animal print dresses made of silk chiffon, a red carpet dress made of pleated gold lame, a mini sheath with sequins and pearls and shapely tuxedo style jackets and trousers. Nicolas Malleville showed the men's range with sharply cut suits and tuxedo separates, worn as a suit or with jeans, T-shirts and shirts de luxe.

Roberto Cavalli by H&M will be available from 8th November.

Roberto Cavalli party collection

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Monday, October 29, 2007

Moschino expands


Moschino is about to open a brand new boutique in the historical shopping area of Saint Petersburg. Moschino S.p.A., part of the Aeffe Group, will open a 270 square meters boutique on 27th October in Bolshoy Prospekt. For the launch of the boutique, Moschino is cooperating with Bosco di Ciliegi, with whom they opened boutiques in Moscow in the Petrovski Passage (July 2003) and at GUM mall (July 2004).

The new two levels boutique will follow the store concept conceived by Moschino's creative director for recent and forthcoming spaces. The new interiors are a surrealistic take on the theme of the fairy tale. A heart-shaped handle, one of the symbols of Moschino, opens the door onto a space of pale, luminous color that transforms the classic furnishings into the main characters of a tale set in an enchanted forest. Light fixtures turn traditional plexiglass teardrops into transparent hearts that magically rain down to the ground to form metallic embellishments. Racks are in the shape of aluminum or black metal trees that spread against the walls like branches and leaves, with clothing hanging down and display units dropping like fruit. A rug with flora and fauna motifs shot with iridescent Lurex yarn lends warmth to the white marble floor.

The chairs, too, play up the surrealistic tone of the new concept. Upholstered with red fabric hearts or classic menswear cloth, several chairs are arranged near the ‘handbag’ sofa so that guests, transformed into princes and princesses for the occasion, can try on footwear in a world populated by diamond- and ring-shaped displays and little display ‘houses’ in lacquered wood.
The new shop will feature Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino Jeans and Moschino Uomo lines, ready-to-wear and accessories.

With this new boutique, the growing Moschino retail network reaches a total of 69 boutiques in the world and it continues to pursue his expansion project.

Moschino expands

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Saturday, October 27, 2007

Victoria Beckham collection halts Canadian production


Victoria Beckham's jean collection will see its Canadian production come to an end early next year as the high Canadian dollar and a shortage of qualified workers convinced the manufacturer to venture overseas. Production of dVb jeans, designed by Victoria Beckham as part of the David Victoria Beckham empire, is being relocated to lower-cost offshore facilities, a decision that will cost about 100 Canadian jobs.

"It was a combination of the (Canadian) dollar and staffing issues, but the dollar was the straw that broke the back," said Bob Silver, president of Western Glove Works, a closely held company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Since reaching parity with the greenback last month, for the first time since 1976, the Canadian dollar has extended its gains and was worth about US$1.02 on Monday.

"The economics were difficult when the (Canadian) dollar was at 80 (U.S.) cents, when the dollar is at par it's almost impossible."

Relocating the Beckham line of jeans to lower-cost offshore factories represents the last 5 percent of Western Glove's production in Canada, and it points to difficulties faced by other domestic manufacturers dealing with the soaring currency.

The bulk of sales at Western Glove, whose brands also include Silver and 1921, are made outside of Canada, so a lofty Canadian dollar makes the products more expensive to foreign buyers.

The Victoria Beckham line of jeans retail for anywhere between C$250 ($255) and C$300.
"We have been steadily moving our production offshore over the last 10 years," said Silver. "I had thought that we could maintain a small facility in Canada for an extended period of time but that's just not possible."

Victoria Beckham collection halts Canadian production

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Thursday, October 25, 2007

Julien MacDonald launches jewellery line


London Fashion Week favourite Julien Macdonald has launched his first jewellery collection in collaboration with high street jeweller H.Samuel. Known for his ultra glamorous and sexy designs, the Welsh born designer has worked his magic to create four collections, each with a different theme: Geometric, Flower, Facet and Chandelier. "I wanted to design for H.Samuel because it's a shop I remember going to as a kid with my mum and I've got a real soft spot for it! And I wanted to create four glamorous and luxurious collections, so that each provides that all important final touch to an outfit, whatever your style.

Every piece uses stones and crystals in gorgeous vibrant colours for a bit of real life red carpet chic." Julien Macdonald The designer's eclectic list of inspirations for the H.Samuel collection include the natural beauty of Spring flowers, the dramatic abstract lines of crystal stones and the paintings of iconic Art Deco artist Tamara de Lempicka. The Geometric collection makes a statement with clusters of eye-catching stones. Alternatively, the Facet range mixes clean angular lines with dazzling Swarovski crystals - coordinate with a little black dress and you're ready to dazzle for the party season!

The Flower collection mixes Swarovski crystals with highly polished metal and reflects the nature trend. The Chandelier collection oozes party glamour to provide an essential drop pendant and chandelier earrings, both featuring vivid pink and orange stones for stand out. This limited edition collection of 13 pieces retails from £25 for a crystal ring up to £95 for a sparkling geometric zirconia necklace.

Julien MacDonald launches jewellery line

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Nike acquires Umbro


Nike has reached an agreement to acquire Umbro, the leading UK based global football brand. Umbro has over 70 years experience with the world’s leading sport and biggest football market. The Board of Directors of Umbro plc, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, has unanimously recommended that shareholders accept the offer of 193.06 pence, which together with the declared dividend values the company at approximately $582 million (£285 million), or approximately $4.00 (195 pence) per share.

The acquisition will significantly expand Nike’s global leadership in football, a key growth category for the company. Since the early 1990s, Nike has grown its football revenues from about $40 million to approximately $1.5 billion and established brand leadership in the sport. Umbro sells products directly or through licensees in more than 90 countries and has sports marketing relationships with many top football players, teams and leagues, including the England national team. Umbro’s 2006 annual revenues were approximately $276 million (£149.5 million). Umbro reports that if licensed sales were translated to direct sales based on wholesale cost, total wholesale equivalent sales were approximately $755 million (£409.4 million).

Nike intends to operate Umbro as a stand-alone affiliate brand, with a focus on accelerating the brand’s existing growth strategy. Similar to other brands in Nike’s portfolio, Umbro will benefit from Nike’s product research, design and development expertise, and supply chain and distribution resources.

Umbro will join a strong and growing Nike portfolio of affiliate brands, including Converse, which was acquired by Nike in 2003, Cole Haan and Hurley International. Converse exemplifies Nike’s track record of acquiring and growing complementary brands. Since acquiring Converse in 2003, revenue has grown at a compound rate of 22 percent, and in fiscal 2007 Converse revenues grew over 20 percent to surpass $550 million. The brand has benefited from Nike product design and brand management expertise. Nike’s portfolio of other businesses is contributing more than $2 billion in revenue today, and is targeted to contribute 25 percent of the company’s revenue growth by fiscal 2011.

Nike acquires Umbro

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Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Bread&Butter winners


Last week, Bread&Butter announced the winners of their new Fashion Graduate Award at the Shôko lounge club in Barcelona. For the first time Bread&Butter awarded Fashion Graduate Award in conjunction with the Catalan Fashion School, Escuela Superior de Diseño y Moda Felicidad Duce. Manuel Bolaño walked away with the first price for the best designer of the Graduation Show and the second award went to Anderea Llosa.

Both award winners will be represented at BBBarcelona in January 2008 with a stand at Studio VI. The studio represents young a directional designers giving them the change to show their collections in a contemporary space.

With the Young Talent Prize, Bread&Butter wants to support and promote emerging talent. Last season BBBarcelona teamed up with Escuela Superior de Diseño y Moda Felicidad Duce and they are looking to tie in with more fashion initiatives.

Bread&Butter winners

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Sunday, October 21, 2007

British Fashion Awards 2007


The nominees of the British Fashion Awards have been announced and on 27th November, the awards sponsored by Swarovski are taking place at the Lawrence Hall, Horticultural Halls in London. The British Fashion Council (BFC) selected nominees in ten different categories. UK Vogue’s editor Alexandra Schulman chairs the BFC’s selection committee and the winners will be judged by leading persona’s from the fashion industry like buyers and journalists. With an exclusive champagne reception and dinner for 400 people from the fashion industry the award ceremony will be celebrated.

This year the Fashion Awards will introduce a new Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design. For this award the winner will be judged on his or hers international performance on the fashion industry. The Award for Fashion Creator will be dedicated to one of the most colourful figures in fashion, the late Isabella Blow.

The nominees for New Designer are Christopher Kane, Gareth Pugh and Marios Schwab. The Shop at Bluebird, Dover Street market and Marc Jacobs are runners up for the Best New Retail Concept. Nominated for the Designer of the Year Award are Luella Bartley, Stella McCartney and Anya Hindmarch. Either Mert and Marcus, Michael Howells and Terry Jones will be rewarded with the Fashion Creator Award. Other categories include Model of the Year, Menswear Designer of the Year, and Accessory designer of the Year. The winners of the BFC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion and the BFC Fashion Enterprise Award will be announced at the actual awards ceremony.

British Fashion Awards 2007

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Friday, October 19, 2007


Whilst Frieze Art Fair presented new and established artists, Calvin Klein showed his Spring Summer 08 collection in conjunction with Turner prize winner Martin Creed. After Shanhai and Toky,o London was the third city to experience the ‘World of Calvin Klein’. Creed recreated all Calvin Klein’s collections and presented a performance of an 18-piece music orchestra alongside the catwalk. The show featured models working the runway and staircases of the venue called P3, modelling the show stoppers of Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein Underwear and ck Calvin Klein.

The fashion and art event was hosted by actress Naomi Watts, Calvin Klein’s Creative Directors Francisco Costa, Italo Zucchelli, Kevin Carrigan and President & COO Tom Murry. Mixing the two different disciplines, is something that happens naturally in London and seemed to make sense to Calvin Klein and develop the brand’s identity further.

For the future, Calvin Klein is looking to launch ck Beauty and Man by the end of this year and launch ck stores in Asia, Australia and Eastern Europe. London will see the opening of a Calvin Klein Jeans flagship store on Regent Street early 2008.

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Tuesday, October 16, 2007


Adidas, the NBA and Minnesota Timberwolves Players will opened the first adidas NBA concept in Europe NBA Commissioner David Stern, Erich Stamminger, President and CEO of the adidas Brand, and members of the Minnesota Timberwolves opened the first adidas NBA Concept Shop in Europe in Istanbul, Turkey. The opening of the shop coincided with NBA Europe Live presented by EA SPORTS™ taking place in Istanbul last week. The adidas NBA Concept Shop is located in the centre of Istanbul on Taksim Square, at Istiklal Caddes Avenue No: 85/89 in Beyoglu Istanbul.

The store will cover 900sqm of the three floors, while featuring the largest range of official adidas NBA products in Europe including NBA jerseys, warm-ups and other apparel. It will also offer a broad range of adidas Sport Performance and adidas Originals footwear, apparel and accessories. “The adidas NBA Concept Shop brings the excitement of the NBA experience directly to our fans from the moment they enter the store,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “The new shop demonstrates the power of our partnership with adidas which is expanding the NBA's retail presence around the world. adidas is an extraordinary partner that continues to support the growth of basketball's global popularity.” Conceptualised as more than just a store, the adidas NBA Concept Shop features four areas designed to give consumers a look into the various stages a player goes through to prepare for a game. The shop gives fans a creative way for them to enjoy a unique and complete adidas and NBA basketball experience.

Upon entering the store, the consumer enters the Player’s Entrance. As a player, the tunnel leading to the court is one of the most emotional and exciting moments they experience prior to playing the game. As a fan, it is a moment in which they dream. The Player’s Entrance will recreate this experience for the consumer as they enter the store. The Court Zone is the heart of the store. This is where the consumer is immersed into the full team experience. This is where fans will find a wide range of official adidas NBA products as well as adidas Basketball products. In the Training Zone, consumers will find the products they need to prepare to take their games to the highest level, while the Transition Zone is meant to replicate when the players step off the court to relax, socialize and get away from the game. In this area, consumers will find a number of products designed for off the court, as well as activities that many NBA players take part in. The Transition Zone includes lounge seating, a variety of magazines and books, as well as, a video game entertainment centre and music listening station.

The European store launch was coincided with the NBA Europe Live. The NBA Celtics payed London a visit and played against the Timberwolves in the O2 Arena. Afterwards, the sporting heroes Didier Drogba, Kevin Garnett and Carlton Cole partied alongside Ja Rule until the early hours at club MAYA in Central London.

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Sunday, October 14, 2007

Fashion Rocks lineup announced


Swarovski Fashion Rocks, the charity that sponsors the Prince’s Trust, has announced its stellar line-up of designers and music for this year’s glamorous event. Hosted by Uma Thurman and Samual L Jackson, the event will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on 18th October. Following the success of Fashion Rccks in London 2003 and Monaco in 2005, this years event will see the much-awaited parings of Armani and Alicia Keys, Burbery and Razorlight, Calvin Klein and Joss Stone, Chanel and Lily Allen, Christopher Kane and The Gossip and Stellay McCartney and Shy Child amonst others. Brit band Sugabes will perform a special guest apprearance for sponsors Swarovski.

The event's executive producer Nick Scott calls the evening London's hot ticket for the year. "What a fantastic line-up and hosted by two of Hollywood's finest actors Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson renowned for their impeccable sense of style both on and off-screen."

Fashion Rocks lineup announced

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Thursday, October 11, 2007


MiMi London has launched its first own-label capsule collection, which is in store now. Designed by founder and buyer Mimi Lowe, the four piece outerwear line for A/W 2007 features luxurious Italian made leather and sheepskin pieces.

The A/W collection, launched instore recently, will be followed by MiMi's first cruise collection this winter. Since opening in 1997 MiMi quickly established itself as one of the UK's most influential and successful independent stores, servicing celebrities and models including Elle Macpherson, Naomi Campbell and Sophie Anderton. Her customers know exactly what to expect from the MiMi London range. On the collection she commented: “Casual but glamorous outerwear is always a challenge to buy. It tends to be quite bulky, so I wanted something more fitted and hip length to look sporty but sophisticated. The right jacket can add instant glamour to a simple top and jeans when you're heading to the gym or if you are a busy mum running around".

The new range will join over 60 exclusive labels for A/W 07/08. This autumn the boutique will also receive a birthday revamp with a renovated shop front and a new website. The prices range from £290 for the god Italian Toscana sheepskin Gilet to £899 for the hooded Italian Toscana sheepskin jacket in gold.

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Monday, October 8, 2007

Paris Fashion Week round-up


If Chanel and Balenciaga are the French fashion houses to follow, American Sportswear will be a key trend next season. Karl Lagerfeld , who on the runway showed denim swimming suits,
tennis-inspired knits and even tweed stripey sweaters, told the Herald Tribune: “Sportswear is what we wear every day," he claimed. "And America because the dollar is low! And without America, we would all be terrorists - or Communists!" Meanwhile, at Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquire took sportswear to the next level showing baseball-like lacing traced on curvaceous seam lines, body conscious dresses, and innovative fabric compositions. Think sportswear mixed with couture.

At Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilato brought back the jacket for spring, this time giving it a fresh cut and roomy volume. Fitted, drapey dresses in navy and washed mauve added to the modernist feel of the show.

The much-lauded Giambatista Valli showed full skirts of soft white dresses, billowing kaftans, and voluminous, couture-esque pieces. The designer told WGSN: "As always I start with a muse - this time it's Verushka. I love these strong independent women. And I love the psychedelic touch too.”

Elsewhere, at Dries van Noten, the designer focused on colour and contrasting moods. Mixed prints, set against white, were juxtaposed with yellow-tones, acqua, apple greens and peach. All the rules were broken as pattern was mixed with shift dresses, sarong skirts and halter tops, 50s-style shorts and soft wrap-front pants - casual blousons or soft throw-on jackets added to the relaxed vibe.

Valentino showed his last ready-to-wear show before his final couture presentation in January. The designer sent an array of colourful dresses down the runway, including the house signature red. Polka dot prints, ruffles on hems and corded lace added an extra dimensions. The finale of show stopping gowns were evidence of the designer’s master of elegance and cut

Paris Fashion Week round-up

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Thursday, October 4, 2007


Dutch suit shop Suitsupply, is planning to expand its brand accross Europe. This month Suitsupply will open its first foreign branch in Antwerp and later this year a store will be launched in London. Director Fokke de Jong is aiming to open hundred stores in the the suupcoming ten years spread over Europe. According to De Jong, it company is ready to expand in foreign countries especially now the Netherlands counts twenty branches.

The collection on offer in foreign countries will differ from the Dutch range, where it’s styling is more orientate on the Italian market. This style is very appealing to the European market, but doesn’t suit the British consumer. In the United Kingdom the suit developed differently and has its own cut and etiquette. In order to offer the right style, a special design team will focus onto the British market. Research learnt that the detailing on trousers vary and British designers prefer to use plain fabrics compared to striped. For the London shop De Jong set up a back up plan and also have the regular collection on display. In Belgium compared to the United Kingdom, less adjustments will be necessary. In Antwerp, Suitsupply will launch the brand with the opening of a flagship store of 650m2.

London and Antwerp are the first cities Suitsupply is going to expand, after which the suit company will focus on to the rest of Europe. Suitsupply will invest own money, as De Jong is the company owner for two third. The other third is owned by the McGregor Fashion Group.

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Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Top change at Dior


From October 1st, the current role of president of Christian Dior Inc. by Patricia Malone, will be taken over by Pamela Baxter, President of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton's Perfume and Cosmetics Group. Within 17 months, this is the second top change of the U.S. division of Christian Dior Couture.

Dior stated, "The move reflects Dior's appreciation of Pamela Baxter's success in managing the North American perfumes and cosmetics business and it looks forward to her leadership in these expanded responsibilities." Less then two years ago, Malone replaced Marla Sabo when Dior’s U.S. sales were going down. Malone will pursue other opportunities and Dior thanked her for her contributions to its North American activities, aldus Dior’s statement.

Baxter has already been working with Dior, being the U.S. head of LVMH's perfume and cosmetics division, which include Christian Dior Perfumes, Guerlain and Parfums Givenchy. She came on board in 2003, when she was the president of Lauder's Specialty Brands Group. Dior’s North American beauty business needed fresh input and by working closely with Dior’s distribution and focussing on the brand’s heritage, she managed to revive Dior’s market place.
According to Baxter, “Dior is a fashion house, it has many facets with categories such as accessories, shoes, jewellery, cosmetics and perfume. It's a whole image-driven business that appeals to a woman and she buys into the whole Dior look," Baxter said. "This gives us an opportunity to align the brand and image from top to bottom."

In the first half of this year, Christian Dior Couture’s sales went up with 12% to 368 million Euros and operating gains ascended to 28 million Euros compared to 8 million Euros in 2006. This season and previous season, Dior already tried to work on its U.S. profile. The brand hosted catwalk shows in New York to present it’s new collections to press and buyers.

Top change at Dior

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