IN THE KNOW WITH RADHIKA – VOL. 9

Posted on August 16, 2013 by rachana10

Happy Independence Day! Hope you’ll enjoyed the day off and are ready for our stories from the global fashion scene this week.

Collaborations clearly seem to be big thing right now but I can’t really complain because I am super psyched about the McQueen and Hirst collab – 2 of my favourite crazies. Also, Riri teases us with a glimpse of her upcoming collection for River Island which I am already dreaming about. Also, handbag backed loans – whaaaaaat? Yes, you read correct! Read on 🙂

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN COLLABORATES WITH DAMIEN HIRST

Last year on my annual trip to London, I went for my first ever Damien Hirst exhibit at the Tate Modern. I have to say I was awestruck by his twisted genius. What impressed me most was one particular of his high security laden artworks, For the Love of God. Now, it’s no secret that I am distracted by shiny objects but this was another level of shiny – a cast of a human skull covered with 8,601 diamonds.

For the Love of God by Damien Hirst

It is thus only befitting that British fashion label Alexander McQueen team up with fellow Englishman Damien Hirst to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its iconic skull-print scarf.

Alexander McQueen Scarf

The British artist is to rework the classic into 30 exclusive limited edition designs, with each print being inspired by his Entomology paintings, featuring colourful insects such as butterflies, bugs, and spiders displayed to form kaleidoscopic geometric shapes, laid out to create the McQueen skull motif. McQueen chose Hirst for the anniversary collaboration because of the artists’ common interest in symmetrical design combined with strong references to the natural world.

The 30-piece collection will be available at Alexander McQueen boutiques and online from mid-November, and the scarves will be featured in a rainbow of colours in chiffon, pongé, twill and cashmere. Prices start at £135.

FANCY A QUICK LOAN, FASHIONISTA?

Need a loan quick? Well, you might have heard of ‘investment pieces’ but if you’re in Hong Kong then you can literally put up your Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton or Hermes handbag as collateral for a loan! While money lenders typically ask for cars and homes as collateral, Hong Kong’s Yes Lady Finance Co. seeks its customers’ beloved handbags.

The four-year-old company accepts handbags on the spot, assesses them for their condition and authenticity and then procures loans in 30 minutes at 80% of the bag’s value, as long as the bags are Gucci, Chanel, Hermès or Louis Vuitton. Occasionally, they’ll consider a Prada.

The four-year-old company brings in assessors from affiliate Milan Station Holdings Ltd., a chain for luxury secondhand purses, to check the bags’ condition and authenticity. The way we look at it, if you’re feeling low on cash this could be the ideal way to snap up some of McQueen’s limited edition Damien Hirst collab scarves – don’t you think?

RIHANNA’S NEW RIVER ISLAND COLLECTION REVEALED

Remember when we told you about Rihanna’s take two with River Island? Well, now here is the first look at this collaboration redux (of sorts).There is still about a month to go until Rihanna‘s fall collection for River Island drops, but fans of the singer and her clothing line now have images and a behind the scenes video to tide them over.

The new ad campaign features select pieces from the 80-piece collection, which combines sophisticated chic and urban glamour. The line includes camouflage and midriff-baring tops and long skirts with bold stripes, as well as intimates with “RiRi” and “G4LIFE” written on the bands.

IN THE KNOW WITH RADHIKA – VOL. 8

Posted on August 9, 2013 by rachana10

Collaborations seem to be the flavor of this post, most of which are very exciting this time. Issa have collaborated with Banana Republic to make a line of (kinda boring) dresses that are modelled on dresses worn by Kate Middleton, Barbie got a makeover from Coach and the suave Raghavendra Rathore (I have to admit I’ve had a little crush on him forever!) collaborates with Johnnie Walker.

Banana Republic & Issa

Banana Republic has not been playing coy about the major pop culture association of its latest collaborator, Issa London.

Banana Republic’s capsule collection with the British contemporary brand is practically been publicized as a Kate Middleton greatest hits collection which includes not one but six Issa looks Middleton has worn over the years, including the famous royal blue engagement frock that called major attention to the brand back in 2010. The recent launch of the collection was well-timed indeed, but don’t think it was planned.

The Duchess of Cambridge at her engagement announcement

“Who’s Kate Middleton?” joked Banana Republic creative director and EVP Simon Kneen when asked about the Duchess connection. “I wish we had [planned it]. Obviously, it was all just destiny. We started talking about [the collaboration] before we even knew Kate was pregnant, let alone when she was having the baby, so it all worked out.” The timing had more to do with the season–Kneen felt the summer to fall transition would be the “perfect” moment for a collection of dresses.

And even though Middleton hasn’t worn the iconic blue dress since 2010, it’s pretty much engraved in our memories at this point – at least that’s what Kneen is banking on. “The iconic blue dress, at the time, wasn’t even available to the public. To be able to offer that for the first time ever…it’s bound to be a hot seller.” Especially at a fraction of the price–Issa’s version cost $575 while Banana Republic’s version is only $130.

This is Banana Republic’s second high-profile collaboration after Mad Men, and it already has a third in the works with L’Wren Scott, which Kneen promises will yield lots of “fabulousness.”

Coach & Barbie

COACH has given Barbie a high-fashion makeover. The American accessories brand has teamed up with Mattel on a collector’s edition version of the famed doll.

The Coach-designed Barbie sports a miniature classic checked Tattersall trench coat, suede skirt, striped jumper, sandals and sunglasses – modelled on the brand’s real life spring/summer 2013 collection – and comes complete with her first ever genuine leather accessory. The duffel bag was created in the same factories and with the same materials as Coach’s life-sized consumer handbags. A batch of 13,000 dolls has been produced.

Coach for Barbie

Coach follows a trio of London designers who’ve also worked their sartorial magic on Barbie: Fred Butler, Sister by Sibling and Nasir Mahir unveiled the results of their collaboration with the doll recently, to celebrate the opening of a dedicated Barbie department in Selfridges. The Coach Barbie, £95, will be available to buy at Coach retailers internationally as well as in Mattel stores worldwide.

Raghavendra Rathore for Johnnie Walker

Designer Raghavendra Rathore, known for patenting the bandhgala cuts and Jodhpurs, has now associated with Johnnie Walker Black Label to design limited edition packaging for the brand. The design is inspired by Rathore’s trademark “bandhgala jacket” and the pack is crafted to deliver a unique experience to whisky lovers.

“Over the last two decades, the bandhgala jacket has become a hallmark for a modern, sophisticated Asian style and represents a revival of the true legacy of a bygone era. The packaging will now flaunt the very elegance, making a statement of genuine substance in my signature designs,” he said.

Here’s a little update on the Michael Kors store and an interview with him by Bandana Tewari

http://www.iseestyle.co.in/FBuzz/Clothing/American%20Boy:%20Vogue%20India%20catches%20up%20with%20Michael%20Kors%20as%20he%20opens%20his%20first%20Indian%20store%20this%20August/1042/6

Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts talks about positive energy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZNlN31hS78

And once again rumours of John Galliano getting a permanent position at Oscar de la Renta are out. I sincerely hope it’s true. The man is a genius! Crazy, but genius!!

http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/columns/olivia-bergin/TMG10230072/John-Galliano-headed-for-permanent-post-at-Oscar-de-la-Renta.html

IN THE KNOW WITH RADHIKA – VOL 7

Posted on August 2, 2013 by rachana10

Hello August! This marks the beginning of fashion week season in India. The Couture Week in Delhi is already in progress and I must say Anju Modi & Sabyasachi ensembles have left me speechless. Also the full list of participating designers in the Lakme Fashion Week happening later this month is revealed.

I can barely conceal my excitement over some of the other happenings in the world of global fashion. My personal favourite and most revered fashion business icon forays back after a sabbatical, H&M launches e-commerce FINALLY, Rihanna slams Topshop in a lawsuit (good for her) and of course the BEST news for us here in India (well, I speak for myself at least) Michael Kors launches in Delhi!!

Michael Kors in India – YAY!

Okay, so I don’t know the entire deal here yet but late last evening the Michael Kors facebook page posted the below picture signifying they have, at long last, opened their first store here in India! As an ardent fan I have just one word to express my glee – Wooohooo!

Will keep you’ll posted as soon as I come across more details.

H&M goes online

Does this mean more over ASOS? Well either way, I am overjoyed for the US customers of the Swedish retailer who already offered online shopping for Austria, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and, of course, Sweden.

This day has been in the works for months and it was worth the wait for you guys in the US. The Swedish retailer has options for women, men, plus-size and kids at fingertips the site is a one-stop shop for quick, affordable fashion delivered right to your doorstep.The site also showcases items exclusively available online, like H&M’s first home collection, which was part of the online debut yesterday.

ALSO, the entire Isabel Marant collaboration will be available as will other future collaborations. Say goodbye to those overcrowded dressing rooms. Excited yet? Then head to hm.com — it’s time to start shopping.

Tamara Mellon to launch lifestyle brand

Anyone else wondered what Tamara Mellon was up to for the last 2 years? Well, speculate no more.

Mellon has been one of my biggest inspirations for the last decade now. After having sold Jimmy Choo to Labelux in 2011 and departing from the company herself shortly after, she pretty much went underground without any further professional plans.

Tamara Mellon

Recently, she gave American Vogue the first look at her eponymous lifestyle brand set to hit Tamaramellon.com in November. There will be ready-to-wear, handbags, and (duh!) shoes. Priced at from $295 for a cashmere tee to $4,500 for a ponyskin leopard-print trench coat, this label has Tamara Mellon written all over it.

Rihanna wins lawsuit against Topshop

Unlike Miley Cyrus’ Tshirt for Marc Jacobs which she endorsed and even posed (naked!) for, Topshop was selling the ‘Rihanna Tank’ which was never permitted by the Umbrella singer.

The singer accused the fashion chain of failing to seek approval from her before going ahead with printing their stock. At a hearing in London, Judge Mr Justice Birss ruled in the 25-year-old’s favour, asserting that the British retailer was guilty of “passing off”. Passing off is a common law tort which can be used to enforce unregistered trademark rights.

The Topshop tank shows Rihanna wearing a dungaree-strap bra top – the same outfit that she wore, as one of the numerous outfits, in the video for We Found Love. The photograph was taken unofficially during the shoot in Northern Ireland.

(See it here at 2:56 seconds)

The judge ruled in Riri’s favour due to the fact that a “substantial number” of buyers were likely to have been deceived into purchasing the product on “false belief” that it had been authorised by the singer. As a result, he said this was damaging to Rihanna’s “goodwill” and represented a loss of control over her reputation in the “fashion sphere” and has sued the British retailer’s parent company, Arcadia, for damages of $5m (£3.3m).

Methinks her designing a second clothing line for River Island could also be a conflict of interest, no?

In other news

This week seems to have been super eventful. Few more news worthy stories

Manish Malhotra – Lakme Fashion Week curtain raiser

Alexander Wang’s first bag for Balenciaga

Hillary Clinton Scoops Up Another Major Fashion Endorsement

Take this Quiz: How hip are you? – Tell us your score and maybe we’ll reveal ours as well 😉

IN THE KNOW – WEEKLY NEWS DIGEST VOL. 6

Posted on July 26, 2013 by rachana10

After a week immersed in my 30th birthday revelry, this is the fashion news I surfaced to:

Cameron Diaz Named Artistic Director of Accessories Line Pour la Victoire

Diaz has been named artistic director of mid-priced accessories line Pour la Victoire, which makes shoes and bags. According to WWD, Diaz, owns a stake in Pour la Victoire’s parent company. She will be involved not only with designing both the handbag and shoe collections, but also merchandising, marketing, and advertising. She has already made a mark by being present on set for the latest Terry Richardson-shot ad campaign, starring Jessica Hart.

Cameron Diaz for Pour La Victoire

Diaz’s first collection for the brand won’t hit stores until next spring, but in the meantime she’ll be selecting products for “Cameron’s Picks” this fall and holiday season, and will also be reigning in “friends and associates” to wear the product, according to PLV chief executive officer Chris Nakatani.

Hired: Christopher Kane gets a new CEO

Allegedly, Kering execs were interviewing potential CEOs for Christopher Kane even before they announced their investment in the British label. Now officially hired from within – Alexandre de Brettes was Director of Financial Communications and Market Intelligence at Kering. “We are delighted that Alexandre is joining our company. His experience at Kering is invaluable to us and his understanding and appreciation of our creative culture was what drew us to him,” said Christopher and Tammy Kane in a joint statement. “Alexandre’s appointment puts the running of our business in very good hands and gives us a strong ally in the building of our company. Together, we will focus on organic global growth and protecting and nurturing the creative DNA of our business.”

The Kanes, as well as Kering execs have talked about nothing but growth since the investment was announced back in January, but now that a CEO is in place, it’s likely we’ll actually start to see things happen. I certainly hope this means a second line like accessories. It would be a total fit for a designer like Kane, whose cool, quirky aesthetic appeals to younger shoppers who may not be able to afford his main collection. Plus, he’s no longer working on Versus, and has the resources to hire more people, he has time to work on a second collection.

Jennifer Garner, the new face of MaxMara

On 18 July, it was an evening of firsts, as Max Mara toasted their first-ever celebrity spokesperson and Jennifer Garner, her first fashion ad campaign. New York’s style savvy, like Solange Knowles and Lucky‘s new Editor-In-Chief Eva Chen, headed to Bill’s Food & Drink on Thursday night to fete the brand and actress.

Jennifer Garner

If you are wondering why the brand picked Garner, just ask Giorgio Guidotti, president of worldwide PR and communications for Max Mara who has a very clear idea about this decision. A man known in the industry as Mr. Max Mara stated, “I don’t know why but it was an omen, by the way. We like the fact that she’s a real woman—she’s a mother, and she works.” Garner along with being an actress and producer is also mother of three and wife of Ben Affleck, actor and Oscar-winning director. “She represents the perfect Max Mara woman, in a way.”

JBag, the shining star of the brand’s newly pushed accessories category was crafted with Garner’s busy life in mind. She said, “I like the size of it. You can fit anything you need, but it’s not a tote. I’m kind of tired of the huge tote thing.”

IN THE KNOW – WEEKLY NEWS DIGEST VOL. 5

Posted on July 12, 2013 by rachana10

So what’s going on folks? Fashion weeks all over the place, top management playing musical chairs in the global fashion and luxury world and Autumn Winter collections in stores. Very soon we will be running up our credit card bills, once we are done clearing out our wallets at the ongoing sales. Oh well, in other words, same old same old.

Amidst the chaotic, yet monotonous (oxymoron much? But you get what I mean, right?!) existence that we call life, I love new collaborations and announcements. Which is what this week seems to be all about. A breath of fresh air – ah!

CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund finalists announced

The 10 up-and-coming designers who will compete for the 2013 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, which includes instant exposure along with a 300,000 US dollar cash prize, has been revealed. Selected by a panel including US Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, Diane von Furstenberg and J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons, the winner will be announced on Nov. 11, 2013 at a dinner in New York.

CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists

The winner will receive a 300,000 US dollar cash prize to help boost their brand and a collaboration with J. Crew, while the two runners-up will be awarded 100,000 US dollars and each will receive business mentor-ship. With previous winners like Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Rodarte, and Joseph Altuzarra, I cannot wait to see who is going to be the new Wang on the block!

L’Wren Scott Teams Up With Banana Republic

Ladies, you needn’t worry about what to wear to that Christmas party this year!! Yes, I did say, Christmas. L’Wren Scott and Banana Republic have collaborated to release a glamorous collection in December, so, consider your festive wardrobe all taken care of. First time for Scott joining forces with a global retailer, she explains, the collection “beautifully combines the ultra-feminine with wearable polish and will bring a sexy confidence to our consumers.”

L’Wren Scott for Banana Republic

The 50-piece edit spanning clothing, jewellery, and accessories will make use of three original motifs — one with romantic peonies, another in violet candy stripes, and the last in a lipstick-red lip print perfect for puckering up in under the mistletoe. From the glamorous girlfriend of Mick Jagger, we should expect nothing short of rock-‘n’-roll magic.

Harrods launches ‘The Handbag Narrative’

Oh yay, it’s a bag attack! Twenty of the world’s leading elite handbag makers have come under Harrods’ roof to mark the expansion of the store’s luxury accessories department. Harrods is hosting the Handbag Narratives exhibition which showcases bags which are exclusively designed for them. With exclusive installations by Mulberry, Prada, Stella McCartney, Burberry, Victoria Beckham, Loewe (my personal favourite installation) and more, this is like nothing you’ve seen before.

Loewe Installation formed with miniature versions of the tools used to make the brand’s cult Amazona bag dipped in gold

This collection of stylish designer bags has been unveiled in specially designed windows at the pop up shop. Each window features an over-sized interpretation of one of their most celebrated handbag designs, from optical illusions to sculpture, the handbag will never be the same again. Spreading over 40,000-square-foot space the new department is one of the world’s largest luxury accessories halls.

Stella McCartney Gold Falabella

The event will be on till August 24.

Read more: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG10166861/Harrodss-huge-handbag-invasion.html (PS: Fendi has made five of its 2Jours bags (as seen in the video on the link) in green crocodile, which retail at 17,500 pounds each – just saying)

Rihanna for River Island Autumn ’13

Are you ready for Rihanna Take Two? Well, ready or not, here she comes. Post the raging success of her collaboration for the British high street store, River Island, Rihanna has collaborated with River Island for a second time for Autumn/Winter ’13. In a video released by the brand, you can get a glimpse of what to expect from the upcoming collection slated to be in store by September 12, 2013.

First look: Isabel Marant for H&M

The little blue birdie comes as news bearer once again. This time around the news is a lot more exciting. The Swedish retail giant shared the first preview of its highly anticipated collaboration with French fashion designer Isabel Marant with its Twitter followers.

H&M tweeted a picture of Marant modelling a loose-fitted printed dress and slouchy tasseled ankle boots with the tweet: “You’re the first ever to see @isabelmarant wearing the #HMIsabelMarant collection! What do you think?”

Isabel Marant

You may remember from our earlier post when the collection was announced last month, Marant said that the aim of the collaboration was to “create something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives”, adding that the collection would be infused with Parisian attitude where “you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy”.

IN THE KNOW – WEEKLY NEWS DIGEST VOL. 4

Posted on July 5, 2013 by rachana10

Hello again! Paris Fashion Week 2013 is on and I have been keeping busy with the live streams of the shows. Elie Saab makes me want to create occasions just so that I can have the opportunity to see beautiful women wear the gorgeous pieces or better still be able to wear a piece of the delicious piece of art myself.

Well, someday! But I digress. Getting back on topic, Anna Wintour tweeted for the first time, Apple hires YSL CEO for special projects, Tiffany sees theft of $1.3mn and LVMH gets fined. Read on.

Apple Hired the CEO of Yves Saint Laurent to Work On Special Projects

Apple has hired the CEO of fashion house Yves Saint Laurent Paul Deneve to work on ‘special projects’ and will be reporting directly to chief executive Tim Cook. Earlier reports had actually speculated that Deneve would be in charge of Apple Retail (which is in need of a boss) but instead will work on future wearable technology that Apple has in store.

Paul Deneve

Interestingly, Deneve actually worked for Apple from 1990 to 1997 as a Sales and Marketing Manager, comes a full circle back to the company after having spent some time at Courrèges, Nina Ricci and Lanvin before his tenure at Yves Saint Laurent.

Read more at Business of Fashion

Former Tiffany Official Charged With $1.3 Million Jewelry Theft

We can’t say that the gorgeous, expensive trinkets haven’t brought evil ideas to our head, but a former vice president of product development at Tiffany & Co. was actually arrested and charged with stealing more than $1.3 million worth of jewellery. Prosecutors claim that from January 2011 to February 2013, Ingrid Lederhaas-Okun, 46, checked out 165 pieces of jewellery, including diamond bracelets, platinum and gold earrings and platinum and diamond pendants, then sold them to an unnamed jewellery reseller in Manhattan.

Tiffany&Co.

She very ingeniously would only check out pieces worth under $10,000 so no one caught on. The default was discovered when Ms. Lederhaas-Okun was being downsized. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison on the fraud charge.

Read more at NBC News

Jimmy Choo Autumn Winter 2013 campaign stars Nicole Kidman

Red-headed Nicole Kidman makes heads turn as she debuts in Jimmy Choo’s Autumn Winter 2013 campaign. The new face of Jimmy Choo is transformed into a mysterious and seductive woman sporting a short hairstyle. Shot by photographer Mikael Jansson, the latest campaign portrays the 46-year-old, award-winning actress as a seductive protagonist in a series of images that hint at the brand’s recurring themes of empowered glamour.

The brand’s creative director, Sandra Choi, stated, “Nicole has perfectly captured the mood of our Autumn/Winter 2013-14 collection; her character portrays the multifaceted qualities of the Jimmy Choo woman for this season — strong, sexy with a beguiling sense of mystery.”

Read more at People.com

LVMH fined €8 million over Hermes stake-building

LVMH has been ordered to pay a fine of €8 million, by France’s stock market regulator, AMF, over the notorious acquisition of its stake in Hermès. The AMF’s enforcement committee condemned the “unusual” way LVMH had amassed its 22.3% shares, buying equity swaps with a number of banks so as to avoid disclosure requirements and using foreign subsidiaries that were not listed as consolidated units. (Refer here)

Bernard Arnault

The luxury conglomerate, helmed by Bernard Arnault, has already made clear that it plans to appeal the decision.

Read more at Wall Street Journal

And if all this news wasn’t exciting enough for you already, you must hear what a little (blue) birdie had to say.

Anna Wintour tweeted for the first time ever

A longtime advocate of marriage equality, the Vogue Editor in Chief couldn’t help but express her joy about the Supreme Court’s toppling of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in her first-ever tweet.

Anna Wintour

Posting on Vogue’s official Twitter account, the editor in chief included her initials at the end of poignant message to indicate that the tweet came from her. ‘Today’s rulings are a big step forward for all Americans striving to achieve equality. I couldn’t be happier or more proud. —A.W.’

I can’t help but wonder if Anna Wintour’s new fellow Condé Editor in Chief (for Lucky) Eva Chen, a tweeting master’s connect with her audience has urged her to hop onto the social media bandwagon.

Read more at The Cut

IN THE KNOW – WEEKLY NEWS DIGEST VOL. 3

Posted on June 28, 2013 by rachana10

The news in the fashion world seems to be following themes every week. This week besides the squabble between the two artists – Kidult & Marc Jacobs, all the news looks financial and top management related.

Marc Jacob and Kidult..the love story continues

Marc Jacobs faced a second act of vandalism by graffiti artist Kidult, this time covering his Paris store. French graffiti artist Kidult tagged the shop windows with “$686” in neon green paint. The numbers reference when the first run-in they had when Kidult tagged the brand’s SoHo store in May last year with the word “Art” in bright pink. Jacobs printed a photograph of the work onto a line of T-shirts and sold them for $686.

Marc Jacobs Paris store tagged by Kidult

Kidult, who has previously tagged the storefronts of both Celine and Hermes, tweeted an image of his work writing, “680? 689?…686?! How much are you going to sell this for? #kidultarmyparis #thisisnotart.”

Once again, Marc Jacobs responded to the graffiti artist’s attack with humor, tweeting to his followers: “Come by Paris Collection for the opening night installation of the new @therealkidult. We proudly support the arts.” Later that same day, Marc Jacobs tweeted images of new T-shirts screen printed with the above image, to be sold at the store for $686 “unsigned” and $430 “signed.”

Hired: Coach appoints Stuart Vevers as creative director

Stuart Vevers has been announced to be taking over the reins from Reed Krakoff, who leaves the company after 18 years at its creative helm to focus on his namesake brand. The newly to be appointed creative director revealed his plans to revive the 72-year-old brand which includes highlighting Coach’s heritage, introducing more offerings of apparel, footwear, and watches, and elevating the label to luxury standards.

Stuart Vevers

Vevers will adopt a similar approach to Coach as that while creative director at Loewe – fusing the label’s history with a contemporary aesthetic. “My passion is for brands with heritage. Throughout my career, every brand I’ve been drawn to has a strong heritage,” Vevers said. “I think Coach is that kind of brand. My style is to take that heritage and to play it against modern references, youth culture, references that take things to a different place and make them relevant now. That’s what I’ve always been known for in my work.”

CEO of Ted Baker sells 1.2 million shares at peak price

Ray Kelvin, founder and CEO of British beloved fashion brand Ted Baker, sold 1.2 million shares (ie. 2.8 percent stake) after the company’s shares touched an all time high this week. Reportedly selling the shares for “personal reasons”, at £17 a share Kelvin made approximately £20m by off loading these shares. This reduces his stake in the business from 38.9 percent to 36 percent.

Ted Baker Store at Regent Street, London

Sabyasachi to do Grand Finale

After all the critical attention garnered for dressing Vidya Balan at Cannes, this is good news for Sabyasachi fans. India’s favourite designer will showcase his collection at the show after a hiatus of five years. And there is no other way to do it except as the Grand Finale designer at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Sabya, as people fondly call him is a LFW discovery. He debuted his first collection all the way back in 2002 at LFW and in the same year was reckoned as the future of Indian fashion by Women’s Wear Daily. He has indeed proved to be just that. Renowned both in India and abroad, Sabya’s work has earned both accolades and critical acclaim.

In the know – weekly news digest

Posted on June 21, 2013 by rachana10

Thanks for all the hits on the ‘in the know’ post last week.

While last week was all about new collaborations, this week’s global fashion scenario seems to be dominated with legal hassles. Some of the biggest names in the industry seem to be facing trouble. Read on to know more:

Hermès suits LVMH yet again

Hermès presented last July a criminal complaint against LVMH for insider trading and manipulation of its share price.

But now the Birkin bag creator has filed another lawsuit against the luxury conglomerate with the aim of annulling the equity swaps that enabled LVMH to attain its initial 17.1 per cent stake. The holding has since been upped to 22.3 per cent.

Hermes

France’s stock market watchdog, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), recommended that LVMH be fined €10 million (£8.5 million), accusing the group of hiding its gradual stake acquisitions. The verdict for this will be revealed by July 31.

LVMH is currently suing a civil manager at Hermès – believed to be Patrick Thomas, CEO of Hermès International – after he implied that Arnault’s firm had acted “fraudulently” in its pursuit of the gains state certain reports.

Balenciaga to sue Nicolas Ghesquière

Kering, formerly PPR, the luxury conglomerate which owns luxury label Balenciaga is reportedly suing its former creative director for ‘breach of confidentiality’ following a controversial interview that was published after his exit from the fashion house, in which he criticised the brand’s management.

Nicolas Ghesquiere

Published in System Magazine, Ghesquière revealed that he decided to leave the fashion house because he “ended up feeling too alone”, and as though he was being “sucked dry”. He also accused the label of “lacking in direction” and claimed that he had a lack of support from the business side of the relationship.

Ghesquière and Balenciaga announced the end of their 15-year relationship in November last year, and the designer was eventually succeeded by Alexander Wang as creative director.

Dolce & Gabanna

This has been splashed all over making almost breaking news. But still in case you missed it, Italian fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have both been found guilty of tax evasion by an Italian court and sentenced to jail. The duo were both sentenced to one year and eight months in prison, after being found guilty of failing to declare hundreds of millions of euros to the Italian tax authorities.

Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana

Play with Karl

Well, it’s not all grim in the fashion world.

In the Karl video game the Chanel creative director appears as an energetic Tokidoki cartoon. The objective is to try and remove his signature sunglasses – not an easy task thanks to the designer’s stealthy, ninja-like moves.

Karl Lagerfeld Tokidoki

Cartoon Karl also offers disapproving remarks after unsuccessful attempts, like, “You really need glasses”, and “What a shame”. If you’re too slow, he taps his foot and takes pictures with his camera, but his most cutting comments are left for when you fail at the game completely – to which he says, “Karl has no more time for you.”

The online game is part of a month-long partnership with Lagerfeld’s French eyewear distributor Optic 2000. The lucky French residents are able to claim prizes if they manage to triumph over Lagerfeld, which I can tell you first hand is by no means is an easy task.

Play here: jeveuxleslunettesdekarl.com.

In the know – weekly news digest

Posted on June 14, 2013 by rachana10

This Friday onward, fashion entrepreneur Radhika Dhawan will update the blog and our readers as a regular contributor. She will scour the media, so you don’t have to, and bring all the exciting fashion happenings from around the world to Fuffabulous every week. Stay in the know and say hello to Radhika.

Oh and did I mention the blog has received over 5000 hits in the 3 months since it started? Thank you so much for he support!!

Keep reading!

Coming up, Isabel Marant for H&M

Isabel Marant is the latest designer to team up with H&M. Just when we were hitting total designer collab fatigue, H&M pulls this little trick and aren’t we’re glad? After several successful collaborations with Stella McCartney, Jimmy Choo, Comme des Garçons, Matthew Williamson, Lanvin, Versace, Marni and more recently, Maison Martin Margiela, which appealed to a very in-the-know avant garde kind of shopper, this should be a more accessible collaboration.

Designer Isabel Marant

The Swedish high-street giant announced that the collection will hit 250 stores as well as the brand’s website on November 14. Isabel Marant’s take on her collection is, “I am creating something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy.” The project will also see the designer create her first menswear line, alongside womenswear, accessories and teen lines.

Have you been kissed yet? Burberry Kisses powered by Google

This newly-launched cute idea is a way to spread some love across the globe in a more personalized way. People get to send their own kiss imprint to a loved one – no more sending generic kiss emoticons!

Burberry Kisses

It’s as simple as visiting Burberry Kisses. Using a webcam and “unique kiss-detection technology” the outline of your lips gets imprinted. Then write a short message and send it on via email or Google+. The envelope containing your message and kiss then flies across to the receiver’s destination across a 3D landscape. You can then share this publicly across other social media platforms such as on Google+, Facebook or Twitter.

A lovely idea which will no doubt be a social media and marketing strategy to drive sales for Christopher Bailey‘s 1960s-inspired, fall-winter 2013-2013 collection, Trench Kisses. No wonder Burberry is known as the luxury brand that embraced digital media like no other.

Sarah Jessica Parker to launch shoe collection

Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker is (finally!) launching her own footwear collection, simply titled SJP, which will be exclusive to US department store Nordstrom.

The actress has partnered with Manolo Blahnik USA’s Chief Executive and Operating Officer George Malkemus, and has taken inspiration from great old-school labels like Charles Jourdan and Maud Frizon for her accessories line, which will also include a few bags and trench coats and will launch in 2014.

Sarah Jessica Parker

The shoes will be inspired by the “New York woman” and will have grosgrain ribbons as a signature element. Also, the shoes will mostly be in suede. Well, the collection doesn’t sound as vibrant as Carrie Bradshaw but we guess we’ll just have to wait and see, right?

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