« March 2006 | Main | May 2006 »

Apr30
Want To Be A Billionaire In the Fashion Industry?

Should I even have to ask this question because who doesn't want to be a billionaire in the fashion industry? 

I'm actually quite fascinated with the way that billionaires think being that I too, would like to "hobnob" with the rich one day.  Lofty aspirations you say?  Well, I suggest you read one of my other blogs for background...

Well, back to fashion industry billionaires... Recently, Giorgio Armani, versace hotel.jpgVersace, and Bottega Veneta (oh, so soft and buttery purses!) have been dabbling in the real estate/ hotel market. 

It certainly is smart to diversify your portfolio and not rely on one industry for income. Yes, the fashion industry is a very healthy industry, but heck, so is the hotel industry!  Why not mix it up a little bit?  The hotel and real estate industries are definitely ideal places to reinvest one's fortune. 

Apr30
Since We're On the Subject of Clothing Sizes...
I was oogling over the purses at Pursed Lips, when I noticed an ad from Glam.com on the left hand side of the page (It may or may not be there anymore...take a look). The banner ad starts with this question:... Continue Reading
Plus Size Clothing Sees A Boost In Sales
Well, it's about time someone realizes that plus size women spend money too!  It's been reported that from March 2005 to February 2006, sales of plus-size women's clothing rose about 7 percent to $19 billion.  The plus size market was... Continue Reading
To All Fashionistas: Read to Succeed
I can't remember where I read or heard that phrase, "Read to Succeed", but it's been my mantra for quite some time now. Ever since I read my first book at the tender age of three, I've been quite the... Continue Reading
Apr29
Notable Fashion Posts
Here's a review of some of my favorite posts this week from other fashionistas in the blogosphere: Designer Ella of Kiss Me, Stace claims that "Shopping is My Duty": "I shop for my blog, it keeps me continuously gaining knowledge, it... Continue Reading
"Satan Has Been Alive and Well In the Fashion Industry"
These are the words of Brenda Sharman, the national chairwoman of Pure Fashion, a Catholic program that promotes modest dress in young women.  In this program, girls learn about the modesty, hair, make-up, and posture.  I'll say here that this... Continue Reading
A Thought About Fashion Perceptions
As I walked out of the bookstore today, I saw a little girl with her family doing what little girls do, skipping and enjoying the day.  But what I really noticed about her was her very cute outfit:  pink and... Continue Reading
Thong Sandals and Such
I'm not one to wear thong sandals, but if you are, then Harrods Girl of I Am Fashion offers a great review of the new summer thongs. What? What girl doesn't wear thong sandals in Southern California? Sorry, but I've... Continue Reading
The Effect of Rising Gas Prices on Fashion
Ok, I know, this is not the forum to complain about the price of gas.  The point is, how's a fashionista to balance looking great with rising oil prices?  It's certainly something to think about... Continue Reading
Apr28
Seeking Investors For Sheep Business
Who knew that a bale of wool could cost so much?  The finest bale of wool of 11.7 micron was recently sold to the Italian fashion house, Loro Piana, for $63,000.  Loro Piana owns 83 stores worldwide and distributes luxury... Continue Reading
"Torturous Fashion" at Carnivale of Couture
Carnivale of Couture is hosted by Sense of Soot this week and.."The Topic is Torturous Fashion, and not the kind you tried, hated, and discarded. Oh no, we're going deeper into the dark corners than that, my dumplings. There is... Continue Reading
Louis Vuitton In India
Louis Vuitton has set sail for India.  The company has acquired a stake in Mumbai’s LV Trading (LVT India) and will only provide Louis Vuitton products through this venture.  When I read about this, I thought, "How can people in... Continue Reading
Jessica Alba: Fashion Diva
It's fashion diva nomination time and this time I have to give Jessica Alba her props for always coming in style to all the Hollywood events.  I don't recall ever seeing her in anything but ultria chic.  For example.... This... Continue Reading
Standing Out: Tips From "Las Fashionistas"
During college I was known to wrap my hair up like the singer Erykah Badu - which illicited a question from my brother, "Why do you always try to be different?"  It's not that I try to be different.  I... Continue Reading
Apr27
Coolchiq at Mercedes Australia Fashion Week
Coolchiq is in Australia covering the Mercedes Fashion Week and offers tons of photos and commentary... I especially like the post titled You Know You’re In The Middle of Fashion Week When… My favorite lines: ... You’ve got blisters on... Continue Reading
Swarovski News
If there's one thing the fashion industry likes to do and knows how to do well - it's partying. This time it's the Swarovski brand (you know those bling-bling crystals!).  The company is hosting a runway show at the Rockefeller's... Continue Reading
Keira Who?
Ok, I admit that I'm not the pop culture fan that I used to be in my early 20's. When I read that Keira Knightley had replaced Kate Moss as the new face for Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle perfume, I asked:... Continue Reading
When Couture Turns Average
I have dreams of visiting New York, labeled as one of the fashion capitals of the world.  I have dreams of walking into immaculate fashion houses and possibly catching a glimpse of a fashion designer.  But I don't have a... Continue Reading
Apr26
From "Bling" to "What Is He Wearing?"
If you really want to get noticed, don't wear those 2 karat diamonds.  Instead, throw on a colorful hoodie made by the Billionaire Boys Club and owned by hip-hop music producer, Pharrell Williams.  "The patterns are like children's wallpaper gone... Continue Reading
Pink For Men?
Ummm...call me a little "set" in my ways, but I personally think pink should stay a women's color.  Continue Reading
NBC Debuts Clothing Line
As if NBC didn't have enough money, the daytime division has come out with a line of clothing called Crane Couture - named after the clothing worn by Fancy Crane of the soap opera "Passions". To be quite honest, I... Continue Reading
Christian Louboutin: Not Interested In the Fashion World
How can a shoe designer not be interested in the fashion industry? However, if you're Christian Louboutin, it doesn't really matter...He's already made a name for himself among the wealthiest and most fashionable women in the world. ''I am not... Continue Reading
Oh No, Jelly Shoes!
In case you didn't know, Amazon.com just isn't an online bookstore.  You can find thousands of clothing items - so that's where I logged on today to look for flat sandals.  (Thank Goodness the weather is getting a little warmer... Continue Reading
Apr25
SkinBag Gives Me the Heebie-Jeebies!

Ok, the idea isn't as crazy as the roach accessory, and at least it isn't REAL skin. 

Continue Reading
Mercedes Australian Fashion Week
This just in... Australian Fashion Week kicks off with Nude Models with painted bodies resembling Chinese dresses.  After 11 years, the fashion event now makes its mark in the fashion industry and can certainly compete with those events in Paris,... Continue Reading
The Latest Scoop On M.A.C. Makeup
M.A.C. makeup seems to be pretty busy these days.  There's been talk that Raquel Welch will be the new face for the makeup company and will be featured in an upcoming ad campaign that will be debuting in 2007.  Hmmm...... Continue Reading
Apr24
No More Product Pitches!
I'm going on week 3 of no TV, so I'm somewhat out of the loop when it comes to fashion marketing on TV.  Although I do have to admit that I don't miss it too much - advertising, that is. ... Continue Reading
Fashion Is Not All Glitz and Glamour
There's more to life than fashion, you know.  An article at The North County Times, a newspaper here in San Diego, featured Dana Buchman, but didn't talk at all about her fashion life.  It served as a reminder that the... Continue Reading
Fashion: A Global Phenomenom
I've always been fascinated with why fashion and lifestyle are hot topics all across the globe and thought about it even more after I read about the launch of a new designer fashion and lifestyle broadband web channel called High... Continue Reading
Experts Say: Invest In the Textile Industry
According to a report at fibre2fashion.com, experts in India say that the textile industry is the industry to invest in.  I don't know if these experts are representatives from the textile companies themselves trying to capitalize on the post India... Continue Reading
Get Rid Of Those Clothes!
An article at The New York Times prompts me to write about the "throw away" mentality that our society seems to have adopted.  We're very quick to throw away old clothing, but I do urge you to stop and think... Continue Reading
Apr21
Spain Looks At Fashion Industry to Fight Anorexia
The Guardian published an article today about the Spanish government launching a study that compares the clothing sizes of models and everyday women's real sizes.  They would like to see if the fashion industry is causing the increase in eating... Continue Reading
Juicy Couture Has Gone Mad, I Say!
I never bought into the whole "Juicy" line of clothing.  Something about paying $100+ for a terry-cloth sweatsuit just because it has "Juicy" on the butt just doesn't sit well with me.  Why not buy that same sweatsuit at Express... Continue Reading
Geox Shoes: The Million Dollar Idea
When Geox Shoes first came out, the kids would come into the Nordstrom Kids Shoes department demanding the "shoes that breathe!"  Geox sure did a great job with their advertising campaign on Nickelodeon....... Continue Reading
It's That Time Again! "Carnivale de Couture"
I missed last week's Carnivale due to the holiday and other hoopla.  This week's question is quite interesting and is hosted by Final Fashion: "I want to invite anyone who wants to join to describe that favourite outfit that you... Continue Reading
Every Cent Makes A Difference
In the corporate world where fashion retailers are selling hundreds of thousands of units per week, a few cents difference in stock price can certainly make a difference, huh?  This question comes after reading an article about Charlotte Russe's loss... Continue Reading
Apr20
Publicity is Publicity
This must be what Naomi Campbell is thinking as she reads the newspaper stories about her beating up her housekeeper. Continue Reading
Parsons School of Design Sees Increase in Enrollment
Looks like Project Runway has certainly inspired many aspiring fashion designers out there!  An article in The New York Times says that there has been a big increase of enrollees in the fashion department of Parsons - 489 students in 2005... Continue Reading
Apr19
How To Make It In The Fashion Industry
If you're looking to break into the fashion industry as a designer, MSNBC Newsweek has a great article about how three sisters have started their own Manhattan design label.  This is the first article of a monthly series... If you... Continue Reading
Fashion Industry Executives Make Their Exits
Here's the scoop on two fashion industry executives that have recently called it quits: Marlo Sabo, president and chief executive officer of Christian Dior’s U.S. component, has quietly resigned after five years of employment.  It's been reported that her only explanation... Continue Reading
My Comments On "Blogging Project Runway"
I stumbled upon the blog and it turned out to be a good resource with a load of commentary and dialogue from addicts like myself. Continue Reading
California Market Center's Upcoming Events
The California Market Center will play host to a few industry events: April 24-26, 2006 - Los Angeles International Textile ShowThis event will showcase hundreds of designer fabric lines, including exhibitors from Europe, Italy, France, and Korea.  There will also... Continue Reading
Nancy Berkley On Golf Fashions
Golf is a topic that's a little bit out of my element, but definitely something I would like to learn.  There's a growing interest in women who want to play golf and they do need outfits to wear!   I believe... Continue Reading
Apr18
Interview With Nick Verreos of "Project Runway"
Bory Tan of BeverlyHillsPeople.com sat down with Nick Verreos, one of the "Project Runway" alumni, to talk about being on the fashion reality TV Show and his background in fashion.  Here's a little snippet of the interview:... Continue Reading
Crochet: Yay or Nay?
This is in reference to Las Fashionistas post about crochet... I, for one, remember quite vividly wearing the crochet vest with bodysuits back in the early 90's.  Boy, did I think I was cute back then :)  Would I wear... Continue Reading
The Creepiest Accessory Ever!
I came across this at Anna's Fab-Ulous blog... I'm getting the chills just thinking about it!  Jared Gold has come up with the absolute weirdest pet/jewelry piece ever...a real cockroach with Swarovski crystals on its head.  It comes with a chain... Continue Reading
Calvin Klein Adds New Product Line
I like Calvin Klein clothing, but have been a little tired of seeing their standard casual sportswear in product offerings.  I'm excited to find out that the company has entered a licensing agreement with G-III Apparel Group Ltd to distribute women's... Continue Reading
"All The Luxury Guys Are Running to China"
This is what Gilbert W. Harrison, the chairman of Financo, a New York investment bank that specializes in retail, said in an article published in The New York Times today.  Executives of Saks Fifth Avenue will be meeting today to... Continue Reading
Apr17
Hermes Helps Out New Orleans
An artist like me always appreciates the art on a Hermès scarf.  The smooth texture of silk combined with rich design and colors definitely makes any outfit go from drab to fab.  What if you could buy a Hermès scarf... Continue Reading
The "Queen" of High Fashion
What company has more sales than H & M?  According to Business Week's Rachel Tiplady, the "Queen" of high fashion is a Spanish retailer named Inditex which owns over a hundred companies and is associated with textile design, manufacturing and... Continue Reading
Apr13
My Thoughts On Kids Used For Sweatshop Labor
There are many companies who still deny exploiting kids in the manufacturing of their products, but I think many of them do know and don't really care.  I've read here and there that companies "have no control" of what happens... Continue Reading
Ballerina Flats: My Shoe Pick For Spring 2006
Skip the heels this season and try a pair of ballerina flats.  They're all the rage and companies like Converse and Keds are catching onto the trend.  I'm in love with my new ballerina canvas flats from Target.  I've literally... Continue Reading
Manolo Comments On the Mouse Shoe

Was Marc Jacobs serious when he designed this shoe or is there a market for this type of mouse shoe somewhere?  Quite clever and cute, but no thanks...

Continue Reading
Call For Fashion Designers!
Aspiring designers have a chance to show in Olympus Fashion Week in New York this fall!  UPS in partnership with IMG, is holding a contest and ten winners will get to show their 2007 Spring Collections in the UPS Hub... Continue Reading
Laura Ashley Improves Sales and Cuts Jobs
Laura Ashley, famous for its floral prints in the home and apparel industries, has announced a 39% rise in annual profits and will be paying out a dividend to its shareholders for the first time in nine years.  The company... Continue Reading
Apr12
In With the Old - Out With the New
Yes, fresh and new is good.  However, if something works for you, why change?  What should change is the industry's constant use of young faces... Continue Reading
Network & Gossip At An Online Fashion Industry Forum
If you're looking for an online place to interact with others in the fashion industry or people who just love fashion, I recommend checking out The Fashion Spot.  You can talk about everything from fashion designers, models, to careers and... Continue Reading
Beauty Editor of Lucky Magazine Releases Book
I received the May issue of Lucky Magazine the other day and noticed an insert - a little excerpt of Jean Godfrey-June's new book, Free Gift With Purchase: My Improbable Career in Magazines and Makeup. It gives us a candid and... Continue Reading
Burberry's Sales Looking Good
On a recent shopping excursion at Fashion Valley Mall here in San Diego, I entered the Burberry Store to check out the latest spring fashions.  I oohed and ahhed over the scarves laid out in an array of colors.  A... Continue Reading
Lacoste's New Look
We all know Lacoste as the brand with the crocodile logo - a company that has come a long way since its beginnings back in 1933.  Famous for its polo shirts and preppy wear, Lacoste has found a way to... Continue Reading
Apr11
Pre-Pixelated Shirts Become An Overnight Sensation
TV Shows don't have to worry anymore about pixelating logos on the clothing of the people they're shooting.  David Friedman came up with the idea to create pre-pixelated shirts.  What started out as a funny joke turned him into an... Continue Reading
Gap Inc. Getting Bigger and Bigger
Forth & Towne is the Gap's latest fashion clothing concept for women and just announced plans to expand into the Bay Area of California this fall - namely Westfield San Francisco Centre (San Francisco) and Westfield Valley Fair (San Jose).... Continue Reading
Does Service Matter To Fashion Houses?
I'm sure most big name designers know that they're pieces sell themselves.  However, I wonder whether or not customer service matters at all to them?  I ask this question because as some of you know, I also write for CustomersAreAlways.com... Continue Reading
Chanel Plans To Open In Russia
Chanel is making plans to open a 3,200 square foot store this summer in Moscow, Russia.  It will be the first Chanel boutique in the country - exciting for them! There is no set date for the opening.  The store... Continue Reading
Clothes and the Economy
As I tried to pick out my outfit for the day, I said out loud, "Oh!  I need new clothes!"  My boyfriend was quick to point out that I haven't worn half the clothes in my closet in about six... Continue Reading
Apr10
Another Actress Sued Over "Fashion Snub"
First it was Melanie Griffith, and now it's Jessica Simpson.  This time it's a huge (I mean huge!) lawsuit.  The Tarrant Apparel Group has filed a lawsuit against Jessica Simpson because she supposedly signed a contract with them a couple years... Continue Reading
European Union's Anti-Dumping Tariffs Affect Shoe Exporters
This past Friday the EU's tariffs of China-made leather shoes took effect which is going to hurt China's shoe industry.  They've already begun to feel the pinch.  According to an article at Chinaview.cn, Guangzhou Yunfang Shoe Trade Co. Ltd exported... Continue Reading
Giorgio Armani: King of Fashion
If you look up the word "fashion" in the dictionary, I bet you'll see a picture of Giorgio Armani next to the definition.  At 71 years of age, the man looks pretty darn good... Continue Reading
Ebony Fashion Fair - An Event That Gives Back
It's great to see companies giving back to the community.  The Johnson family has been doing it for 48 years and has given over $52 million to local and national charities.  Eunice and John Johnson founded Johnson Publishing which includes... Continue Reading
Interview With Barneys' Chief, Howard Socol
I just found out that Barneys opened a store in Boston last month - after thirteen years of not opening any stores. (Did not know that!) Continue Reading
Apr 9
Motorola To Be Premium Partner At Mercedes Australian Fashion Week
As most people in the fashion industry know, fashion shows are big venues that draw in huge crowds, especialy the fashionistas wanting to check out the latest.  Sponsoring a fashion show can put a big dent in your advertising budget,... Continue Reading
Kate Moss Returns To Calvin Klein
It's been reported that Kate Moss is going back to her roots.  She just signed a contract to be the "new" face for Calvin Klein jeans.  She returns back to the fashion house after a hiatus of seven years.  Calvin... Continue Reading
Apr 8
Apparel Companies Now Compete On Speed, Not Price
Apparel executives from all over the world met this week during the "Material World" trade show in Miami.  But the price of importing clothing wasn't the hot topic - it was the speed at which they received apparel.  In the... Continue Reading
Ethics In Fashion
Like most of us, I don't really think about the process that goes into the clothing that we wear.  If it's cheap, why not?  But lately ethics in fashion is being brought back to my consciousness.  Questions like, "Are kids... Continue Reading