Fashion Industry discussion, review, analysis, news, and information

As Marshall Field's enthusiasts boycott the takeover of Macy's, Federated continues with the plans of conversion by signing on Chicago-area fashion designers to showcase their goods for the "Chicago Indie Designer Shop".   The shop will be located in the converted Macy's store on State Street beginning September 9th. 

"The addition of these collections will enhance Macy's merchandise assortments and provide Chicagoans and visitors the opportunity to shop Chicago's very own designers in a national department store," said Ralph Hughes, regional vice president of stores for Macy's North.¹

Wouldn't it be nice if more department stores did something like this? 

Liz Claiborne, Inc. (LIZ) has plans on opening up more Juicy Couture stores this year, with another location in New York, as well as new stores in Milan and San Francisco.  The company is hoping to focus more on their... Continue Reading

H&M is capitalizing on the futbol/soccer excitement by making Italian super-soccer star, Paolo Maldini the new face for the fashion brand.  Clad in super chic and masculine threads, Paolo looks like a natural.  The clothes are set to hit the... Continue Reading

Business Week has a feature story on how Walmart is changing the face of its fashion departments.  I've talked before about their new line of clothing...and now the retail giant has these "fashion merchants" shopping the competition and analyzing the... Continue Reading

There's talk that Temperley London may be the next add-on to the Gucci Group (GUCG.PK). Lars von Bennigsen, CEO of Temperley, said in a statement: "Private equity is certainly one of the potential sources of funds," he said. "The business is... Continue Reading

I take a particular interest in Charlotte Russe because their headquarters are here in San Diego.  Hopefully one day I'll make take a field trip and visit the office to see how the fashion company works.  The company ended their... Continue Reading

Well, H&M is at it again.  The Swedish retailer is making plans to build at 505 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, which will be the 10th store in the area.1  Can you just imagine 25,000 square feet of H&M clothing?  Throughout... Continue Reading

After only three years in business, Procter and Gamble plans to close Rochas, the fashion label it bought from Wella, the cosmetics company.  I wasn't aware that Procter and Gamble owned Rochas, but if I had been an advisor to... Continue Reading

In the fashion world, who says that a prostitute doesn't know anything about fashion and style?  Jane Eloy spent many years as a prostitute in Brazil and now is making headlines with a new clothing line called "Daspu", short for "das... Continue Reading

The Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (JNY) will announce their second quarter 2006 financial results on Wednesday, July 26, 2006.  The company is hosting a conference call that will begin at 8:30 a.m. EST.  If you are interested in listening in... Continue Reading

A couple months ago I talked about how the big fashion houses are looking to open up shop in China.  However, this article in the Kansas City Star says that stores in Shanghai, China are looking like ghost towns. Read... Continue Reading

I strongly believe that the leaders of a company indirectly affect sales by their actions and the decisions they make.   Of course, top executives are not in front of the customers every day, so there's a major disconnect between the leaders... Continue Reading

This brings to mind the history of the high heel. Who could invent such a thing that causes so much pain for women?

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Once a hot model plastered all over magazines such as Sports Illustrated and GQ, Elle MacPherson is making moves in the apparel industry.  Not only does she have her own lingerie company, she is now the Executive Director of Hot... Continue Reading

Did you know that New York and Company (aka NY & Co) has been around since 1918?  It may not sound like a big deal, but in an industry where companies come and go, it's certainly an accomplishment.  Upon learning... Continue Reading

I think that there are too many boutiques in this world.  Not that I don't support someone and their dream of wanting a store of their own, but many of them just don't have "that thing" that urges you to... Continue Reading

According to an article at The Independent, it looks like organic cotton is starting to catch on in the fashion industry.  I've talked about eco fashion before here and here.  Pretty soon I'm sure everybody will be jumping on the... Continue Reading

There's talk that Old Navy will be testing out higher price points to make up for lost sales since the end of last year.  Big wigs at Gap Inc. are shaking in their suits trying to think of ways to... Continue Reading

The fashion retail industry changes at the blink of the eye and I often find myself overwhelmed with all of it.  Of course, I should be staying on top of the fashion news - that is what this blog is... Continue Reading

Last month I mentioned that companies like Neiman Marcus, Saks, and Bloomingdale's were downsizing their petite departments. Well, there was an uproar from Saks' petite customers, so the retailer is bringing back the department.  This coming November, petite sizes will... Continue Reading