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

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 500,000 pairs of shoes to Italy last year.  Now the distributors are only placing half their usual orders because of the tariffs.  Plus they want to only pay $2.50 for a pair of leather shoes vs. the previous $3.00 price.

$2.50 for a pair of leather shoes!  I'm living in the wrong country!

"The EU's tariff will compel scores of small and medium-sized shoe makers to close down, menacing thousands of jobs," said Huang Rongmao, deputy secretary-general of the shoe industry council in Huizhou City of Guangdong.

Read more of the article here...

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

According to the BBC News, fashion designer Niklas J. Palm has filed a lawsuit against actress Melanie Griffith for allegedly refusing to pay for a dress that she wore during the Golden Globes.  Supposedly she also agreed to mention his... Continue Reading

I've been reading quite a bit about companies expanding into China recently.  The increased economy in the country is attracting many American companies like bees to honey.  Just a couple days ago, 7thOnline, a New York based company, announced that... Continue Reading

Gap seems to be feeling the April Showers.  They've reported a 9% decrease in sales  compared to last year at the same time.  The Gap Inc. divisions include Gap North America, Banana Republic North America, Old Navy North America, and... Continue Reading

In this month's issue of Forbes Magazine, the world's billionaires were ranked.  Quite a few from the fashion industry made the list: #158 - Giorgio Armani - worth $4.1 billion #185 - Ralph Lauren - worth $3.6 billion #258 -... Continue Reading

Al Quds has designed a new line of jeans which it claims to make it more comfortable for Muslims to pray.  They're high on the waist, wide around the leg, and have many pockets.  The jeans are manufactured at a... Continue Reading

Tommy Hilfiger made an appearance at the Global Retailing Conference in Tucson, Arizona on Friday where the Arizona Daily Star interviewed him.  When asked what strategies or concepts worked for him in regards to staying competitive in a global retail... Continue Reading

If you were a fashion designer, would you like your designs to be copied and sold for less?  It's been going on for ages in the fashion industry, but now it seems that some designers are trying to do something... Continue Reading

Phat Fashions is hosting a "Design Our T-Shirt Contest" to raise money for Fashion Delivers, a newly formed non-profit organization that helps victims of natural disasters. Fashion Delivers collects donated clothing and distributes to the people who need it.  "Fashion... Continue Reading

I'm bummed that I had a chance to shop in H & M in San Francisco this past December, but the holiday rush left me standing outside with only a glimpse of the inside.  There was a huge line to... Continue Reading

I was a little disturbed when I read Kiss Me, Stace's blog and found out that stilletos are outlawed in Mobile, Alabama.  Who has the authority to say what you can and cannot wear in public?  I added "in public"... Continue Reading

First it was Scion wanting to join the fashion world, now it's Samsung.  This electronics giant will be launching a fashion brand in the United States come 2008.  However, Samsung has always had a propensity for fashion.  Samsung currently has... Continue Reading

I read an article at MiamiHerald.com that said more and more high fashion and luxury stores are selling designer goods at their websites and that they have prospered because of it.  I also learned that the sales of luxury goods rose... Continue Reading

Last week the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) held a ceremony to celebrate the the renovated sewing and cutting facility.  The facility will have a GERBER cutter and spreader which will provide students a view of the product development and... Continue Reading

Fashion designer, Oleg Cassini passed away at Long Island due to a broken blood vessel in his head.  Cassini was born in Paris and came to the United States in 1936.  He held jobs in New York before going to... Continue Reading

According to Standard & Poor's Marketscope, luxury retailers such as Coach, Nike, and Ralph Lauren are setting their sights on Asia to market their goods.  As the population and economies grow in countries such as China and Japan, so does... Continue Reading

I'm reminiscing of that old song by Run DMC.  Although Reebok's were my shoe of choice back in the day, I do have to say that Adidas is now the one for me!  I have a white pair with the... Continue Reading

"Release" combines traditional golfwear with high-end "urban" sportswear.  Blue and Jupiter, two streetwear designers, were selected in a nationwide search to design the collection. 

So, if you're buying a Scion, don't be surprised if you're asked, "Would you like a golf shirt to go with that car?"  I think it's a great concept.

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There's controversy brewing over French Connection's new advertising campaign: two women kissing.  This ad came about after sales fell last year and is an attempt to gain back customers.  French Connection has been known to cause stir in the past... Continue Reading