Ikea abandons plastic
Lifestyle retailer Ikea is to completely abandon traditional plastic bags and will go 'carrier neutral' by removing all plastic bags from its stores.
'Our role as a retailer is to help our customers make small changes that will have a positive impact on the environment,' said Ikea environment manager Charlie Browne. The initiative stems from a pledge it made at last year's World Environment Day, to cut plastic bag usage from 32 million a year to 12 million.
The Swedish retailer is not alone in tackling the area. Marks & Spencer aims to cut use by a third in three years and all the major supermarkets are promoting 'bag for life' schemes.
www.ikea.com
9 July 2007
Moss and Doherty star in Cavalli ad
Kate Moss and her rocker boyfriend Pete Doherty are to star in Roberto Cavalli's autumn/winter 2007-8 campaign together. A modern-day Syd and Nancy, the loved-up, controversial couple are constantly in the news and are now capitalizing on their often-scandalous relationship with a joint advertising campaign. Although, Moss was initially scheduled for the campaign on her own, Cavalli quickly decided to use Doherty when the latter accompanied his girlfriend to the shoot.
“They are both iconic,” Cavalli said about the decision. “Free spirits with a strong personality. Stylish, contemporary and a very intense couple.” The media interest generated by the move will undoubtedly stand Cavalli in good stead.
In one of the ads, Moss is featured wearing a Cleopatra-style gold-accented gown, while Doherty is cast as a young Marlon Brando modelling the brand's menswear line. The campaign was shot in Ibiza last month by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot.
26 June 2007
Christopher Kane to show at Fashion Rocks
Christopher Kane is scheduled to show during Fashion Rocks. The London Fashion Week newcomer, who further acts as a design consultant for Donatella Versace will show his spring 2008 collection alongside houses including Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel at the Swarovski-sponsored event.
"I am still in shock that I am actually doing this, as it has only been a year since I launched my own label," said Kane. Swarovski is funding Kane's participation in the event, which takes place Oct. 18 at the Royal Albert Hall. The fashion and music event, in aid of the Prince's Trust, Prince Charles' youth charity, will be hosted this year by Samuel L. Jackson.
www.christopherkane.com
www.fashionrocks.com
21 June 22007
Kimonos a dying art
The sale of kimonos has declined in recent years. In 1999, sales were still Y797.3 billion (£3.34 billion), but the Japanese Yano Research Institute estimates that sales will have dropped to Y529.5 billion this year. Demand for the traditional costumes has fallen as contemporary Japanese women are increasingly chosing Western gowns for their weddings over the kimono.A decline in the Japanese population has also resulted in smaller sales of kimonos. Moreover, they are extremely expensive, with prices somethimes reaching tens of thousands of pounds.
Perhaps emphasising the deterioration of an industry that is grounded in tradition, a US private equity fund – Olympus Capital Holdings Asia - is acquiring a 33.3 percent stake in kimono retailer Kyoto Kimono Yuzen. With 53 stores throughout Japan, the company is the market leader in furisode , a formal kimono with long sleeves that is often bought or rented for a daughters 20 th birthday – a rite of passage in Japan. The average price of a furisode is Y400,000 to Y500,000.
Olympus will bring in its own management, with the current president – a member of the founding family – resigning his position. The company believes there is a future for kimonos and the goal is to optimize current operations, particularly exploiting the customer database to target wealthy families who might buy a traditional kimono. “It is a very traditional industry but the company has relatively healthy operating margins at 15-18 percent,” Olympus Capital Japan's managing director Naoto Obama told the FT. “There is a huge opportunity to expand revenues from the traditional kimono segment.”
9 May 2007
Tocca to expand in Europe
Fashion and beauty brand Tocca is to expand its range in Europe. The Italian brand which launched in America , is now expanding in Italy and mainland Europe. Tocca, which is known for its competitive pricing strategy and feminine sensibility, already has 60 retail doors in Italy and is looking towards European countries such as Spain, Germany and France.
Tocca aims to build its European presence to around 200 doors total over the next few seasons. Tocca chairman Edoardo Mantelli stated: "I think it's better to concentrate on one market well, back it up with the proper press and make the brand strong there before moving on to the next market.”
www.tocca.com
3 May 2007
When Legends get together
Kate Moss has been a very busy supermodel, sharing her fashion insights with Topshop and now with Longchamp. As the face of the French leather goods house for the past three seasons, Moss helped add the finishing touches to the Longchamp Legend bag. The company had asked her what her ideal bag was and the model immediately pointed to a black patent Seventies style medical bag that was still a prototype when she saw it during a shoot for the spring/summer 2007 campaign. “She fell in love with it,” Jo Walker of Longchamp told Vogue. “She immediately suggested a red lining to contrast with the black leather and the end result is the Legend.”
The Legend collection will hit Longchamp boutiques worldwide in May, with a roll-out to other retailers in June. “Although it's not a limited edition collection, we still advise people to sign up on the wait list if they are interested, as there won't be many bags to go round,” a Longchamp spokeswoman said. The collection consists of four styles, including a travel bag which will retail for €580, two totes, at €490 and €390 each, and a handbag for €330.
www.longchamp.com
23 April 2007
Stylish in uniform
The Royal Air Force yesterday introduced a new “Ralph Lauren style” range of fashion for both men and women in an effort to raise its profile. The new collection, consisting of fifty items, is now available online and at least one high street retailer is said to have shown interest in stocking the collection. Proceeds from the sale of the collection will support the RAF's museums.
“ Our goal is to raise awareness of the Royal Air Force and its capabilities, roles and deployments,” said the RAF's communications director Captain Andrew Turner. “We want to reinforce our reputation and profile – the RAF is a smaller organisation than yesteryear and our footprint on the nation can no longer be taken for granted.”
There are two collections to choose from – the RAF Collection and the RAF Off-duty Range. Manufactured under license by global licensing firm 4Kids Entertainment International, items include a bikini, T-shirts and a leather flying jacket. Menswear items carry RAF wings on the labels, including the motto “rise above the rest”. Women's items carry a lael with the letters RAF and a crown in silver. Prices range from £25 for a t-shirt to £150 for the flying jacket.
www.raf.mod.uk
28 March 2007
MKOne withdraws clothing made in Burma
MkOne has withdrawn a range of clothes after The Observer told the firm that they were made in Burma, which is ruled by a military dictatorship. The high street store, owned by Baugur, claimed to have had no knowledge of where the clothes came from and conducted an immediate investigation once this newspaper made them aware of the issue. A series of items were found by shoppers to have 'Made in Myanmar' labels in MkOne's Brighton store over a two-week period.
Dominic Galvin, MkOne's chief executive, said: 'Any supplier we deal with should not source from Burma . We were definitely not aware of this issue. I have launched a full investigation into the matter.' But the company refused to reveal the supplier's identity, citing 'commercial confidentiality'.
Clothing exports are an important source of income for Burma. The US banned imports of clothing from Burma in 2003. More than 130 major clothing retailers, including M&S, Next, ASDA, H&M, Debenhams, House of Fraser and BHS, have policies not to source from that country. 'In most cases, we say it's vital for companies to work with suppliers to improve conditions but with Burma the regime is so bad we condemn any supplier or retailer for doing business with the state and urge them to pull out,' said the Ethical Trading Initiative.
Mellon tries again
The name might ring a bell. Matthew Mellon, the troubled scion of the American banking family and ex-husband of Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon, is trying his hand at fashion again. Together with his girlfriend, actress Noelle Reno, he has designed a fashion line that will hit stores this spring. The line features a range of colourful luxury tracksuits and easy cashmere wear. “I am not a corset and heels girl,” Reno told Vogue, “but I do know about looking good and feeling comfortable. All my girlfriends came to me when I started designing this line, confessing that they all wear velour sweats at home –constantly. I wanted to create luxury tracksuits that are both chic and comfortable, that you'll want to wear outside, too. Why do tracksuits have to be confined to the house? Degrees of Freedom offers a solution with fine quality bias cut trousers, cashmere knits and a muted palette.”
Mellon's last foray into fashion was a men's shoe collection called Harry's, which he launched in 2001. The collection enjoyed initial success but never gained a real foothold in the footwear industry. Perhaps the Tod's-like shoes came a little after the fact, like this tracksuit idea?
www.degreesoffreedom.org
7 February 2007
Factory Girl film premieres in New York
Whilst American publications raved about the opening of Sienna Miller's much-hyped role as Warhol's society sidekick Edie Sedgwick in the film "Factory Girl,” her appearance at yesterday New York screening had the British fashion press cringing at her outfit.
After the film's debut at the Zeigfeld theatre, Sienna made her way to the after party wearing a heavy black jumper with what resembled a pair of black knickers and tights. One publication even reported: “Sack the stylist” as Sienna had forgotten her skirt.
M&S staff in bonus share
Marks & Spencer shop floor staff are having a happy new year indeed as they are set to share a massive £56m payout thanks to the extraordinary rise in the high street retailer’s share price. Nearly 12,000 employees, mostly store staff, will scoop gains of between £1,000 and £45,000.
Staff who saved the maximum of £250 per month in the retailer's three-year discount share scheme have gained more than £20,000 on their original £9,000 investment. Staff can buy shares at a 20 per cent reduction. The stellar performance in M&S shares from its low three years ago of 282p to today's 734p comes as the UK's number one clothing retailer completes one of the most spectacular turnarounds in recent corporate history.
On Tuesday, M&S is expected to post a sector-beating 5 per cent like-for-like sales hike over the past 13 weeks, which includes the crucial Christmas period. Trade will be particularly strong in non-food, which last year performed fitfully.
www.marksandspencer.co.uk
8 January 2007
Kate and Pete not married
After grainy pictures of Kate Moss and Pete Doherty surfaced in which they were seen drinking champagne in a luxury resort in Thailand , the world rushed to assume the two had secretly married. The presence of Kate's mother Linda added fuel to the spark. The supermodel's spokesman Stuart Higgins has, however, vehemently denied the rumours, stating they are “entirely false”. “Contrary to various entirely false media reports … there has not been any kind of marriage ceremony in Thailand . She is on holiday.” Even if there had been a Bhuddist ceremony, it would not have been considered legal in the UK . But before you breathe a sigh of relief that Kate has been saved from a disastrous union with the drug-addicted Babyshambles frontman, rumour has it the two will wed for real in an official wedding ceremony on 18 January. By then, the supermodel will have turned 33. You'd think she'd be old and wise enough to know better.
Madonna in fur controversy
Madonna has further thrown heat on the debate of faux versus fur, when she stepped out of the prestigious Cecconi restaurant this weekend sporting a £34,000 chinchilla coat from Italian fashion house Fendi. Madonna, never shy of a headline or two, last week announced her second collaboration with H&M, the Swedish high street retailer. H&M, like most high street boutiques and department stores, uphold an anti-fur policy and only sell faux fur.
Mark Glover, a spokesman for Respect for Animals stated: “Madonna is showing herself up to be shallow and selfish and lacking in all compassion which, particularly in this season of goodwill, is regrettable. People should stop buying her albums until she stops wearing fur.” The British media have fired into the singer for wearing the coat, which is rumoured to have cost the lives for 30 – 60 animals.
www.respectforanimals.org
10 December 2006
UK shoppers take advantage of weak dollar
According to the Telegraph, thousands of UK shoppers are finding a new way to exploit the weakening dollar by ordering goods from US websites and having them shipped over here. According to figures obtained by The Sunday Telegraph, online purchases by UK shoppers from two of the US's biggest department stores have increased by 150 per cent over the last year.
According to data from Retail Decisions, a company that tracks and protects online payments, internet sales to UK credit card holders from a major 800-strong US department store chain grew by 163 per cent over the year to November, while sales at a second 2,000-strong chain grew by 131 per cent. The average transaction value was $260 (£131).
The US shopping blitz coincides with downbeat forecasts for UK retailers' Christmas hopes. These will be confirmed on Tuesday when the British Retail Consortium-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor reports that like-for-like sales in November rose by less than one per cent. The lacklustre figure compares to a 2.6 per cent increase over October.
Kilts revert to daily wear
With tartan all the rage on the international catwalks this season, it does not seem such a big stretch of the imagination for the kilt to make its way to the pages of the fashion magazines. If it were up to Howie Nicholsby the kilt would make its comeback as daily wear. Nicholsby, scion of a Scottish family of kilt makers, has already dressed celebrities like Madonna, Robbie Williams and Vin Diesel in kilts that range from the traditional tartan to versions in leather and denim. His kilts are even worn as club wear in Edinburgh 's hottest night clubs.
Nicholsby admits to wearing kilts every day and has big plans to roll out his designs, under the name 21 st Century Kilts , in major cities across the globe. His father, a traditionalist who runs the family business, Geoffrey (Tailor), may have had reservations about Nicholsby's dreams, but the proof is in the pudding. Celebrities love his designs, for which he commands between £275 for a black wool kilt and £1250 for a leather version. “My aim is to give men around the world a realistic alternative to trousers,” he says. “It is not my aim to make all customers kilt addicts, although perhaps I should warn you – kilts are very comfortable.”
www.21stcenturykilts.com
30 October 2006
Liberty brand expansion
Liberty of London is to roll out its own product line and will dedicate the entire central ground floor atrium of its London store to the Liberty of London brand. In addition, the brand will also expand abroad, starting with the Japanese market followed by the US . Liberty chief executive Iain Renwick said the company had learned a great deal from selling luxury brands in its stores. This expertise led to the development and launching of its own fashion accessories range last fall.
The company is now in “close discussions with a number of key distribution houses in the Japanese market” to start rolling out its product range there. Renwick expects to form a joint venture in Japan by the beginning of next year, with an official launch in the pipeline for spring 2008. Liberty executives could not be reached for further comment. News of the expansion was revealed as the company reported steady first half sales of £20 million.
www.liberty.co.uk
20 September 2006
Legwear is back
Tights, leggings, socks – garments that were once overlooked, collecting dust in the back of the wardrobe, are now a key trend for autumn fashion. The black opaques will see you through winter, but an entire new array of legwear is available for the more adventurous fashionista. Begin with ribbed tights in charcoal grey or midnight blue. The long, vertical lines work wonders on legs, and can be worn with this season's staple jersey dress or tunic, in contrasting block colours. Missoni Sport at Harrods has a wonderful selection.
Over-the-knee socks – recall the Prada campaign from Spring – are key to layering Marc Jacobs style. For the grunge look, pile these on top of thick footless tights, turned down over the top of your new chunky boots. Ankle socks, the disco accessory of the 80s, are another layering staple. Wear them with peep-toe sandals all through the winter. To avoid the bag lady look, make certain the shoes are fabulous (Pierre Hardy, Louboutin – you get the point.)
Fashion156.com to launch
What do you get when you mix internet with Harper’s Bazaar and Italian Vogue? The new online fashion title Fashion156.com. The site, headed-up by Guy Hipwell, is a weekly webzine that includes high-end fashion editorial alongside grooming and beauty features.
Fashion156.com will be covering fashion for both men & women, grooming and beauty shoots etc.Each issue will feature the latest top 10 "must haves" for both men and women. Plus all latest on new products and what is actually in store to buy today.The site will be online from 21 August 2006.
www.fashion156.com
2 August 2006
Pamela Anderson launches pet and people haircare line
Baywatch actress Pamela Anderson is to launch a Human and Pet haircare line. The products will be a range of ethical hair products for people and their pets, supposedly allowing dog and owner to bathe ensemble. Anderson, a staunch animal rights activist, is said to be thrilled with the new deal, which is in association with Bed Head. She stated the line had been "only tested on humans". Expect haircare, bodycare and sunscreens.
Bring back Farrah
If you thought the trend for 70s clothing clothing is passé, think again. Bowing to pressure from indie band style leaders, classic trouser brand Farah is to reprise the skinny-legged slacks that were a school yard staple in the 1970s.
Bands such as Franz Ferdinand are hankering after the original trousers that had to make do with the more recent 020 and 504 styles. Now the real deal is to return. New sub brand Farah Slacks and Leisurewear will offer 16 styles in grey, navy and brown – with whispers of louder colours on the horizon.
www.faraheurope.com
27 July 2006
Self-promotion for tomorrow's stars
Looking to promote your talents as a designer, artist or model? Leading UK digital media agency Catwalk Creations Ltd has introduced a new concept called ‘Fashionmentry'. It is a digital self promotion tool that combines a filmed biography-style interview, an in-depth look at your work accompanied with running commentary, selected pieces worn by models and a 360 degree filmed tour of your studio. The film is made and choreographed by the company's creative directors. They will work to create a short film, designed as a ‘teaser', which can then be presented to buyers, manufacturers, the press, pr agencies, potential stockists and customers with a quick email. With the help of Catwalk Creations, your Fashionmentry can even be hosted on iTunes, via Podcasting. Now there are no longer any excuses to remain a fashion industry wall flower.
www.catwalkcreations.com
12 July 2006
Sainsbury’s to become men-friendly supermarket
UK grocer J Sainsbury is planning to launch zones in their stores dedicated to men to encourage the uptake of male grooming products, according to newspaper The Mail on Sunday.
The zones will sell basic personal care products such as soap, deodorants and shampoo but will also sell eye creams and moisturizers. The paper reported that Sainsbury's will also extend its Champneys range to include male grooming products.
Sainsbury's has been struggling to regain its number two spot in the UK grocery market from Asda with a recovery plan instigated by chief executive Justin King. The new range of products is part of a drive to increase its share of the GBP100 million a year men's skincare market.
20 June 2006
Fashion at Hay-on-Wye
Fashion has never been much of an issue at the Hay-on-Wye annual literary festival. Given the choice, it was highbrow over high heels, book worms over chic lit. Visitors don their wellies and comfy sweaters to mingle with an intellectual bunch, ranging from Al Gore to Zadie Smith. No Gucci or Prada required.
That was until this year's Hay. The weeklong event, which attracts around 60,000 visitors per year, is as important for the literary cognoscenti, as it is for the movers and shakers of the fashion and art worlds. Recognising this, Harper's Bazaar threw a glamorous event in on Saturday, choosing an exquisite country estate as its venue. The glamour continued well into the early hours when 43 South Molton, London's private members' club for the creative community, welcomed fashionable visitors to its Hay quarters for an evening of music, art and yes, fashion.
There were no Birkenstocks spotted, just an occasional pair of wellies. But at least they were worn with skinny jeans. The Hay Festival runs until 4 June. Go to www.hayfestival.co.uk for more information.
Biba Ball
This Thursday sees the Biba Ball, a charity ball celebrating Barbara Hulanicki’s iconic 1960s label at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Hulanicki, who resides in LA, teamed up with Nonie Bouverat, Sienna Miller, Pattie Boyd and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, and will be the guest of honour at the event which supports children’s cancer charity Clic Sargent.
A glamorous list of A-list stars and models are expected to attend the £350-a-head dinner, with another 200 joining the party later in a specially created Biba ‘nightclub’ with entertainment by singer/songwriter Daniel Bedingfield.
Biba is definitely one of the few fashion labels which made an impact in the fashion world, and the committee hopes that the event will have just as much impact – aiming to raise £400,000 for the London Home From Home appeal.
Vintage mecca Mensah
Calling all lovers of vintage. The hottest new address to head for is Mensah, a jewel in Portobello Road's crown when it comes to an exclusive mix of vintage finds and contemporary designers. Owners Herbie and Sarah Mensah have collected a diverse range of vintage treasures spanning the decades, from handmade silk kimonos from the 1920s to Biba dresses to creations by temporary designers such as Manish Arora and Missoni. Other brands include Courrege, Christan Dior, Gucci, Mary Quant, Ossie Clark, Pucci and Yves Saint Laurent, to name a few.
Herbie is a former model and muse for Vivienne Westwood in the 1980s, and this stylish background is reflected in the shop's range. Every item has been perfectly restored and the shop also offers shoppers a finder service, both online and in-store. Anyone wishing to make a day of it can feel comfortable sipping tea and swapping ideas with Mensah's staff.
www.mensah.uk.com
12 April 2006
Last chance to see Anna Piaggi
Anna Piaggi's Fashion-ology is showing at the V&A until April 23 rd . The eccentric cult figure and doyenne of the fashion scene, Miss Piaggi is an extraordinary woman. Her skill for identifying trends from the catwalk collections and presenting them with graphic flair has been hugely influential on designers around the world. For the past 15 years she has worked as a creative consultant to Italian Vogue, each month publishing her ‘Doppie Pagine.'
Topshop, who is sponsoring the event, is offering discounted tickets from its website. An in-store static display accompanying the exhibition is on show at their Oxford Circus flagship. For more information and tickets, log on to: www.vam.ac.uk or www.topshop.co.uk.
4 April 2006
Kate Moss most stylish in the land
Kate Moss has been crowned the most stylish woman of all time in British History, according to readers of Grazia Magazine. No matter what the supermodel wears – from mukluk Eskimo boots to vintage waistcoats -Kate Moss can start a fashion trend just by walking down the street.
As if confirmation were needed that the model's iconic status has not been destroyed by last year's scandal, and the following loss of lucrative modeling contracts with Chanel and Burberry last year, she still reigns as the most stylish in the land. The 32-year-old model from Croydon came top of a poll of more than 5,000 readers of Grazia magazine, followed by actresses Sienna Miller and Kiera Knightley.
21 February 2006
Fashion goes dancing
Dancing is the new sport du jour. Americans are going mad for it with their Dancing with the Stars television show, and ever since Madonna donned her purple leotard to promote her latest record, dancing – and dressing like a dancer – is de rigueur.
And so, if you haven't been dressing like a dancer, perhaps you should join a samba or ballroom dancing class. After all, the who's who of style pundits say that dance is to be the fitness fad of the year. Nike's Rockstar workout, a hip-hop-flavoured dance class, was created by 'choreographer to the stars' Jamie King (i.e. Madonna, J-Lo, Justin Timberlake and Britney). Next month it launches at Holmes Place and Danceworks, along with a new range of dance-inspired clothing that will make you feel like auditioning for Fame. See nikewomen.com for details on how to look the part.
Paul Smith sells company stake
Paul Smith has reportedly sold a stake in his fashion business to Japanese licensee Itochu Corporation. The holding is believe to have been put on the market by Smith's wife Pauline Denyer Smith and managing director John Morley. The value of the deal has not yet been disclosed. Smith and his family's trust are believe to have retained a 60% stake.
6 February 2006
Sock Shop goes into administration
The Sock Shop chain has collapsed into administration for the third time. Insolvency specialist Poppleton & Appleby has been appointed administrators after dismal Christmas trading proved the final straw for the struggling chain. Sock Shop, which was founded in 1983 by Sophie Mirman, floated on the stock market in 1987 and at one point had 150 outlets. It currently has 13 stores and employs 60 staff. The chain will continue to trade while the administrators attempt to find a buyer. The group was part of Harris Watson, which also owns the Viyella women's clothing brand.
30 january 2006