German fashion house Hugo Boss opened its first Orange concept store in Mitte in Berlin last week, seven months after the opening of a Hugo Boss outlet around the corner. “We could have opened the first Orange concept store in LA, London , Tokyo or New York , but it just made sense to us…
JCrew enters children’s market
US retailer J Crew is expanding its horizons by introducing a children’s wear collection this spring. The company first got its feet wet in this market in the 90s, but the venture did not last long. However, customer demand has led the company to recommit to the venture. The Crewcuts summer collection will hit a…
Goodbye to a fashion icon
Iconic designer Oleg Cassini died last week at the age of 92. Cassini was famous for dressing Jackie Kennedy and numerous Hollywood beauties. He was born in Paris in 1913 and grew up in Italy. He led a fashion house in Rome before moving to the US in 1936. “He arrived with a tennis racket,…
Federated in large-scale swap
US-based Federated Department Stores Inc has announced a deal with the Australian-based real estate conglomerate Westfield Group, in which it will sell 15 stores in return for 12 stores that it has been leasing from Westfield. The Australian group is the world’s largest retail property company. Federated will sell six Macy’s stores, one Hecht’s store…
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…
Oakley Q1 profits slump
US sunglass maker and retailer Oakley has reported an 80 percent drop in first quarter profits as operating expenses rose and margins fell. The strong sale of sunglasses did not compensate for the challenges the California-based retailer. The company’s clothing, footwear and accessories division realized net sales of $36.8 million (£20.5 million), down 8.8 percent…
Agent Provocateur teams up
Agent Provocateur has joined forces with knitwear specialist John Smedley to create a luxury collection. The collection features of two lines: French Maid and Skater Girl. French Maid consists of a minidress, a scoop-neck sweater and coordinating cotton underwear with black and white frill trim. Meanwhile, Skater Girl consists of a leotard, a short-sleeved top…
Polo Q1 earnings surge
Polo Ralph Lauren reported a surge in first quarter earnings of 58 percent to $80.2 million (£42.0 million). Revenues jumped 26.8 percent for the three months ended 1 July to $491.2 million, including a 45.7 percent gain in wholesale sales to $751.9 million and a 15.3 percent jump in retail sales to $412.1 million. Net…
Herrera critiques fashion victims
New York-based designer and style icon Carolina Herrera has lashed out at women who follow the trends religiously. “You have to realise what looks well on you and what is your age also,” she says. “You can’t dress like a 15-year-old and be 50 or 60. Some women should buy a very important accessory –…
Versus’ high-tech comeback
Versace’s Versus brand is returning to the fray with a new format. Bringing the label back to the forefront is Versace executive Dante D’Angelo. “We want to create a new market niche called technological luxury,â€? he told WWD. “We are not planning to do apparel. Instead, we want to exploit the accessories business. This is…