WWD articles from February 2008

WWD archives from February 2008

THE STORM IS COMING.(Oscar de la Renta)(Photograph)
February 1, 2008... But forget about taking shelter. New York Fashion Week is here, and WWD caught designers as they frantically, furiously and frenziedly prepped for the madness. Oscar de la Renta, though, has it down pat. Here, he and a model laugh it up in his...

MAUS GETS CONTROL OF GANT.(Maus Freres S.A. acquires Gant Corp.)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Robert Murphy PARIS - Maus Frres SA has won the battle for Gant. The Swiss retailer, which owns France's Lacoste sportswear brand, on Thursday said it reached a deal with Gant chairman Lennart Bjrk that allows it to take...

JIL SANDER INKS EYEWEAR DEAL WITH MARCHON.(Jil Sander AG's licensing agreement with Marchon Eyewear Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Alessandra Ilari MILAN - Raf Simons is channeling his vision into Jil Sander's new eyewear collection. The fashion brand has signed a licensing agreement with Marchon Eyewear Inc. for the production and distribution of men's...

IN BRIEF: TRADE MART IN COLOMBIA...NIKE-UMBRO DEAL.(Market Center Management Co.'s plan of trade mart, Nike Inc.'s acquisition of Umbro International Ltd.)
February 1, 2008... TRADE MART IN COLOMBIA: The parent company of the Dallas Market Center said Thursday it will develop and manage a new wholesale trade complex in Bogota, Colombia, called the LatinAmerican Trade Mart that will be the largest such operation in...

CORRECTIONS.(Correction notice)
February 1, 2008... Betsey Johnson is showing on Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. The date was incorrect in a Fashion Scoop on page 13, Wednesday. The Liz McClean presentation is scheduled for Feb. 6, and will be open through the evening of Feb. 7. Due to misinformation from...

BALENCIAGA FLAGSHIP BRINGS SPACE AGE TO LONDON.(Balenciaga S.A.' store )
February 1, 2008... Byline: Miles Socha What does the sci-fi film "Mission From Mars" have in common with a quintessentially British thoroughfare? Nicolas Ghesquire is about to show London with his arresting new Balenciaga flagship, which opens today and...

RYES GRADUATES TO YOUNG DESIGNER FOR FALL.(Jos Ramn Reyes)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Marc Karimzadeh NEW YORK - Jos Ramn Reyes is moving up in more ways than one. When the designer presents his fall Ryes collection at Industria Superstudios on Sunday, he will be showing a repositioned line - a notch up from...

SAUNDERS' MANHATTAN MOMENT.(Jonathan Saunders will move his fashion show to New York)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Samantha Conti LONDON - After four years of showing in London, Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders is moving his show to New York this season - and he's not looking back. "London is such a fantastic city - there is such a sense...

UP CLOTHES AND PERSONAL.(photos of fashion designers)(Photograph)
February 1, 2008... It's the final countdown: WWD ventures into the hideouts of 31 designers to see what they have up their sleeves - sequined or otherwise - for fall. Caption(s): Superwoman Betsey Johnson in her fortress of solitude. / Powder-room...

POLISHING IT OFF; NEW YORK SHOWS AND PRESENTATIONS ARE OFF AND RUNNING, OFFERING VARYING TAKES ON SOPHISTICATION - FROM ELEGANT JEWEL-TONED PIECES TO AN UPTOWN-TRIBAL MLANGE.
February 1, 2008... Vera Wang Lavender Label: Vera Wang channeled tony schoolgirls - of the sexy, glamorous variety - in her first Lavender Label runway show, though the collection was launched two-and-a-half years ago. A silver lam blouse got dressed down by a...

FASHION SCOOPS: HERE COMES THE BRIDE...LACOSTE'S COLD SHOULDER...RIGHT SOUND...REDHEADS...BIG APPLE BLITZ.
February 1, 2008... HERE COMES THE BRIDE: First Lady Laura Bush and her bride-to-be daughter, Jenna, were spotted Thursday on Seventh Avenue. A few sources said they paid a visit to Oscar de la Renta. The designer could not be reached for comment. LACOSTE'S...

MORE FROM THE SHOWS.(Brief article)(Photograph)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Whitney Beckett Converse by John Varvatos: John Varvatos' boy-meets-girl vibe took a glitzy-grunge turn this season, with urbane separates like sequined stovepipes and vintage-inspired jackets. Degrees of Freedom: Travelwear...

TURNING OVER A NEW LEIF.(Anthropologie's Leifsdottir brand)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Sharon Edelson NEW YORK - The name Leifsdottir doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but that hasn't stopped Anthropologie from giving its newest wholesale brand the traditional Scandinavian surname, which means "daughter of Leif."...

PUCKER UP.(Miuccia Prada's pre-fall collection)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... When it comes to melding tradition with innovation, Miuccia Prada is always a step ahead. For pre-fall, she's playing with a dark palette and lots of surface interest, i.e., quilted and gathered textures - many of them varnished. Lengths are...

RETAIL SHARES SURGE.(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Jeanine Poggi Retail shares soared on Thursday after investors received some good news about the bond insurance industry as well as a bullish report from Deutsche Bank, sending the S&P Retail Index up a whopping 4.4 percent to...

BOOTS CEO DEPARTS FIRM.(Boots Retail International's Martin Waters)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Julie Naughton Boots Retail International said Thursday that Martin Waters, the company's chief executive officer, is stepping down. Waters, who will remain with the organization through Feb. 14, is believed to be taking a new...

STINN TRIAL SET TO COMMENCE.(Bradley Stinn's accounting fraud case)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Liza Casabona The trial of Bradley Stinn, former chief executive officer of Friedman's Inc. and its affiliate Crescent Jewelers, for accounting fraud is set to begin on Monday in Brooklyn federal court. The trial, before Judge...

H&M POSTS 14% PROFIT RISE.(H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Robert Murphy PARIS - Sweden's Hennes & Mauritz on Thursday said fourth-quarter profits grew 14 percent and eased concern its business would wilt in the tough economic environment by reporting sales in January increased 16 percent....

THARANCO ACQUIRES JOSEPH A.(Tharanco Group acquires Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Whitney Beckett The Tharanco Group has added better knitwear manufacturer Joseph A. to its portfolio. Haresh Tharani, chairman of Tharanco, a privately held company, bought the $150 million knitwear firm for an undisclosed sum...

EARNEST SEWN GETS NEW BACKER, EYES GROWTH.(Earnest Sewn's investment support by Brian Cytrynbaum's group)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Ross Tucker NEW YORK - Premium denim label Earnest Sewn is setting its sights on expansion after securing a new financial backer and putting together a management team. An investment group led by Brian Cytrynbaum, owner of...

KIMORA LEE ADDS 'FABULOSITY'.(Kimora Lee Simmons' Baby Phat Fabulosity)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Julie Naughton THERE'S FABULOUS - AND THEN THERE'S FABULOSITY. The latter is a word coined by the typically over-the-top Kimora Lee Simmons, who plans to show her fall ready-to-wear collection tonight at Roseland Ballroom. It's...

EVA MENDES: FACE OF NEW KLEIN SCENT.(Calvin Klein Fragrances)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Julie Naughton What comes between Eva Mendes and her Calvins? As of now, nothing. Coty, which holds the Calvin Klein Fragrances license, and Calvin Klein Inc. said Thursday that Eva Mendes has been tapped to star in the...

SHEARER TO JOIN CLARINS AS REVENUES SURPASS 1 BILLION EUROS.(Philip Shearer as executive vice president for Groupe Clarins)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Jennifer Weil, with contributions from Ellen Groves PARIS - Philip Shearer will join Groupe Clarins as its executive vice president, a newly created position, starting March 1. The announcement of his nomination, published...

MAC LINKS WITH GRAFFITI ARTIST.(Make-Up Art Cosmetics Ltd. and Fafi)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Julie Naughton What do makeup and graffiti have in common? Thanks to MAC Cosmetics, a color cosmetics collection involving Fafi, the Parisian graffiti artist. "We had the idea on a shoot to capture the spirit of a young woman...

SPILKA TAKES ON INTERNATIONAL ROLE.(Tho E. Spilka)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Michelle Edgar NEW YORK - Fragrance supplier Firmenich has promoted Tho E. Spilka to vice president of new business development and licensing, international. Spilka, who was vice president of fine fragrance sales and new...

ARMANI OPENS TRAVEL-RETAIL STORE.
February 1, 2008... Byline: Jane Moir HONG KONG - Hong Kong's busy airport has become home to the first freestanding Giorgio Armani travel-retail beauty boutique. The 333-square-foot store, called Giorgio Armani, was opened on Jan. 17 in Hong Kong...

SHISEIDO PROFITS SOAR ON CHINA SALES.
February 1, 2008... Byline: Koji Hirano TOKYO - Shiseido Co. Ltd. announced a strong increase in profits, thanks to its business in China, during the nine months ended Dec. 31. The Japanese beauty giant reported its net earnings in the period rose 29.3...

BRINGING FRAGRANCE BACK TO THE MASSES.
February 1, 2008... Byline: Faye Brookman DESTIN, Fla. - Manufacturers are pulling out all of the stops to revive an anemic mass market fragrance business. The fragrance marketers showing new scents at this week's Efficient Retail Marketing Collaboration...

ECRM SHOW HIGHLIGHTS BATH, BODY OFFERINGS.(efficient collaborative retail marketing)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Faye Brookman, with contributions from Michelle Edgar DESTIN, Fla. - Buyers were awash in new bath and body products at the ECRM show held here. Manufacturers, scurrying to find ways to pump up sales, are launching items with...

SNIPPETS: NATURAL BEAUTY...LICENSING CLEANS UP...BLOT AND BLUSH...TRAVELING BED HEAD...BEST BOUTIQUE.(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... NATURAL BEAUTY: Physicians Formula may soon have more competition in the natural cosmetics segment as Del Laboratories (now owned by Coty Inc.) rolls out Natural Beauty and Lavera, a German line, seeks to grab more retail distribution. Longs...

CELINE DION HITS ROAD WITH NEW SCENT.(Sensational by Coty Beauty)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Jennifer Weil, with contributions from Michelle Edgar, New York PARIS - Celine Dion and Coty Beauty are banking on Sensational to be the songstress' biggest fragrance hit, once it makes its worldwide debut this spring. All...

PROCTER & GAMBLE SEES 14% PROFIT RISE IN QTR.
February 1, 2008... Byline: Molly Prior The Procter & Gamble Co. gracefully sidestepped consumers' proverbial belt tightening in the second quarter, posting a group profit gain of 14 percent. During a conference call Thursday, the consumer products giant...

ARDEN WEATHERS TOUGH HOLIDAY, SALES UP 3%.(Elizabeth Arden Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Molly Prior Elizabeth Arden Inc. on Thursday reported a sales gain of nearly 3 percent in the second quarter, boosted by strong international sales and offset by a challenging Christmas on the home front. E. Scott Beattie,...

COSMOPROF FOCUS: MAINLAND CHINA MARKET.
February 1, 2008... Byline: Lisa Movius SHANGHAI - China's already substantial beauty market will continue to grow, and the country shows a marked preference for imported beauty products. However, establishing distribution networks beyond its large coastal...

L'OREAL PROFESSIONNEL AIMS FOR GUYS IN SALONS.
February 1, 2008... Byline: Ellen Groves PARIS - With L'Oral Professionnel Homme, the French beauty giant wants to grab the top spot in the professional men's hair care segment within three years. Targeting guys aged 20 to 50-plus, the premium line's 14...

SEMHON, FORMER LAUDER EXEC.(Diane Papas Semhon of Estee Lauder Companies Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Catherine Hunter NEW YORK - A memorial service was held here last week for Diane Papas Semhon, a former sales executive with the Este Lauder Cos. Inc. and Helena Rubinstein. Semhon died suddenly at Lenox Hill Hospital here Jan. 12....

MEMO PAD: BY REQUEST...RADAR'S FASHION WORLD...MORE T AT THE TIMES...RUPERT'S NEW TOY.
February 1, 2008... Byline: Stephanie D. Smith, Amy Wicks BY REQUEST: The media rumor making the rounds is that Michelle Williams was slated to appear on the April cover of Elle. In light of the death of Heath Ledger, with whom she had a daughter, Williams...

HERE'S LOOKING AT TOD'S.
February 1, 2008... Byline: Alessandra Ilari MILAN - Tod's continues to stitch its ties to the art world. In its latest undertaking, called "Looking at Tod's," the brand has recruited three international artists to create quirky installations as window...

THE SIXTIES SENSE.(Tony Burch's inspiration)(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... There's something about Penelope...and Julie and Joni. For fall, Tory Burch has channeled that trio of Aquarian icons - not to mention a certain quartet of dapper young men. Her collection, Burch says, "juxtaposes the casually chic rock 'n'...

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? WELL, THERE'S THE RUB BECAUSE COME SUNDAY, PIGSKIN AND FASHION SQUARE OFF.(Super Bowl Game and fashion industry)
February 2, 2008... Byline: Bridget Foley Ten years ago in July, two mega institutions were on course to collide in what would have been an unthinkable scheduling catastrophe. So, rather than go tte--tte with the World Cup finals then slated for Paris, the...

IN BRIEF: CAHN INTERESTED IN PENNEY'S.(Carl Icahn, J.C. Penney Corporation Inc.)(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... CAHN INTERESTED IN PENNEY'S?: A spokesman for Carl Icahn declined to comment on a Wall Street Journal report the billionaire investor has acquired a large stake in J.C. Penney Co. Inc. According to the report, Icahn is now one of the retailer's...

FASHION WEEK ON WWD.COM.
February 2, 2008... WWD.com has kicked off its coverage of New York Fashion Week and the subsequent fall 2008 collections in London, Milan and Paris. Visitors to WWD.com and its dedicated fashion week microsite, at WWD.com/fashionweek/fall2008, will have...

DRESS REHEARSAL.(American Foundation for AIDS Research's gala dinner)
February 2, 2008... On the cusp of a week when free time is virtually nonexistent, it was quite something to see the turnout at Cipriani Thursday night for amfAR's 10th annual gala dinner. "It's an amazing list of people, isn't it?" said Veronica Webb, staring out...

PARTY LINES; WHERE THE FASHION CROWD WILL UNWIND THIS WEEK. REMEMBER, BY INVITE ONLY.(fashion industry's parties)(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... SATURDAY Alexander Wang party at The Annex (this time with air-conditioning!). SUNDAY Diane von Furstenberg dinner at the DVF studio on 14th Street. Rodnik performs at The Box. Miss Sixty dinner at Socialista (expect...

DRAMA QUEENS.(theatrical actresses)
February 2, 2008... Byline: Vanessa Lawrence Between writers' strike-induced abysmal TV offerings and post-holiday theater releases that would keep even the most dedicated cinephile homebound ("27 Dresses," anyone?), cabin fever looks to prove particularly...

UNDER COVER.(celebrities' pregnancy and maternity clothing)
February 2, 2008... Byline: Jessica Iredale Tabloids sell a lot of magazines with their "celebrity bump watch" features. While most stars make it easy, tooling around in tight, midriff-hugging gear, Jennifer Lopez has put up a fight. Her defense: discreet...

FIRST LADY OPENING WHITE HOUSE TO RED DRESS.(Laura Bush's reception for fashion designers of Heart Truth Red Dress fashion show)
February 2, 2008... Byline: Rosemary Feitelberg and Julie Naughton First Lady Laura Bush might have been the guest of honor at Friday's Heart Truth Red Dress fashion show, but the event's celebrity models were not about to play second fiddle. Bush will...

CHEAT SHEET; THESE DAYS, IT SEEMS EVERYONE AND THEIR GREAT-AUNT LILLIAN HAS A FASHION LINE. HERE, A PRIMER ON EIGHT TALENTS SHOWING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NEW YORK THAT WILL MAKE AN EXPERT OUT OF ANY TENT GOER.
February 2, 2008... Byline: Vronique Hyland LYELL: Saturday, Feb. 2, 4 p.m., National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South Designer: Emma Fletcher When Fletcher found a vintage embroidered runner at a flea market, she knew she'd unearthed the...

THE STARTING LINEUP.(fashion models)
February 2, 2008... Byline: Cinnamon St. John Let the buzz begin. After New York Fashion Week, these models may just enter the big leagues. Skye Stracke/DNA Hometown: Perth, Australia Age: 17 Height: 5 feet 11 inches Hair: Blonde Eyes:...

COOL IT; DOWNTOWN CHICKS, YOU'RE IN LUCK. DESIGNERS HAVE FALL COVERED WITH EVERYTHING FROM ASYMMETRIC CUTS TO CAMP-CHIC LAYERS.(fashion designer's collection, Generra's vacant creative director position)
February 2, 2008... Yigal Azroul: Yigal Azroul's had his eye on the New York downtown girl, he said preshow. And if his fall lineup is any indication, he's been watching her closely. All the cool city chick basics - from slim trousers to leather jackets - were...

MORE FROM THE SHOWS.(fashion shows)(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Salvador Trinidad: Salvador Trinidad marked his third season flying solo with a polished, Thirties-inspired collection of dresses with imaginative details, like braided fabric on a black cap-sleeve number. Organic: John Patrick pushed...

LEGENDS OF THE FALL.(inspiration of fashion designers)(Quotation)
February 2, 2008... Byline: Venessa Lau What inspires designers these days? Anyone and anything, from Bianca Jagger and the Berkshires to Olive Oyl and a tasty beet-and-spinach salad. Here, a look at what's behind the New York collections this season. - ...

FASHION SCOOPS: ALL IN THE MIX...G-STAR STAR...EARLY-BIRD SPECIAL...WOMAN'S MAN...CROWD CONTROL...HOT STUFF.(celebrities in Max Azria's fashion show, Dennis Hopper's fashion walk rumor, Catherine Malandrino's collection)
February 2, 2008... ALL IN THE MIX: Per usual, MaxAzria drew a rather eclectic assortment of celebs to the front row of its BCBG show Friday afternoon. Christina Millian joined Joss Stone, Mary Lynn Rajskub and Ana Ortiz, the latter three still reeling from their...

PEOPLE WITH PENCILS; WHAT'S ON RETAIL WISH LISTS FOR FALL?(women's clothing trend)
February 2, 2008... Byline: Sharon Edelson It's no secret that business is, well, tough. Of course, luxury customers aren't as susceptible to downturns in the economy as other shoppers, but they have to fill their Mercedes SUV gas tanks, too. If there's...

SHOW CALENDAR.(fashion shows in New York fashion week )(Calendar)
February 2, 2008... Following is the schedule for fashion week in New York. Information is accurate as of press time but subject to change, and visitors are urged to confirm times and locations. Listings are courtesy of Ruth Finley's Fashion Calendar. ...

A LITTLE POLISH.(Diane von Furstenberg's collection)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Diane von Furstenberg may be famous for her effortless dresses, but there's more to her repertoire than fab frocks. And she proved it with the stylish fall collection she showed on Sunday, which centered on a vagabond heroine in polished,...

REMEMBER RECESSIONS? INDUSTRY VETS PRESCRIBE WAYS TO COPE WITH BLAHS.(clothing industry)
February 4, 2008... Byline: WWD Staff As New York Fashion Week kicks into high gear, everyone from the designers in their ateliers to the retail executives in the front row and perhaps even the models on the runways has one word on their minds beginning with...

NRDC TO ACQUIRE FORTUNOFF.(NRDC Equity Partners, Fortunoff Fine Jewelry and Silverware Inc.)
February 4, 2008... Byline: David Moin NEW YORK - NRDC Equity Partners, the parent of Lord & Taylor and Creative Design Studio, has entered into an agreement to purchase Fortunoff for $110 million. Meanwhile, Fortunoff was expected to electronically file...

CROW SEEKS RIGHT NOTE FOR DENIM.(Sheryl Crow's denim-based collection)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Ross Tucker NEW YORK - With a new album out Tuesday and her first apparel line slated to hit the sales floor in late June, 2008 promises to be a busy year for Sheryl Crow. As first reported in WWD on Oct. 10, the nine-time...

IN BRIEF.(Lane Bryant Inc.'s closure to honor gun violence victim in ther Chicago stores)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... LANE BRYANT HONORS VICTIMS: Lane Bryant's greater-Chicago area stores were closed on Sunday in mourning for the five people who were shot and killed at the retailer's Tinley Park, Ill., location the day before. Charming Shoppes Inc., the parent...

PREP SCHOOL; FROM CETAPHIL TO CYANIDE CAPSULES, THE FASHION FLOCK GETS CREATIVE WHEN IT COMES TO CONTENDING WITH THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF COLLECTIONS.(Simon Doonan)
February 4, 2008... SIMON DOONAN, executive vice president, of creative service, Barneys New York and author Shows he'll attend: "I don't go to a ton of shows - just enough to get the general drift. Narciso, DVF etc...." Parties he'll attend: "I'm psyched...

FEMALE PERSUASION; FEMININE WITH A HINT OF RETRO - THAT'S WHAT TRIUMPHED ON THE FALL RUNWAYS, WITH SMART BLAZERS, FULL SKIRTS AND SOME DROP-DEAD DRESSES.(Diane von Furstenberg's designs)
February 4, 2008... Diane von Furstenberg: "She always knew she would find her way through the raindrops." So Diane von Furstenberg mused in her program notes of this season's heroine, a mysterious sort whose travels take her from Berlin to New York by way of...

FASHION SCOOPS: WHITE MISCHIEF...SUPER SUNDAY:...FASHION TRENCHES...PRIORITY PLACEMENT...SEATLESS SIMMONS SISTERS.(wedding of Nicolas Sarkoz and Carla Bruni , Herv Lger show, and Diane von Furstenberg's show )
February 4, 2008... WHITE MISCHIEF: When French President Nicolas Sarkozy wed Carla Bruni in Paris on Saturday, there was little fanfare, but plenty of fashion elements. The bride, a pop singer and former model, wore a short, sleeveless, off-white dress by Herms,...

DOUBLE ACT; SOPHISTICATION AND SCHOOLGIRL CHIC SHARED THE STAGE THIS SEASON WHEN EDGY ELEGANCE MET GLAMMED-UP GRUNGE.(Max Azria's collection, Gap Inc.'s new collection and Ashleigh Verrier's collection)
February 4, 2008... Herv Lger by Max Azria: With a new generation of Hollywood starlets pouring their Pilates-toned bods into Herv Lger's signature bandage dresses, Max Azria decided to present his first Lger runway show since acquiring the company. Yet instead of...

IT'S A MUSE THING; FROM PHOTOGRAPHER LEE MILLER TO ALPINE MAIDENS, DOWNTOWN GIRLS TO A PERFECT CIRCLE, AND EVEN "FABULOSITY" - ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING GOT DESIGNERS' CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING FOR FALL.(Lacoste's collections, Baby Phat's collection and Alexander Wang's collection)
February 4, 2008... Lacoste: Lacoste's spirited collection, shown on sheepskin carpeting in a virtual snowstorm, looked just right for the Alpine schoolgirls who inspired designer Christophe Lemaire. But that's not to say their urban sisters wouldn't also be...

MORE FROM THE SHOWS.(fashion show trends)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Wayne: Inspired by haberdashery, Wayne D. Lee's collection contained excellent well-tailored pieces with a modern twist that made everything decidedly feminine. Rag & Bone: With the 1982 film "Blade Runner" on their minds, David Neville...

GRAD IT UP.(Academy of Art University's fresh graduate fashion designers)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Academy of Art University: For 10 recent graduates of the San Francisco-based school of fashion, the opportunity to unveil their collections during New York Fashion Week is a chance to launch their careers. And career gals, albeit ones with a...

MORE FROM THE SHOWS.(trends from the fashion shows)
February 4, 2008... Twinkle by Wenlan: Wenlan Chia stayed true to her penchant for tossing textured knits over light fabrics like silk georgette, while adding signature whimsical touches, such as a charming trompe l'oeil button motif on an intarsia sweater. ...

FASHION SCOOPS: THE BIGGER PICTURE...PULVERIZED...PICTURE THIS...SCHOOL DAZE...ROCK ON.(support for Barack Obama, Rock & Republic's runway show, Mariska Hargitay )
February 4, 2008... THE BIGGER PICTURE: The Super Bowl isn't the only American event conflicting with New York Fashion Week, as viewers at the Charles Nolan show reminded the fashion set with buttons supporting Barack Obama. Nolan's partner, Democratic party big...

ADAM LIPPES TO DO LINE FOR MANGO.(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Julee Kaplan NEW YORK - Adam Lippes is adding some Spanish flair as the contemporary designer has signed an agreement to do a collection for Barcelona-based retailer Mango. Lippes, who operates the Adam Adam Lippes brand, will...

TWO SIDES OF YAMAMOTO HIT MEATPACKING DISTRICT.(Yohji Yamamoto's store)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Sharon Edelson NEW YORK - Two sides of Yohji Yamamoto were revealed in the Meatpacking District over the weekend when a signature store bowed at 1 Gansevoort Street and a Y-3 unit was unveiled across the street at 317 West 13th...

GLOBAL REACH HELPS LAUDER POST GAINS.(The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Molly Prior The Este Lauder Cos. Inc.'s global sprawl helped shield the beauty firm - which reported a 7.7 percent increase in second-quarter profits Friday - from a weakening U.S. market. The beauty firm is also expanding its...

CAMUTO GROUP BUYS 50 PERCENT STAKE IN SANCTUARY CLOTHING.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Julee Kaplan The Camuto Group clearly is interested in contemporary fashion as it has just made its second acquisition in the category. This time, Camuto has acquired a 50 percent stake in Sanctuary Clothing, the North...

ANALYSTS LINK ASIA, MIDEAST TO LUXE GROWTH.(luxury goods industry)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Miles Socha PARIS - Amid doom and gloom aplenty, the luxury goods sector got a blast of good news from investment firm HSBC, whose analysts contend that robust demand from Asia, the Middle East and Russia should boost top-line...

MEMO PAD: OUCH, IT HURTS...HOLY SMOKES.(periodical publishing affected by recession, Equinox Fitness Clubs' advertising controversy)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Amy Wicks, Irin Carmon and Stephanie D. Smith, Rosemary Feitelberg OUCH, IT HURTS: Magazine publishers are already feeling the pinch from fears of a recession - and many observers expect things to get worse before they get better....

MIU MIU TAKES MACAU.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Constance Haisma-Kwok MACAU - The seas were choppy and chilly winds were blowing as guests boarded the chartered ferry from Hong Kong, but no one seemed to mind the weather when they arrived in Macau to see that Miu Miu had pulled...

CFDA, GQ CELEBRATE NEW MEN'S DESIGNERS.(Council of Fashion Designers of America's The Best New Menswear Designers in America )(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Stephanie D. Smith NEW YORK - Though most of the attention during New York Fashion Week is paid to women's wear, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and GQ celebrated men's designers in Midtown last week to help kick off...

KENTSHIRE'S GENERATIONAL PLAY.(family owned business)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Sophia Chabbott For Carrie Imberman, jewelry is a family affair. Imberman, the granddaughter of Kentshire founder Benson Imberman, worked in costume design, styling and even floral design before joining the business three years...

MANNING ADDS DIAMONDS WITH PRECIOUS FUSION.(Melissa Joy Manning)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Sophia Chabbott Like many designers, Melissa Joy Manning has been creating wares since she was a child. She styled her Barbie dolls and made jewelry for fun growing up, but it wasn't until several failed attempts at retail...

GETTING A HANDLE ON LOUBOUTIN.(Christian Louboutin's handbag collection)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Miles Socha PARIS - Christian Louboutin is outfitting his business with a new platform of controlled growth. Key legs of the plan include a concerted push into handbags, a rollout of boutiques and more aggressive protection of...

SEVIGNY TAKES ON SAMSONITE'S BLACK LABEL.(Chloe Sevigny's endorsement for Samsonite Corp.)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Caroline Tell Samsonite has tapped another fashion star to represent the brand's latest extension in its premier Black Label series. Chlo Sevigny is stepping into the role as Samsonite ambassador to help launch the Trunk...

FINDINGS: JEWEL BOX...BASSO'S BAGS...TURKEY BAIT.(Catherine Malandrino's jewelry collection, Dennis Basso's handbag collection designed by Darby Scott, Turkish Leather Fair )
February 4, 2008... JEWEL BOX: Catherine Malandrino will launch her first jewelry collection today at her fall show. Composed of raw minerals and semiprecious stones - including African jade, aventurine, tigereye and agate and enamel - each piece is enhanced with...

WINE COUNTY.(burgundies for lingerie design and color)(Photograph)
February 4, 2008... Lingerie designers are serving up plenty of fine burgundies for fall. The newest crop is full of charming, slender shapes in romantic laces and satins. Caption(s): Claire Pettibone's nylon, rayon, polyester and spandex chemise. Sandals by...

WILD THINGS.(animal prints)(Photograph)
February 4, 2008... It's a jungle out there, as designers show sexy or playful shapes in a range of animal prints with unexpected splashes of color. Caption(s): Jezebel's lace-trimmed nylon and elastic bra and skirt. / Polyester chiffon baby doll from Betsey...