WWD articles from January 2003

WWD archives from January 2003

On Track.(sports influence designers)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2003... NEW YORK - Designers are drawing influences from the sports arena for spring, using such details as racing stripes and baseball sleeves. Sports looks have always been staples for the streetwear label Lady Enyce, with tracksuits part of their...

Shaking Sameness: Luxury Goes Custom To Rev Up Consumers.(Industry Overview)
January 2, 2003... Byline: Miles Socha with contributions from Luisa Zargani, Milan PARIS - Luxury brands are out of control. That is, they are breaking out of the direct-control mantra that defined the Nineties. As companies rushed over the last five...

Consumers Remain Wary.(Consumer Confidence Index down)
January 2, 2003... Byline: Evan Clark NEW YORK - The year ended on a down note in the minds of consumers. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index fell 4.6 points to 80.3 in December, down from a revised 84.9 in November, when the index rebounded...

Levi's Major Markup: $85K Jeans.(Levi Strauss & Co. marketing for Type One jeans with gold rush theme)
January 2, 2003... Byline: Scott Malone NEW YORK - Levi Strauss & Co. is no stranger to expensive blue jeans. The San Francisco-based company sells some styles that retail for up to $250 and, a few years back, shelled out $46,352 for a pair of jeans it had...

In Brief.(I.C. Isaacs & Co. stock conversion)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2003... ISAACS STOCK CONVERSION: I.C. Isaacs & Co. said Tuesday that an investment vehicle controlled by Marithe and Francois Girbaud last month converted 3.3 million shares of Isaacs preferred stock into common stock. As reported in May, the vehicle,...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
January 2, 2003... David Katz of the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is U.S. counsel for Pinault-Printemps-Redoute SA. He was incorrectly identified as representing Gucci Group NV in a story on page 2, Dec. 27, 2002.

Fashion Scoop.(Brief Article)
January 2, 2003... SIR SORRY: As Queen Elizabeth II announced a new batch of knighthoods in the New Year's Honours List this week, she may have noticed that last year's weren't done and dusted just yet. Although Mick Jagger was granted a knighthood six months...

Everlast Scores Round in Court, An Appeal Filed.(Joan Hansen and Co. lawsuit dismissed)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2003... Byline: Dan Burrows NEW YORK - Everlast Worldwide Inc. won a technical knockout in New York Supreme Court, as the judge dismissed on summary judgement a lawsuit brought by Joan Hansen and Co., which filed an appeal on Tuesday. Hansen,...

Taubman Centers Retorts.(denies allegations from Simon Property Group)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2003... NEW YORK - Taubman Centers Inc. on Tuesday disputed allegations made by hostile takeover suitor Simon Property Group that it is attempting to deny shareholders the power to call a special meeting. In an amended filing with the Michigan...

Bongo Turns Up the Heat.(growth plans for 2003)
January 2, 2003... Byline: Julee Greenberg NEW YORK - Bongo is preparing to step up the beat in 2003. The company, which became wholly owned by Candie's Inc. in April, has various plans for growth in 2003, including a new ad campaign concept, a fresh...

Borrowed From the Boys.(G-III Apparel Group, Carl Banks collaborate on Hardwood Classics, Cooperstown Vintage junior apparel)
January 2, 2003... Carl Banks with models in the new NBA and MLB lines. Three looks from the collections.Borrowed From the Boys Byline: Julee Greenberg NEW YORK - The boys have been able to wear sports jerseys for years - now it's the girls' turn. ...

Miami Jeans Scene Grows.(new denim specialty stores in Miami from Earl Jean, Miss Sixty)
January 2, 2003... Byline: Rebecca Kleinman MIAMI - Snowbirds who head down to South Beach from the brisk North, as well as Latin Americans who make the trip up, will find a wider choice of denim on their shopping trips. Two new specialty denim stores,...

Girbaud's Green Moment.(Francois Girbaud focuses on the environment)
January 2, 2003... Byline: Scott Malone NEW YORK - Sitting in a limousine headed downtown, Francois Girbaud gesticulated wildly: "All the fabrics we create, in polyester and polyamide, they will not be destroyed." Girbaud was talking about the...

The New Brands in Town.(FAL Active, Dosty, Gallaz, Bumi Sirotka, Counterpoint T-shirts, Raising a Racquet, Neighborhoodies offer activewear)
January 2, 2003... Byline: Rosemary Feitelberg NEW YORK - Seven newcomers are jumping into the activewear zone with specialty products not likely to be found at the big brands, while chasing drastically diverse customers. FAL Active features...

World Outlook - GNP estimated growth by region of the world for 2003, in descending order.
January 2, 2003... The World Bank doesn't have much good news for the new year. In December, the organization sharply cut its outlook for world economic growth in 2003 by more than a percentage point to 2.5 percent. Retailers sourcing private label goods and...

Sophisticated Lady.(Almay brand product development)(Brief Article)
January 3, 2003... NEW YORK - The hypoallergenic Almay brand wants to be seen as stylish and sophisticated, too. And it's counting on its most ambitious first-half launch - the Bright Eyes Collection - to draw some new looks. First-year retail sales could hit $20...

New Year's Resolution: BBW Takes Holistic Route to Wellness.(Bath and Body Works revises corporate mission to help customers improve health and personal care)
January 3, 2003... Byline: Laura Klepacki NEW YORK - Most years start off with good intentions. There are the diet plans, the new projects and renewed commitments to family and friends. Well, this January, women looking for a little push in the right...

What to Watch: Time Machine.(trends of antiaging lotions and creams; Botox Cosmetic by Allergen Co.)(Brief Article)
January 3, 2003... It's a youth-oriented world after all. And sales of antiage skin care products are proving it. Sales of age-defying lotions and creams rose double digits in both mass and department stores in 2002. And 2003 could likely see sales increase...

What to Watch: Scents Off.(development and launches of new fragrances in 2002 and 2003; details by company)(Brief Article)
January 3, 2003... A host of new fragrances crowded the launch pad this year, but unfortunately many did not take off as planned. Despite the softness of the fragrance category, expect to see a plethora of scents hitting shelves again in 2003. While The Estee...

What to Watch: Hair Today.(L'Oreal to launch hair color kit; hair products, not fragrance to drive growth for cosmetics companies)(Brief Article)
January 3, 2003... Put your money where your hair is. Across the board for 2003, cosmetics companies are betting on hair care, not fragrance, to jump-start lackluster sales. From mass market veterans like Clairol to prestige newcomers like Lancome, it seems...

No Guarantee of Uptick in '03.(retail trade, following possibly worst holiday season in 30 years, faces bleak prospects for 2003)
January 3, 2003... Byline: Vicki M. Young NEW YORK - Sentiment is growing within financial circles that the retail recovery that eluded stores in the second half of 2002 might stage an encore no-show in the new year. Having just digested what many are...

December's Early Comps Down.(Christopher and Banks sales and securities prices in December 20002; includes data for other specialty retailers)
January 3, 2003... Byline: Jennifer Weitzman NEW YORK - Christopher & Banks' shares skyrocketed more than 11 percent Thursday as the company reaffirmed earnings expectations for the fourth quarter despite lower same-store sales in December. The...

Memo Pad.(Surface loses another editor; poor ratings for NBC's handling of GQ Men of the Year Awards, celebrities on magazine covers)
January 3, 2003... BAILLIE BAILS ON SURFACE: Surface co-founder and editorial director Riley John-Donnell should make a New Year's resolution to stop driving his top talent away. After burning through three editors in 2002 - the last one, Maureen Callahan,...

Saks, CFDA Raise Over $1.9M.(Saks Fifth Avenue and Council of Fashion Designers of America raise funds to benefit breast cancer organizations)(Brief Article)
January 3, 2003... Saks, CFDA Raise Over $1.9M NEW YORK - Saks Fifth Avenue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America raised more than $1.9 million to benefit breast cancer organizations during the fourth annual Fashion Targets Breast Cancer shopping...

Fashion Scoops.(Stella McCarney rumored to wed, designer Thierry Mugler works with drag performer)(Brief Article)
January 3, 2003... WILL SHE OR WON'T SHE?: First Sir Paul McCartney traveled to Ireland in June to marry Heather Mills and now the rumor mill is churning that his designer daughter Stella McCartney is about to wed her boyfriend, the former magazine publisher...

In Brief.(Adidas-Salomon expects to meet goal of 5% sales gain in year just ended)(Brief Article)
January 3, 2003... ADIDAS CAN-DO: Adidas-Salomon chief executive Herbert Hainer said in a published report Thursday that the firm is on track to meet its objective of a 5 percent sales gain, to about $6.6 billion, for the just-concluded year. Net income is...

Salle's New Scenes.(artist David Salle left the Gagosian Gallery for the Mary Boone Gallery as prelude for lauch of his first New York gallery show in two years)
January 3, 2003... Byline: Sharon Edelson NEW YORK - David Salle insists he's not being coy when he claims he knows nothing about the way the art market functions. "I honestly know very little about the art world," he says, adding, "It seems to be quite...

Clinique's Burst of Color.(Colour Surge Lipstick line features average 15% pigment and 18 shades)
January 3, 2003... Byline: Julie Naughton NEW YORK - Clinique is out to deliver a color jolt this spring with Colour Surge Lipstick, the latest addition to its lip color lineup. "This is a lipstick for those consumers who want big, bold color with one...

Ethix Skincare Plans to Oxygenate the Masses.(line of six sprays and a serum designed to deliver oxygen to skin; product developments and advertising)
January 3, 2003... Byline: Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff LOS ANGELES - There's nothing revolutionary about oxygen in skin care. But according to Richard Wright, co-founder of Ethix Skincare, the market for oxygen products is still underdeveloped. Wright's line...

Au The Blanc: Bulgari's Whiter Shade of Tea.(new scent to be unisex, but probably marketed at women's fragrance counter)
January 3, 2003... Eau Parfumee Au The BlancAu The Blanc: Bulgari's Whiter Shade of Tea Byline: Julie Naughton NEW YORK - The tea party continues at Bulgari. Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc - or White Tea, in English -will join the brand's tea franchise...

Walgreens Scent Sales Rise.(Franklin Park, N.J., outlet had good fragrance sales in holiday season)
January 3, 2003... Byline: Faye Brookman FRANKLIN PARK, N.J. - While many drugstores' fragrance sales declined during the holiday season in 2002, the Walgreens here exceeded expectations. "We did especially well with a two-for-one on Liz Claiborne...

Almay Begins the New Year With Style.(is developing Bright Eyes Color and Nearly Naked foundation product lines, after studying market research)
January 3, 2003... Byline: Laura Klepacki NEW YORK - Almay's outlook is brightening up. The Revlon-owned hypoallergenic brand has new management and a new attitude. The first obvious expressions of that are coming soon in the form of the Bright Eyes...

V'Tae Targets Spa Channel.
January 3, 2003... Byline: Andrea M.G. Nagel NEW YORK - V'Tae is switching gears. The maker of essential oil- and plant-extract-derived bath-and-body products is paying closer attention to its fastest-growing distribution channel: spas. Belinda...

Snippets.(briefs on Bain de Terre's sales promotion, Walt Frazier as model for Just For Men lines, and Steiner Leisure acquisition)
January 3, 2003... CHARGE IT: One way to ramp up excitement within a company's sales force is to give away cold hard cash - or credit. Bain de Terre recently sponsored the Bain de Terre MasterCard Distributor Sales Consultant program to support the launch of the...

Andrew Jergens Polishes Image.(with new product developments and packaging)
January 3, 2003... Byline: Andrea M.G. Nagel NEW YORK - The Andrew Jergens Co. is freshening its product lineup with the addition of several items and a new packaging design. Beginning with Soft Shimmer, a new lotion under its Jergens brand, packaging...

'Zumthing' New for Indigo Wild.(to introduce Zum Body and Zum Tub; lists other products it makes)
January 3, 2003... Byline: Kristin Finn NEW YORK - A company that sends employees home if they aren't in a good mood may sound kind of quirky, but for Indigo Wild - which manufactures all-natural beauty and home products that must be made with "good karma...

Going for the Bronze.(Estee Lauder to introduce Amber Bronze color cosmetic and Go Tan self-tanning line)
January 3, 2003... Byline: Julie Naughton NEW YORK - Call it endless summer. Estee Lauder plans to keep the glow going year-round with a new bronzing color cosmetics line, Amber Bronze, as well as a new self-tanning line, Go Tan. Amber Bronze,...

Joey NY Gets a New Look.(packaging design and distribution updated; to launch new line)
January 3, 2003... Byline: Julie Naughton NEW YORK - Joey New York founder and chief executive officer Joey Roer spent much of 2002 updating her brand's packaging design and distribution. So, for 2003, she's ready to take on the world. "We've expanded...

Top Notes.(briefs include new executive at Arcade Marketing, L'Oreal giveaways for the Golden Globe awards and new products from The Balm)
January 3, 2003... MILFORT RETURNS: Sonia Milfort has rejoined Arcade Marketing as vice president, fragrance development. For the past three years, Milfort was account manager, fragrance division, at Dragoco. Prior to that, she had held various posts at Arcade...

Just Beachy.(numerous tote bags available for summertime )(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... NEW YORK - In the summertime, when the weather is fine, it's the moment to head to the boardwalk or the beach. And accessories designers are ready with plenty of roomy, casual totes. These bags, shown in such materials as wicker and terry cloth...

Saks Fifth Avenue's Latest Strategy: An 'Invitation to Luxury'.
January 6, 2003... Byline: David Moin NEW YORK - There's been soul-searching at Saks Fifth Avenue. It's been perpetuated by having three owners and a string of management changes in the last decade. Yet, now Saks officials point to their latest store opening...

Main Floor Makes Room for Luxury.(Saks Fifth Avenue debuts accessories concept on main floor )
January 6, 2003... Byline: Marc Karimzadeh NEW YORK - Christina Johnson has a penchant for crocodile handbags and fur collars - and it's not just personal. Saks Fifth Avenue's president and chief executive officer is known to sport that accessorized look...

Congress to Tackle Economy.
January 6, 2003... Byline: Joanna Ramey WASHINGTON - What to do about the stalled economy is at the top of the agenda as Congress reconvenes Tuesday, the start of a new two-year session with Republicans now in charge of both chambers. However, a Bush...

Haggar Proxy Fight is Looming.
January 6, 2003... Byline: Arnold J. Karr NEW YORK - The clock's ticking down, but there's little sign of the two sides backing down as Haggar Corp. continues to fight efforts by its largest shareholder, Kahn Brothers & Co., to secure at least one seat on the...

Italian Watches Primed to Shine.(Industry Overview)
January 6, 2003... Byline: Alessandra Illari with contributions from Melanie Kletter, New York MILAN - Italian timepieces are trying to carve out a place to shine in the crowded watch galaxy. They're focusing on innovative designs and materials, fashion...

Kenneth Cole Lifts 4th-Quarter Outlook.(Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. )(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... Byline: Jennifer Weitzman NEW YORK - Strong sales, coupled with prudent inventory management, led Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. on Friday to raise its fourth-quarter outlook, pushing its shares up more than 7 percent. The New York-based...

Restoring the Luster to Parisian.
January 6, 2003... Byline: Georgia Lee BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - "We've been to the dark side, and we didn't like it," said Rob Gruen, Parisian's chief executive officer, of his challenge to elevate the chain from a promotion-driven retailer to a specialty store star....

Peter Solomon's Ringside Seat.
January 6, 2003... Byline: Arnold J. Karr NEW YORK - It's unlikely that anyone anywhere had a better vantage point than Peter J. Solomon as last month's acquisition negotiations between Calvin Klein Inc. and Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. neared completion. ...

Picking Up the Pieces After Tough Yule.(women's underwear)(Industry Overview)
January 6, 2003... Byline: Karyn Monget NEW YORK - Following a dismal Christmas selling season, innerwear vendors are waiting on pins and needles for the results of this week's market. While overall apparel sales were said to be lackluster, lingerie sales...

Intimate Notes.(Sara Lee Corp.'s new chain of stores called Inner Self)
January 6, 2003... SARA LEE'S INNER SELF: The Sara Lee Intimate Apparel unit of Sara Lee Corp., is going after Victoria's Secret with a new chain of stores called Inner Self. The New Age-designed concept of a spa-like ambience with soothing music, pale...

Starring Role.(Hollywood costumes)(Industry Overview)
January 6, 2003... Byline: Marcy Medina LOS ANGELES - Long before red carpet-watching became a national pastime, fashion fans were inspired by big-screen style. And now, thankfully, the full-blown fashion film has made a comeback. The tail end of 2002...

Winter Wonders.
January 6, 2003... A snowy day and bright, cozy hats and scarves to keep you toasty. What could be better? CAPTION(S): Kenneth Cole's acrylic and wool hat and scarf, Ralph Lauren shirt.

Bundle Up.
January 6, 2003... Brrrr. When the temperatures dropped, stylish New Yorkers didn't miss a beat. They stepped out in bright, fuzzy hats, cozy mittens and, perhaps the hottest trend of the season, extra-long scarves wrapped any which way.

Correction.(Correction Notice)
January 6, 2003... In a story in the November WWDAccessories issue, an item on Cirque du Soleil belts incorrectly spelled the name of the organization, as well that of Rodney Landi, the company's vice president of merchandising. In addition, due to a...

That's Entertainment!
January 6, 2003... Byline: Meenal Mistry Catherine Deneuve's bourgeois perfection in "Belle de Jour." Audrey Hepburn's effortlessly chic girl-about-town in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Madonna's scrappy, DIY style in "Desperately Seeking Susan." Great fashion...

Warming Trends.(trends in the cold weather accessories category)
January 6, 2003... Byline: Marc Karimzadeh The cold weather category is thriving with trendy must-haves that do more than winterproof wearers.The cold weather accessories category clearly hit a fashion moment when John Galliano put a knitted Mohican hat on model...

Corso's New Course.(Jackie Corso leads Victoria & Co. towards a new path in the jewelry industry)
January 6, 2003... Byline: Melanie Kletter Jackie Corso charts a new path for jewelry giant Victoria & Co.In her former life as an executive vice president at Lerner New York, Jackie Corso was known among some of her fellow employees as the The Jewelry Queen...

Ladies Who Launch.(list of accessories designers hoping to break into market)
January 6, 2003... A crop of new accessories designers is angling to find space on retail shelves this season. Here, a look at some of the new faces on the scene.RITA WILCOX Patty Schmitz is not your typical accessories designer. She never formally studied...

Springing Ahead.(stripes are trendy for spring 2003)(Column)
January 6, 2003... Byline: Melanie Kletter with contributions from Marc Karimzadeh, New York, Georgia Lee, Atlanta, and Marcy Medina, Los Angeles After a particularly strong holiday season for accessories, stores of all stripes are stepping up their investments...

Coin Collector.(coin purses)
January 6, 2003... Byline: Marc Karimzadeh Throw out that plain black wallet! Designers are turning up the fun factor with whimsical coin purses to brighten the inside of any old handbag.These days a woman digging into her handbag is as likely to whip out a...

White On.(clothing fashion trends)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... NEW YORK - White is traditionally synonymous with summer, and this season is no exception. The new looks mix sassiness with a touch of innocence - little strapless dresses, flirty suits or athletic-inspired tops. Here, DKNY's silk, nylon and...

Aronsson on the Go: Exits as Oscar's CEO, On to Marc Jacobs?(Jeffry M. Aronsson leaves Oscar de la Renta Ltd. to join Marc Jacobs International)
January 7, 2003... Byline: Eric Wilson and Joshua Greene NEW YORK - LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton has raided Oscar de la Renta Ltd. of its chief executive officer, who is believed to be headed to the helm of Marc Jacobs International. Jeffry M. Aronsson,...

Charles Jourdan Taps Cox as New Designer.(Patrick Cox )(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... PARIS - He was a shoe-in after all. Charles Jourdan, the French luxury footwear and accessories firm, confirmed Monday that Patrick Cox is its new designer. WWD first reported that Cox, 40, was the front-runner for the position Dec. 17. ...

Ugly December Expected at Retail.
January 7, 2003... Byline: David Moin and Anamaria Wilson NEW YORK - The nation's retailers continued to drag last week, a sign that this Thursday's reports on December selling won't be pretty. But while sales will no doubt come up disappointing, inventories...

Revillon Names Wichner Managing Director.(Georges Wichner)
January 7, 2003... Byline: Lisa Lockwood NEW YORK - Georges Wichner has been named to the new post of managing director of Revillon, the French furrier. Until last August, Wichner was president and chief executive officer of Valentino USA, a position he held...

CKI: Makes Show Date, P.R. Moves.(Calvin Klein Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... NEW YORK - Calvin Klein Inc. has named a key addition to its public relations staff, while a spokesman also confirmed that the designer's next women's collection will be presented on Feb. 14, during the fall 2003 edition of Mercedes-Benz...

In Brief.(several apparel industry news briefs)
January 7, 2003... SIGNING ON AT AOL: Watch retailer Tourneau and shoe merchant Stuart Weitzman plan to open in The Shops at Columbus Circle in the AOL Time Warner Center's mixed-use complex under construction. Other retailers that have signed leases there...

Nordic Tracks.
January 7, 2003... That buzz around the Hives was only the beginning. As fans eagerly await the Swedish super group's new release, promised for early this year, a whole pack of Nordic rockers have ventured forth in their icy wake. The Soundtrack of Our Lives, a...

W2W - What to Watch.(trends for 2003)
January 7, 2003... While 2002 delivered a glut of comfort food, The Strokes and their imitators, and turned the world into one giant yoga zone, 2003 promises pleasures of its own. Technology will embolden a new school of film heroes. Exercise fanatics will take...

Pocket Change.(trends in pants)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... NEW YORK - Cargo pants showed up on many a runway for spring, and designers taking part in the Intermezzo show are signaling that the trend continues for summer. This time, however, these utility looks are being shown with feminine tops....

Frock On.(dress trends)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... NEW YORK - One great way to beat the heat this summer is to slip into a simple little dress and sandals. And designers have brought plenty of feminine, flirty numbers to Intermezzo this season. The frocks are full-skirted and often strapless,...

Apres Ski: Sun Valley's New Frontier.(Sun Valley Idaho's new upscale shopping, residential district)
January 7, 2003... Byline: Joshua Greene SUN VALLEY, Idaho - Sun Valley doesn't have the string of designer shops such as Prada, Chanel, Gucci and Fendi that line the streets of Aspen, but visitors and residents aren't lacking for upscale merchandise. Over...

Eyeing Africa's Role in World Trade.
January 7, 2003... Byline: Scott Malone NEW YORK - The potential for African apparel producers to compete in the world market - and along the way generate the economic growth seen as critical to keeping its nations stable and peaceful - will be a key topic at...

Swatches.(apparel production trade show scheduled for New York City)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
January 7, 2003... NEW SOURCE: A new trade show focusing on overseas apparel production called Source International is slated to be held in New York next week. It is to run at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan Jan. 12-14. The show is to feature three...

Former YSL Employees Moving On After Closure.(Yves Saint Laurent)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... PARIS - Finally, a denouement for Yves Saint Laurent's shuttered couture business. Closing the books on a dramatic 2002, the house on Monday gave a final accounting for its 160 employees, whose futures were the subject of empathy, acrimony...

Benetton to Sell Rollerblade.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... Byline: Rosemary Feitelberg NEW YORK - Benetton Group is said to be near a deal to sell its Rollerblade and Nordica units. The company is negotiating a deal with The Hockey Co., a Montreal-based firm, for Rollerblade. A Hockey spokeswoman...

U.S., Five Central American Countries Begin Talks on Free-Trade Agreement.
January 7, 2003... Byline: Kristi Ellis WASHINGTON - The U.S. will kick off negotiations Wednesday with five Central American countries on a bilateral free-trade agreement, and apparel and textile trade groups are gearing up for the talks. Foreign trade...

Dems Offer Stimulus Plan.(Democrats unveil $136 billion economic stimulus package)
January 7, 2003... Byline: Joanna Ramey WASHINGTON - The battle over which tax cuts or government cash payments might help stimulate the economy begins today, as President Bush offers details of his $600 billion plan, the outline of which Democrats decried Monday...

Diamond Origin Bill on Agenda.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... Washington - Passage of legislation to help American jewelers and consumers identify the country of origin of diamonds will be a priority in Congress this year, according to influential House Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas (R., Calif.)....

Fashion Scoop.
January 7, 2003... A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS: Azzedine Alaia confirmed Monday he will join Paris couture week and do a "small showing" of ready-to-wear on Jan. 23 at his Paris headquarters. But trust fashion's most resolute individualist to do it his way. While Yohji...

Memo Pad.(several fashion publishing news briefs)
January 7, 2003... THE NINE LIVES OF MAER ROSHAN: When The New York Post reported on Thursday that American Media's David Pecker backed out of Maer Roshan's Radar, many wondered whether it was curtains for the magazine - even if Michael Fuchs was signing on as a...

Short Cut.
January 8, 2003... NEW YORK - It's gettin' hot in here - especially with all the sexy little skin-baring tanks and minis. Here, Tse's cotton strappy top and pleated miniskirt. For more, see pages 4 and 5. CAPTION(S): Here, Tse's cotton strappy top and...

Think 2002 Was Bad? Little Upturn Foreseen For Fashion Stocks in '03.
January 8, 2003... Think 2002 Was Bad? Little Upturn Foreseen For Fashion Stocks in '03 Byline: Evan Clark NEW YORK - Fashion just might have to wait another year to run with the bulls. The least optimistic in the financial markets consider a turnaround in...

Senate Passes Jobs Bill, Bush Unveils Tax Plan.
January 8, 2003... Byline: Joanna Ramey WASHINGTON - The House is set to follow the Senate's lead today and pass an extension of unemployment insurance benefits expected to inject $7 billion into the economy - the first step in Congress' effort to stimulate...