Footwear News articles from November 2006

Footwear News archives from November 2006

JUST DANDY.(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Men's luxury footwear has become the new status symbol for young consumers, proving the perfect accoutrement for today's modern dandy. Here, BERLUTI's loafer in its signature wood-grain patina. Caption(s): Here, BERLUTI's loafer in its...

FN ROUNDTABLE: GETTING INSIDE THE MALE MIND; SIX MALE SHOPPERS DISH ABOUT THEIR FAVORITE BRANDS, HOW CELEBRITY MARKETING CAN BE A TURNOFF AND WHY MEN'S FASHION MAGS MISS THE MARK.(Interview)
November 6, 2006... Byline: ERIC NEWMAN NEW YORK - They're trend savvy, brand aware, Internet addicted - and big spenders. Meet today's crop of younger, fashion-forward male consumers. Footwear News went straight to the source to find out more about this...

BELK'S NEW SHOE PUSH; AS IT ABSORBS PARISIAN, THE RETAILER IS FOCUSED ON STRENGTHENING ITS FOOTWEAR BIZ.
November 6, 2006... Byline: NATALIE ZMUDA NEW YORK - Belk Inc. is looking to realize the full potential of its footwear category. With the department store's acquisition of 40 Parisian doors complete, Belk now plans to tap into the retailer's footwear...

ICONIX ADDS OP, LOOKS FOR MORE.(Iconix Brand Group acquired Ocean Pacific)
November 6, 2006... Byline: ERIC NEWMAN, additional reporting by Meredith Derby and Vicki M. Young NEW YORK - Iconix Brand Group is rapidly expanding its footwear roster. After announcing plans to acquire surf brand Ocean Pacific last week, Iconix...

ON DEADLINE: BROWN SHOE CREATES NEW DESIGN TEAM FOR VIA SPIGA...TOP EXECS OUTLINE STRATEGIES AT WWD/DNR CEO SUMMIT.(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Byline: ERIC NEWMAN Brown Shoe Creates New Design Team For Via Spiga Brown Shoe Co. said Thursday it has formed a new design team to work on its Via Spiga women's collection. Italian designer Gianfranco Massetti, known as Mose, will...

INSIDER: TV SPOT...VIVA MEXICO...DEER HUNT.(Cole Haan director on the Oprah show )
November 6, 2006... Byline: Brian Russak, Michelle Baran TV SPOT: Cole Haan Creative Director Gordon Thompson was working it on The Oprah Winfrey Show last week, talking up the comfort technology in Cole Haan's Dress Air collection. "Today is a new day!"...

REEBOK UNVEILS NEW LINE WITH SCARLETT JOHANSSON.
November 6, 2006... Byline: ERIC NEWMAN NEW YORK - Buyers got their first glimpse of Reebok's highly anticipated Scarlett Johansson collection during previews here last week. The footwear component of the new Scarlett Hearts Rbk collection is based on a...

ROYAL ELASTICS LOOKS TO NEW EXEC TO RAISE PROFILE.(appointment of John Spilman )(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Byline: WAYNE NIEMI LOS ANGELES - Royal Elastics last week announced that it tapped former Reebok exec John Spilman as EVP of the brand. In an interview with Footwear News, Spilman, who was Reebok's director of marketing for...

FIRMS REPORT UPBEAT Q3 RESULTS.
November 6, 2006... Byline: MEREDITH DERBY NEW YORK - Three footwear brands reported generally positive third-quarter earnings last week. Steven Madden had yet another blockbuster quarter, and Crocs saw earnings triple. Kenneth Cole, however, posted a decline...

FACES.(Madden, Brian Atwood and Zac Posen )
November 6, 2006... Byline: Eric Newman, with contributions from Natalie Zmuda and Elisa Anniss Packed tighter than at a Marc Jacobs runway show, the accessories industry turned out last Monday night for the 10th Annual ACE Awards at Cipriani on 42nd Street...

TWO TEN GOES FOR RECORD.(Two/Ten International Footwear Foundation)
November 6, 2006... Byline: JESSICA GLAVIN NEW YORK - As it preps for its annual fund-raising dinner next month, Two Ten Footwear Foundation is being backed by several major footwear players. Dinner chairman Matt Serra, chairman and CEO of Foot Locker,...

ELEGANCE REIGNS AT LINEAPELLE.
November 6, 2006... Byline: ANDREW ROBERTS BOLOGNA, Italy - Natural textures, glossy finishes and metallic treatments dominated leather collections for fall/winter '08 at the recent Lineapelle show, held here from Oct. 17-19. More than 1,300 exhibitors...

FOOTNOTES: ASICS SPONSORS NYC MARATHON...CHURCH'S EXHIBIT KICKS OFF...CAMPER LAUNCHES KIDS LINE.
November 6, 2006... Asics Sponsors NYC Marathon Asics served as one of the principal sponsors of last weekend's ING Marathon in New York. As the main sponsor for accessories, apparel and footwear, Asics outfitted all race volunteers and hosted the official...

DANDYLAND; THE RESURGENCE OF BRITISH DANDY ATTIRE HAS LED TO A NEW ERA OF SOPHISTICATED MEN'S FOOTWEAR. WHETHER BESPOKE, HANDCRAFTED OR FACTORY-MADE, MEN'S SHOEMAKERS ARE PRODUCING CONTEMPORARY TAKES ON WINGTIPS, OXFORDS AND SPECTATORS. ELEMENTS INCLUDING ANTIQUE PATINAS, SLEEK SILHOUETTES, EXOTIC LEATHERS AND GOODYEAR WELT CONSTRUCTIONS KEEP THE MODERN DANDY WELL-HEELED.(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... COLE HAAN's wingtip oxford. Robe and suit from Jay Kos. Shirt from Ermenegildo Zegna. Necktie and socks by Robert Talbott. From left: Wingtip oxford by A.TESTONI; straight-tip oxford by DOMENICO VACCA; black perforated bal from...

WELL GROOMED; BRIDES GET ALL THE ATTENTION, BUT GROOMS ALSO HAVE PLENTY OF FOOTWEAR OPTIONS FOR THE BIG DAY.
November 6, 2006... Byline: Barbara Schneider-Levy Love is in the air at Footwear News. Two staffers recently announced their engagements, sparking much conversation about wedding attire. But while brides know exactly what they want to wear down the aisle, do...

HEAD TO TOE; FAMED FOR HIS HATS, PHILIP TREACY HAS TAKEN HIS DESIGN PERSPECTIVE INTO MEN'S FOOTWEAR - AND HE'S LOOKING TO SCORE STATESIDE WITH HIS UMBRO COLLABORATION.(Interview)
November 6, 2006... Byline: Elisa Anniss With clients ranging from the late Princess Diana to J.Lo, London-based hat maker Philip Treacy could be considered the Manolo Blahnik of millinery. Now he's turned his attention to shoes, with men's footwear set to...

FOP'S FAVORITES; WITH A FLAIR FOR THE DRAMATIC AND AN EYE FOR DETAILS, PATRICK MCDONALD TAKES FOOTWEAR NEWS INSIDE ONE OF NEW YORK'S MORE INTERESTING CLOSETS.(Interview)
November 6, 2006... Byline: Eric Newman He's one of New York's most interesting eccentrics. Patrick McDonald, better known as "The Dandy" around Manhattan, has seen it all. A king of the 1980s club scene, former assistant buyer at Barneys and Paper...

TAKING STOCK; THE BOTTOM LINE ON THE SHOE BIZ.
November 6, 2006... Byline: LIZA CASABONA Q3 SALES REPORT: Footwear retailers reported mixed third-quarter comparable-store revenues late last week. DSW Shoe Inc. said on Thursday that comps rose 2.6 percent, while Payless ShoeSource said comps were up 5.2...

STREETS OF GOLD II: THE MOST EXPENSIVE RETAIL RENTS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
November 6, 2006... Retail real estate is just getting hotter, and more and more footwear brands are looking globally for locations. But the biggest story may be yet to come. India doesn't have a top-10 city yet, but this year, rents in New Delhi's Khan Market...

HEELYS PREPS FOR IPO; SIX-YEAR-OLD FIRM ADDING EXECS, EXPANDING GLOBAL PRESENCE AND PUSHING INTO NEW CATEGORIES.(Heeling Sports, initial public offerings)
November 13, 2006... Byline: ERIN CLACK NEW YORK - As it rolls toward its IPO, Heelys is making sure its business is well-oiled in an effort to attract new investors. The Carrollton, Texas-based company, known for its ubiquitous wheeled footwear, in...

ON DEADLINE: SKECHERS SET TO LAUNCH AVIREX FOOTWEAR BRAND...IMELDA MARCOS TO UNVEIL FOOTWEAR, FASHION COLLECTION.
November 13, 2006... Skechers Set to Launch Avirex Footwear Brand Skechers is expanding its brand roster again. The company will announce this week that it is bowing footwear for aviation-inspired men's brand Avirex, owned by Marc Ecko Enterprises. (Skechers...

ANALYSTS LAUD LIZ' SPADE BUY.(Liz Claiborne Inc.'s makes deal to acquire Kate Spade)
November 13, 2006... Byline: ERIC NEWMAN NEW YORK - Analysts were bullish on Liz Claiborne's deal last week to acquire accessories firm Kate Spade from Neiman Marcus for $124 million. "In Kate Spade, Liz Claiborne gets a good, high-end niche brand that...

RAYNES DIVEST BMS BRAND.(footwear manufacturer William Lamb nabs Buckle My Shoe brand from Nick Rayne and Lulu Rayne)(Brief article)
November 13, 2006... Byline: ELISA ANNISS LONDON - In a move to ramp up its international presence, U.K. footwear manufacturer and distributor William Lamb recently nabbed upscale British children's brand Buckle My Shoe from founders Nick and Lulu Rayne for an...

TITAN INDUSTRIES NABS DEAL FOR L.A.M.B. HEELS.
November 13, 2006... Byline: WAYNE NIEMI LOS ANGELES - Titan Industries told Footwear News last week that it had reached an eight-year agreement with rock star Gwen Stefani and her L.A.M.B. brand to design and market heels and non-sneaker footwear under the...

INDUSTRY REACTS TO ELECTION.(Nancy Pelosi promises to cut taxes to spur economic growth and keep tax rates low for the middle class.)
November 13, 2006... Byline: KRISTI ELLIS WASHINGTON - Democrats claimed a sweeping victory of Congress Tuesday night, signaling a dramatic power shift that will have significant ramifications for the fashion industry. Retail and apparel executives lost...

MCCARTHY STEPS INTO NEW ROLE.(Don McCarthy expertises his role as executive chairman of House of Fraser)(Brief article)
November 13, 2006... Byline: ELISA ANNISS LONDON - Don McCarthy will bring his wealth of footwear expertise to his newly minted role as executive chairman of the U.K.'s House of Fraser department store group. The 61-store chain was purchased last week by...

OUTDOOR RETAILERS BULLISH ON NEW VAN DINE BRAND.(Jim Van Dine )
November 13, 2006... Byline: JENNIFER CAROFANO LOS ANGELES - Keen co-founder Jim Van Dine is back in the footwear game with Ahnu. The new outdoor brand comprises performance and casual styles for men and women across three collections: Landscape, including...

SHOE PLAYERS LAUD B&B BARCELONA.(fashion designer Pierre Hardy tells about his collection in an interview)(Interview)
November 13, 2006... Byline: ELISA ANNISS PARIS - Pierre Hardy is a master multi-tasker. As the designer behind ready-to-wear houses Balenciaga and Herms, Hardy turns out a host of must-have styles each season. Add to that his own flourishing high-end line...

SHOP TALK: OLIVER SWEENEY NOW ON NEW BOND...TARYN'S NEW DIGS...NEW FLAGSHIP FOR ROSSI.(Oliver Sweeney opens new shop, Taryn Rose opens her boutique, Sergio Rossi opens flagship store )
November 13, 2006... Byline: NATALIE ZMUDA, Eric Newman, Jessica Glavin, Oliver Sweeney Now on New Bond Oliver Sweeney set up shop on New Bond Street late last month, bringing its standard styles and special editions to the heart of luxe London. The...

POWER 100.(rankings of footwear companies)(Company rankings)
November 13, 2006... It's all about the powerful and the power hungry in our roundup of the most prominent executives in the footwear industry. For the first time, we've produced a unified list of the top 100 wholesalers and retailers. We've broken the list...

POWER 100 (CONTINUED).(footwear companies)(Company rankings)
November 13, 2006... 43. Scott Silverstein, 48 CEO Nina Footwear; New York 2005 Rank: 44 Thanks to better product flows, execs are expecting sales spikes of more than 25 percent this year across the board, including at Delman and Nina Kids. On...

POWER 100 (CONTINUED).(rankings of footwear companies)(Company rankings)
November 13, 2006... 31. Glenn Gaynor, 49 CEO, Downtown Locker Room Baltimore; 55 Units 2005 Rank: NEW Downtown Locker Room just might have what it takes to be the first national urban chain. The retailer, which sold a majority stake to private...

MEDIABANK: SHOE QUEENS...SHOE DOGS...IN BRIEF.(marketing of footwear)
November 13, 2006... Byline: Brian Russak SHOE QUEENS: Steve Madden is in the midst of unveiling new creative for its Steven by Steve Madden line. Working with the New York-based agency Amalgamated, the company has sent its signature big-headed girls out to...

NEW WEBSITES TOUT IMAGE SEARCH.
November 13, 2006... Byline: DENISE POWER CHICAGO - Like.com went live last week, offering what is believed to be a shopping first: the ability to search for fashion items seen in celebrity photos. A library of 100,000 images is updated daily. To use the...

OBITUARIES: STANLEY SAJDAK...LEONARD KAPLAN.(Obituary)
November 13, 2006... Stanley Sajdak, a well-known independent footwear retailer and the first president of the Pedorthic Footwear Association, died of congestive heart failure in his hometown of Milwaukee on Nov. 2. He was 87. In his store, Stan's Bootery,...

FOOTNOTES: FLAY TAKES NEW YORK...TRUE RELIGION SIGNS SHOE DEAL...KOKOSALAKI LAUNCHES LINE AT MACY'S.(Bobby Flay helps Reebok International launch trainer shoes, True Religion Apparel Inc. signs deal with GMI Group, Sophia Kokosalaki, Macy Herald Square )
November 13, 2006... Byline: Natalie Zmuda, Jessica Glavin Flay Takes New York Celebrity chef Bobby Flay helped Reebok launch its "Get Pumped For Paris" campaign earlier this month in New York. Reebok, a sponsor of the Paris Marathon, introduced its Pump...

TAKING STOCK: THE BOTTOM LINE ON THE SHOE BIZ.
November 13, 2006... PACSUN WOES: Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. said Thursday at the close of the market that third-quarter earnings plunged nearly 80 percent to $9 million, while net sales totaled $375.4 million, a decrease of roughly 1 percent. Inventory...

ADIDAS PLANS TO INCREASE SPENDING TO REVAMP RBK.
November 13, 2006... Byline: MEREDITH DERBY NEW YORK - Adidas AG has made revitalizing the Reebok brand its biggest priority for 2007 - even though efforts will involve sacrificing profitability. After reporting improvements in third-quarter and nine-month...

PUMA LOOKING TO RAMP UP U.S. PROFITS.(Puma AG)
November 13, 2006... Byline: MEREDITH DERBY NEW YORK - Puma AG is focused on boosting U.S. profits for 2007. On the heels of posting third-quarter sales in the U.S. that spiked 46 percent to 195 million euros, or $248.7 million at average exchange, the...

DESIGNER DIARY; A DAY OF GARDEN PARTYING, LINE-BUILDING AND PAMPERING WITH NEW YORK-BASED NANCY GEIST.(Diary entry)
November 13, 2006... Byline: Jennifer Mooney 10:00AM: I meet Nancy at her garden apartment in one of my favorite parts of the West Village. She's just gotten back from a three-week trip to Italy, where she worked on her new line, Butter, as well as her Nancy...

BABY STEPS.
November 20, 2006... Footwear brands are taking their signature styles and turning them into booties for babies. Here, FRYE's harness boot and TIMBERLAND's classic wheat field boot. Caption(s): Here, FRYE's harness boot and TIMBERLAND's classic wheat field...

DSW FORGES AHEAD WITH BOLD STRATEGY.(DSW Shoe Warehouse)(Interview)(Company overview)
November 20, 2006... Byline: NATALIE ZMUDA NEW YORK - DSW might be 15 years old, but the retailer has the ambition of a start-up. The Columbus, Ohio-based merchant is moving ahead with aggressive plans to double its store count to between 400 and 500...

SIZING UP TBL BUZZ; MOST ANALYSTS REBUFF LBO RUMORS GIVEN COMPANY'S TIGHT-KNIT, FAMILY-RUN STRUCTURE.(Timberland Co.)
November 20, 2006... Byline: MEREDITH DERBY NEW YORK - News that Timberland Co. could be exploring a sale had several Wall Street analysts baffled and hard-pressed to understand why. Press reports last Tuesday, citing unnamed sources, said the company has...

FN TO HONOR 17 AT ANNUAL AWARDS.(Footwear News Achievement Awards)(Brief article)
November 20, 2006... Byline: KATIE ABEL NEW YORK - Big acquisitions, innovative business strategies and bold product launches have defined the footwear business in 2006, and this year's 17 Footwear News Achievement Award honorees have set the bar higher for...

NEWS BRIEFS: AEFFE BUYS 20 PERCENT STAKE BACK FROM BANK...NIKE SOCCER STAR UNVEILS SIGNATURE COLLECTION.
November 20, 2006... Byline: Luisa Zargani Aeffe Buys 20 Percent Stake Back From Bank Aeffe, which controls the Alberta Ferretti, Moschino and Pollini lines, said last week it had bought back a 20 percent stake in the group from merchant bank San Paulo...

PAYLESS TO DEBUT NYC DESIGN OFFICE.(Payless ShoeSource to open office in New York)
November 20, 2006... Byline: ERIC NEWMAN NEW YORK - Payless ShoeSource is taking a bite out of the Big Apple. The Topeka, Kan.-based company, which has been working to become more fashion-oriented, said last week it will open a dedicated design office in...

FOOT LOCKER TO BOW NEW CHAIN.
November 20, 2006... Byline: MEREDITH DERBY NEW YORK - Amid reporting flat sales and earnings for the third quarter, Foot Locker Inc. said last Thursday that it plans to open a value-priced family footwear chain under the brand name Footquarters. The...

STAFF PROMOTIONS.(Brief article)
November 20, 2006... Erin Clack has been promoted to features editor from senior editor. In addition to leading the magazine's features and departments coverage, Clack will continue to cover the children's market. In a related move, Michelle Baran has been promoted...

CORRECTION.(Correction notice)
November 20, 2006... In "True Religion Signs Shoe Deal" on page 41 of the Nov. 13 issue, Paramount Apparel should have been named as the manufacturer for gloves, headwear and scarves.

NATURALIZER INKS CELEB DEAL.(Brown Shoe Co. Naturalizer Shoe Div. signs deal with Gretchen Monahan)
November 20, 2006... Byline: BARBARA SCHNEIDER-LEVY NEW YORK -Naturalizer is getting some style advice from the pros. The brand last week unveiled Naturalizer Signature, an upscale collection designed in collaboration with celebrity style expert Gretchen...

AAFA TAPS NEW FOOTWEAR LEADERS.(American Apparel and Footwear Association appoints Susan Lapetina, Nate Herman)
November 20, 2006... Byline: KATIE ABEL NEW YORK - After the May retirement of footwear head Fawn Evenson, the American Apparel & Footwear Association is looking to two executives from within its own ranks to boost its footwear initiatives. Susan Lapetina,...

ISACK FADLON BOWS NEW BRANDING FIRM.(owner of Sportie LA Media launches new company Slam)(Brief article)
November 20, 2006... Byline: WAYNE NIEMI LOS ANGELES - Isack Fadlon is expanding his reach outside the retail arena. The owner of Sportie LA has launched a new branding and marketing company called SLAM, for Sportie LA Media. Through the new venture,...

NEW CHAIN BOWS IN NY; A RENDERING OF T CASAN, A WOMEN'S RETAIL CONCEPT DEDICATED TO SHOWCASING YOUNG FOOTWEAR DESIGNERS.
November 20, 2006... Byline: NATALIE ZMUDA NEW YORK - Young footwear designers have a new outlet with the introduction of T Casan, a novel women's retail concept. The boutique, founded by Israeli entrepreneur Yaron Kopel and funded by private investors, is...

CRIB NOTES.
November 20, 2006... With the baby boom showing no signs of slowing, more and more iconic footwear styles - from Vans' classic checkered slip-on to Ugg's shearling-lined boot to Converse's Chuck Taylor high-top - are being shrunk down for the smaller set. ...

GETTING SYKED; CLOTHING DESIGNER AND SOCIETY GAL LUCY SYKES IS PARTNERING WITH STRIDE RITE TO GIVE CHILDREN'S SHOES A FRESH SPIN.(Interview)
November 20, 2006... Byline: Erin Clack Lucy Sykes is well-known among New York's social elite, but she's about to become a household name with moms across America. The British-born Sykes, who left her post as fashion director of Marie Claire to launch her...

DOUBLE DOSE; ONE COUPLE'S CHILDREN'S BUSINESS IS FAST APPROACHING $1 MILLION IN SALES, THANKS TO A MIX OF BRICK-AND-MORTAR AND ONLINE OUTLETS.
November 20, 2006... Byline: Katherine Bowers Name: AlphaBits Children's Boutique, Uniquehomestore.com Owners: Jeff and Denise Balboni Location: 194 Route 6A, Yarmouthport, Mass. Square footage: 1,200 Established: Alpha-Bits in March 2005;...

KIDS' BUZZ: PLAY GROUP...GREEN PARTY...QUICK CHANGE.(Reebok International Ltd. rolls out toddler sneakers)(Simple to extend footwear collection)(Daph Daph, Sunnyvale CA, introduces line of children's footwear)
November 20, 2006... Play Group Canton, Mass.-based Reebok will conduct a full rollout of its Play-Doh toddler sneaker line, a partnership with toy maker Hasbro, for the spring '07 season. The line had been exclusive to Foot Locker stores this fall. In the...

FASHION FIX; RETAILERS LOOKING TO STEP UP THEIR STYLE QUOTIENT ARE INCREASINGLY TURNING TO FASHION BRANDS WITH A COMFORT EDGE.(Donald J Pliner )
November 20, 2006... Byline: Barbara Schneider-Levy While fashion and comfort may no longer be mutually exclusive, retailers agree there are still strides to be made when it comes to injecting more style into the category. To spice up their offerings, some...

WORKING GIRL.
November 20, 2006... Byline: Barbara Schneider-Levy Today's career woman deserves more than a pair of flip-flops when the temperatures rise, and next season's batch of sandals offer a stylish and sophisticated alternative. These tailored looks keep the color...

TAKING STOCK: THE BOTTOM LINE ON SHOE BIZ.(Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. acquires Golf Galaxy Inc., market size of retail stores, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. purchases shares of Nike Inc)
November 20, 2006... ANTI-COUNTERFEITING COSTS: It's not "if" branded footwear and apparel firms will have to spend on anti-counterfeiting measures, it's "how much," experts in the field told attendees of the "Knock It Off!" conference held last Tuesday at the...

HOT NUMBERS.
November 20, 2006... Shoe Carnival Inc., Evansville, Ind., reported net income of $8.4 million, or 61 cents a diluted share, up roughly 17 percent from $7.2 million, or 53 cents, last year. For the third quarter ended Oct. 28, net sales were $189.1 million,...

8 HOLIDAY PICKS: SWEET HEELS...TRAVELING IN STYLE...FRAGRANT CAUSE...(Gayle's Chocolates sells chocolates, Bottega Veneta launches travel clock, Kenneth Cole R.S.V.P Cologne launches eau de toilette spray)
November 20, 2006... Byline: Brian Russak, Eric Newman, Michelle Baran, Jessica Glavin SWEET HEELS This just might be the definitive chocolate shoe. Each scrumptious Gayle's Chocolates confection ($36, Gayleschocolates.com) is hand-made from all-natural...

SPACED OUT.(Brief article)
November 27, 2006... Designers have embraced futuristic plastic details and high-shine metallics for their spring '07 collections. Here, an architectural silver wedge from MALANDRINO. Caption(s): Here, an architectural silver wedge from MALANDRINO.

NINE WEST RAMPS; THE COMPANY IS ADDING TALENT, FOCUSING ON PRODUCT AND IMPROVING RETAIL RELATIONSHIPS.(Andrew Cohen)(Interview)
November 27, 2006... Byline: Kaite Abel NEW YORK - Just seven months into the job, Andrew Cohen, CEO of Nine West's wholesale business, has moved quickly to invigorate the company's brand roster. Cohen told Footwear News he has already made progress on...

ON DEADLINE: ASICS FILES TWO LAWSUITS INVOLVING TARGET CORP...GDS ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO MARCH 2007 TRADE SHOW.
November 27, 2006... Asics Files Two Lawsuits Involving Target Corp. Irvine, Calif.-based Asics America Corp. and Kobe, Japan-based Asics Corp. Japan have filed two lawsuits to prevent future sales and distribution of shoes with a stripe design that, they...

INSIDER: BEACH GIRL...SENSUALLY SONIA...TO BE SEEN.
November 27, 2006... Byline: Brian Russak, Eric Newman TV and shoes. Did you catch Timberland's Jeffrey Swartz on "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central, Nov. 14? The CEO explained his pro-environmental and community service stances and gamely held his own...

STAFF PROMOTIONS.(Sandi Mines promoted at Footwear News)(Brief article)
November 27, 2006... Sandi Mines has been promoted to National Ad Manager. In her new role, she will be working on special projects and to develop new business. Mines has been with Footwear News for four years as the New England director. Previously, she was a...

WESTON ADDS MORE PERRY.(J.M. Weston relies on Michel Perry)(Brief article)
November 27, 2006... Byline: ERIC NEWMAN NEW YORK - JM Weston is attracting a younger consumer by relying more heavily on designer Michel Perry. Sales this fall were up significantly, according to the company, which has expanded its collection to include...

PAYLESS UNVEILS TRIO OF BRANDS.(Payless ShoeSource Inc.'s deal with Lela Rose, Exeter Brands and Walt Disney Co.)
November 27, 2006... Byline: WAYNE NIEMI, With contributions by Meredith Derby LOS ANGELES - Payless ShoeSource is bulking up its branded footwear. The company last week inked deals with Exeter Brands, Lela Rose and Disney to build on the house of brands...

BROWN RESULTS UP, STOCK HITS HIGH.(Famous Footwear, Brown Shoe Co.)
November 27, 2006... Byline: MEREDITH DERBY NEW YORK - Fueled by improvements in its Naturalizer brand, as well as lower markdowns and strong comps at Famous Footwear, Brown Shoe Co. reported last week a 36 percent jump in third-quarter earnings. St....

GCO UPBEAT DESPITE FLAT Q3 EARNINGS.(Genesco Inc.)
November 27, 2006... Byline: ERIC NEWMAN NEW YORK - Although Q3 earnings came in flat, Genesco Inc. is confident about the holiday season and overall fourth quarter. The Nashville, Tenn.-based company raised its full-year earnings-per-share guidance to...

WEST COAST WATCH: ABOUT TOWN...PLAY BALL...BIRKEN BRANDING...
November 27, 2006... Byline: Jennifer Carofano, Wayne Niemi About Town: Women's apparel designer Tony Cohen was in Los Angeles this month to introduce his first footwear collection, debuting for spring '07. "I had trouble finding shoes for my shoots," said the...

ROCKPORT REVAMPS RETAIL.
November 27, 2006... Byline: NATALIE ZMUDA NEW YORK - Rockport has unveiled a new design concept in preparation for an aggressive retail push. Earlier this month, the updated design was introduced in Denver's Cherry Creek Mall. It will soon roll out in...

GRAY GOODS POSE PROBLEMS.
November 27, 2006... Byline: LIZA CASABONA NEW YORK - Gray market goods can destroy a brand, ruin markets and weaken retail relationships. However, footwear and apparel manufacturers have little legal recourse when it comes to the sale of gray goods, a...

GBMI PREPS FOR LAUNCH OF SEVEN IN NY.(ERIC NEWMAN)(Brief article)
November 27, 2006... Byline: ERIC NEWMAN NEW YORK - Global Brand Marketing Inc. has two feet firmly planted in the world of premium denim with the addition of Seven For All Mankind's footwear license. As reported by Footwear News in April, the inaugural...

FOOTNOTES: BURBERRY'S FASHION DOCTOR...PEDESTRIAN SHOPS' SHOE DRIVE...FAMOUS FOOTWEAR TO LAUNCH WALKAMERICA SHOES.
November 27, 2006... Byline: Eric Newman, Jessica Glavin Burberry's Fashion Doctor The doctor is in at Burberry. Earlier this month, Burberry Creative Director Christopher Bailey was made a Doctor of Letters at the University of Westminster in London....

POWER POSEN; ZAC POSEN TALKS CANDIDLY ABOUT THE POWER OF WOMEN'S SHOES, THE STATE OF NEW YORK FASHION AND STAYING IN THE SPOTLIGHT.(Interview)
November 27, 2006... Byline: MICHELLE BARAN NEW YORK - Zac Posen is at a pivotal point in his career. Five years after launching his luxury fashion brand, the 26-year-old designer is challenged with maintaining the buzz he so easily captured upon his...

SPACE ODYSSEY; DESIGNERS HAVE DELVED INTO THE PAST - AND LOOKED TO THE FUTURE - FOR SPRING'S SPACE-AGE MATERIALS. CLEAR PVC AND LUCITE, HIGH-SHINE SILVER AND PLENTY OF PATENT GIVE A NOD TO THE MOD STYLE OF THE 1960S BUT THE EFFECT IS UTTERLY MODERN.
November 27, 2006... Sandals by COLE HAAN. Overalls by Diesel. All jewelry, stylist's own. Above, from left: Silver d'Orsay pump with rope detail by HOLLYWOULD; silver caged-toe wedge from ASHLEY DEARBORN. Left: STUART WEITZMAN's Lucite wedge with silver...

NEW AD AGE; ALTERNATIVE JUNIORS' BRANDS HAVE FLOURISHED WITHOUT THE HELP OF BIG-BUDGET ADVERTISING. IS IT TIME TO SPLURGE?
November 27, 2006... Byline: Michelle Baran There's value in keeping a low profile. But after years of building name recognition without formal advertising or corporate branding, several alternative juniors' labels - think Farylrobin, Seychelles and...

EVENING STARS; GOWNS ARE GOING SHORTER AND CLASSIC ELEGANCE IS BACK - PAVING THE WAY FOR A YEAR OF MAXIMUM DRESS SHOE EXPOSURE.
November 27, 2006... Byline: Michelle Baran CLASSIC ELEGANCE With lady-like elegance comes lady-like classics, and as an alternative to the strappy sandals, the '40s-inspired peep-toe offers sophistication and a touch of old Hollywood glamor. "The...

BRANCHING OUT; LOOKING TO RACK UP MORE SALES, A NUMBER OF LEADING FOOTWEAR; RETAILERS HAVE INCREASED THEIR ACCESSORY SELECTION.
November 27, 2006... Byline: Melanie Kletter Many of the nation's biggest footwear-only retailers are stepping out far beyond shoes to expand their businesses. Moderate stores such as Payless ShoeSource and Naturalizer, as well as chains like Aldo Shoes...

WARDROBE CHECK; BETWEEN STYLING THE STARS AND DESIGNING THEIR OWN CLOTHING LINE, ESTEE STANLEY AND CRISTINA EHRLICH JUST HAVE TO GLANCE IN THE MIRROR FOR FASHION CUES.(Interview)
November 27, 2006... Byline: Michelle Baran Estee Stanley and Cristina Ehrlich are all about making the look. The Los Angeles-based celebrity stylists joined forces five years ago and since then, they've amassed an impressive roster of clients, including...

FOOT TRAFFIC; FOOTCARE ITEMS ARE GIVING COMFORT STORES A WAY TO BOOST SALES - AND KEEP WOMEN FREE FROM PAIN.
November 27, 2006... Byline: Barbara Schneider-Levy Shoe nightmares: We've all had them. WSA samples ship to Little Rock instead of Las Vegas. A department store buyer cancels a major order. My recent nightmare may pale in comparison, but was all too real...

STRETCH CLASS; DESIGNER DONALD PLINER HAS CARVED OUT A COMFORT NICHE WITH HIS COLLECTIONS OF FEEL-GOOD FOOTWEAR.(Interview)
November 27, 2006... Byline: Barbara Schneider-Levy Feeling good is looking good: Nothing could be more true for Donald Pliner, who's built his eponymous women's and men's footwear and accessories business around that very notion. Pliner, recognized for his...