Louis Vuitton picks Constans as new chief (FT)
"Yves Carcelle, chief executive of Louis Vuitton, will stand aside at the end of the next year to be replaced by Jordi Constans, a senior executive of Danone, the French yoghurt group. The move, announced by Louis Vuitton's parent company LVMH on Wednesday, reflects a trend among luxury goods groups to hire senior executives from the consumer goods industry as their rapid expansion into emerging markets mirrors that of Danone."

Fashion Week's Split Personality (NY Times)
"In a matter of a few seasons, the Friday and Saturday shows have eclipsed the others in excitement and energy, so much so that, by Sunday, it seemed to many that spring 2012 Fashion Week had peaked and that the remaining days, far from being a slalom, were a slog... Beyond energy, though, what do all of these young people bring to the communal fashion table, and what, specifically, do they give to designers?"

Hermès shares suspended ahead of court ruling (Reuters)
"LVMH, the maker of Louis Vuitton handbags and Celine dresses, officially claims it does not wish to take control of Hermès but the group has been steadily increasing its stake in Hermès from 17 percent in October last year to nearly 22 percent."

Japan's Uniqlo revving up store openings worldwide (Washington Post)
"The head of Fast Retailing Co. said... His company will sharply accelerate overseas expansion of its Uniqlo stores in a bid to become the world's top apparel manufacturer and retailer. Unveiling a new global business strategy, chief executive and founder Tadashi Yanai said Japanese companies are doomed if they don't go global... Fast Retailing aims to open 200 to 300 stores worldwide each year with a heavy focus on rapidly growing Asia."

Vogue publisher Condé Nast to open fashion and design college (BBC News)
"The publisher of Vogue magazine, Condé Nast, is to open a college of fashion and design in London. The college will open next September and the principal will be magazine editor Susie Forbes... The company says it will offer a year-long Vogue fashion foundation course, as well as short courses. It also plans interior design and decoration course."