Outnet homepage, courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Net-a-Porter gives details of discount venture (Drapers)
As revealed in BoF’s exclusive interview with Natalie Massenet in November, Net-a-Porter will launch a discount e-Commerce venture called Outnet.com.

Milan’s Choice: Appeal to Reason or the Gut? (WSJ)
In order to lure customers, designers in Milan employed polarising design strategies.

Mulberry to beat expectations (Drapers)
According to Mulberry, the holiday sales rush will help it beat market expectations.

Luxury Players Battle Changes in Online Rules (WWD)
Changes in European regulation, could dictate how luxury players operate their e-Commerce businesses. (Subscription required)

Adidas Profits Leap 151 Percent (WWD)
Adidas’ net profits is up 151% due to lower marketing expenses. (Subscription required)

Brazilians decide beach culture should help capture retail dominance (IHT)
With the launch of a beachwear fashion week in October 2008, Brazilian brands are beginning to find their place in the international swimwear market.

Ethical Luxury: Could the Luxury Industry Be Headed Back to Its Roots? (The Luxe Chronicles)
A return to the values of craftsmanship may define the next era of luxury.

Hermès Jumps in Paris After Credit Suisse Upgrades Shares (Bloomberg)
Credits Suisse upgraded Hermès from underperform to neutral.

H&M Home Collection, courtesy of H&M

H&M launches home textiles bid (WSJ)
As a way to buffer the lackluster fashion market, H&M has launched a textile business which was slated for a 2007 debut.

Ittierre to Sue Cavalli (WWD)
Ittierre SpA is suing Roberto Cavalli for his comments regarding their ability to turn the company’s bankruptcy around. (Subscription required)

Chanel Closing Two Japan Stores (WWD)
As the Japanese economy sinks further into recession, Chanel has announced it will be closing two of its stores there. (Subscription required)

Fashion’s invisible woman (Los Angeles Times)
“The average American woman is size 14. Why is the fashion industry still pretending she doesn’t exist?” asks The LA Times.

Fashion feels the pinch in London and Milan (CNN)
The economic crisis is casting a dark shadow over London and Milan fashion weeks.

Courtney Love cover, courtesy of Elle

Hachette to Break Through ‘Silos’ As It Restructures Women’s Magazines (WSJ)
“This week, the New York publisher will take what it says is a big step toward fortifying itself, reorganizing its women’s magazines, which make up the bulk of its business.”

J. Crew Group cuts jobs, suspends 401(k) plan (Forbes)
J. Crew will cut 95 jobs and 401k plans to help save on costs.

Niche Web Sites Buck Media Struggles (WSJ)
While old media struggles, online publishers are seeing revenues rise.

Luxe Houses Cut Costs (WWD)
“As the global recession bites into luxury sales, store openings and events are being canceled or postponed, sample collections downsized, advertising budgets slashed, and workforces trimmed.” (Subscription required)

Ad campaign by Annie Liebowitz, courtesy of the Gap

Gap earnings rise but sales fall (Drapers)
“Total international sales fell slightly to $505 million over the fourth quarter.”

US economy contracts 6.2% (FT)
“The US economy contracted by an annualised 6.2 per cent in the final quarter of last year, revised government figures showed on Friday, the sharpest quarterly contraction since 1982 and a sign of an even deeper recession.”

Reiss plans young, cheaper sub-brand (Drapers)
“Premium high-street chain Reiss is launching a younger, lower-priced sub-brand for Autumn to widen its customer base.”

Despite IT Bankrupcty, Just Cavalli Presents Collection (New York Times)
With the collapse of its manufacturing firm Ittierre, Just Cavalli forges on with a presentation in Milan.