LONDON, United Kingdom — Bootlegged copies of The September Issue have been circulating amongst fashion insiders in London. The new 90 minute documentary featuring Anna Wintour of American Vogue is not due to hit U.S. and U.K. theatres until later this Summer, but it is already providing much fodder for industry conversations over mid-Summer cocktails and pre-collection appointments.

The film revolves around the development, execution and advertising sales for the September 2007 issue of US Vogue, an 840 page tome featuring Sienna Miller in a feathered Marchesa dress on its cover and reaching almost 13 million people. Anna Wintour carves a clear path throughout the film, with a singular vision for her magazine. Industry luminaries young and old tremble in her presence, as she serves up her trademark quick, clear, sharp feedback to designers, businessmen and editors alike.

… Continue Reading

Liz Claiborne S/S 09, courtesy of Liz Claiborne

Liz Claiborne Results Raise Questions About Retailer’s Future (CNN Money)
“Liz Claiborne’s future is being questioned after the fashion retailer posted a sharply wider first-quarter loss and sees a similar performance for the current quarter as the company is stymied by a lack of customers, big markdowns and a low cash position while trying to reignite demand through efforts that include a new namesake line.”

Richemont FY Net Profit Down 31%, Extends Share Buyback (WSJ)
“Swiss luxury goods maker Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA Thursday said its net profit for the fiscal year dropped by 31% and reiterated a cautious outlook, but said it would extend a share buyback.”

Anna Wintour Addresses Rumors About Leaving Vogue and More (NYMag)
“In a rare public appearance, Anna Wintour spoke to Jonathan Tisch at the 92nd Street Y last night. Topics included how Vogue stays relevant in the recession and how to look good without spending a lot of money.”

When No One Wants to Look Like a Banker (New York Times)
“While double-digit declines have hit much of the retail sector, one of the few pieces of good news is one of the most surprising. In a reversal of every recession in the last 100 years, figures show that men have not cut back on buying clothes as much as women have. They’re not buying power suits – they’re replacing them.”

Will Fashion Shows Survive The Economy? (WSJ)
Runway shows are expensive ventures, and this upcoming Autumn ’09 collections, designers may consider cheaper alternatives for presenting their collections.

Uniqlo considers UK acquisitions (Drapers)
Uniqlo, the Japanese fast fashion chain, is looking for acquisitions in the US and the UK.

Beyonce [Hearts] Thierry (WWD)
“Thierry Mugler is is diving — or rather, dancing — back into fashion via an ambitious collaboration with Beyoncé Knowles.”

S.I. Newhouse on Anna Wintour Speculation: “Silliest Rumor I Ever Heard” (WSJ)
The recent reports of Carine Roitfeld replacing Anna Wintour at American Vogue are “silly” according to S.I. Newhouse.

Runway show, photo courtesy of the New York Times.