Burberry Autumn/Winter 09 | Source: Burberry

Burberry targets India’s brand-aware middle class (Times)
“Burberry, the British luxury brand, is poised to enter a joint venture to expand its presence in India, a market in which the ultra-rich are thriving because of a soaring stock market.”

Phillips-Van Heusen 3Q profit up, raises outlook (AP)
“Clothing maker Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. on Wednesday posted a jump in third-quarter earnings, boosted by a $30.4 million tax benefit, and raised its full-year 2009 profit outlook citing factors including higher expected royalties.”

Burkle Acquires Large Stake in Barneys Debt (WSJ)
“Ronald Burkle has become a significant investor in Barneys New York in recent months, with his Yucaipa Cos. buying a chunk of the struggling luxury retailer’s debt.”

Gap profits rise 25 percent (Drapers)
“Profits at American casualwear giant Gap grew 25% over its third quarter boosted by improved sales at its value fashion chain Old Navy.”

My Techno: A Designer Viewpoint (IHT)
“Some are cyberexperts and others are technophobes, but most designers today embrace a variety of technology applications… there are all sorts of ways that designers are using technological skills without necessarily navigating through cyberspace.”

Levi's S/S 09 Ad campaign, courtesy of Levi's

Levi’s sees Q1 profits slashed (Drapers)
“Net income at denim brand Levi’s sank by 50% to $48 million (£32m) in the first quarter ended March 1.”

Istithmar provides ‘significant’ loan for Barneys (AP)
“Istithmar World Capital says it has provided a “significant” level of additional capital to support upscale retailer Barney’s New York.”

H&M March Same-Store Sales -3%, Misses Expectations (WSJ)
“Hennes & Mauritz Wednesday posted March sales below expectations, though the broader fashion retail market is showing tentative signs of recovery in some of H&M’s key countries.”

Debenhams set to sign Henry Holland (Drapers)
“Debenhams is in talks to sign up London Fashion Week designer Henry Holland to join its Designers at Debenhams roster.”

Michelle Obama in J.Crew, courtesy of Vogue (US)

Fashion Forward (Portfolio)
“Moving ahead in the current economy will require fashion companies to be as flexible and innovative as they’ve claimed to be all along.”

S&P cuts Barney’s credit rating, warns on liquidity (Reuters)
Standard & Poor’s on Monday cut its ratings on Barney’s New York Inc to a deeply distressed level and warned that vendors may tighten terms or limit shipments to the luxury retailer as its liquidity declines.

Bergdorf Expands the World of Bottega Veneta (WWD)
“While the Italian brand and its signature “intrecciato” weave cast an understated aura, there’s nothing subtle about the Bergdorf presentation. The Fifth Avenue store has created a ‘World of Bottega Veneta’ showcasing the brand’s burgeoning assortment.” (Subscription required)

Trovata, Forever 21 Case Set for Trial (WWD)
“After two years of legal wrangling, Trovata’s lawsuit alleging that cheap-chic retailer Forever 21 copied its designs is headed to trial next month, and the outcome could have implications for both vendors and retailers in this age of fast fashion.”

Raf Simons a/w '09-'10, photo courtesy of The New York Times

Fashion: How Do You Sell in Paris? With Romance (The New York Times)
In Paris, “unless the economic crisis worsens, designers are not likely to react in a meaningful way. That’s because men’s fashion has enjoyed an incredible run among young consumers in the last decade, with some of the strongest interest directed to tailoring.”

The $43,000 Recession Suit (WSJ)
With many retailers staying conservative amid the recession, some luxury companies such as Brioni are still peddling products with exorbitant price tags.

A Leaderless Barneys seems Fit To Be Sold (NY Post)
Isthismar, the Dubai based investment firm that bought Barneys last year, has now replaced Howard Socol as CEO.

Shoe Retailer Barratts Files for Administration (AP)
One of the UK high street’s most beloved shoe institutions files for bankruptcy, in the latest sign of the worsening economic climate.

Kim Jones, courtesy of IHT

Weaving innovation with history (IHT)
“I do like fantasy fashion – but I am a realist too,” says Kim Jones of his much anticipated work for legendary British label, Dunhill.

UK economy shrinks 1.5% in final quarter (FT)
“Britain fell deeper into recession on Friday after new figures revealed the economy contracted by 1.5 per cent in the final three months of last year,” reports the Financial Times.

The Brazilian New Media Force (JC Report)
A new media explosion is underway in Brazil.

Dubai May Opt to Bag Barneys (WSJ)
“Istithmar World, an investment arm of the Dubai government, is weighing a sale of luxury retailer Barneys New York just 18 months after buying it.”