Vintage Biba | Source: Couture Allure

Vintage labels find a new life (FT)
“‘The original Biba [is] very iconic… It changed the face of fashion and people loved it – it was affordable, easy and sexy. The new Biba has been the most successful launch in the House of Fraser’s history – it’s done way, way better than we’d expected.’”

Jimmy Choo to launch men’s shoe collection (Telegraph)
“Launching for the autumn/winter 2011 season, a sneak preview of the collection reveals something for every modern man: from chunky, black leather biker boots (a sell-out success over in the women’s department) to classic, leather loafers and on-trend Chelsea boots.”

ASOS sales growth accelerates (Reuters)
“ASOS, which targets internet-savvy 16 to 34 year old women looking to emulate the designer looks of celebrities like Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung but at a fraction of the price, said on Wednesday its retail sales rose 59 percent to 100.0 million pounds ($160 million).”

Japanese Department store sales fall 3.1% in 2010 (Japan Times)
“Japan’s department store sales in 2010 declined 3.1% from the previous year on a same-store basis, down for the 14th consecutive year due to weak consumer confidence amid the economic downturn… Sales totaled 6.29 trillion yen, the lowest level since 1982.”

The sartorial geniuses – aged 60-plus (Telegraph)
“From the photographic evidence coming out of Florence and Milan this week, an Italian man only approaches his full power and confidence in dressing in his fifties. At 60-plus, he may qualify as a sartorial genius… completely [outclassing] younger men’s gaucher attempts at fashion.”

Portfolio cover April 09, courtesy of Portfolio

Conde Nast Shutters Portfolio. Why It Failed (Businessweek)
“Conde Nast Portfolio, the very big and glossy bet on a monthly business magazine made by the very big and glossy magazine company touted in its title, was shuttered today.”

Biba’s Queen is back in London (Telegraph)
“Biba’s creator, Barbara Hulanicki, is back in London with a new range for Topshop.”

Ethical fashion design competition launches (Drapers)
“The Ethical Fashion Forum has launched a design competition called Innovation, aimed at young ethical fashion designers or businesses.”

Forever 21 Prepares Japan Debut (WWD)
“Forever 21 is about to open its first store in Japan, raising the fast-fashion stakes in the world’s second-largest economy.” (Subscription required)

Elevator Pitch: Fashion site Stitsh combines retail with street cool (The Guardian)
Domini Fendius’ site sends photographers out into the city, who “take pictures of fashionable members of the public, and link their clothing direct to online retailers where you can buy the items at great prices.”