LONDON, United Kingdom — One never knows exactly what to expect from fashion month. Which designers will soar higher, which will stumble, and which will seemingly rise from the ashes? Four weeks of shows, parties and extravaganzas finally came to an end last Wednesday, and the answers to many of these questions have now been revealed. But of course fashion week isn’t just about shows and parties, it is also the time of year
NEW YORK, United States — Over the past ten years, the eco-fashion movement has been gathering steam. Following the lead of pioneering brands like Stella McCartney and NOIR, which were founded on the basis of ethical principles near the turn of the millennium, there are now entire fashion exhibitions, forums and blogs all focused on so-called sustainable fashion. Ethical fashion is also high on the agenda of the major luxury goods groups. In April 2009, having already partnered with Stella McCartney to launch her eponymous label, PPR announced its support of HOME, an environmental call-to-action by filmmaker Yann Arthus-Bertrand. François-Henri Pinault, chairman and chief executive officer, said at the time that PPR’s support aimed to use “images and commentary to…
MONTE CARLO, Monaco — The global luxury industry has descended on the luxurious and beautiful principality of Monaco to discuss the future of luxury at the Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit at a time when there seem to be far more questions than answers. I am delighted to be representing Luxury Society, which is an official media partner of the conference. To start off the conference, we heard from Bernard Arnault, Chairman
Japan slips into recession (FT) According to FT, "the Japanese economy entered its first recession in seven years." Brioni Seeks Minority Investor (WWD) Brioni is said to be selling a 20-25 percent stake of its company. The Green revolution: Sir Philip Green (The Scotsman) Sir Phillip Green will have his eye on the many high-street fashion companies up for sale next year. Will London's First Luxury Mall Spur Spending? (Ad Age) A faltering economy and the fact that malls are not a huge part of the European shopping culture could make Westfield London a tough sell. Street scene in Shibuya, Tokyo courtesy of Guwashi99, under Creative Commons.
MUMBAI, India and SHANGHAI, China - If it's the Monday of Milan Fashion Week, it also means that the Financial Times has published its regular supplement on The Business of Fashion. We're a couple of days late, so in case you missed it, here is a link to a PDF of the entire supplement available on the FT's Partnership Publishing site. Amongst the best reads are a fascinating article by Josh Sims featuring a brand that I have come to know well in recent times, Clemens en August. Founder Alexander Brenninkmeijer ably describes the counter-intuitive, but successful business model that underpins this innovative company. Another article, on A Bathing Ape, asserts that the Japanese streetwear company has a 98% sell-through…
