French Connection Spring/Summer 2010 Ads | Source: French Connection

For French Connection, a U-Turn, Nicole Farhi Brand Sold (WSJ)
“The British French Connection, known for its sassy and borderline-profane marketing, plans to close most of its U.S. stores and sell its Nicole Farhi brand, serving up a cautionary tale for Zeitgeist-chasing fashion retailers that fail to adjust to a rapidly changing market.”

House Of Fraser Set To Expand As Sales Jump 10% (WSJ)
“U.K. and Ireland department-store chain House of Fraser said sales have jumped over 10% since its Jan. 31 year-end as it confirmed new debt covenants that will allow the group to expand its own-brand lines and online sales.”

MCM’s Eastern Makeover (WSJ)
“Now MCM, rechristened Mode Creation Munich, is attempting a resurrection. At its helm is Sung Joo Kim, an outspoken Korean businesswoman who earned her fortune licensing European luxury lines in Asia—and who is now trying to make her country, a big consumer of luxury brand names, into a creative fashion force.”

John Galliano takes a seat for Fashion Fringe (Telegraph)
“John Galliano, the global fashion star and creative director of Christian Dior in Paris, will take over from the Italian designer, Donatella Versace, as the honorary chairman of the annual Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden talent quest – and he wants to find fashion rebels just like himself.”

Brand Recognition Is the Issue (IHT)
“What is the final assessment on the 321 collections shown over the last month in London, Milan, New York and Paris?… Brand recognition is the vital issue, especially now that collections go global and viral before buyers have even had a chance to get to the showroom and make a choice.”

French Connection Ad Campaign, Spring 09

French Connection swings to £5.5m loss (Drapers)
French Connection posted a £5.5m loss compared with £3.1m profit last year.

NPD Group Tracks Consumer Feelings About Economy (WWD)
“Shoppers’ worries about the economy are high, and intention to spend is low, but according to The NPD Group, there may be light at the end of the tunnel.” (Subscription required)

Luxury: Evolving Beauty Standard or Merely an Evolving Business Model? (The Luxe Chronicles)
Beauty brands using women over 50 in their ad campaigns is a nod to to the segment’s purchasing power in these difficult times.

Escada fights for survival after hefty losses (Reuters)
“Luxury fashion house Escada (ESCG.DE) urgently needs money to survive the next couple of months, ” reports Reuters.