French Connection sells Nicole Farhi, HoF to expand, MCM makeover, Galliano on the Fringe, Brand recognition

| Daily Digest

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

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Hedi Slimane on fashion’s future, HoF eyes expansion, Blogger power evolves, Herrera goes global, Gucci heritage

| Daily Digest

Burberry Autumn/Winter 2010 | Source: Burberry

The Future Of Fashion, Part Three: Hedi Slimane (Style.com) “[Slimane] has been both an insider (as, among other things, the highly influential designer of Dior Homme from 2000 to 2007) and an outsider… Here, he discusses today’s ‘costly and overwhelming fashion avalanche’.” House of Fraser eyes Middle East expansion (FT) “House of Fraser is set to announce plans to expand into the Middle East,

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BlackRock ups Saks stake, HoF’s strong holiday, High Street copying, Online exclusivity, Fashion for biodiversity

| Daily Digest

BlackRock bets on Saks (New York Post) “BlackRock raised its stake in Saks to 12.7 percent, bolstering the investment fund’s profile among financial and retail heavyweights with a big bet on the luxury chain. The giant money-management firm said it bought 20.3 million shares in the owner of Saks Fifth Avenue ‘in the ordinary course of business.’” House of Fraser celebrates Christmas cheer (Times)

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