Barney's New York | Source: Arabiya

Istithmar World chief resigns (FT)
“The chief executive of Dubai World’s investment arm has resigned as the emirate focuses on unwinding Istithmar World’s debt-laden portfolio of overseas assets amid the restructuring of its holding company.”

Chinese outspend Russians in France (Reuters)
“Tourists from China spend more in French boutiques than visitors from Russia, and they tend to splash out on fashion goods much more than on jewellery or perfume, a study released on Thursday showed.”

India’s wealthy soak up luxury (The National)
“Laleh Busheri used to take two trips a year to New York’s high-end shopping district on Fifth Avenue… But not any more. Now Ms Busheri, an editor in Mumbai for the lifestyle magazine Preview Asia, can find every luxury item she wants in her home city.”

Prada Teams Up With Chinese Artist Yang Fudong For “First Spring” (Jing Daily)
“It seems that Shanghai is becoming the go-to spot for the world’s top fashion brands, not only for new customers but for inspiration as well… This week, Prada released a short film made in partnership with the Chinese contemporary artist Yang Fudong, one of the country’s most renowned photographers.”

Haute Couture in Paris: what’s new this season? (Relax News)
“While the fashion community will be lamenting the absence of Christian Lacroix, who for the first time since 1987 won’t be part of the haute couture shows, this season will also see a more positive novelty: the first-ever jewelry presentations during the event.”

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.”