House of Holland for Levi's Spring/Summer 2010 | Source: Levi's

Levi’s Shoots for the High-End Hipster (WSJ)
“The 157-year-old company is trying to reinvent itself as not just a purveyor of basics but as an edgier brand suitable for the fashion cognoscenti.”

Polo Ralph Lauren: The Winning Streak Continues (Smart Trend)
“Shares of Polo Ralph Lauren traded near a new 52-week high yesterday, touching a price of $90.89. Approximately 758,000 shares traded hands yesterday vs. average 30-day volume of 1.1 million shares.”

The go-to girl for fortysomething fashion (Times)
“Jenna Lyons, 41, the creative director — and according to many saviour — of J. Crew, the American clothing chain to which Michelle Obama, among others, turns when she needs a chic wardrobe reality check.”

Alexander McQueen: First Book to go on Sale (Telegraph)
“Entitled “Alexander McQueen, Genius of a Generation”, the 128-page volume traces McQueen’s remarkable life story, from a child… to his final, fabulous – but unfinished – fall/winter 2010/11 collection.”

Prabal Gurung: Not About the Fame (Fashionologie)
“‘I came from the school of thought [where] I believe in paying your dues, learning your craft, knowing what it takes to make a good collection… it’s been ten-plus years of hard work.’”

J. Crew Spring/Summer 2010 Preview | Source: J. Crew

J. Crew Is Going Global on Net-A-Porter (Stylelist)
“Now, the classic American outfitter, currently available only in North America and Japan, has entered into an agreement with Net-A-Porter to be sold globally starting in May.”

Nordstrom’s Profit More Than Doubles (WSJ)
“Upscale department-store chain Nordstrom Inc. reported a 152 percent increase in profits during the quarter ended Jan. 30, underscoring how its strategy of expanding price points and carrying more exclusive merchandise is leading to more full-priced selling.”

Britain a cut above the rest (Telegraph)
“The creativity of these highly inspirational designers [generates] consistent demand via regular showcasing of new trends and design styles. Without this talent there would simply be no thriving high street, no £46bn sector and far fewer jobs.”

Liberty’s designer open call event (FT)
“The Liberty Best of British Open Call, an initiative launched last April by the store’s buying director… involves designers showing their wares to Liberty’s textile, furniture and fashion buyers.”

Christopher Kane updates the little black dress at LFW (Independent)
“When Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel created the little black dress in the Twenties, she could hardly have foreseen the sexy leather and lace versions which graced London Fashion Week.”

J. Crew Holiday Gift Guide | Source J. Crew

J. Crew more than doubles profit in 3Q (AP)
“J. Crew Group Inc., seller of clothes, shoes and accessories, said Tuesday its profit more than doubled in the third quarter as sales rose by a double-digit percentage. The results sent its stock surging in after-hours trading after the retailer beat Wall Street consensus estimates for profit and revenue.”

Michael Kors: The fashion designer who fits and flatters (Independent)
“The recession has been disastrous for the fashion business. But one man has weathered the storm – and kept his tan.”

Baugur founder seeks investment (Drapers)
“Jon Asgeir Johannesson, the founder of collapsed Icelandic investment vehicle Baugur, has approached former colleagues seeking investment for his Icelandic retail business Hagar.”

Why MaxMara is having a moment (The Times)
“With its purist approach to design and branding, MaxMara is seeing its camel coat become a recessionista favourite.”

Michelle Obama’s dinner gown, made in India by an Indian (Economic Times)
“First Lady Michelle Obama glowed in a silver-sequined, strapless gold and cream gown Tuesday night at the first state dinner hosted by her husband in honour of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. She owed her dazzling appearance to the Indian-born US-based designer Naeem Khan.”

Jude Law for Dunhill 09, courtesy of Dunhill

Richemont Creates Post To Turn Around Ailing Brands (WSJ)
“The world’s second-largest luxury company by sales named Martha Wikstrom, 52, head of a portfolio comprising most of Richemont’s less-prominent brands, including Alfred Dunhill and Lancel, which market so-called soft luxury goods such as leather and fashion.”

Burberry eyes expansion in U.S. (Guardian)
“While other retailers apply the brakes on expansion, Burberry plans to open 10 to 15 stores this fiscal year, with five stores planned in North and South America.”

J. Crew Profit Falls 33 percent Amid More Markdowns (WSJ)
“J. Crew Group Inc.’s fiscal first-quarter profit tumbled 33 percent on inventory markdowns, but shares rose in late trading as its results exceeded estimates.”

Italy’s Della Valle says Saks stake strategic investment (Reuters)
“Della Valle has acquired a 5.9 percent stake in Saks and last week told Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore he intended to increase it, without saying by how much. Reports have said he has an option to go to 10 percent.”

J.Crew A/W 09, courtesy of J Crew

Despite Fourth-Quarter Loss, J. Crew Sees Room to Grow (WWD)
“Tightfisted consumers and rising costs may have pushed J. Crew Group Inc. to a $13.5 million loss in the fourth quarter, but the retailer still has cautious expansion.” (Subscription required)

Has spring sprung for US retailers? (Just-Style)
Though February sales have improved, this is an unlikely sign of a total recovery.

Simon Fuller to launch fashion retail portal (Drapers)
“Pop mogul Simon Fuller and Sojin Lee, formerly Net-a-Porter.com, are to launch a fashion style website which will be affiliated with brands and retailers via pop-up shops and advertising.”

Stefano Pilati Gets The Season’s Shoulder Just Right at YSL (WSJ)
The power shoulder is one of the biggest trends this season, but Stefano Pilati at YSL, offerred the “2009 version of 1985.”

John Lewis profits fall 27% (Drapers)
“John Lewis saw operating profit fall back 26.8% to £146 million for the year ended January 31, but sales were flat at £2.81 billion.”